malkore

Recipes 

So I got the "Weld less fitting to convert a keg, kettle, or pot." from great bargains, and it has a 1/2" Stainless nipple.
http://www.greatbargain.net/order/shop1.html -- second one on the page.

What size step bit do I need? I measured with a ruler and it looks like I'd need 3/4" hole to fit this nipple through...1/2" must be the inner diameter??

I'd like to drill my brewpot today or tomorrow so I can finally start going All grain.

(yes, I'm mechanically retarded)

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Malkore
Primary: English Mild
On tap: Pale Ale, Lancelot's Wheat, English Brown Ale, Steam Beer, HoovNuts IPA
Bottled: MOAM, Braggot, Raspberry Melomel, Merlot, Apfelwein, Pyment, Sweet mead, Cabernet
Gal in 2009: 27, Gal in 2010: 34, Gal in 2011: 13, Gal in 2012: 10

Cheesefood

Recipes 

You want a 7/8ths inch hole.

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Past Winners: Caramel Cream Ale #1, Hoegaarden Clone, Boom-Boom Vanilla Ale, Lazy Monk Abbey Style, Amarillo Cream Ale. (AG),

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malkore

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cool, I appreciate the help!

__________________
Malkore
Primary: English Mild
On tap: Pale Ale, Lancelot's Wheat, English Brown Ale, Steam Beer, HoovNuts IPA
Bottled: MOAM, Braggot, Raspberry Melomel, Merlot, Apfelwein, Pyment, Sweet mead, Cabernet
Gal in 2009: 27, Gal in 2010: 34, Gal in 2011: 13, Gal in 2012: 10

Cheesefood

Recipes 

Don't necessarily discount a bi-metal hole saw. The step bit is nice, but expensive. If you don't think you'll use it a lot, just get a hole-saw and arbor. I've drilled a SS kettle and keg with no problems.

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bradsul

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Just make sure it IS a bi-metal holesaw. If you get one of the cheap ones you will chew through the saw, not the pot.

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Brad
Canadian Brewers Unite!

Projects: Sylvania Kegerator Conversion, Tower Cooling, Grain Milling Station

malkore

Recipes 

ouch....they wanted almost $40 for a step bit that I'll only use once, or twice. I went with a 7/8" bi-metal hole saw instead for half the cost, as another thread said that'd work fine too.

__________________
Malkore
Primary: English Mild
On tap: Pale Ale, Lancelot's Wheat, English Brown Ale, Steam Beer, HoovNuts IPA
Bottled: MOAM, Braggot, Raspberry Melomel, Merlot, Apfelwein, Pyment, Sweet mead, Cabernet
Gal in 2009: 27, Gal in 2010: 34, Gal in 2011: 13, Gal in 2012: 10

mr x

Recipes 

Check what's available. Ideally, you want to drill the smallest possible hole that will clear that nipple with your gear. I'd test drill into wood or plastic to be sure the hole you are going to drill is what you want.

malkore

Recipes 

thanks mr x, i'll do that, although luckily this brewpot was free, and not that high a quality, so if I messed it up I at least won't be out a wad of cash

__________________
Malkore
Primary: English Mild
On tap: Pale Ale, Lancelot's Wheat, English Brown Ale, Steam Beer, HoovNuts IPA
Bottled: MOAM, Braggot, Raspberry Melomel, Merlot, Apfelwein, Pyment, Sweet mead, Cabernet
Gal in 2009: 27, Gal in 2010: 34, Gal in 2011: 13, Gal in 2012: 10

Bobby_M

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Recipes 

I've found that a bimetal hole saw actually makes a hole about 1/8th inch larger than than the listed size. At least, that's when happened to me.

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malkore

Recipes 

You're right bobby...the 7/8" hole seems too large, and I'm leaking. I guess 3/4" and maybe a little Dremel would've been better.

Gotta see if I can make this work. The pot is too thinly walled...its trying to flex as I open and close the ball valve. At this point I just want it sealing so I can at least make this a HLT.

whew...I think I have the leak problem fixed. testing now...

__________________
Malkore
Primary: English Mild
On tap: Pale Ale, Lancelot's Wheat, English Brown Ale, Steam Beer, HoovNuts IPA
Bottled: MOAM, Braggot, Raspberry Melomel, Merlot, Apfelwein, Pyment, Sweet mead, Cabernet
Gal in 2009: 27, Gal in 2010: 34, Gal in 2011: 13, Gal in 2012: 10