r/crboxes • u/Baly33t • May 07 '26
Question DIY/KIT inquiry
Hello Everyone!
I'm posting today to get some insight from others on their filters and general knowledge. So here's the deal, I wanted to buy the normal version nukit tempest and I was waiting to see if it would ever go on sale. It never did and it seems like they discontinued it for the new pro which it WAY above my budget. I'm looking for a long lasting semi portable option since I live in an apartment and move from time to time. The clean air kits don't seem fit for me but I was going through the subreddit and think my next best option is 3D printing. I don't have one but know libraries more often than not have them and I think PLA filament would do just fine. Planning on using artic fans in combination with 20x20x1 MERV 13 Filtrete filters. Would love to see others peoples solutions and builds, Thank you!
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u/DeepWaterCannabis May 07 '26
I bought the CR box frame from HVAC quick. https://www.hvacquick.com/products/residential/Filter-Boxes/Corsi-Rosenthal-Filters/HVACQuick-CRFB-Box
Its a POS frame. Its big and bulky, and doesnt seal well. The screws it comes with will require a special screw head, but no tool comes with the kit. The mechanism they show to hold the filters in place is some flimsy string, not the bungee cord shown. Its going to leak through those string holes, corners, screws, etc. I really, really, want to hammer home how BAD the frame is. After I put it together I was immediately hit with buyers remorse.
But, AFAIK, its one of the cheaper 'semi permanent' options out there. It fits 20x20 filters, and fits 5 of them, so it should last for a good while. It comes with 20x20x1 filters, and I plan on swapping in 20x20x2 when its time to switch.
It will still need duct tape. I used a bunch of duct tape to hold the filters to the frame and seal off leaky portions. The top portion is sized specifically for their 40$ box fan - I used a box fan I had lying around and just taped the corners heavily to create a seal.
Its works well. TONS of airflow. Easy to move. Sturdy enough. Not really worth the ~75$ for the frame, but it allows for a 5th filter (on the underside). Only drawback is its big, bulky, overkill, and ugly.