Weber Pilot Brewing System

I've been planing this in my head for 4 years now, been planned it on paper for a year and a half and started working on the welding portion back in June. Now it's really starting to resemble something. My wife and I are going to open a brewpub in a few years and this system will be used as our pilot system. Most of my research was conducted on HBT and I have all you guys to thank! I'll be slowly editing this post.

Some acknowledgments: xxxxx

I started by building a prototype.


Then I started solid modeling the system.





Then I bought a welder and started to teach myself to weld buy building a welding table first.

80 hours of welding and grinding later!

Started working on the gas plumbing today. A lot is temporary at this point. I ran out of money for a couple of months just today. For now everything with be manual. By January I'd like to have my BCS controlling Intermittent Pilot lights.

I was able to finish the rest of the plumbing and gas piping before Sunday's brewday. I even finished the HLT about an hour before mash in. The system worked great! Brewed the annual pumpkin ale. Brew day was shortened by at least an hour and we hit an mash efficency of 86% and best of all I didn't have to run around the house lifting a boiling pot of wort!

Crossing my fingers that I get get the controls installed on the HLT and mashtun burner by January.

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Well I guess I get to be the first person to say "Outstanding work!"

My 'pilot' brewstand is wood also; best way to figure out your ultimate configuration.

Well done sir.... Well done indeed...

Fan-freaking-tastic. I love that you started welding to become a better brewer. I'm finding out quickly how inextricably linked these two skills are.

Congratulations on your hard work and a great looking design.

Great looking build. I look forward to seeing this completed!

What kind of paint are you using?? I noticed that you had some rust.

Thanks wehumble! I spend A LONG time debating with myself on the configuration. Couldn't decide between 1 or 2 tier. I think my wife was sick of hearing it! Wood stand really helped me figure out what dimensions I liked.

shroomzofdoom Ha! I've wanted to learn to weld for a while and this was a perfect excuse to buy a welder and learn. It's really fun too! I wish I had bought a MIG now, I see a TIG someday in my future. Everything for better efficiency and beer!

JewBrew: no rust, yet. I used Rustoleum High Heat engine paint. Good to 2000F
http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=371

Subscribed! You guys are out of control! I've got to build a brew stand of my own!

Really nice build, Tim. I'm sorry I didn't find this thread sooner. Happy Brewing!

Tim, are you just wanting to add pics? Add new posts and I will shoehorn them in the right place. If adding photos in general is a problem, just type in the links and I'll fix it. I think its because youstarted this thread as a supporing member but are not now.

Very nice. Great craftsmanship. Nice welds.

olllllo said:

Tim, are you just wanting to add pics? Add new posts and I will shoehorn them in the right place. If adding photos in general is a problem, just type in the links and I'll fix it. I think its because youstarted this thread as a supporing member but are not now.

Click to expand...

Huh, I did a test in the test forum and I was able to edit the post. I have quite a bit to add to this up at the top, pictures and text. I guess my other option is to delete the whole post and start over. I don't think I was ever a supporting member. Maybe you are for a time when you sign up? Thanks for following up!

And.... I can edit my last post. Frustrating.

There is a time limit on how long you can edit a post as a non-paying member. This is to prevent shenanigans when it comes to search engine stuff, and the integrity of the structure of the forum etc, etc.

It's not a perfect solution, but that is the world we live in.

Ohhhh I see. Gotcha. Didn't realize it was intentional.

Updated pictures

By timweber at 2011-06-14


By timweber at 2011-06-14


By timweber at 2011-06-14


By timweber at 2011-06-14


By timweber at 2011-06-14

Still working on it..... slowly

Currently adding gas control on the mash tun burner.

Outstanding, Tim!

Definitely inspiring to see you go to such lengths to make your dream a reality.

Can't wait to have one like it!

That's one fine looking rig you made.

Thanks! After I get this pilot light working, I'm going to build a computer into it with a swing arm monitor and add some music speakers.

This is the closest build to what I see in my mind. Very nice. And I may steal it.

Total porn, holy cow.

Gorgeous, Tim.