Recent content by brewinitup

I built my stirplate using a 12vdc fan and it works just fine. Obviously you could use a 120vac fan, but you'd need to get a new potentiometer and rocker switch. You really don't want to use 12vdc equipment on a 120vac circuit.

I just used a set of 5/16" rare earth magnets from radio shack and put them inside an inch of 5/16" ID vinyl tubing. I capped off the ends with cut pieces of a 5/16" nylon bolt that I sealed internally with epoxy. It may not quite match the typical stir bar, but it stirs wonderfully. Edit: I...

Just finished building mine! I ended up using a 90mm fan with a 12vdc power supply. I made my own stir bar and the whole assembly works wonderfully. I had to make some "modifications" to the fan, however. The fan would not sit high enough for good contact so I cut the 4 top screw holes off to...

Thanks all for the welcome! Unfortunately for me (and my wallet) I have a tendency to take my hobbies to the extreme. Where I live, there's not much available in the way of equipment in our LHBS so nearly all my equipment I use I built myself. I have a MLT and HLT built from igloo coolers (using...

Honestly, having never brewed a higher gravity beer, I couldn't tell you what the specific requirements are on mash times. All I know is that when I mash, I keep it in the tun until my iodine test comes out with no starch. As far as tannin extraction, there are various things will cause it...

As far as your BS software settings, you can adjust your target boil volumes. It's entirely possible that your evap rate is incorrect. I know I had to do some playing around with the numbers until I got it right. The software comes with a boil off tool that can help you figure out your evap...

Hey everyone! I've been lurking on these forums for months. I'm from SE Idaho and I started brewing with a Mr. Beer kit I got last Christmas and have since made my way to AG. I've gotten a plethora of knowledge and information from this site. You guys rock!