Reviving this thread, I use the stuff too and it's safest to target a particular concentration. I make 5% solutions and I can't see a reason to go more concentrated. Massing out beads of NaOH and adding to liters of water is most accurate. Measuring by volumes (cups, tablespoons, etc) is not a good idea. 1Liter weighs ~1000 grams so you can easily calculate 5% without guesswork. This stuff turns your skin into slime on contact, and deserves a minute with a piece of paper to be most accurate.
I second other contributions, face mask for spray protection and I use arm covering chemical (nitrile, no latex) gloves as well. Makes equipment shiny but have vinegar in a spray bottle nearby. Beerstone will need an acid, I use phosphoric for beer stone, and nitric acid for repassivation of the steel (twice a year) after the caustic run. You will need to scrub a bit to pull the stone off, it won't always dissolve but soften. A power washer or elbow grease will be needed.
Since you are using an acid after a base, I always neutralize the two solutions before dumping down the drain. This is a good move for your plumbing and wastewater system downstream, unless you don't mind replacing pipes in 10 years.
A little bit of fear of caustics and strong acids is healthy. It keeps you from doing something stupid and ensures all your moves are measured and protracted.
