Manifold question

[knarfks]

I'm building a manifold for a rectangular cooler. I'm wondering if anyone has tried drilling holes rather than cutting slits in the copper tubing. Anyone have an idea whether there would be a problem with stuck sparges or any other problems?

I don't have a very good way to cut slits in the copper.

 

[BeerBaron]

I'm sure its been done. The smaller holes you use the better probably... you'll just need more of them. Too big and they'll allow grain particles through.

 

[knewshound]

I built mine out of CPVC but it is basically the same.

I drilled perhaps 120 - 13/16th holes for the 4 leg manifold for the 70 qt mash tun I made. I offset every other hole by about 45 degrees.

It seems to work well, only 1 stuck sparge which was easy to clear.

As always, your mileage may vary.

Cheers,

knewshound

 

[knarfks]

knewshound
You mean 3/16 inch holes?

I used 1/8" holes, and honestly I don't know how many I drilled, but I spaced them 1/2" and drilled on 4 sides. I was worried that I had screwed up and would leave a lot of fluid behind, but I tried it with just water and it only left behind maybe 2 cups of water. Will have to see how it goes.

This is what happens when you have 4 days off a week and a lowes a block away.

http://knarfks.shutterfly.com/action/slideshow?a=67b0de21b32b6e24c41f&auto=0&m=1&d=1173841630567

 

[bradsul]

knewshound
You mean 3/16 inch holes?

I used 1/8" holes, and honestly I don't know how many I drilled, but I spaced them 1/2" and drilled on 4 sides. I was worried that I had screwed up and would leave a lot of fluid behind, but I tried it with just water and it only left behind maybe 2 cups of water. Will have to see how it goes.

This is what happens when you have 4 days off a week and a lowes a block away.

http://knarfks.shutterfly.com/action/slideshow?a=67b0de21b32b6e24c41f&auto=0&m=1&d=1173841630567

That is pretty sweet. I use pair of stainless braids right now but I'm thinking of building a copper manifold. I've had to replace my braids a few times when they get crushed accidentally. They also float around; you're never quite sure where they are. Did you solder the joints or did you just fit them together to allow easier cleaning?

 

[knarfks]

fit them together, they are actually snug enough I won't worry about them coming apart.
I'll give it a try this weekend, if I get stuck sparges, then I'll use paint strainer bags, 0.99 a pair won't break the bank.

I love this site, gives me so many ideas, and saves me money because I can steal ideas from DIY projects.

 

[Sir Humpsalot]

I asked this very question probably about a week ago. I thought that since I have a cordless drill and a drill press, holes would be easier. But upon further consideration, I decided that the slits would be superior because a hole is easier to plug up than a slit- this is why musical instruments use holes, not slits. I think the slits make stuck sparges a little less likely.

I'm not saying holes won't work- I know they will. I just think the slits are a superior design. I wound up doing mine with a dremel tool with the cutting wheel attachment. It worked like a charm!

I also made my slits diagonal to get more length to each slit.