chefderekvann
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- Jul 21, 2014
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Hey guys relatively new to AG brewing, have done a few bag brews but about 3 brews ago I decided to make a mash tun... (I do 5 gal batches btw)
Used this link to make the mash tun
How to Build The BEST Mash Tun from a Beverage Cooler
Used a slightly different set up. Used a rectangle cooler, about 12 gal in size, instead of the upright barrel style shown in the video. Used a water heater stainless steel braid like it says in the video, it's very sturdy and defiantly isn't kinking or being crushed by the grain. All went well, sealed fine, was looking good.
Until I went to do mash outs.
This next part happened on all 3 of the AG batches I did. I start by collecting some run off and pouring it back in settling the grain bed. Did this because I was told to settle the grain bed and to make sure the grain runs clear, even though I have never seen particles in the line.
Always starts out draining at a decent speed (or at least a speed I can't complain about) then after like a min slows to almost a stop (or a complete stop). Sparging was basically the same. Each time it would slow to almost nothing (or literally nothing) and I would have to end up constantly stirring around the mash and scraping the braid to get any flow. Last brew I said screw it and before I sparged I took the SS braid off and used a very very fine mesh stainer to filter out the rest
Now what am I doing wrong lol I have looked everywhere on this site for an answer.
I can't see it being the grain bed compacting, since the sparge does the same and I have made sure not to drain to quick causing it to compact.
Is it possible the SS braid is to fine? Since there is never particles coming threw.
I noticed that my bags of grained mill have some powder in the bottom. Should I be sifting out my grain after it is milled and tossing this powder?
I will include some pics of the SS braid and set up when I get home tonight in hopes of some help.
PLEASE HELP guys I can't stand not brewing because of this.
Used this link to make the mash tun
How to Build The BEST Mash Tun from a Beverage Cooler
Used a slightly different set up. Used a rectangle cooler, about 12 gal in size, instead of the upright barrel style shown in the video. Used a water heater stainless steel braid like it says in the video, it's very sturdy and defiantly isn't kinking or being crushed by the grain. All went well, sealed fine, was looking good.
Until I went to do mash outs.
This next part happened on all 3 of the AG batches I did. I start by collecting some run off and pouring it back in settling the grain bed. Did this because I was told to settle the grain bed and to make sure the grain runs clear, even though I have never seen particles in the line.
Always starts out draining at a decent speed (or at least a speed I can't complain about) then after like a min slows to almost a stop (or a complete stop). Sparging was basically the same. Each time it would slow to almost nothing (or literally nothing) and I would have to end up constantly stirring around the mash and scraping the braid to get any flow. Last brew I said screw it and before I sparged I took the SS braid off and used a very very fine mesh stainer to filter out the rest
Now what am I doing wrong lol I have looked everywhere on this site for an answer.
I can't see it being the grain bed compacting, since the sparge does the same and I have made sure not to drain to quick causing it to compact.
Is it possible the SS braid is to fine? Since there is never particles coming threw.
I noticed that my bags of grained mill have some powder in the bottom. Should I be sifting out my grain after it is milled and tossing this powder?
I will include some pics of the SS braid and set up when I get home tonight in hopes of some help.
PLEASE HELP guys I can't stand not brewing because of this.
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