Cheap & Easy 10 Gallon Rubbermaid MLT Conversion - Page 61

Eskimo Spy · 01-14-2009, 03:33 AM

I just finished building my MLT, thanks FlyGuy! It took three different hardware stores to find it all, but it's all done, and tighter than a gnat's ass. I ended up using hose clamps from work, the building guys use SS clamps and screws in solution, so I know the screws won't get all crappy.

Oh, and another way to get a clean cut on your braid: I cut the ends, then put in a small piece of copper tubing in the ends of the braid and used a handheld pipe cutter to cut a clean line.

Here's a question, though; how do you guys clean this after a mash? Do you actually disassemble the whole thing? Do you just remove the braid, then run hot water through it?

Pics of my beautiful new MLT:

The Pol · 01-14-2009, 03:33 AM

It looks so.... erect....

Eskimo Spy · 01-14-2009, 04:26 AM

I had a good lol moment at your observation. Yes, it does!

Hugh_Jass · 01-14-2009, 02:54 PM

Has anyone converted on of these coolers to use as a MT? Opinions please.

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/gallery/data/1/cooler_image.JPG

Hugh_Jass · 01-14-2009, 02:55 PM

Sorry Here's a pic.

magnj · 01-16-2009, 10:27 PM

Walmart has 5 Gallon Igloo's for $22, and in three colors! I'm thinking of picking one up this weekend along with a turkey fryer...they are only $37.

**mattmcl** · 01-19-2009, 04:15 PM

I found a source for stainless steel hose clamps AND screws. I haven't ordered them yet, but the price is right.

Marine grade all stainless steel hose clamps - PlumbingSupply.com

mrburnsbud · 01-19-2009, 07:24 PM

The 7/8" water heater braid works great. Plenty of flow and no floating as some experience with the smaller diameter braids. At the end of the line used the brass cap with a piece of the original vinyl tubing for a snug fit.

The difficult portion, other than finding the washers, was connecting to the barb. I used a small piece of the original vinyl tubing from inside the heater braid and another piece of a smaller OD vinyl tubing to bridge the gap. Then pierced thru the whole thing with stainless steel wire to hold it in place. No clamps necessary. Brewed on Saturday and everything stayed in place, no leaks. The temp dropped no more than 2F with a 60 minute mash.

Of course if you don't have stainless steel wire your line may slip off with vigorous stirring.

Thanks flyguy!!

ps. Used a little clear silicon to seal the wort from leaking in between the cooler layers and foam.

alohanole · 01-21-2009, 09:40 PM

I just finished my second cooler conversion! The first was a 5-gallon, and the second was the 10-gallon that I snagged at HD. Like others have said, the 5-gallon is adequate for many AG batches, but with a grain bill over 9 lbs, you won't have room for a mash-out if you so desire. It looks like the 10-gallon will get most of the use, but it's nice to have both! Not a single drop of a leak so far with the 10-gallon. Initially, I had a few small drops leak out of the 5-gallon tun, but I just tweaked the tightness of the fittings and it stopped.

On a side note, this thread encouraged me to donate to the forum. Anyone on the fence about donating, just think how much money you have saved by threads such as this!

williec30 · 01-22-2009, 12:09 AM

just finished my conversion tonight as well... (who didn't get the mlt conversion memo?)

i found a 42 quart coleman at KMART for 20.99. the spout on this one was a bit bigger, so i used 1/2 inch parts instead of the 3/8. looks good so far... no leaks!

i know it's some where in this crazy long thread... i can use the pvc tubing that was inside the stainless braid correct? i took it out, cut holes in the pvc and then pushed it back on.

thanks again to all for the great ideas.