Cowboy Coolerz
Dedicated to the Do it Yourselfers out there
Where there's an idea, there's a DIY for that.
How to make a Cowboy Cooler
Also known as rustic, wooden and redneck coolers
Tools you'll need
Circular saw and/or miter saw table saw
Measuring tape
Pencil
T-Square
Safety glasses/goggles
Ventilation mask
Brad nailer/Air compressor or Hammer or drill
Drill with ½" bit
Materials you'll need for (48 Qrt cooler)
48 qrt igloo Cooler
½"x4"x6' Cedar fencing
½"x4'x4' particle board/plywood (CHEAP)
½" x4" Plastic tubing
2"x2"x4' pine
Brad Nails
Hinges
Brackets
Step 1
Make a plan. Measure the dimensions of the ice chest. Remove the lid of the chest from the bottom. Remove the lid restraint from inside the cooler if present. If any of these items are salvagable, keep them for future use.
Step 2
Create the legs. Cut four pieces of the wood, lengthwise, evenly to the topmost height desired. Glue and nail them together at 90 degree angle.
Stability braces. Subtract 1 ½" + the box height from the top of the legs, .nail a 2"x2"x8" piece of wood inside the 90 degree angle to hold the bottom of the cooler and to add extra stability to the legs but be certain that the legs come only to the top of the box of the cooler (without the lid).
Bottom. Cut a piece of ¾" plywood that matches the outside dimensions of the cooler. This piece sits on top of the 2"x2" pieces you just nailed to the legs. Nail this to stability braces.
Box. Cut the remaining wood according to your sides, back and front from your plan and nail in place. If desired, sand the wood before placing around the chest.
Lid. Secure a ¾" piece of plywood, 2" shorter on all sides than your bottom piece, to the lid using 1" screws. Put the lid on your box securely then fasten the hinges to the top and back. Further, finsh the top by nailing the last of your cut boards (hiding the hinges). Secure your handle to the top in the desired position.
Step 3
Drain. Drill a hole through the bottom. Coat the top part of the tubing and the inside of the hole with gorilla glue and let it set up. When set, run the tubing down the hole flush with the bottom of the cooler. This is great for pet water bowls.
Step 4
Decorations. Put any decorative items on the box.
Step 5
Enjoy!
Links to projects
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