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mrbugawkagawk · 04-21-2009, 07:49 PM

hey guys, just wondering if anyone out there has built there own counterflow wort chiller. what is the easiest cheap way of doing so. thanks tom

IowaHarry · 04-21-2009, 07:58 PM

Check the "Stickys", someone on here had a dandy setup using copper tubing and a garden hose.

double_e5 · 04-21-2009, 07:59 PM

Look in the DIY forum. There is a project locator sticky. I believe there are a couple ways in there.

Catt22 · 04-21-2009, 08:24 PM

you could build one of these cheaply:

This thing works unbelievably well. I wish someone else would build themselves one. It would be good to get a second opinion from an independent source.

**CollinsBrew** · 04-21-2009, 09:41 PM

How does this one work? Which way does the water flow through?

samc · 04-21-2009, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catt22

you could build one of these cheaply:

This thing works unbelievably well. I wish someone else would build themselves one. It would be good to get a second opinion from an independent source.

1. What did you use for those center pieces that hold the pipes in place?
2. How about a complete parts list with sizes.
3. I promise to build one if you do 1 & 2 above, I can't seem to get enough projects going. LOL

**Bobby_M** · 04-21-2009, 11:22 PM

That design would work better if the wort in/out weren't on the same end of the coolant pipe because you've got the hottest wort entering just as the coolest wort is supposed exit.

Devil's advocate: it looks like about 8 piece of 1/2" rigid copper tubes, 36" long. That's 24' of tubing which would require 3x10' lengths at about $25 each for Type M. If you had a bunch sitting around, that's not a big deal but not everyone does. If I had to spend $75, I'd go with 50' of 1/2" flexible through copper tubing sales and run that in a 3/4" garden hose.

samc · 04-21-2009, 11:42 PM

I just bought a 5' length of type M from Lowes last week for $4.27, copper prices have dropped a lot this year! $34 & easy to take in car.

Hecho en Mexico.

**Bobby_M** · 04-22-2009, 12:18 AM

Damn, that is cheap. I may be convinced to run a hot water line out to the garage now.

Catt22 · 04-22-2009, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby_M

That design would work better if the wort in/out weren't on the same end of the coolant pipe because you've got the hottest wort entering just as the coolest wort is supposed exit.

Devil's advocate: it looks like about 8 piece of 1/2" rigid copper tubes, 36" long. That's 24' of tubing which would require 3x10' lengths at about $25 each for Type M. If you had a bunch sitting around, that's not a big deal but not everyone does. If I had to spend $75, I'd go with 50' of 1/2" flexible through copper tubing sales and run that in a 3/4" garden hose.

Actually, if it worked any better I don't think it would be a noticeable difference. The pipes are not touching and there's so much water blasting through the PVC that any advantage would be negligible and having the pipe exit at the opposite end without the final return run inside the PVC chamber would reduce performance in my thinking. In any case, it's not a significant issue for me.

I don't know where you've been shopping, but I bought three 10 ft. lengths of 1/2" rigid copper for $5.47 each. I think it's type "L" IIRC. The copper prices have dropped significantly recently.

Fifty feet of 3/4" garden hose and tubing? Are you kidding me? Do you realize how bulky that thing would be, not to mention heavy? I could easily build a 50 ft. version of this. It would either be six feet long or their would be two three footers working in tandem. The performance of this shorter 20 ft version is way more than just adequate. It rocks!