Stir Plate

[cunnol]

So I attempted to make my own stir plate, didn't go terribly well, seems the fan just locks up when the two magnets come in contact.
I've admitted defeat and am looking at some on ebay.

I'm seeing the basic one can handle a max of 2 litres, I'm currently brewing 20 litre batches, will I be limiting myself regarding future high gravity or even larger size batches if I go for this one?

basic stir plate (max 2 litres): http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Magnetic-stir-plate-Bas02-for-home-brew-yeast-starter-includes-two-stir-bars-/262502319355?var=&hash=item3d1e5b84fb:m:myboo_bEpFNJNDVFesTiQOQ

better stir plate (max 5 litres): http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Magnetic-stir-plate-Alu03-Brewhammer-for-home-brew-yeast-starter-/262492531913?var=&hash=item3d1dc62cc9:m:mBR0i_QuKNUSjhH4ZoyhoSw

[mr hoppy]

So I attempted to make my own stir plate, didn't go terribly well, seems the fan just locks up when the two magnets come in contact.

Why are the magnets coming into contact? Can't you glue them onto the fan? I'm an idiot at this kind of stuff and even I was able to put a SP together following Rossa's instructions. If you've got a stir bar and the magnets you've the hard part done so don't give up!

[Pheeel]

Put a thick bit of cardboard inbetween. Should give it enough distance between the two magnets so it doesn't lock up

[cunnol]

I should've been a bit more clear, the fan stops moving when the magnet on the fan and the magnet I've used as a stir bar get close to each other. You got a link to those instructions by any chance? I'm probably doing something very simple wrong

[Pheeel]

Yep, that's why you need the cardboard to give them a bit of space. You need the delivery box cardboard thickness (like an Amazon box)

[BrewDorg]

Try to get a proper stir bar. The magnets you're using in place of the stir bar might be too strong and are stopping the fan turning.

What's the voltage on your power supply? I thought my phone charger was 12v but turns out it was 5v and it wasn't enough to turn the fan when the stir bar was on it.

The cardboard will work well if neither of the above issues applies to you.

[pob]

Instructions how to build a Stir Plate from the NHC BrewWiki:

http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.ie/wordpress/2013/12/diy-stirplate/

Or a simpler one:

http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.ie/wordpress/5-minute-stir-plate/