Self opening cold frame...

[Andy D]

Been wondering whether I could use a cylinder from an auto greenhouse vent to make my cold frame self opening.

Mount the cylinder vertically so when the piston pushes out it pushes against the lid and lifts it (lid is very light on my cold frame)

Before I go and acquire a cylinder from somewhere can anyone see any issues with it? (not seen a cylinder in the flesh)

Cheers

Andy

[veggiechicken]

I have one that opens the louvre windows at the bottom of the greenhouse. Its mounted vertically alongside the windows. I'm nowhere need it at the mo so can't have a good look to see how it works - sorry!

[rustylady]

Sounds like a good idea. Have a look on Amazon. Cheapest I found was a Gardman one at less than £20.

[Bigmallly]

I was toying around with exactly the same idea last year but the lid was too heavy. If memory serves me right, I was leaning towards the louvre opener but can't remember why (it's an age thing).

Ah!, I remember. The louvre opener opens vertically in it's carriage but the window autovent has an arm which would not work. Not sure if you can use the cylinder on its own.

[leonmc0708]

Orbesen Auto Vent/Automatic Greenhouse Window Opener | eBay

[Bigmallly]

Orbesen Auto Vent/Automatic Greenhouse Window Opener | eBay

An autovent opener would not work due to the angle of the cylinder.

[Thelma Sanders]

gardman do louvre vents and openers - not cheap though

[veggiechicken]

^^^^^ The Orbesen this one seems to have a lower protruding bit that wouldn't fit within a cold frame.
I use these on the greenhouse Greenhouses and Cold Frames Mail order garden centre for flower bulbs, gardening supplies, equipment & products - Garden Supply Direct.
Just by chance I have an unfitted one here beside me! (doesn't everybody?)
Problem might be that you couldn't open the lid wide enough to put plants in or out as the lid would be attached to the frame. Also you couldn't open it manually as the opening is controlled by temperature.
Verdict - No good for a cold frame!

[redser]

I picked up two last year on a whim because they were on offer (2 for 20). Hoped to use them on the tunnel but was afraid of wind damage. Still toying with ideas but was thinking of using them on a homemade cold frame, but I would put them at the sides. That way you can still open the top lid. Or else make a mini-hoophouse type with timber panels on either end with a window and vent opener on each. The whole thing then could be lifted up or hinged for getting at the plants underneath.

[Bigmallly]

I think the autovent is a none runner as vc said it is attached to the frame and the lid so difficult to access the cold frame. The louvre opener may work but bear in mind the piston opens up the way.....does the lid or does it angulate as it opens..........is angulate an actual word?

[veggiechicken]

You could put a louvre window in the side panel and let that open automatically, leaving the lid to be opened manually.
Angulate is a real word - must be your NHS background or..... do you like tortoises? (I had to look it up too)

[Bigmallly]

do you like tortoises?

There ok but would hate to take one for a walk.

[veggiechicken]

..or eat two of them crusty pies!

[Bren In Pots]

Been wondering whether I could use a cylinder from an auto greenhouse vent to make my cold frame self opening.



Andy

Andy I found your post when doing a vine search on building a coldframe so thought I'd share this link :-

How to Build a Cold Frame For Winter Gardening (With Plans!) - Popular Mechanics

on the second page he's fitting an auto opener.

[Bigmallly]

That's good Bren but how do you open the lid if the lid isn't open?......Those springs are quite strong.