ScubaSteve, If you want to increase rigidity you could always run 2 more pieces of angle iron lengthwise the width of your keggles and cradle them so they don't go anywhere. I'm sure it'd be a bit more expensive but just another idea. Not sure if you have thought of it or not yet. I'm sure it'd work great without as well.
You mean like a crossmember? I have some scrap left over from the iron I cut. I though about doing that....but If I drill into the steel to secure these crossmembers I might weaken it. I think I might get my burners, etc. in and see how it rolls. If anything comes up I'll just adapt and overcome.
So it's the 15th (payday) and that means I got a new lease on homebrew! SWMBO is always more tolerant of beer-related purchases around this time! Anyway, just got 2 banjo burners for the build at $25 each! Look here, if you're interested: http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-BG14-Banjo-Burner/dp/B0009JXYTG/ref=sr_1_3/104-0162148-2777526?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1187238251&sr=8-3A good deal, I think! Then, after a lot of thinking, I got a 20 PSI regulator. I figured that I'd never turn those beasts up full blast....and besides, I've got a wood stand. I don't need a 30 PSI regulator like the KAB4 had. It's all about good beer in the end, no how freaky powerful the burners are! I'm SURE I'll get more than enough juice at 20 PSI. My mash tun in this build will be fired by an Eastman Outdoors "revolution" burner. Check it out here:http://www.eastmanoutdoors.com/hardware.shtml It's easily controlled at low temps, just like I want for the MLT. Supposed to be 65K BTU and this thing is pretty scary when I turn it all the way up. The banjo is supposed to be 185k BTU using a 20 PSI regulator....that's like 3 times the power! My wife actually had a subscription to Amazon prime (free 2day shipping), so I should get it all on Monday. I gotta work all weekend, so I don't mind.
Yeah, I had though about coffee cans....But Bobby makes a good point with rust/paint issues. I was thinking maybe I could use Hi-Temp rustoleum.....but that still may be too hot. I've seem aluminum flashing/round ducting that might work well too.
You can use the High-Temp BBQ paint, it's flat black so it's not real pretty, but I don't think you'll have a problem with it coming off. I sprayed it on the bottom of my MLT, HLT and BK and haven't had any problems at all. It's nice having them black because they're absorbing heat instead of reflecting now.
Thanks for the link on the burners too, when I move (this weekend) my natural gas burners will no longer be used and I'll need to make the switch to propane...and these puppies were just what I was looking for!
You can use the High-Temp BBQ paint, it's flat black so it's not real pretty, but I don't think you'll have a problem with it coming off. I sprayed it on the bottom of my MLT, HLT and BK and haven't had any problems at all. It's nice having them black because they're absorbing heat instead of reflecting now.
Thanks for the link on the burners too, when I move (this weekend) my natural gas burners will no longer be used and I'll need to make the switch to propane...and these puppies were just what I was looking for!
Yeah, the banjo burner seems to be the way to go. There are cheaper burners out there that would probably do a great job....but none that look so awesome. I know I would forever live in envy of those who have them in their setups. They may be overkill, but at least I will be able to turn them down when I need control, and should I need to put the smack down....I can
Craig- You said you put the black paint on the bottom of your vessels...what do you use? Kegs or kettles? I guess if I were to use it on my kegs, I'd just put it on the underside out of view.
Yep, thats exactly what I did. I put 3 coats on the underside of the kegs. Unfortunately I've only been able to brew once after that so I'm not sure if my heating time was reduced or not...but I like to think that it was
Allright...I've got an update. I've gotten my 2 banjo burners (fricking humongous) and 20 PSI regulator. I am currently running my propane lines. What a PITA, I've made a lot of trips to home depot. I've stared at the plumbing fittings wall for probably 5 hours total trying to get my fittings right (Explosions are bad, mkay?). Each time I think I have it all together there's just one little part I need. Thank God for the returns policy! I've had to swap parts out at least 3 times! Pics to follow...SWMBO goes out of town next week which means I can work uninterrupted. I hope to sand and stain soon, then I'll test fire the banjos. I can't wait to hear them roar!
AAAAH! Crap!!!! I got overzealous and tightened some fittings waaay too much when I was putting my propane manifold together. As a result, the threads were slightly stripped and when I did my soapy water test, there were mad bubbles coming out. Guess that means another trip to HD. That's okay.....I'll get my flame in the morning....and you, my friends will be the first to see it. SWMBO will be out of town.
Wow, you've been busy, ScubaSteve! Lookin' good. Not having any welding skills or means myself, it's great to see that a good rig can be made of wood and angle iron.
You have NO idea how busy I've been! I've been trouble shooting my propane lines...I was using teflon paste, and it really sucks! I had to start from scratch and tape everything with gas tape. Much better now, but there still some unions I had right next to the burner that are leaking slightly. I incorporated these because I wanted the ability to break the lines down if necessary...but it makes me nervous that there is a leak about 6" from the burner. I will have to probably replace with a solid coupler. At any rate....THOSE BURNERS ARE TERRIFYING! I turned them up a bit, and you can just hear the propane blowing through them. I just sanded and stained the frame with 1-Step polyurethane stain; Antique Walnut. Looks good. I'll probably post some more pics tomorrow night.
My wife actually had a subscription to Amazon prime (free 2day shipping), so I should get it all on Monday. I gotta work all weekend, so I don't mind. 
I had to start from scratch and tape everything with gas tape. Much better now, but there still some unions I had right next to the burner that are leaking slightly. I incorporated these because I wanted the ability to break the lines down if necessary...but it makes me nervous that there is a leak about 6" from the burner. 
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