DIY Stir Plate:

[Hop Bomb]

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.

[Ciderhead]

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?

[Hop Bomb]

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

[nigel_c]

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.

[Ciderhead]

Got 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]

[Hop Bomb]

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?:




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!

[Rossa]

It's radiator insulation.
re pump-
You shouldn't lose much heat I'd say. I do something similar at times.

[Hop Bomb]

Thanks. Il have to get some.

[rukkus]

Like this one http://www.woodiesdiy.com/Product/Economiser-Radiator-Heat-Reflecting-Barrier/17646/6.3.0# ?

[Hop Bomb]

That looks like the stuff alright. Nice one.

[Hop Bomb]

It could actually be this stuff too:

http://www.woodiesdiy.com/Product/ThermaWrap-and39Easy-Fitand39-General-Purpose-Insulation-600mm-x-75M/11624/11

[rukkus]

Thats cheaper alright

[Hop Bomb]

Put my stir plate together tonight. It works!

[Shane Phelan]

Looks good! And plenty of room for that 3L (Small Child) conical you are getting. 

[Hop Bomb]

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?