2 Gal PM Mash Tun Build - Cheap
 

So, I am new to the forum and have been brewing for about 8 months and felt it was time to contribute. I read a very extensive thread from '06 that was focused on the PM brewer and options for a space efficient/inexpensive mash tun. With inspiration and grain in hand I set off to Lowes/Home Depot for parts. Here is the quick run down:

Goal:
Build a 2-3gal mash tun for partial mash that had fixed brass or copper fittings through the cooler. Ideally for less than $35.00 total. (There are a few links within past threads that show a drilled rubber stopper and copper stem being used as a bulkhead, but I didnt want to worry about knocking it loose)


Lowes
Cooler - Rubbermaid 2 Gal. (Cylindrical) Lowes - $9.74
SS Mesh hose for sink - $3.74

Home Depot
Brass Body Globe Valve - ~$7.00
1/2" Male to 1/2" Barb - ~$2.00
1/2" Close - ~$2.00
1/2" PEX converter ~$1.80

LHBS
1/2" Sillicon O-Ring - 2@0.49
* The o-rings are perfect, but the first thought while in Home Depot was to use a toilet tank gasket and cut out the middle to slip over the 1/2" close fitting. I didnt end up doing this, so check out the material before you make some wort.


The bulkhead could probably use a washer or two to stop the rotation of the valve and a better seal against the o-ring, but it does seal as it is. I have it setting on my counter to give it a time test. I was a little reluctant to use Zinc coated washers, any thoughts?


Overall, ~$27.00 + Tax and you are good to go.

Cheers
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/images/smilies/occasion14.gif




http://picasaweb.google.com/david.nichols/MashTunBuild#5476325109669986210

http://picasaweb.google.com/david.nichols/MashTunBuild#5476325080845954626

http://picasaweb.google.com/david.nichols/MashTunBuild#5476325087385968978

http://picasaweb.google.com/david.nichols/MashTunBuild#5476325095922184530

http://picasaweb.google.com/david.nichols/MashTunBuild#5476325104273500242

http://picasaweb.google.com/david.nichols/MashTunBuild#5476326344278614978

http://picasaweb.google.com/david.nichols/MashTunBuild#5476326348238220578

You should have just went all grain already

No Space
 

I live in a house with no garage yet. ;)

Hey Half Dime, how big are your batches? I live in a trailer and brew AG 2.5 gal batches. Have done this for years. I can understand space is an issue, but there are ways.

Also, keep an eye on that MLT when you put heated water in it. Sometimes those "cheaper" coolers can warp or separate. I found a 3 gal Igloo at my local grocery store a couple years ago for $10.

I am doing 5gal batches, but honestly at 5 batches done and number 6 in the secondary, I am comfortable with PM. There is plenty to explore for now. I know it is not a big just to go AG, but Rome was not built in a day. My future vision has a dedicated space in my future garage for a 10gal batch AG system. Currently, I have all my stuff crammed into a cabinet in my living room. :)

Zinc on the outside (not touching food) = fine
Zinc on the inside = bad

Apparently there is some leaching possible when the wort touches zinc.

+1 Brass or SS is the good stuff. Look at Lowes or HD for SS fender washers.

Lucky for me I live alone. :rockin: I brew the smaller batches so I don't have to worry about storage of product and I like brewing often to have a variety on hand. But I can shift to 5 gal in a blink of an eye. I'm just having too much fun right now. I've got three 3 gal carboys now and am picking up four 2 1/2 gal 'boys Tuesday to give me some depth in my rotation.

Good luck.