DIY Small Evaporative Cooler

Place the fan upside-down in the storage bin so that the fan head presses firmly against the front side of the bin, while simultaneously ensuring the base of the fan stand will press firmly against the bin cover when closed.

Mark out the circumference of the fan head on the interior front-side of the storage bin. Make provisional hole marks on the interior of the cover, where the fan stand will be eventually secured.

Using a sharp plastic-cut knife, make a circular hole on the front of bin approximately one-half inch within the marked line.

Drill screw holes through the marked positions on the cover.

Bolt on the fan to the cover using screws, washers and duct tape. The fan head should rest precisely in the hole.

Customize the LEGO pieces into two matching rectangular frames with supporting LEGO struts placed vertically down the middle for extra stability. The frame sides should be approximately 3 inches smaller than the backside of the bin.

Cut-to-size an Aspen pad and compress it between the two LEGO frames, securing it with zip ties.

Cut an appropriate length of PVC pipe and drill several evenly spaced small holes along one side and seal at one end.

Incorporate the PVC pipe, holes facing down, on top of the LEGO frame and secure using zip ties.

Attach four evenly spaced LEGO stands along the bottom of the frame so that it can free-stand close to the back of the storage box.

Mark out a rectangular hole on the back of the storage box of equal size to the frame, and cut out approximately one-half inch within the marked line.

Run the fountain pump to the PVC pipe and secure the connection with duct tape.

Drill a small gap along the edge of the bin cover to allow an outlet for the pump's power

lead.

Fill the storage bin with two gallons of water, place the cover on the bin and connect the fan and the pump leads to power oulets.