I know this was discussed before with CH giving some words of wisdom on types of plastic you should and should not use, however i cannot find the post now(didn't look that hard tbh). Wondering what is the best 33lt bucket fermenter to convert into a wort boiler or a HLT ?
I seem to remember CH saying the opaque white ones were best and the see through FV were not good to use? Also for say a 30lt boil do you really practically need two kettle elements? Also best taps to use etc ? Cheers.
Quote from: deadman1972 on August 24, 2013, 12:15:59 PM
I know this was discussed before with CH giving some words of wisdom on types of plastic you should and should not use, however i cannot find the post now(didn't look that hard tbh). Wondering what is the best 33lt bucket fermenter to convert into a wort boiler or a HLT ?
I seem to remember CH saying the opaque white ones were best and the see through FV were not good to use? Also for say a 30lt boil do you really practically need two kettle elements? Also best taps to use etc ? Cheers.
Translucent buckets with pp on base of them, lazy fecker check search engine it's pretty good now.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/24/pery3a9u.jpg)
The taps you will get in any plumbers merchants.
Or you could spend a few bob on the expensive ones from HB shops
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/24/ru6u9ute.jpg)
TT
Are the sight glasses really necessary and whats with the insulation ? Those are actually the exact buckets i have now so that's good. Tried search engine too many results. :P
Oh and what size are those holes and how far from the bottom etc? ;D
Are these the right kettles for hacking ?
http://www.argos.ie/static/Browse/ID72/14418611/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CKitchen+and+laundry%7C14418476/c_2/2%7C14418476%7CKettles%7C14418611/r_001/4%7CBrands%7CArgos+Value+Range%7C1.htm
the sight glass is on my keggle and i need insulation for a metal boiler, not required on plastic buckets
those are the right elements just dont let Padraic see you doing it, charlie shiels elements are better?, buy 3 1 spare
Actually its ok he on Holidays, phew!
make elements with these buckets has been done to death on here don't you dare come back with another question, put them at 10 to 2 and leave enough space up from the bottom in order that you can get a toothbrush underneath and your valve the other side at six o clock.
no more help now! use your search engine ::).
Quote from: Ciderhead on August 24, 2013, 04:09:53 PM
the sight glass is on my keggle and i need insulation for a metal boiler, not required on plastic buckets
those are the right elements just dont let Padraic see you doing it, charlie shiels elements are better?, buy 3 1 spare
Actually its ok he on Holidays, phew!
make elements with these buckets has been done to death on here don't you dare come back with another question, put them at 10 to 2 and leave enough space up from the bottom in order that you can get a toothbrush underneath and your valve the other side at six o clock.
no more help now! use your search engine ::).
I hear and i shall obey( but just this once ok) ;D
you of all people,
go on then ask away but ONLY when you have the bits
Quote from: Ciderhead on August 24, 2013, 12:50:04 PM
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/24/ru6u9ute.jpg)
whats with the tube going into the top of that tap?
Quote from: delzep on August 25, 2013, 06:41:44 PM
Quote from: Ciderhead on August 24, 2013, 12:50:04 PM
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/24/ru6u9ute.jpg)
whats with the tube going into the top of that tap?
I think that's his sight glass AFAIK :D
Why say insulation is not required on buckets ? I have some of that radiator reflecter stuff on mine - I think it made a bit of a difference,
Dm - get the tap as low as you can - have your hop filter tube with you before you start cutting holesso you can measure the bend height and what not
I have the exact same boiler set up as Ciderhead above with the 33L translucent fermenter bucket (and the argos elements). One word of warning is that it gets very soft during a boil compared to the white brupak mashtun/boiler I bought years ago. If I was doing it again, I think I'd use the white opaque 33L buckets we bought from Alpack in the group buy to convert and feck the leeching of chemicals.
I have a 50 lt keg in the attic (Legit came by it) but no damn way to top and drill it and that gets me into the whole debate of gas v electric all over again :( That will be DTL project i reckon. For now i need something handy but i want to have the capacity to do a full 30 litre boil so the 33lt FV bucket looks like my best option. I have now read up on CH previous post on those Argos kettle elements( see CH told you i would obey).
TBH the biggest issue i can see is getting hold of suitable kettle leads if one goes kaput on you :o
Over this weekend just gone i was doing a little research( only a little) looking at various vessels, all the way from big arse turkey fryers to cooker top stock pots, damn those things are expensive. :o
Quote from: ColMack on August 26, 2013, 10:28:46 AM
I have the exact same boiler set up as Ciderhead above with the 33L translucent fermenter bucket (and the argos elements). One word of warning is that it gets very soft during a boil compared to the white brupak mashtun/boiler I bought years ago. If I was doing it again, I think I'd use the white opaque 33L buckets we bought from Alpack in the group buy to convert and feck the leeching of chemicals.
I also looked again into those brupaks electric setups and to an item they are all way too small, not one of them can you do a full 30lt boil in FFS, would not waste my time or money on them tbh. :-X
Quote from: deadman1972 on August 26, 2013, 10:55:30 AM
I also looked again into those brupaks electric setups and to an item they are all way too small, not one of them can you do a full 30lt boil in FFS, would not waste my time or money on them tbh. :-X
I wasn't suggesting buying a brupaks, my one is 6 years old and a simpler set up to the ones they are currently selling, it's my HLT now. Just saying that the white plastic seems to be firmer when heated up. But for speed and price, converting the 33L plastic bucket with 2x €6.99 elements from argos and approx. €10 worth of plumbing fittings is a no brainer.
Got my two Argos cheapo kettles today, 7 euro each, not bad at all, tried Wallaces and Kavanaghs for those elements and no joy in either.
now be careful unscrewing them and prising them apart from the main plastic housing.
Quote from: Ciderhead on August 28, 2013, 09:57:31 PM
now be careful unscrewing them and prising them apart from the main plastic housing.
Yes Obi Wan ;D As can be seen below slight change of plan, woke up with a can do attitude today, don't feel well after it :P
Quote from: deadman1972 on August 28, 2013, 10:03:31 PM
Quote from: Ciderhead on August 28, 2013, 09:57:31 PM
now be careful unscrewing them and prising them apart from the main plastic housing.
Yes Obi Wan ;D As can be seen below slight change of plan, woke up with a can do attitude today, don't feel well after it :P
Jesus you are tough feckers in the SE that plastic bucket is made of metal!
How long was that in the ditch for?
Good luck drilling that!, looking good so far tho!
btw you need to darn your sock :D
Trust you to sock the holy sock ya fecker. Was on the bus home after picking up my Argos kettles and i had what alcoholics refer to as a moment of clarity, i suddenly remembered where there was a big angel grinder and cutting disc. Now i have to try to locate two seperate cutting bits for SS :( One 12mm and the other 38mm i believe? The FV is still on the cards just as a HLT now not a boile kettle ;D
It was in the ditch long time but surprisingly all it needs is a good polish outside and clean inside, rust free all around.
should have said you were practicing cutting holes in your socks before going onto stronger materials
Quote from: delzep on August 28, 2013, 10:17:28 PM
should have said you were practicing cutting holes in your socks before going onto stronger materials
PMSROFL :D Should i go step bit or hole saw ye reckon for the tap and element holes, remembering now that there is still a HLT FV to be done as well after this project.
That keg looks like one of the old aluminium ones? If so, it will be easy to drill. I'd say a hole saw would be better if the keg is aluminium. Step bits are designed for light gauge materials less than 3mm and the aluminium kegs would be thicker than that.
I reckon you are correct on the keg being Aluminium Garry. Was not bloody that easy to cut the top off though :'(
Sitting here this morning thinking (dangerous for me i know) and it occured to me that i am once again faced with the question of going Butane or electricity ? The two argos kettle elements will not go to waste either way as i will be converting my 33lt Fv into a HLT ::)This question has arisen again because if i install the elements in the keg i can't go back and use gas, however if i use gas i can always install elements DTL should the need arise. ???
I am leaning towards Butane as its easier to get and i don't believe the propane offers enough of an advantage for the hike in price. Also gas is easier to control and fine tune on the boil or so i am told, i know its certainly easier to cook with anyway ;)
There are people in both camps and it can be a somewhat contentious issue but i would like to hear from those that use Gas as to why they picked that over electricity since i have a fair idea of the advantages of the electricity side. ;D
or those that were on gas and switched already
38mm
I was propane for both my HLT & BK. Now Im propane for just my BK. Went electric with my HLT recently as I was sick of over shooting my sparge temps plus gas is just a waste heating the HLT. Im usually crushing grain & getting ready for the brew so Im not in a mad hurry for the sparge water to get to temp. Id prefer to save the gas for the boil. Propane & butane is the same price here in Galway. Ive used both & you defo get more brews from a tank of propane. I can get to a full boil very quick with gas & it takes very little gas to keep a rolling boil once Im there. Dont ask me how many brews per tank. Im defo at 6 now though & its not empty (some 60 min boils, some 90 mins) The last few have been 50 litre batches too.
The plus side for electric is its cheaper. But I cant see myself ever going electric for the boil (if i do dont hang me for it though haha). Its just a preference. Im asking santy for a blichmann gas boiler ring for xmas.
Thanks for that HopBomb, there are certainly for and against for both. What size gas bottle have you though and what size burner? The on below seems to be the best value for the money thus far that i have found.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Heavy-Duty-Steel-Framed-Large-Boiling-Ring-Burner-LPG-Gas-Catering-/321194379957
Cost aside is there any advantage to one over the other?
Quote from: Ciderhead on August 24, 2013, 04:09:53 PM
those are the right elements just dont let Padraic see you doing it, charlie shiels elements are better?, buy 3 1 spare
Actually its ok he on Holidays, phew!
Don't be doing that! Use sealed elements! Electricity and boiling sugar water are not a good combination!
Quote from: Padraic on September 10, 2013, 01:36:20 PM
Quote from: Ciderhead on August 24, 2013, 04:09:53 PM
those are the right elements just dont let Padraic see you doing it, charlie shiels elements are better?, buy 3 1 spare
Actually its ok he on Holidays, phew!
Don't be doing that! Use sealed elements! Electricity and boiling sugar water are not a good combination!
Dammit he caught me :o Padraig i actually did try both Wallace and Kavanaghs in Waterford for the sealed elements but neither had them nor could they get them again.Its hard to justify spending 20 euro on an element from a home brew shop anyway when i can use a 7 euro Argos kettle one.
If i could have gotten the sealed ones for a tenner a piece @2.2kw i would probably have got them, as it is any of them i saw online were only 1.5kw for a tenner, i tried ebay and amazon. ;D
Use that gear shiny shane is pimping, sugru, to insulate the exposed terminals on your element. We get a significant discount on it.
Also, Charlie shiels (Inchicore, dublin) website looks like he is maybe shaping up to do online sales. Maybe try ringing him to see will he send you out a couple of elements and take payment over the phone - think he charges a tenner - theyre alot neater than hacked ketlles.
Deadman don't listen to the boilover brigade :P you have no exposed terminals with a proper kettle lead.
Greedy pigs are trying to boil 30L in a 33L bucket, or 45L in a 50 litre keg, as long as you have plenty of head room you will be fine.
Yep its silicone based so no problems with heat, not sure I'd be putting it in direct electrical contact though ???
Website says its "electrically insulating". Dont see any figures to say how electrically insulating it is. But hey, people leave them exposed to the fresh air, so its definitely better than that.
yep Charlie Shiels is 12 quid a go now, and thats without a lead