My Pump in a Toolbox build.

Put together my march pump in a toolbox this past week.

Here's my blog entry with all the details and build/part list:
http://www.thesanch.com/bubbajuice/2010/08/07/pump-in-a-toolbox/

Here is a video of my dry test run -- with pump head removed of course.


I have yet to brew with it yet. But will let you all know once I do.

Looks great. And who is the awesome color commentator?

I'm curious as to how hot is going to get inside the box.

Jeffmeh: I have my 809 in the same toolbox. The toolbox stays pretty cool despite the fact that I was dumb enough to put a plate chiller in there as well.

thesanch: You box looks real nice and professionally done. I really like those faceplates on there.

My son is the commentator. It seems like he has something to say about everything, but I can only understand less than half of it.

After a wet run with it, I didn't notice any heat issues. However, I was outside in the 100+ degree weather.

I am thinking about doing this. Has anyone else done this?
The screws on the pump head don't look long enough to go through the plastic and into the motor. Do I need to get longer screws?

I went to Ace and bought some longer SS screws. I can't remember the size. Sorry.

thanks, that what I thought I would have to do.

I've done this and the portability and small foot print is great, as I don't have a dedicated brew area. I guess the plastic on the box I have is extremely thin. I used the same screws that came with the pump.

I did have problems with heat that were mitigated by propping open the lid with a short piece of CPVC scrap I had. I initially ran my pump for the entire mash recircing. Now I only run it when applying heat to the kettle.

I brew in a single vessel and no sparge. Now I only run it while applying heat and then for 10 minutes during mash out. I really haven't had problems, but I keep the lid propped open regardless. So maybe a total of 20 minutes for the mash and maybe 30 min while whirl pooling.

I mounted my pump on the back side of the tool box, so the lid also works as a guard against splashing even when propped open.

The box I got has a tray in the top which I keep my brewing salts and minerals and a few tools I often need.