Stir Plate

[Taf]

Hi All.

I'm thinking of buying a stir plate from amazon in US, as I have a voucher, and I cant find anything else I want to buy with it.

What do people think of the below. There doesn't seem to be a lot of detail, so I'm wondering what size starter I could put on it, and will I have issues with the american plug? With my voucher it will cost me about $40.

http://www.amazon.com/HJ-1-Magnetic-Stirrer-Stir-Bars/dp/B005F7R8Z8/ref=pd_sim_sbs_indust_6

Thanks,
Billy.

[Shane Phelan]

The main issue would be the 110V input which would require a transformer to get working over here. 

[Rossa]

You could make one. Dead easy. How big is you flask?

[Ciderhead]

Like this one for 15 yo yos

http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.com/forum/index.php?topic=5056.msg63051#msg63051
The magnets are strong it even spun on my concave 1 gal Demi

[Taf]

Thanks lads, but should have said that I don't really want to build one, as my skills are limited when it comes to wires, or if a job involves anything more advanced than a hammer. I tried to make a heat source for my fermenting fridge out of a lightbulb and a tin box, and ended up with a melted base, and visions of nearly burning down my garage. My own fault, but nobody told me I needed a vent on the tin! I have certain skills, but building things isn't one of them, so will keep looking for a stir plate.

To answer Rossa's question, I don't have a flask yet, so flexible on it's size, but notices that the amazon one mentions a limit of 1 litre, so not sure if that is too small. I'm only doing regular size batches nowadays, so that might be okay. What's the story with requiring a transformer for a US one, or is there anyone selling these in the UK? Nothing came up when I googled it, apart from extortionate ones on ebay.

[irish_goat]

Maybe someone in the club could build a few and sell them on? I'm thinking about getting one myself, and like Taf, wouldn't be the most skilled at wiring. Would rather someone in the NHC made a few quid than someone on Amazon.

[Taf]

My own fault, but nobody told me I needed a vent on the tin!

Whoever told you to use the tin sent you on the wrong road. Have been using a lightbulb suspended in my fridge for 3 years now, and no fires so far, thankfully!

I thought it was you! But know that I come to think of it, I do remember you having a debate in relation to the merits of the need for a tin. I got a tube heater in the end, which reminds me, I must sort out JohnRM for that.

[Taf]

Maybe someone in the club could build a few and sell them on? I'm thinking about getting one myself, and like Taf, wouldn't be the most skilled at wiring. Would rather someone in the NHC made a few quid than someone on Amazon.

+1 to that

[Shane Phelan]

Taf I got my hands on a few professional stirrers. Keep an eye out in the for sale section. 

[Taf]

Taf I got my hands on a few professional stirrers. Keep an eye out in the for sale section. 

Excellent. I know there probably isn't a list or anything, but when there is, I'll be straight on it.

[Shane Phelan]

What do you think of this? I'm looking up prices for them on the internet, it might be out of your budget as I'm finding prices well above £100. The hot plate can do 400W so it can boil up a starter in addition to stirring at room temperature.



Its a Stuart  SM3, never used. Plate is around 5.5 inch which fits a 2L conical perfectly.

[Ciderhead]

Nnooooooooooo!
50 snots on conicals this month, I would be shot, I thought they were in excess if 4-500!

[Shane Phelan]

I have two of them CH. 

[Rossa]

I could be persuaded😀

[Shane Phelan]

One of them is gone for €100. I will give Taf first refusal on the last one for the same price otherwise I will put it up in the for sale section.