Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Equipment Upgrade...continued
Just as a follow up on on the weldless fitting and etched volume markings. I have completed the kettle build, with a copper dip tube. The function of the dip tube is to reach from the valve to the floor of the kettle. This ensures that all the wort will be transferred.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Equipment Upgrades
Part of the allure of being a homebrewer is designing and building your own equipment. Sure, there are many kits available, but where is the fun in that? To that end, I have performed a few upgrades on my boil kettle. With the help of a friend and his sandblasting cabinet, I have a dded gallon marks to the kettle.
We measured gallon by gallon, calculated the correct spacing and cut out a negative on vinyl. With that done, we moved to the blast cabinet, and began the process of etching the lines and numbers on the pot. I was a bit hesitant about how the final product would turn out, but my worries proved to be unfounded. We measured twice and cut once, and the numbers hit exactly where I needed them.
Next, I added a weldless bulkhead and valve. Drilling stainless steel is always a chore, so make sure to use an oil of some sort - I prefer 3 n 1 oil. First, I drill a 1/8" pilot hole, and then move up to a step drill bit. Open up the hole to 13/16" and then de-burr. Place the stainless close nipple through the hole, attach the valve, heat resistant o-ring and nut, and tighten by hand. Teflon plumbers tape is essential in this process, in order to form a watertight seal. This addition was a success, it holds water and does not leak. All it needs is a soft copper dip tube, to draw liquid from the bottom of the pot.
We measured gallon by gallon, calculated the correct spacing and cut out a negative on vinyl. With that done, we moved to the blast cabinet, and began the process of etching the lines and numbers on the pot. I was a bit hesitant about how the final product would turn out, but my worries proved to be unfounded. We measured twice and cut once, and the numbers hit exactly where I needed them.
Next, I added a weldless bulkhead and valve. Drilling stainless steel is always a chore, so make sure to use an oil of some sort - I prefer 3 n 1 oil. First, I drill a 1/8" pilot hole, and then move up to a step drill bit. Open up the hole to 13/16" and then de-burr. Place the stainless close nipple through the hole, attach the valve, heat resistant o-ring and nut, and tighten by hand. Teflon plumbers tape is essential in this process, in order to form a watertight seal. This addition was a success, it holds water and does not leak. All it needs is a soft copper dip tube, to draw liquid from the bottom of the pot.
Gallon markings etched.
Weldless valve added.
Internal view of weldless bulkhead and volume markings.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
In endeavoring to preserve a record of my brewing, I have attempted many mediums. Ranging from written log books all the way to Facebook pages, none have brought satisfaction. Therefore, I have decided to attempt yet another electronic record, in addition to my handwritten works, Facebook pages, etc.
By posting my record, trials, tribulations, recipes and successes to the public, I hope to provide a spark of interest for those who know nothing about brewing, those who already brew, and beginners who are just beginning the long journey of homebrew.
Welcome, readers, I hope you enjoy my musings.
By posting my record, trials, tribulations, recipes and successes to the public, I hope to provide a spark of interest for those who know nothing about brewing, those who already brew, and beginners who are just beginning the long journey of homebrew.
Welcome, readers, I hope you enjoy my musings.
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