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My new single tier almost done. Still need to shake the bugs out with a water run.

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My 2 tier brew stand From the wonderful world that is Wal-mart. Each shelf is rated at 800# We will see how it holds up for 449.99

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wilconrad said:
As a long time consumer, here's my own contribution to the world of brew porn: (more pics at the link in my signature, if you're interested)

Oh now this is some good brew porn, nicely done!
 
Wilconrad, that is one pretty brewin rig! Did you do all that stainless welding yourself?

Thanks!

Day_trippr is correct, it's built out of 80/20 aluminum t-slot extrusions. I originally designed it to be a stainless weldment, but when I got that quoted it was nearly $1600, $700+ of which was materials. The 80/20 only cost me about $350 once it was all said & done, and I could build it myself. I'd recommend the 80/20 material if you're considering building a stand; it's easy to work with, low cost, doesn't rust and the slots make it easy to make mods/additions.
 
josterhues said:
You want to use a seal tape just not standard Teflon but the yellow roll which is a ultra high density tape met for gas, propane, etc
I use some sort of paste that comes in a tube and it's yellow.
 
Why is that? I use it on my propane tank threads otherwise one of them leaks ever so slightly with my SP10 burner.

I was always told that the oils that are in the gas such as the additive that gives propane its nasty smell can eat through the tape over time I used a paste on mine and ALWAYS test with windex
 
IronsGateBrewery said:
I was always told that the oils that are in the gas such as the additive that gives propane its nasty smell can eat through the tape over time I used a paste on mine and ALWAYS test with windex

Not true, the issue is small bits of the white Teflon tape clogging up the small components in a gas valve. Yellow Teflon tape is just fine to use on gas connections as it is higher density/thickness.
 
Finally used my brewstand. Only snapped a few shots as we started to boil, so I didn't get any shots of the pump in action or anything.

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Finished phase two of my strut built brutus rig. Added a second pump, wired pumps in switch box, lids with sparge arm and return loc line. Double brew day of house IPA and Irish red. Went pretty well, still have some adjustments to make. As usual my MLT gave me fits not wanting to drain but was able to tighten it up and got it going. Next major phase is automation but that will be awhile.


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Thanks!

Day_trippr is correct, it's built out of 80/20 aluminum t-slot extrusions. I originally designed it to be a stainless weldment, but when I got that quoted it was nearly $1600, $700+ of which was materials. The 80/20 only cost me about $350 once it was all said & done, and I could build it myself. I'd recommend the 80/20 material if you're considering building a stand; it's easy to work with, low cost, doesn't rust and the slots make it easy to make mods/additions.

Be careful as I built a frame from 80/20 and mine softened and sagged under fairly regular use. If you use it a few times a year, you'll be OK for awhile. If you use it often, prepare for some annealing to take place.
 
Irrenarzt said:
Be careful as I built a frame from 80/20 and mine softened and sagged under fairly regular use. If you use it a few times a year, you'll be OK for awhile. If you use it often, prepare for some annealing to take place.

I hear ya, I was a little concerned about this so I built some heat shields out of steel angle to protect the aluminum that's closest to the burners. I've brewed 4 batches so far and no sign of distress, but will keep an eye on it.


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wilconrad said:
I hear ya, I was a little concerned about this so I built some heat shields out of steel angle to protect the aluminum that's closest to the burners. I've brewed 4 batches so far and no sign of distress, but will keep an eye on it.
This looks fantastic! Is copper ok for propane gas?
 
Irrenarzt said:
Looks good but I didn't notice any sagging until 100 batches or so. Just keep an eye on it and you'll be fine.

Ah, ok, will definitely keep an eye on it, appreciate the heads up. Got any pics of the frame sagging? Would be interested to see what it looked like.
 
Irrenarzt said:
I don't think I have any pics and I sold the frame but I can take a pic the next time I am over where the frame is. This might be a few weeks though...

No problem, just curious. If you think of it next time you're there, would be cool to see.
 
It's no longer code, but copper was used for years to plumb from hard gas line to built in appliances (stoves, heaters, etc.). Should be fine.

The concern with copper for gas piping is the potential for build up (of what I can't recall) inside the tubing. My old brewstand had some copper jumpers for propane (and later NG). I asked the plumber who was running my NG line what he thought. He said with the level of relative frequency I would be using the brew stand, there was likely never to be an issue with the copper tubing.
 
The concern with copper for gas piping is the potential for build up (of what I can't recall) inside the tubing. My old brewstand had some copper jumpers for propane (and later NG). I asked the plumber who was running my NG line what he thought. He said with the level of relative frequency I would be using the brew stand, there was likely never to be an issue with the copper tubing.

Not exactly, it's simply a safety issue. The only time copper was routinely used is for flex connections (rigid pipe was and is run with "black" pipe for added strength and cost savings). The new flex lines that are used are simply less likely to develop leaks after movement than soft copper with a field installed compression fitting.

On a brew stand you have the safety advantage (hopefully) of using it in a well ventilated area (gas should not build up in a living space if leak occurs), open installation (no place to trap excess gas if a leak occurs), and the gas source is typically turned off after use. This being said, copper should be fine for this application if so desired.
 
one1cat said:
My first build 90 % complete

Nice!

So it looks like your manifold is at tank pressure? How'd you connect it to the tank? Did you find a hose rated that high or did you run a hard line?
 
Actually it's just another 0-30 psi reg. Connected to a manifold under the rest in the picture manifold was made from 1/4 schedule 40 pipe with 3 butt weld 1/4 networks well with no psi drop
 
I think I've got my setup to the point where I can share some pics. It's a single tier stand made out of two Edsel bin shelving units from Menards and a 2x8 piece of butcher block countertop.

The bins are great for additional storage of grains, hardware, chemicals, etc.

The only thing that I have left to do is convert to 3-way ball valves so that I'm not having to manually switch lines in the middle of the brew day.

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