Lil' Sparky is tha Man!

ScubaSteve · 10-06-2007, 10:27 AM

I know he didn't invent this, but as far as this forum goes (the ONLY forum, as far as I'm concerned)......he's the Thomas Edison of Hop Strainers.

I used it to strain during the vorlauf ( I highly reccomend it.....separates husks). You can see how clear the wort was against my lilly white hand....and also how clear it was in the hydrometer cylinder....

http://s165.photobucket.com/albums/u76/hawkie333/HOMEBREWING/LIL%20SPARKY%20HOP%20HANGER/

ScubaSteve · 10-06-2007, 10:32 AM

This method is awesome, IMHO, because you can manipulate it easily, and you can even filter your vorlauf thru it....If you use an IC (like I do) you can pull it out and replace it right in the middle of the coil......adding hops/spices whenever you want. I like to use the whirlpool method post boil, and my wort came out clearer than applejuice!

the_Roqk · 10-06-2007, 12:37 PM

How's about a parts list and cost sheet. Nice rig!

Cheesefood · 10-06-2007, 01:32 PM

I built one of those.

1. 3" collar
1 pack of paint strainers (5 gallon)
2 metal dowels
1 big hose clamp

Probably $10 all day

**Bobby_M** · 10-06-2007, 01:54 PM

I've also seen people use 1/2" CPVC run through holes in the middle coupling for the supports instead of metal rod. Could cut the cost down and no worries about rust (sure wouldn't want to spring for all stainless hardware.)

PseudoChef · 10-06-2007, 03:24 PM

Can someone explain exactly what this is?

adx · 10-06-2007, 09:56 PM

It's a hop bag. But unlike a hop bag you don't have to fish it out of the pot and open it up to add aroma or flavor hops or any other adjuncts. Also it's big enough to let hops get good movement in the boil.

It looks like ScubaSteve also used it to capture the floaties when he vorlaufed.

**Lil' Sparky** · 10-07-2007, 01:21 AM

No, I can't take credit at all. I got the idea from someone else on here, but it has worked so well for me that I show it when someone asks about straining hops. I haven't used during the vorlauf. I need to give that a try.

BrianP · 10-07-2007, 02:08 AM

Along the same lines, but slightly different, I believe BierMuncher recommended using a paint strainer in combination with an immersion chiller.

With this method, you can let the hops float freely during the boil, but when you place the chiller in the wort, with the strainer on the outside, you can siphon the beautifully strained hops from the inside of the coil. No muss, no fuss.

I haven't tried it yet, but probably will tomorrow. My only question is whether or not you need to boil the strainer with the chiller during the last 15-20 minutes of the boil, of if it can be placed on the chiller just before cooling the wort. I'm guessing boil it with the chiller...

ScubaSteve · 10-07-2007, 03:35 AM

Yeah, I saw how BM did it....that's also a great method. I just take the whole bag out after everything is cooled using my IC, and use the whirpool method. I'm trying to use the ball valve in my keggle if at all possible, but I keep an autosiphon sanitized and on standby in case the valve clogs.

Roqk- Here's a rough list:

1 Black 4" PVC "coupler" with external threading on bottom (keeps bag in place) -$5
1 hose clamp that will fit around coupler- $1
1 5 gal paint strainer bag (2pack) $3
4 1/2"x 8" carriage bolts ~$6 (Try 6", you'll get a tighter fit)
8 1/2" fender washers $2
8 1/2" hex nuts $1

These are estimates. Total is ~18...In hindsight, I would buy 6" carriage bolts for a tighter fit along the rim of the keg, to keep it in place. You could probably buy 3/8" hardware as well. This will also save some $$$.