How many of you have built one? Im looking to build one that can manage 1, 2 & 3 litre starters. Is this doable? Will a standard diy build with an 80mm fan be good enough to move 1, 2 & 3 litre flask/starter?
Are these earth magnets the right ones to buy from dx.com?
http://dx.com/p/super-strong-rare-earth-re-magnets-10-pack-9-mm-also-suitable-for-extending-18650-cr123a-batteries-3461
And if anyone knows the bottom diameter of a 3 litre flask Id love to know. Im getting 230mm approx on google. Can anyone who owns one verify this for me? This will help me pick the correct size project box.
Thanks in advance
Tom.
it doesn't matter what the diameter is as the stir bar and the rare earth magnets start the whirlpool,
I have found even small stir bars agitate enough for 2 litres, if you want a real vortex then bigger stir bar helps.
Hundreds of vids on youtube making them, the stronger the magnets the better to get through the thicknesss of your base and flask.
Are you worried it will fall off or something?
Okay great. So a standard diy build with 80cm fan & earth magnets is good for all size starters - just change out the size of the stir bar for bigger starters.
Not really worried about the flask falling off. Just wanted to get it right first time instead of bulling into it & then wishing Id done it differently.
Cheers for the reply.
Tom
Got a nice brand new stir plate from my girlfriend for Christmas. was looking into building my own but it does look class all nice and shiny. now just need the last few flasks to finish off the family set. 250-3000 ml. Time to start some serious brewing.
QuoteGot a nice brand new stir plate from my girlfriend for Christmas.
She's a keeper [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
And to that end I'd like to thank all the tolerant other halves out there who put put up with us. :-* [smiley=dankk2.gif]
Bought everything I needed last night. Decided to go with ebay UK for everything over dx.com. A bit more expensive but I should get the stuff a lot quicker.
Next on the list is a sight glass/thermometer combo for my HLT (converted 50L guinness barrel) & a diy sparge arm. I also need to insulate it. Whats that bubble wrap foil insulation stuff called that I see here?:
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrfc_photos/8255042171/in/set-72157632202112768)
One other gear related question:
Im using my boil kettle (converted 50L guinness keg) to heat sparge & strike water. I have a small 12v pump here (moves 8 litres p/min) which I plan to use for moving my heated sparge water from the boil kettle on the ground to my HLT up high (I figure its much safer & quicker than trying to lift a keg full of near boiling water above my head) (il also be using the pump to whirlpool my wort)
Would you expect me to lose much temp in the sparge water on the journey from the BK to the HLT? I know there are many variables but just said Id ask in case someone here is doing similar with their set-up.
Thanks & Happy New Year!
It's radiator insulation.
re pump-
You shouldn't lose much heat I'd say. I do something similar at times.
Thanks. Il have to get some.
Like this one http://www.woodiesdiy.com/Product/Economiser-Radiator-Heat-Reflecting-Barrier/17646/6.3.0# ?
That looks like the stuff alright. Nice one.
It could actually be this stuff too:
http://www.woodiesdiy.com/Product/ThermaWrap-and39Easy-Fitand39-General-Purpose-Insulation-600mm-x-75M/11624/11
Thats cheaper alright :D
Put my stir plate together tonight. It works!
(http://i.imgur.com/uqdENl.jpg)
Looks good! And plenty of room for that 3L (Small Child) conical you are getting. ;)
I went with the biggest project box I could find on ebayUK incase I ever got a 3L flask. It was fate that MAF didnt want his.
So tell me - what OG beers require a 3L starter?
Very fancy
Last time I saw something with a vortex like that it was off the east coast of the US!
Quote
So tell me - what OG beers require a 3L starter?
Say I want to make my imperial stout (http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1351456638) again, it as a OG of around 1085 and if I bang in into Mr. Malty (http://www.mrmalty.com/calc/calc.html):
(http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/9196/captureyoo.png)
I'm aware that the algorithm he uses for yeast viability is very pessimistic so I'm being optimistic and assuming that I have a full vial of yeast at almost 70% viability. If I go any smaller than a 3L, then I need a 2nd vial of yeast which I'm not willing to do. I could make multiple starters but I would prefer to do it all at once.
Lagers usually require much larger starters than ales.
I don't always make beers this strong but I'm really looking forward to needing it for one. :)
3L starters are often when you want to make a lager,because you are going to ferment at a cooler temp you need alot more yeast cells.
Cheers for that. Am I right in saying that the amount of starter wort determines the amount of yeast cells you get? More wort = more cells?
This is the project box I used:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Large-Project-Box-Plastic-Case-Electronic-Circuit-Enclosure-with-Feet-Type-Z1-P-/251181533153?ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:US:3160
QuoteCheers for that. Am I right in saying that the amount of starter wort determines the amount of yeast cells you get? More wort = more cells?
This is the project box I used:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Large-Project-Box-Plastic-Case-Electronic-Circuit-Enclosure-with-Feet-Type-Z1-P-/251181533153?ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:US:3160
It looks really sweet can we see some pics of the gubbins?
Do yourself a favour, drill a couple of ventilation holes in as although I think those fans are fairly heat tolerant, that polystyrene box isn't flame retardant and would go up a treat :(
Mine has slots in the side for ventilation.
Cheers. Gubbins? Is that the insides? Il take a pic when Im drilling air holes :)
(http://i.imgur.com/4n4HFl.jpg)
The Galway one didnt anyway but I didnt flick through their catalogue or ask. Just browsed the store. I usually only go there as a last resort as I think they're a rip off. I had to buy my power supply there (12.50e) & the rubber washers/spacers & fan screws which were 4.50e p/pack. Ive enough of those for 20 more stir plates so if anyone needs any Ive loads to trade.
Hi Hop Bomb,
Would you mind posting the link for the power supply and the fan that you bought?
Declan
QuoteBought everything I needed last night. Decided to go with ebay UK for everything over dx.com. A bit more expensive but I should get the stuff a lot quicker.
Next on the list is a sight glass/thermometer combo for my HLT (converted 50L guinness barrel) & a diy sparge arm. I also need to insulate it. Whats that bubble wrap foil insulation stuff called that I see here?:
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrfc_photos/8255042171/in/set-72157632202112768)
One other gear related question:
Im using my boil kettle (converted 50L guinness keg) to heat sparge & strike water. I have a small 12v pump here (moves 8 litres p/min) which I plan to use for moving my heated sparge water from the boil kettle on the ground to my HLT up high (I figure its much safer & quicker than trying to lift a keg full of near boiling water above my head) (il also be using the pump to whirlpool my wort)
Would you expect me to lose much temp in the sparge water on the journey from the BK to the HLT? I know there are many variables but just said Id ask in case someone here is doing similar with their set-up.
Thanks & Happy New Year!
Speed controller for fan (sold out on dx.com)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280990050226&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160
Fan: (again can be got with free p&p from dx.com but takes longer to get to you)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261117329705&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160
Earth Magnets: (cheaper on dx.com)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350551089505&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160
I cant find my power supply on Maplins site but it was the cheapest switchable voltage one they had.