Stevorino

Recipes 

I'm aiming to purchase the final parts of my AG system today online--all I need now are the fittings for my keggle. I've been thinking about just getting weldless fittings for a while now...but the owner of my LHBS suggested that I get the top of my keggle chopped off by a welder w/ plasma cutters-- which made me wonder how much it'd cost to get fittings welded on too.

Anyone know how much welding services would be? Are welded fittings advantageous over weldless fittings?

Thanks again everyone!

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-Stevorino-_________________________________________
In Keezer:
1. BCS - Wet Hopped West Coast Blaster
2. CYBI - Gordon's IPA Clone
3. BCS - Scottish -80
4. BCS - Specialty Saison (Gold Medal at BMO)
In Process:
1. BCS - Janet's Brown Ale (Fermenting)

Boerderij_Kabouter

Recipes 

I am very happy with my stainless weldless fittings. Obviously, the welded fittings would be more permanent and more robust, but... I like how I don't have to worry about rusting pitting, leaks, getting a crappy looking weld,.... the list of my worries goes on. Plus I like how once a year I can undo my assembly, thoroughly clean and sanitize everything and reassemble with new seals etc.

I don't think the cost is really to big a factor, I think I have seen welding been quoted here at around ~$20 a fitting. But that could be wrong.

I am sure that others are big supporters of welded fittings and I am sure they would be correct as well. As with almost all homebrew decisions it comes down to your preferences and what you think will look best. Both fitting styles will make awesome beer.

Cheers to ambiguous non-conclusive answers!

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McKBrew

Recipes 

The only thing that can be a PITA with weldless fittings is getting them not to leak, but patience and Teflon tape will help out with that.

joejaz

Recipes 

I used the weldless fittings. Drilled hole and installed in less then 5 minutes. As for cutting the top, check out Bobby M's video. I cut two, one with roto zip grinder attachment and one with dremel cutting discs. Just take your time and you'll save enough to buy the weldless thermometer for $40.

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Joe

"Life is too short to drink cheap beer."

Stout Man

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I actually bought 2 weldess fittings at first. Just enough to have one attachment on the HLT and MT. Each one was $14 online as that was the only place I could find the couplings and o-rings, etc. I was lucky enough to meet up with a friend who has been a welder for some time, welds for one of his jobs, and has a mig welder at his house. I was also able to find more ss couplings for $1.89 a piece at an agriculture store. Now I can have a lot more attachments on the keg for a lot cheaper. After borrowing an argon tank, getting the 8 couplings together, and dragging everything to my friends house he welded everything. It is much more solid and my nerves are at ease about the whole setup being much more solid, leak proof, and not having to worry about any washers or o-rings. I only had to fork out $19 for 2lbs of stainless wire for the welding.

The whole preparation of cutting the holes took forever for me, even with the vast array of drills and conduit punches available.

Now I have room for sight glasses, thermometers, and ball valves on all my kegs.

Bernie Brewer

Recipes 

+1 on the weldless fittings here. No problems at all. The problems, I've heard is when you remove them for some dumbass reason and then you need to get a new high-temp washer to reinstall it.

And get yourself an angle grinder to cut the top off. Probably wouldn't cost any more than paying some dude to cut the top off, and you'll have a new toy to play with.

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WorryWort

Recipes 

I realize this is a WAY old thread....but +1 on the angle grinder. I rented one from home depot for $17/day and bought a few metal cutting discs (one per keg.) for $4 each. I cut and sanded it with that, and its perfect, and cheap. I suck with DIY projects in general and this was easy. My first cut wasnt' a perfect circle, but it doesn't look terrible.

If you have time, money and patience then getting some pro to use a plasma cutter is surely a great option...

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In Process - Russian Imperial Stout, Nelson Sauvin Rye IPA, Mild No.3

In Kegs - Barley Wine, Apfelwein, Wild BlackBerry Wheat, Coffee Oatmeal Porter

Gone - so many :(

ScubaSteve

Recipes 

An angle grinder is an awesome tool. It cuts like butta.

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UNIBREW 5500 SINGLE VESSEL BREWERY
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TwoHeadsBrewing

Recipes 

I prefer weldless, but just because I wanted to do the whole keggle thing myself. It's probably the same amount of money to get either (welded + fitting) or just weldless fitting. I've not had a problem with any of my weldless fittings leaking on me...not even when bumped or when cranking on the valve. It would be nice to have the comfort knowing the fittings would NEVER leak, but even if they do it would just be a drip here and there.

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Fermenting: ESB
Kegged: Extra IPA, Brown Ale, American Wheat, Blackheart Stout
Coming Up: Dunkleweizen, 3C Pale Ale


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Duckfoot

Recipes 

Let me see if my friend's plasma cutter is working and I will let you know... Used his old one for mine...

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On deck : DFB Triple Black Death By Chocolate Stout
Primary: Notta...
Secondary: 21 Year Mead...
Kegged : DFB Belgian Pale, DFB Brown, DFB Belgian Dark Strong, DFB Cider...
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