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keggle question

Post #1 made 12 years ago
by homebrewkid
hi guys

im going to have a go at biab

i got some material that seems about right after much looking around

i have a keg to use as a keggle and a lid that fits the top perfectly (sits on top of the rim) (32cm glass lid from kmart)

im going to cut inside the rim but im worried how much heat i will loose out the handle cutouts during the mash?

i plan on covering the lot with a blanket anyway should be right hey?

i cant find my 4" cutting discs can i use the 9" to cut the inside top out? or is it too big for the job?

also will one of those old style 2 burner camp stoves put out enough grunt for the job?

Image


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cheers: HBK
Last edited by homebrewkid on 24 Apr 2013, 18:15, edited 2 times in total.

Post #3 made 12 years ago
by PistolPatch
Welcome to the forum HBK :peace:

I think that will all work out fine in your climate especially during the summer months. Personally, I just add a bit of heat a few times during the mash rather than using insulation however, I do use my lid. If I was in a very cold climate I'd probably consider insulation but I don't think you need to.

Those handle holes might work out to have some advantage as well. For example, you could use one of the holes to poke a thermometer probe through or, during chilling, ruin your inlet and outlet hoses through there or, after chilling, use one of the holes to syphon from.

Anyway, maybe just cut some tin/cardboard to block up the holes though during the mash as most of the heat you'll lose will be through there.

As for the 9" grinder, that is pretty massive. I'd be worried about that. You want that hole you cut to be as large as possible so I'd be looking for your 4" grinder. Do you have a 4" grinder as I don't think you can use 4" blades on a 9" grinder???

As for the two ring burner, I think this will certainly do a normal size batch of say 19-23 litres into the fermentor. I have a three- ring and it does double that easily. You might need and adjustable regulator though and you might need to clean the holes of such a burner with a drill bit after one or two brews. I had to do that with mine and have never had to do it again since. Go figure?

Nice score on the lid too :thumbs:,
PP

PS. Your image is showing up fine however, when you are posting, you can also 'Upload an attachment'. This function will be at the bottom of where you write your text for a post unless you are using Quick Reply. If you use that, just make sure your pic is not ginormous :P.
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Post #4 made 12 years ago
by homebrewkid
PistolPatch wrote:Welcome to the forum HBK :peace:

cheers
I think that will all work out fine in your climate especially during the summer months. Personally, I just add a bit of heat a few times during the mash rather than using insulation however, I do use my lid. If I was in a very cold climate I'd probably consider insulation but I don't think you need to.

Those handle holes might work out to have some advantage as well. For example, you could use one of the holes to poke a thermometer probe through or, during chilling, ruin your inlet and outlet hoses through there or, after chilling, use one of the holes to syphon from.

great ideas i hadnt thought of

Anyway, maybe just cut some tin/cardboard to block up the holes though during the mash as most of the heat you'll lose will be through there.

As for the 9" grinder, that is pretty massive. I'd be worried about that. You want that hole you cut to be as large as possible so I'd be looking for your 4" grinder. Do you have a 4" grinder as I don't think you can use 4" blades on a 9" grinder???

i have the 4" just cant find my cutting discs for it looks like im off to bunnings

As for the two ring burner, I think this will certainly do a normal size batch of say 19-23 litres into the fermentor. I have a three- ring and it does double that easily. You might need and adjustable regulator though and you might need to clean the holes of such a burner with a drill bit after one or two brews. I had to do that with mine and have never had to do it again since. Go figure?

Nice score on the lid too :thumbs:,

got that one from my wifes best friend she was going to throw it out because she got the wrong one and never returned it :idiot:
PP

PS. Your image is showing up fine however, when you are posting, you can also 'Upload an attachment'. This function will be at the bottom of where you write your text for a post unless you are using Quick Reply. If you use that, just make sure your pic is not ginormous :P.
i can only see a link to the image??? doesnt matter though
Last edited by homebrewkid on 24 Apr 2013, 19:41, edited 2 times in total.

Post #5 made 12 years ago
by BobBrews
homebrewkid,

When I cut my keg top off I used a Dremel.
Dremel.jpg
I tied a string around the center valve and then around a marker pen. Keeping the string taught I drew a perfect circle. I then place that string around the dremel so that the cutting blade reached the ink mark. I went around the top keeping the Dremel taught and made a perfect cut.

Yes, it took a long while and many blades. (I bought a pack of them) But I still have the remaining blades and the opening is, as if it were machined. I am very happy with the procedure. I even had a few beers while cutting. Of course I let out the pressure before starting and turned the removed top into a perfect cover. The space left when we removed the top is as wide as the bag material making a perfect bug proof fit.

In the US where winter's are fierce a tight fitting cover and a old sleeping bag will keep your mash temperatures constant. In warmer areas of the world it is not necessary to cover the mash but I recommend it here in the US. You can add a little heat to raise the mash temperature but if your careful you don't have too.

If you have a compulsion to stir the mash a cover will be in the way but will help keep in the remaining heat not lost while stirring. I rarely stir. If I have a large grain bill I will stir and leave the mash for 90 minutes. If it is small batch I normally don't bother stirring. It all depends on your outside temperature. see here!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccHhxh3Q9Rk
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Last edited by BobBrews on 24 Apr 2013, 20:42, edited 2 times in total.
tap 1 Raspberry wine
tap 2 Bourbon Barrel Porter
tap 3 Czech Pilsner
tap 4 Triple IPA 11% ABV
Pipeline: Mulled Cider 10% ABV

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Post #7 made 12 years ago
by PistolPatch
That's weird on not being able to see your pic? Never heard of that one before :think:.

If you go the 4" blades, make sure you buy the Inox ones. They are the very thin ones that won't burn the stainless metal. You probably would only need two blades but get three as they are only about two dollars each.

I have a Dremel as well. I still can't work out how to attach any of the attachments to it without them falling off. Glue maybe?

:)
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Post #8 made 12 years ago
by Mad_Scientist
Maybe plan your cut-out so a lid will fit it. You may want to cover it down there. My cut-out is 30.5 cm, a standard size here of 12 inches.
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Post #9 made 12 years ago
by homebrewkid
i ended up using the 4" grinder to cut the top open done a pretty good job i think

also made up a frame that should be good to use will put pics up soon

PP dont try to glue any attachments onto your dremel tool swallow some pride and go ask your local hardware they will be happy to show you or you could always google it im sure there will be plenty of info

Post #10 made 12 years ago
by homebrewkid
here are some pictures
IMG_0800.JPG
IMG_0781.JPG
IMG_0783.JPG
IMG_0792.JPG
IMG_0793.JPG
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Last edited by homebrewkid on 28 Apr 2013, 19:48, edited 2 times in total.

Post #11 made 12 years ago
by Aces high
Get a fine grade flap wheel for the grinder and clean up the edges, it will make it nice and smooth so your bad doesn't catch on anything. Once you do this you will realise how shiny it makes the metal and you will start to polish the whole keg.

Nice neat cut BTW

Post #12 made 12 years ago
by PistolPatch
Nice work HBK :thumbs:.

The frame looks like a small Tardis - cool :party:. Make sure you give it plenty of bracing.

Look forward to more pics :peace:
PP

(And I promise to take a closer look at my Dremel next time I dig it out. I have a van full of tools and the Dremel is right at the end of a very long drawer so it might be a while :lol:.)
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Post #13 made 12 years ago
by Aces high
PistolPatch wrote:Nice work HBK :thumbs:.

The frame looks like a small Tardis - cool :party:. Make sure you give it plenty of bracing.

Look forward to more pics :peace:
PP

(And I promise to take a closer look at my Dremel next time I dig it out. I have a van full of tools and the Dremel is right at the end of a very long drawer so it might be a while :lol:.)
You've got a dremel PP... thats $100 bucks I just saved. I'll give you a call next time I need some building done. Saves me trying to justify to the missus why I need a dremel (although i really would like one)
Last edited by Aces high on 01 May 2013, 21:59, edited 2 times in total.
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