Some AG Projects - Keggle and CFC

So, over the past few weeks I've done a few projects. I figured I'll make a little photo journal of my projects, all condensed in one thread. The latest projects are adding a sight glass and thermometer to my HLT, which I completed today! In chronological order:

Cutting the top off a keg (craigslist $30, angle grinder $15 @ harborfright):




Before cleaning up, grinding and sanding:


1/2" Stainless ball valve and Bazooka T-Screen (both from MoreBeer):

Looks good. Fill it with a nice wort. Quick!

All soldered up and in the keg (I know, looks like crap...but it was my first time):


Projects are so much more fun when you've got a couple of fellow home brewers to join in on the fun!
CFC Build - Caspio soldering up one of the tees:


199q prepping one end of the 3/8" tubing:


Soldering up the final joint:


more to come...

Wrapping the CFC...any 5 gallon bucket works nicely!


TWO beautiful CFCs...not bad for a night's worth of work (and drinking homebrew):


HLT work - Jaybird cut this one for me with his plasma cutter, and even made me a lid! (THANKS!!!)


Dip tube all soldered up, only leaves a few ounces in the HLT:

Today's HLT project - add a dial thermometer and sight glass (both from AHS, thanks!):


Inside:


New 1/2" Silicone tubing from MoreBeer - very nice stuff. Pricey, but seals well and very flexible:


Secondary project for the day: Adding a barbed connection to the intake (wort side) of my CFC. All my hose is 1/2", so the 3/8" tubing on the CFC just didn't cut it last brew day:

Some gratuitous shots of the AHS thermometer...$24.99 + $5.99 for the weldless bulkhead:


The best thing...3 weldless fittings, and all went on flawlessly and NONE leak a drop. Not bad!


AHS even included a SS eye bolt to hold the sight tube at the top of the keg:

Shonuff said:

Looks good. Fill it with a nice wort. Quick!

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I can't wait! Next weekend will be my first all grain...going to do an amber ale! I'm pretty excited to use the new HLT with the thermo and sight glass...it's going to make my brew day a whole lot easier. No more climbing on a ladder for me!!! :rockin:

I still have a few more projects to do until my 10 gallon AG system is complete. That won't stop me from brewing though !

1.) Finish Kegerator: Attach regulators, run air lines, and install taps.
2.) March pump and quick disconnects
3.) Natural Gas burner and burner stand
4.) 1-tier Brew Stand (using modified costco shelving)

Very nicely done. However, I must warn you that you are headed down a dangerous path...

stevehaun said:

Very nicely done. However, I must warn you that you are headed down a dangerous path...

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LOL, yah...I know. This is no longer a hobby by any means...an obsession it has become. But, as obsessions go...this is the best I've come across! :rockin:

Glad I was able to help out - the variety of homebrew we had on hand helped as well. Hopefully the first batch on the new setup goes smooth.

caspio said:

Glad I was able to help out - the variety of homebrew we had on hand helped as well. Hopefully the first batch on the new setup goes smooth.

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I'm sure I'll find some way to screw it up . But at least I'll LOOK good while brewing! JK, the new setup is going to be soooo nice. We need to get another group brew day scheduled...I think Jaybird is up for one.

TwoHeadsBrewing said:

I'm sure I'll find some way to screw it up . But at least I'll LOOK good while brewing! JK, the new setup is going to be soooo nice. We need to get another group brew day scheduled...I think Jaybird is up for one.

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brother if this is going to be your first AG I want to be there!!! when is it?
lets try and plan a group brew around the grain pick up date?
you guys are mad men!!!!
Way to go:rockin::rockin::rockin:
JJ

Jaybird said:

brother if this is going to be your first AG I want to be there!!! when is it?
lets try and plan a group brew around the grain pick up date?
you guys are mad men!!!!
Way to go:rockin::rockin::rockin:
JJ

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Heh, it won't be my first all grain...I've done 8 or 10 AG batches so far. BUT, since you missed my first AG I'll just pretend I don't know what the hell I'm doing (shouldn't be that much of a stretch ). Let's definitely plan that brew day for when we can pick up that grain...that will be a blast!

Is Caspio up for a road trip?

Jaybird said:

Is Caspio up for a road trip?

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Yep, chatted with him this evening after you called. He's stoked about grain, and has a small utility trailer he can tow with his truck. :rockin: Big enough for all our brewing crap, and the grain we'll pick up ! If you're down for a group brew day, I think Sunday is looking like a good day.

Yeah, I'm, down for a sunday brew day. Between the truck and trailer we should have more than enough room for all our brew goodies. This will be my "i'm done with college and also unemployed" brew :rockin:

caspio said:

Yeah, I'm, down for a sunday brew day. Between the truck and trailer we should have more than enough room for all our brew goodies. This will be my "i'm done with college and also unemployed" brew

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SWEET!! Sunday it is!!! Congrats on the "Done with College thing" And employment is sooo overrated anyway!!!:cross:
Got an E-Mail from Shawn, 550# of grain is on the way (yes I said 550# :rockin::rockin::rockinand he is going to call me when it's here.
Looking forward to meeting you Caspio.
Cheers
JJ

Holy hell...550#??? That's is friggin awesome...I'll be sure to bring the camera for that one! Woohoo, hooray for grain!