Recent content by apache_brew

I'm sure either the Everlast or Yes welder would be a fine option. I was briefly looking at the 4-1 (plasma/TIG/mig/stick) everlast machines as something to burn some cash on, but I don't really do that much fabrication anymore and have the old Syncrowave 351 that works great. I'm a big fan of...

Yikes. Ya welding/labor prices can be all over the place. If you’re looking for a machine, the Everlast line seems like a great option. Nice, I’ve had my 59 step side for about 20 years since high school. It’s been sitting for most of that time under construction but hope to get back into it as...

Thanks. It’s always just been a hobby activity for me. Took a handful of junior college courses and worked at a friends sheet metal shop over the summer to get lots of practice.

+1 for this setup. I would add, for about half the price of the Commander, you can go with the “Power Controller” and regulate the power output yourself with a dial. For me, this would be the ideal setup because I don’t bother recirculating while mashing. The only heating I do is to bring my...

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/is-wilser-bags-out-of-business.729021/ @wilserbrewer should be able to help you out if he’s still making them.

2 vessel brew in a bag. I only built the cpvc manifold to get even drainage under the bag, but i've heard of others only using a bag with success. Anyhow, the bag lets me get a real fine crush and the manifold allows for quick drainage when I open the valve and fill the boil kettle. It works for me.

Same setup except I went with 3/4" cpvc with a bunch of holes on the bottom side then a Wilser bag on top. Love it. I'm assuming I went with 3/4" because of increased rigidity. Also doing full volume single infusion mashing draining directly into the boil kettle.

Why not use the sidewall TC for a liquid out post?

Your liquid out post is mounted in the 1.5" TC fitting on the side using a floating dip tube. Are you talking about the silicone dip tube hose kinking from the liquid out post as the beer level drops within the tank? I don't think this will be an issue. Test it with water first to confirm...

I wouldn't like to isolate the PRV/gas post on the sankey adapter from the hop dropper by using a three way valve. keeping the sankey adapter in the system at all times is useful for venting and purging. If you have room, perhaps you can get away with installing a BFV on the top of the tank, and...

@Deadalus Correct. The hop dropper assembly only gets attached when being used, otherwise the BFV is closed & capped.

My vote is to avoid NPT at all costs and try and stick with as much TC and sanitary welded parts as possible. Sidewall mounted floating dip tube is no problem and should work fine. Also ideally would be to avoid high krausen by utilizing ferm cap to reduce the chance of clogging a corny keg...

Well, I found some parts on Zoro.com as well as used the 3mm ID by 6.35mm OD (.125”x.25”) EVAbarrier tubing and everything seems to be working fine with no leaks. Water taste is much improved.

Thanks for the links and insights. The angle stop threads are male though in order to accept female threaded hoses. Also figured instead of brass ring could use a plastic one instead.

Any reason to not use 1/4” compression sleeves or ferrules along with a compression nut to attach 3mm x 6.5mm EVABarrier tubing to a typical angle stop valve with 1/4” compression fitting? I want to replace the braided stainless hose with PVC liner that feeds my refrigerator from an angle stop...