Niiiice.
Do you have a SS coil to connect to those compression fittings?
:rockin:
Looks fantastic!
Did you "pull" the couplings through or just make a nice tight fit up?
Ed
Ed,
I just used a step bit to get the hole close, and used a flapper wheel on an end grinder to get the fit snug enough that the coupling would stay put with out tacking. You can use a file, but power tools speed up the process.
On the half couplings I play it safe and thread a nipple with teflon tape in the coupling to make sure the coupling stays round until the welding is complete. Remember what I said about welding on small short pieces?
The teflon tape insures that the threads don't gall from the heat. Stainless steel threads are notorious for galling.
I've mentioned this in another thread. A center drill works better than a drill bit or step bit for starting a hole in stainless. I learned this from my machinist boss.
Yes, it's a 5500w element.
I'm beginning my HERMS build, based off the website http://theelectricbrewery.com/
This is a comprehansive website for anyone interested in building a HERMS.
Of course you don't have to go all out like they did.
I'm putting my own twist on in, mainly because the only way I could get away with spending that kinda cash is if I was single.
2 20gal Blichmann kettles = $800
2 15gal Sanke kegs from Craigslist = $30
Yeah, I'm a cheap-a**
sco999,
Yes, I made the weld from the outside, fusing the coupling to the kettle with a root pass. Then made a final pass adding filler.
I've been welding for quite a while, so I can make this weld even under less than ideal conditions.
Yes, it's a 5500w element.
I'm beginning my HERMS build, based off the website http://theelectricbrewery.com/
This is a comprehansive website for anyone interested in building a HERMS.
Of course you don't have to go all out like they did.
I'm putting my own twist on in, mainly because the only way I could get away with spending that kinda cash is if I was single.
2 20gal Blichmann kettles = $800
2 15gal Sanke kegs from Craigslist = $30
Yeah, I'm a cheap-a**
Yes Ed, I have already coiled it.
It is approximately 10 inches in diameter.
I received in a large coil about 16 inches in diameter.
Started wrapping around a large acetylene cylinder about 12" in diameter and then moved to an Argon cylinder that is 9" in diameter.
You are advised to not and try to take it down to in size too drastically all at once.
Gradually step it down in size.
I worked it by hand, although it was tough, and I had to take a break every now and then, it worked well. Wouldn't you say?
Ed,
Can you still use the coil? How severely did you kink it?
Did you have help, having someone hold the tube tight to the corny while you worked it around?
They paddle is cool. No stratification in there! I used an Shmanheiser Shmbusch keg for my mash tun and it took a polish better than my other two brand kegs. I don't know if it's a better grade of stainless but it polished way nicer and faster.
Updates on my HLT.
Taking forever to get my brewstand done!
I know some of you are wondering what the motorized paddle is for.
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