Recent content by IndyRob

Also, I had a hell of a time with my PID at first. Eventually, I bought a Type J connector/receptacle set and used a bit of Type J thermocouple wire to run from the receptacle on my control box to the input of my PID. After that, it did what it was supposed to. I had good readings one moment...

Looks good! I like how you improved on the method to mount the element. I have been working with aluminum pots and have found that they flex enough to enable a good seal by just using washers and a bit of teflon tape when things are snugged tight enough. Does the SS pot flex any?

Here are a couple of shots of the milling I was referring to: Before After. With about one turn of thread in there for the element to bite onto. It's not optimum but it works. This is another shot of the innards. It's a very tight fit and I would definitely make my control box...

It was very of-the-cuff. The controller came from a scrounge session at my fathers house. He used to own a rubber product manufacturing biz and they were used on the presses. The thermocouple connector and wire were purchased from Grainger. The switches and lamps were purchased off of...

I am sooo sorry for the long delay in replying. First, I drilled a hole large enough in the junction box using the existing 3/4" hole and tapped it for the element thread. Next, I milled down the buildup of material around the original hole (on the inside of the junction box) so my element...

Thanks!

Here are a few pics of my electric brewing setup. The HLT/BK: It is an aluminum turkey fryer fitted with a 3800 Watt, 240VAC heating element. I use it to both heat the mash water and boil wort. It takes about twenty minutes to raise 6.5 gallons of 72-degree water to 164-degrees and about...

Gonna go for round two of this beer for it's second anniversary appearance in my house. This time I have an all-electric kettle with a thermocouple so no more missed temps from crappy meat thermometers, a controlled fermentation environment so no more fermentation's at 80 degrees and higher and...

I use an aluminum pot and have had no problems.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=nibbler+tool&hl=en&prmd=ivns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1280&bih=642&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=1947631286468551883&sa=X&ei=-BY-Tq7tD6qQsQKptJQG&ved=0CHEQ8wIwAQ

Making square cut-outs in panels is very easy with a nibbling tool. You can even make rounds. Google "nibbling tool".

Congrats on the conversion! You are in the drivers seat from now on when it comes to making your brew. Good stuff!

I apologize if I offended your sensitivities. I've seen oxygenation and aeration used interchangeably quite often even if incorrect and I now realize I was as well. I'll take your advice and look elsewhere for information.

I'm curious - What are your results using an aeration device vs regular splashing/shaking the wort or even nothing at all? Do you find that your wort takes off faster this way or ferments more quickly? I've been going off of some really old-school data with my beers and I remember a guy back...

Hello from Indiana! Sounds like you are diving right in! I'm building an immersion chiller this coming week myself. Good luck with your project and happy brewing!