I used an a/c unit, which is very similar to a dehumidifer (a high temp refrigeration system). It works with no problems, they average about -20c liquid temps with the evap just dropped in a res.They use the same compressor as a dehumidifer.#Rotor has used many of them as well.
When I actually modified mine I changed the capillary, added a dryer and strainer, and made an evaporator(and other things such as using a hose for suction line and subcooling).But I have made waterchillers out of them as well without modifying them.
You say they suck ass, but why?They aren't that loud, and they get pretty cold.Did yours not get cold?
Aren't you the guy that was on phase-change.com talking like a homie?
Okay how is life better with R22?
Because it costs so much more than propane and doesn't perform that much better?
As far as availability and cost it just doesn't make any sense trying to get R22 when you have a cheap refrigerant that works almost as well that is very cheap.
If you can get R22 cheap then that is a good reason to get some.