Homemade air conditioner help? Which side should I put ice? In front of or in back of fan?

A swamp cooler will only work if your in a dry heat like arizona and such. If there is humidity like Georgia, it wont be so beneficial. Think about it, if it is humid, you need to remove the humidity, (Air conditioner) where a swamp cooler only puts in humidity. Try and play with it, see how it works best. Personally I would turn on the fan, lay some cold wet rags over the front then over the rear and let it blow into the room. You should be able to tell the difference. Make sure you have something under the fan to catch the dripping cold water. And be careful, water and electricity don't get along well.