Thanks for all the positive feedback on the fermenters. I can't wait to use them this weekend.
Some people asked how much they cost. I actually don't know what it would cost to build. I traded some tools and other hardware to a machine shop to fabricate them for me. I imagine they would cost a lot more than 2 off the shelf stainless conicals if I had to pay straight shop time.
A couple people asked for the drawings. If you send me a message with your e-mail then I can send you the drawings in any format...solidworks, autocad, jpeg. I also have solid models of just the spun stainless cones if you want to design your own. Just add 3 legs, some holes, and a lid and you have a simple conical. I wanted to add some laser cut parts and the toggle clamp lid just to see if I could do it. I design a lot of crap for work, this was a lot more fun.
Someone else asked about the fittings at the bottom. There is a 7/8" hole on the bottom. There is an teflon washer seal between the valve and the cone. The inside has an o-ring seal and a stainless 1/2 NPT nut to hold the valve. Similar with the racking arm.
My next plan is to build a stainless steel imersion coil for temperature control. There will be IN and OUT bulkhead fittings on the lexan lid. I'm planning on running chilled raw water through the coil to maintain temperature. The water will be connected to a pump and Johnson Control temp controller. I'll cut another hole in the lid for the thermocouple. I'm going to get a couple batches under my belt with these before I try any temp control BS.
Thanks again for the feedback. They are like having two new kids.....hopefully just as life changing.
Cheers