Recent content by KevinWagner

Who doesn't love free gear?

Found in the rare books collection at the Seattle Public Library. You have to ask them to get it from archive storage for you, but are happy to let you check it out. Surprised they don't require a credit check before it leaves the building.

I was worried that I would not be able to whirlpool with the element and temperature probe in the kettle, but the trub seems to pile up just fine!

I've brewed on it three times now, 60 minute boil each time. I was concerned about durability of the polyurethane one-step stain, but so far no apparent effect.

More of the kit on the cart. Added pine-wood decks on each level, pretending they are mahogany. Couldn't wait for it to be finished and brewed on it this week anyway. The kettle works great, 3kw is more than enough power. Actually a lot more control over the boil than with propane. Still need...

Built with parts already laying around. Works with a bit of finesse. Magnets aren't really strong enough -- throws the stir-bar if it starts too quickly, and occasionally thereafter. Will use lessons learned to build a version 2! :) -K

It's a low watt density ss element, it's folded back once. Hard to see in the photo. I did plan to mount the pump at the level of the HLT. I expected that head pressure would prime it. Edit: I bought one of the 16ft 30amp cords with in-line CFGI from Hosfelt...

Wet test today! Let's see... set a mash-in temp of 160 deg F. Beep-boop. Sweeeeeet. Update: Took 35 minutes to raise from 66 to 160 deg F. Update: and another 29 minutes to boil.

Here's where it's at. Went over the frame with an 80 grit flap wheel to take off surface rust and polish it up. Painted with BBQ paint. Installed the casters. Attached the control panel. Drilled the kettle and installed the 3000w element. To Do: Lots of stuff! Build decks for each of the...

When I first started brewing, I was super enthusiastic, went overboard, and bought a bunch of gadgets -- including the CS mill. Turned out, I only ever bought grain for one batch at a time and just milled it at the lhbs. So, I sort-of forgot about it for a while. I've been brewing more lately...

Bought a Crankandstein 2D almost eight years ago, and it's been unused on a shelf since. Well, this weekend, I hauled it down to see what it could do. Trying to earn extra points for the make-shift hopper. How's this crush look? I'm a bit concerned about the shredding. Thanks, Kevin

I've been doing a series of single-hop pale ales. 50# seems like a lot, but for 5 gallons I used nearly 10# per batch. It goes pretty fast. Kevin

Thanks Junkster, you're two for two. Swapped the + and - on the thermocouple leads and now it works. Funny since the leads were marked ... incorrectly! Also, with a 75w lamp wired in, the SSR is switching correctly. I'm reading about SSR reset failure and yes, it seems most SSR do leak on the...

I picked up a 50# bag of pilsner malt this afternoon at Larry's -- $44.

Hey all, I finished building the control panel and there are a couple of issues. 1) the SSR is always closed, even when the signal lines are disconnected (measured as 120v between the load-side and common, or as 240v between load side and the other phase). Is my SSR blown? 2) the temp reading...