What is the cost of a DIY Mash Tun?

StarCityBrewMaster · 03-09-2010, 11:40 AM

Not including the cost of the cooler.

I'd like to know what fittings I need for the valve, if I can pick them up at any hardware store and what size pvc pipe is typically used? Also what type/size lines are used to go from the mash tun to the kettle?

Anything else that may help me get started.

Thanks!

**rcrabb22** · 03-09-2010, 11:47 AM

check out bargainfittings.com for cooler bulkheads and ball valve kits.

**Edcculus** · 03-09-2010, 11:59 AM

I tried to source everything locally, and quickly found out that Bargain Fittings is much cheaper. For $20, you can have a bulkhead with brass ball valve and hose barb. For another $14, you can buy the stainless mesh braid too. I did a CPVC manifold. A 12' lenght of CPVC is around $3-4 if I remember. Plus all of the fittings and connectors. My manifold probably cost $8.

whoneedsabeer · 03-09-2010, 12:04 PM

Check out http://www.weldlessfittings.com/ too.

You can get most of what you need (probably not stainless, though) at various local hardware stores, but you have to spend time wandering around the store to different departments to make sure everything fits. Buy online and save yourself some hassle. Both weldless and bargain take all the guess work out, and their prices and service are great.

Check out the stainless braided hose for a strainer. I know that weldlessfittings sells them. That's will eliminate your need to fashion a PVC strainer.

You really don't need any hoses for your MLT, as long as you can lift it higher than your BK, and let gravity do the work for you. You will need a hose barb fitting on the ball valve however, even if you're not going to use a hose. The ball valve when opened only part way sprays all over the place. The hose barb eliminates that spraying, and makes the wort drain in a controlled manner.

Good Luck!
Jay

StarCityBrewMaster · 03-09-2010, 12:09 PM

Do the bulkhead and ball valve fittings go in cooler smoothly and snug without any caulk or gasket?

**Bobby_M** · 03-09-2010, 01:08 PM

I don't particularly like weldless cooler bulkheads that pull the two walls together to get the seal. Over time the inner wall gets dimpled. I much prefer creating the seal only on the inner wall.

**gunner65** · 03-09-2010, 01:22 PM

I found this and probably going to give it a whirl:

http://www.donosborn.com/homebrew/mashtun.htm

Great all grain "how to" on that site as well.

**IrregularPulse** · 03-09-2010, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunner65

I found this and probably going to give it a whirl:

http://www.donosborn.com/homebrew/mashtun.htm

Great all grain "how to" on that site as well.

thats about the easiest method if you're happy with. ( No reason not to be )

**Deuce** · 03-09-2010, 01:36 PM

The cost for all the valves, nipples

, and pieces ran me around $27. Then the cooler was another $40.

**smokinghole** · 03-09-2010, 01:55 PM

I got a stainless bulkhead from bargainfittings, and then bought a lenth of CPVC for like $3 or so. Then all the joints were about about $8-10 not sure. You can go copper but it will be considerably more $$ however copper does have a heavy metal antibacterial property much like silver. Which if you go the copper route use silver solder.