Sinnick

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anyone see any issues with using a spiral copper manifold with slits?
-Nick

brandonbart

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Hi Everyone...Just joined the forum today. Great site! Im attempting to assemble one of these. Manifold was a piece of cake, but having issues for some reason. Did anyone else have difficulty getting it put together snugly against the bulkhead? Using the same setup from the very beginning of the thread.

dunnright00

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I'm looking to make one of these, WalFart has the coolers for like $30.

__________________
Caspean Ales and Cider

"I'm sittin' here, completely surrounded by No Beer!" - Onslow

dunnright00

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2 questions:

Anyone ever use these with small batches (2-3 gal)? Would I expect a lot of temp drop?

and, What's the consensus on the the hacksaw vs small drill on the pvc manifold?
Which do you prefer?

__________________
Caspean Ales and Cider

"I'm sittin' here, completely surrounded by No Beer!" - Onslow

aledawg

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I have a pretty consistent temp drop of 1-3 degrees, whether I do a small or big batch.

I used the hacksaw and have no complaints on the results - never a stuck mash!

OhioClone

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I used a Dremel cutting disk to make the slots, but same idea, and agree never close to a stuck mash.

As for temp, I have not done that small of a batch in mine, but if I use less than 30# of grain I will usually put a loose layer of aluminum foil over the grain bed, and this has helped retain the temp well. If it is particularily cold out, I will also pre-heat the cooler before mashing in.

Misplaced_Canuck

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I've never noticed a temp drop, but then again I'm in S.C., not in Vermont in the middle of the winter

I tried both the holes and the slots. I drilled a number of holes, and I could NOT draw down lower than the exit hole. With the slots, I could.

I have to mention that I was using only gravity, and no hose attached to the ball valve. Having a hose attached would create a liquid column and would probably help it drain out, but I didn't take the chance.

MC

__________________

"Rogue is the IBM of beers"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unknown Carbonic bite? Is that like the bubonic plague?

Accidic

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I've done three ~3g batches in mine. It drops faster but a 60m is no prob. For whatever it's worth I only do the one sparge after the initial tho. I got tannins with more than one the first time I did it.

gregboyd3rd

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I've done extract recipes for the last 5 years. After doing my research on all-grain I am ready to jump in but didn't have a mash tun. I had a 60 qt cube cooler laying around but wasn't sure if it would work until I found this thread. WOW am I amazed on how well it holds the heat, it doesn't leak at all, and almost all of the water siphoned out for my initial test (cpvc 1/2" manifold with 3/32 drilled holes). Thanks!!!

I would also like to pre-thank all the recommendations on how to get the correct temperature before mixing in the grains since this has plagued a few people in this thread. I am very excited to get my feet wet and try my first all-grain brew.

Any recommendations on a good yet easy recipe to start with??? FYI - I usually do 5 gallon batches but now have a 15 gallon keg to boil in and can't wait to do 10 gallon batches.

tnsen

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Greetings hop heads...great site...I also want to jump inn on AG ...2 stupid questions...1 why are the holes drilled on the bottom of the manifold? and not all around?....2 why not drill a bunch of holes right on the elbow right where tubing exits the cooler, that way, right at the end of the drain you can tip the cooler tward the drain and get all the precious wort?..also 3rd stupid question , what do you all mean by 80 70 % "efficiency"..is this the percentage of water that comes out as to the amount put inn??....and yes I am ROOKIE......thankx.....Tom