Drill Bit Wobble.

[Greg2013]

 I am finding that cutting 38mm holes in even aluminium kegs is not as easy as i first thought, impossible to avoid drill bit wobble even at low speeds and with plenty wd-40 ,i only hope the wobble factor does not throw off the hole size too much as tolerances are pretty tight. After this i am not sure the bit will give a good clean cut for the SS monster stock pot.

[Shanna]

If you have some spare two by four planks of wood put the down on the ground beside the edge of the keg. You b use them to brace the edge of the keg so that it won't move when your drilling.  You want to be standing directly over the keg and apply slow heavy downward pressure with your drill. It would help if you had a mate to spray the keg to stop the drill site overheating.

Shanna

[DEMPSEY]

After the pilot bit cuts its hole the main 38mm bit should engage. Once this happens you should keep a firm steady pressure as the bit does its job. Even after the hole is cut it will need to be sanded to take the rough edge off it. Enjoy.

[Greg2013]

Holes are now cut, no mates to help, if i did not do it tonight it could be another week and i want to get the BK finished with. Mocked up one of the kettle elements and it seems to seal fine. If i have time i will do a hot water test later.Cheers guys, kinda thinking now i may leave the SS pot to the pros if i can find one to cut it for me that is.

[LordEoin]

Once the elements are fitted, I'd advise you to leave the pot full overnight somewhere it wont make a mess, to check for any leaks.
Mine seemed fine when I tested it , bringing 25L to a boil in 30 mins with no leaks but when I came down later on it had made a small puddle on the tiles around it.
I think that the holes are probably 1 or 2 mm too low and just tipping where the keg begins to curve back in
btw, I also found it a complete liathróidí to cut the holes

[LordEoin]

Have you been talking to Mission Control?
Them loudmouths can't keep a bloody secret...

[Greg2013]

Actually you have hit on an issue with my ball valve, i also cut the hole about 2mm too low near the curve and and its a bollox to get a proper flat face seal with thin silicone washers. Its now leaking like a bastard with 45 litres of cold water in it and i reckon i will need a circular o-ring type seal.

[Shanna]

Actually you have hit on an issue with my ball valve, i also cut the hole about 2mm too low near the curve and and its a bollox to get a proper flat face seal with thin silicone washers. Its now leaking like a bastard with 45 litres of cold water in it and i reckon i will need a circular o-ring type seal.

Using a block of wood behind the area in question try doing a bit of diy panel beating to flatten the area out a bit.

Shanna

[Greg2013]

Actually you have hit on an issue with my ball valve, i also cut the hole about 2mm too low near the curve and and its a bollox to get a proper flat face seal with thin silicone washers. Its now leaking like a bastard with 45 litres of cold water in it and i reckon i will need a circular o-ring type seal.

Using a block of wood behind the area in question try doing a bit of diy panel beating to flatten the area out a bit.

Shanna

Cheers Shanna i may yet do that but i reckon i will try to get the seals as well just in case. Good news is the elements appear to be functioning ok.

[Hop Bomb]

Would you be interested in an already converted keggle with tap, bazooka tube & 3 inch dial thermometer? (my current boil kettle)
Im looking for another 100 litre stainless pot for my brewery upgrade.

Ive been using it on gas but if you are interested I can drill the holes for you to accept the homebrew company elements. Ive Endas hole saw here.

[Taf]

Would you be interested in an already converted keggle with tap, bazooka tube & 3 inch dial thermometer? (my current boil kettle)
Im looking for another 100 litre stainless pot for my brewery upgrade.

Ive been using it on gas but if you are interested I can drill the holes for you to accept the homebrew company elements. Ive Endas hole saw here.

Hi Hop bomb.

I have a double keggle for sale if you are interested. Was looking for €150, but open to offers?

[DEMPSEY]

When the hole is drilled the wall of the keg is still curved so get a piece of wood as Shanna suggested and a good steel hammer and bate the f@*k out of it until its nice and flat around the hole :. Ant bit that will not flatten use the steel hammer on it direct.

[DEMPSEY]

Taf with those markings I see you got them in Amerika right

[Hop Bomb]

Would you be interested in an already converted keggle with tap, bazooka tube & 3 inch dial thermometer? (my current boil kettle)
Im looking for another 100 litre stainless pot for my brewery upgrade.

Ive been using it on gas but if you are interested I can drill the holes for you to accept the homebrew company elements. Ive Endas hole saw here.

Hi Hop bomb.

I have a double keggle for sale if you are interested. Was looking for €150, but open to offers?

Thanks for the offer Taf but Greg has the twin brother of my pot so Id like to get the same again. Cheers though.

[Greg2013]

I may be interested actually Hopbomb. Do I pm you or post here ?