Thermometers - How to check your calibration at Mash temp

First post by bundy, 10 years ago

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I've had lots of time to think about all things beer lately as I recover from a bout of Man Flu

Anyway one thing that came to me as I was coughing up half a lung one afternoon was about Calibrating Thermometers. There's been lots written on here by PistolPatch about not trusting one single thermometer, even if its tested correct with Freezing Water and Boiling water at 0'C and 100'c (32 F and 212 F for our US friends) it doesnt mean that it's right at our most important temp which is Mash...

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Mally, I learned never to boil Methanol, the Gas Fumes is Very Poisoning if you ever breath it!!

Since, Some of use boil off the Ethanol from a BAD batch of beer, the Fumes Are Wonderful(Hic).

Also 174F is a good Number to set/differ to when use that thermometer when Mashing.

Tutorial to make your own bag - one piece, no seam on bottom

First post by jimyoung999, 9 years ago

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hello all!

I just decided to move toward all grain, and decided on the beer in a bag (BIAB) method. So I bought a Tallboy 8 gallon pot, but needed a bag. Although there is a lot of great information online, and a lot on here, I found that it was quite hard to piece it all together, and took me a while to figure out how to make the bag I wanted. So, I will condense what I learnt into a tutorial below on how to make a bag as I did.

This is an easy but time consuming project. I had no idea how...

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Thanks for the encouragement! Batch #1 is currently fermenting, and I'm hankering to do it again so I'll definitely take pic.

grain hopper build

First post by rumdrinka, 9 years ago

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Hi brewers thought I'd show you guys my grain hopper I made on the weekend. I found this sheet of galv steel at a garage sale for 20 bucks and thought I'd replace my old temporary hopper for something a bit more substantial.

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Excellent work. Good job! rumdrinka if you brew as well as you build? Your going to won medals?

Kettle lid alternatives

First post by gnmrc, 9 years ago

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Is a lid completely necessary for the brewing process?
Any alternatives I might use to prevent dust etc. to get inside the kettle when we'll move the kettle to the sink for chilling?

I know It's dumb to buy the kettle but not the lid!

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Not necessary to leave lid on during mash although it will do a lot to maintain temperature.

I would go foil before a towel as there is just so much condensation a towel can become really saturated, heavy, clumsy. ... to get inside the kettle when we'll move the kettle to the sink for chilling? Just be careful if your keg is a stockpot. The handles on a stockpot are usually designed to lift the empty pot not a full one.

Scoop materials

First post by gnmrc, 9 years ago

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What kind of scoop should I use?
Should I go necessarily with stainless steel? Or wood is ok too?
I have a plastic one that came with the fermenter but I don't know if it can take the heat of the pre-boiling and boiling phase.

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A potato masher style paddle is definitely the way to go.

See here
and
here

You may also find more interesting reads if you search for potato masher on this site too.

Chrome plated ball valves

First post by bionut, 9 years ago

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Hello guys,
i want to upgrade my keggle with a ball valve and all i can find easily are chrome plated ball valves. The technical sheet says that it can handle high temperatures and is suitable for food industry use.

Had any of you used one on your brew kettle, will i be safe with it? Online i found many good and negative thoughts, by nobody speaks from their experience, just presumsions.

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Nylon would be good, like the brew bag. That't a good ideea.
I will take pictures and post them.

DIY Volume markings inside your kettle.

First post by JackRussel, 10 years ago

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Found this thread on HBT with a tutorial on how to etch volume markings in your kettle. There is a minor risk that corrosion may occur on stainless steel after doing this, so consider that as a disclaimer. You should re-passivate after doing this to minimize the risk.

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Has anybody tried this? I like the idea but I'm also worried about bacteria or making it harder to clean than a shiny surface. I did it to two kettles. I have brewed ~5 times in one of them and see no ill effects. As JackRussel said, you need to re-passivate the stainless after etching. I think that's explained in the original HBT link. John Palmer also explains passivation in How to Brew. I cleaned thoroughly with Bar Keeper's Friend after etching.

I'm extremely happy with the results. I make...

Can I make a pot out of a copper hot water system

First post by Sabre, 10 years ago

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Hi all I am going to start to get the gear together to biab over the next few months I was just wondering if I could use an old copper hot water system if I cut the top out as a mash pot it's a 160ltr looking at doing 50lts finish brews Cheers kapo

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I'm mulling your post above over atm Sabre and there is a lot to comment on so we better speed up our correspondence. If we wait a week before responding to each other we will get nowhere fast!

The first problem is with the 23 L kegs. The first thing you need to do is see if the welds are visible on the inside of the keg. If they are visible are they perfectly smooth? The inside of your kegs need to be perfectly smooth. (I bought 23 litre kegs and, being a newbie, it took me about three years...

Bought a 70L kettle (pics)

First post by nicko, 10 years ago

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Hi guys,

Here's a pic of my new kettle :thumbs:

One safety note though, mine was drilled for a tap but it wasn't sanded at all after drilling, so mine still had metal filings inside (powder form) and a thin 1cm filing on the inside of the hole that almost got under my fingernail but fortunately didn't. I'll sand/file that smooth shortly.

The filings powder was only annoying as my BIAB bag is inside. I'll just make sure it gets a thorough wash before the first brew.

The base of the pot is...

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Thanks Pat,
I'll take that on board and keep you guys in the loop.

2 pot screamer. Has any one tried them?

First post by nosco, 10 years ago

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Hi all,
im fairly new to brewing but id still like to get into AG. Im gonna try my 19lt pot to start but im still looking at other setups. G&G here in Melbourne sell a 2 pot screamer kit.

It comes with a 50lt large pot, and inner (malt pipe) pot with small legs and holes in the bottom to act as a false bottom. An electric element, tap and a trivet.
I guess its like a very basic electric BIAB, or Braumeister idea. Has anyone used one? Do you still use a bag in the inner pot? I have been...

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I love it less to clean up @ end. I use a 19L pot to drain grain then and into brew. Sometimes I run off a few liters till its running clear pull grain and away brewing.

Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk

Sliding sideways ?

First post by aamcle, 10 years ago

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I've been experimenting with using a solid sided mash pipe with a mesh bottom in a recirculating system. The flow rate l can get through the mash hasn't been good and I've thinking about possible reasons why there seems to be a difference between a mesh bag and a solid sided pipe.

In my system all the liquid that goes into the top of the pipe has to go through the grain bed, however the commercial systems (HighGravity, Homebrewbuilder etc) all use bags.

I'm wondering how much of the...

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I'm running a system now were the returning liquor is split, some into the mash pipe but the majoratory of it is returned between the mash pipe and the wall of the outer vessel.

It keeps temperature well.

Aamcle

Buffalo Boiler - Strainer and Tap

First post by mally, 11 years ago

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I thought I would add some pics of the Buffalo boiler tap, as it may be of use to anybody interested.

I have also done a small modification by adding a hop strainer.

tap separated.jpg
Showing the silicone valve removed from the tap body. Very easy to pop on & off for cleaning.

tap complete.jpg

The tap with valve attached.

tap into buffalo.jpg

tap ready to be screwed into the body, take note of my perfect insulation around the kettle!

hop filter drilled.jpg

Here is my hop filter...

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Hello to all.

I would buy the kettle BUFFALO 40L and I would like hear from who owns it if can be used immediately to make BIAB or requires changes

I use a 40L buffalo boiler for BIAB and its great. I originally was using it just as the boiler for 3 vessel brewing, but since getting a bag I've not used my mash tun at all, BIAB is making me some great beers. After the mashing is done I tip out the grain and rinse the bag and put it back in for the boil with the hops in it.

So that I can...

Sight glasses. How many BIAB brewers use them?

First post by nosco, 10 years ago

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It took me a while to get my kettle up and running. In the mean time I was easily seduced by home brewery bling. My idea is that a thermometer in the sight glass could measure the temps of the wort below the bag and my digital thermometer could read the temps of the mash, during the mash of course. Plus id have a sight glass.
Im using a steel ruler atm which I think I could get pretty accurate with (once I get a PC in the garage with BIABicus, I just need to get time to swap an old one into...

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I use my sightglass along with a steel tape measure to find my volumes. The sightglass is marked in liters.
To clean it I use my small faucet brush with a hard wire attached to the handle so I can get all the way to the bottom and pull it back out.

Inner closed pot/mesh size for biab

First post by gugguson, 10 years ago

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Hello guys.

I have a 72L/19gallon pot which I use for biab. It has a 5500W element at the bottom. I'm planning on having a pot on the inside with stainless mesh at the top and bottom with circulation pushing the wort from the bottom and the overflow on the top (and somewhat at the bottom) should make the heat transfer even (similar to braumeister).

I usually have a about 9-14 kg / 19-30lbs (could change somewhat if I get higher efficiency) of grains with at least 55L/15gallon in each brew so...

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i use this spreadsheet, looking for inner pot / malt pipe now rays outdoors and bcf have some good looking pots cheap. not paying 100-200 bucks @ LHBS!!

Bridal Chaffon Bag

First post by goulaigan, 10 years ago

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After my first two BIABs I noticed the bag I purchased from an online shop here in Canada had a few little holes in it.

I decided to make one instead since this one also seemed a bit too course, so I went to a local fabric shop and asked about voile. For some reason all the different versions of 'voile' they had were made out of cotton :headhit: So I asked about polyester and was directed to something called Bridal Chaffon. Pretty sure they make wedding dresses out of it if I had to guess,...

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goulaigan,

I never heard of Bridal Chaffon? I just use Shear drapery Material

We (the wife) made a bunch of bags. I supplied my whole brew club with them. The wife made a few dollars for her time! The first bag made in about 2007 still works as a good spare! :argh:

Measuring water volme in your boiler?

First post by Lars, 12 years ago

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Hi, I recently purchased a 40l buffalo. How do you people measure liquid volume in your boilers? My local hardwares don't seem to have a stainless steel ruler long enough. I have a crappy plastic mash spoon but I'm reluctant to scratch marks onto it as a measuring stick because I reckon it'd be a hiding place for bacteria. I considered buying a piece of oak in a local but it's probably virtually impossible to get untreated timber.

Thanks

L

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Ive used a 1m steel ruler that I got from a cheap shop for $5. I found that steam actually helps to leave a mark on the ruler that you can read off. You can use the BIABicus to get your volumes or I have found that the equation, pi x r x r x cm works pretty good if anyone is interested.

Do I need a Bag or will this do?

First post by usit86, 10 years ago

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Hello everyone !

I am a new wannabe BIAB brewer from Italy, currently I only brew using kits. Glad I found this great forum with plenty of helpful information that I cannot wait to put in practice. I am currently in the process of buying my setup form an online store here in Italy and had a question that I am sure will find an answer here. Will this steel basket be a good substitute for a bag? The holes are 1,5 mm and I was wondering if they were small enough to hold the smallest grain...

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Hi,

Just seen this, so sorry for the late reply.

You really do need a fine bag as GB has said. I have just got back from Sicily and the weekend markets were full of cloth merchants, most of which sold voile (or voile type cloth).

I made my bags from this and they work very well, easy to cleans and drain the grain really well.

I hope this helps

Insulating an Electric Urn - (with pics)

First post by bundy, 10 years ago

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I've read of various methods of insulating Urns. Sleeping Bags and Doona's seem popular and whilst I used that myself on my first brew I found it had it's drawbacks. The Sleeping bag in my case got wet and dirty and whilst it insulated well, to me it was far from ideal.

So I thought I would share my setup. I have an electric Urn but I am sure this would work on a Pot or Gas setup just as well.

Also as I am a tight a$$, and believe as much of my Homebrew Kit as possible should be salvaged or...

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Thanks Bundy,

I have tried various foil bubbly wraps and closed foam style insulations, but to no real avail. Still losing 2-3 degrees every 15 mins (I brew out doors).

So was looking to move over to the sleeping bag method.

They are building 270 new houses just across the street, so my see what I can scrounge from the brickies, and give this a go.

Stainless Mesh Cloth bag/malt pipe?

First post by aamcle, 10 years ago

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I got very cheap a good sized piece of stainless cloth, and as my voil bag has turned out to be too fine I was wondering about using the stainless cloth.

I count about 20 holes per Cm or 50 per inch do you think that this mesh size is suitable?

What is the ideal mesh size for Voil or any mesh?

Thanks. Aamcle

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Thanks PP, I recounted the fine mesh using a light box and a glass, I think it's 75 mesh so that's about 40 threads per inch. So it should be good to go :)

Atb. Aamcle

A simple tool for Squeezing a hot BIAB Bag

First post by bundy, 10 years ago

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I know some like to squeeze their bags and some of you don't but for those who do this solution might work for you.

After my first BIAB session one (of the many) things I learnt was squeezing a hot bag full of grain is not that easy with your hands. Although I had my bag suspended on a pulley and left to drip whilst the Urn reached boiling temp there was still a lot of moisture trapped in the grain. I had read many peoples ideas on Bag Squeezing from letting hang to drain by itself (didn't...

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Brilliant way to upcycle someones failed attempt at keeping fit!

You should be recognised for your services to BIAB. :roll:

Simple BIAB 2:1 Pulley Setup

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First post by stux, 12 years ago

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This is how I've setup my pulley system. Works quite well and gives me 2:1 mechanical advantage which is more than enough to hoist 12KG grain bills :)

Be sure to use a smooth rope, like sash cord.

I purchased the components from BCF (Boating/Camping/Fishing) or Bunnings (General Hardware Store)

Pulley1-labels.jpg

A bowline is tied at the end of the sash cord, then you thread the two pulleys on. The clip is attached to the pulley closest to the bowline, in my case using a link. I use the...

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Trout - I never lose wort from dripping after the bag squeeze because I do something similar to that.
In your link I have a pulley like Deebo #46 pic. I just spin the bag on its pulley so that it wrings the wort out.

Its amazing how much wort you can extract by wringing and squeezing!

Actually, after doing this, the bag isn't so heavy. So to keep it more on topic I don't need a rail system, but it would be great to have one anyway.

Brew In a Basket?????

First post by JackRussel, 10 years ago

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Well at least BIAB still fits. I stumbled on a site that is selling stainless mesh baskets for brewing. From hop spiders to full kettle baskets to mash in. Seems like a pretty good idea, but I'm curious what the BIAB Old Hands think.

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So, I just read about Brew in a Basket on HBT and came here to mention it. Of course, someone beat me to it!

This site was referenced for the baskets.

BIAB Bag...

First post by phytenphyre, 10 years ago

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So I decided to use the bag formula and make a couple of custom bags for my kettle and one for a friend. Let's just say the sewing part I can handle, the measuring and cutting the material...uuhhhh, I wasn't so cheerful!! Here's a pic my wife took as I was finishing my last bag. I made four bags for a total of $25. Not bad!!

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I've one of these for the last few years and can't praise it highly enough.

Sent from my XT890 using Tapatalk

burco 30 litre

First post by Diggerg, 10 years ago

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Does anybody have the inside kettle measurements for a burco cygnet 30. So I can put these into biabacus for planning my brews. Thanks.

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thanks Yettiman

Looking up ladies dresses?

First post by no-more-peroni, 10 years ago

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After spending over a week trying to find *voile material here in rural Italy to make a bag I showed a picture of a bag to a lady in a fabric shop, I should be looking up ladies dresses she said!! I was a little confused but after a bit more explanation in Italian, not my native language, it transpired that she meant that this type of fabric is used to puff up ball gowns and wedding dresses. Yesterday I went to a wedding dress makers and bought enough fabric for two gallon bags for a few euro,...

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Really well done N-M-P, nice threadwork there!

Only thing I would mention is that at some point in the future you may want to put some handles or something on the bags.
If you get into higher gravity brews it makes it just that little bit easier. :thumbs: