Recent content by JimWard

i fail to understand why you are so happy that the heat transfer from an electric element to water is more "efficient" than a flame on the bottom of a pot??? Seems like an irrelevant point to me... it is all about cost - how much does it cost to boil 10 gallons of wort for an hour or so...

thanks guys - sounds like a challenge. Nice reality check. still need to get some scrap and see how bad it can be. jim

I have become reasonably proficient using my MIG welder on mild steel using the flux wire filler. And i always assumed that welding a stainless fitting to one of my precious stainless pots was not possible with my MIG setup. I figured it needed to be TIG and you needed to be really good with...

Dave Matthews

me too! DM band

I am beginning to think I am splitting hairs over this. Finally got out the electric bill so I could start dealing with facts instead of feelings. Here is what I discovered: Currently I am paying $0.21 /KWH. (San Diego - 3rd tier) So, a 5500 watt element at 3 hrs, that's 16500w or...

Wow, I can see both sides... Still not sure which way to go. I am familiar and comfortable with gas... Don't like the heat and open flame or carbon monoxide. It likely is somewhat cheaper. But perhaps not enough to get excited about. And even if it is 5 bucks a brew session, that really...

Zen Brewer, Thanks for the reply (this is jim). True enough, i did not give any background. I am an advanced AG brewer with perhaps a 50-75 batches under my belt. 10 and 15 gallon batches. I am hooked big time and am looking to implement some automation. I have a natural gas "tap"...

Exactly. thanks for the reality check. jim

First off, I just want to say what a great place this is. I have been lurking in the shadows for years and decided it was finally time to join up! I have learned TONS from this website - my favorite! Secondly, what a ridiculous hobby this is - but i still love it and am addicted! :D My...