Man, that looks great. I think that's the first customer pic of the full weldless valve and stainless diptube I've seen. Mind if I snag the pics for my site? And maybe another one after you calibrate the sight glass?
Bobby,
You can use that pic, absolutely. If you give me a few more days (after Christmas), I will calibrate the tube and take some pics with my DSLR. That was with the wife's point and shoot.
I decided that I was not going to polish with the number 5 stick, as it is just gonna get scuffed up and beaten around while brewing, and until I get a CIP type setup (all electric, eventually), just didn't see the point. The keg was still relatively new, so I got lucky there, only a few small dents/dings.
Had a little trouble with the getting the sight tube fitting sealed, but I think it was because I did not get the inside of the keg super clean before tightening it up. All good easy fix.
Also, if the hole is drilled 3-3/4 inches from the bottom skirt of the keg, it gives you 1/16 of an inch between the dip tube and the bottom of the keg. Very nice, left maybe 1-2 tablespoons of water behind. Will see how it works in the next few weeks with EdWorts Haus Pale Ale Recipe and the hop additions. I really need to brew!
And to anyone else out there that is thinking about drilling holes in your keg - it is VERY worth the extra cash to have new drill bits on hand. They eat through stainless like butter! The step-bit had a little difficulty, but switched the drill to high torque and low speed, used olive oil for cooling/lubrication (its what I had), and it ate that stainless for dinner. Life was good.
That is pretty sweet! I have been working on my own keggle(s) for almost 2 years now, have all of the parts, most of the holes are drilled, tops are cut...just need to find the time to fire up the MIG welder and get it finished.
So tell me your secret...what did you use to polish that baby up so bright?
Radical_Rick,
If you look under any post of Bobby_M's, you can see the Keg Polishing link there. That is where the inspiration comes from!
Thanks guys, and thanks Bobby for talking me into the compression fitting and the dip tube. Much easier to use/disassemble for cleaning. Turned out quite nice, and passed the water test last night.
I would buy from Bobby again anytime!
Ryan M.