Just built my mash tun (pics)

I know you've seen this plenty of times, but some new pictures are always fun to look at. I followed this guide (because it was the easiest and cheapest): http://www.donosborn.com/homebrew/mashtun.htm

It was hell trying to get that 3/8" siphon in that hole. It's a 48 quart Rubbermaid cooler.


What it looks like on the other side. It was folded at first but after forcing the tube to make love with the cooler's drain hole for a while, it formed into shape.


Attached the SS braid to the tube w/ the end bent over on itself 3 times to form a seal. Attached 2 clamps on each end.


Closeup of the end sealed by folding over on itself w/ clamp for good measure.


Cut the tube and attached a 3/8" plastic valve to both ends of the siphon tubing (also 3/8") with two clamps on each end.


Finished product.


Tested it and it runs fine. Has an extra quart or so of water that doesn't get sucked up on the bottom. Hopefully the grain will take the place of that to-be wort and it won't be a big issue.

Total cost:
9 dollars for the SS braid,
2-3 dollars for the siphon,
1.50ish for the 3/8" valve,
1 dollar for the clamps.
I got the cooler for free, but I imagine it would cost about 25-35 dollars.

Cheapest mash tun ever. Anyone got any experience/tips with this build?

Looks like it'll work! Pretty close to mine, but I just used some PVC for a manifold (I know, spent the big bucks!). Sometimes you just have to love simplicity...

It will work well, I have done this for a while now with success. I don't even bother with a valve, just simply clip the tubing outlet end to the top of the tun and lower it to run off the wort. With the dead space you have I would do a double sparge, no mash out. Basicly run off the initial strike water after rest, and then conduct two sparges of equal volume.

wilserbrewer said:

It will work well, I have done this for a while now with success. I don't even bother with a valve, just simply clip the tubing outlet end to the top of the tun and lower it to run off the wort. With the dead space you have I would do a double sparge, no mash out. Basicly run off the initial strike water after rest, and then conduct two sparges of equal volume.

Click to expand...

So, do the initial sparge, wait for it to rest, drain it and then figure out/calculate how much wort I'll need to make X gallons, divide it by two and do two sparges with, say 10 minutes rest each? Or am I getting lost lol

Every MLY has a dead space. You just have to know yours and sparge that much more to achieve you boil volume. Nice and simple. Good job.

:rockin: Thanks I like the KISS approach...........I think I need to do some more reading on this AG stuff....

In the mean time I'll brew up a frew more extract kits so my pipeline is good to go....I mean looks like I'm going to drink around 6 extra beers each brew day with AG method