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  1. Mike123

    Moving to BREW IN A BASKET

    Yes my original 3 Vessel version frame was heavy, but I could load it (without the keggle) into the bed of my pickup by myself (carefully). This single vessel rig will be a little lighter. I only transport it to change the design, mostly I roll it around my garage and driveway, which works...
  2. Mike123

    Moving to BREW IN A BASKET

    Good idea Odie. If my current basket (Cajun cooker strainer) does not work out, my next step is to restrict the sides (like you did with the flashing), and then after that perhaps a SS basket with closed side walls and mesh on the bottom only. We will see. I have to finish building the rig...
  3. Mike123

    Moving to BREW IN A BASKET

    These stainless steel pipe clamps were just the right size to keep my basket weight off the dip tube and cost me $12. I already owned the SS basket. If I don't like how this works I'll probably ask someone to buy me a SS mesh basket for a gift.
  4. Mike123

    Moving to BREW IN A BASKET

    I agree with everything you are saying, but I love this Keggle and I'm going to make a run at it. Hopefully recirculation during the mash will compensate for the dead space under and outside the basket. I plan on fine milled grain and thin mash. I'll get back on here when I've tried this...
  5. Mike123

    Moving to BREW IN A BASKET

    Actually these are some of my first welds. I have a friend that is training me during this build in his garage. Yes, good thing you can grind out most of the ugly stuff. Haha.
  6. Mike123

    Moving to BREW IN A BASKET

    Thanks for your comments Odie! Yes I can't fit anything larger than a 12.5" diameter basket into my 15.5" diameter Keggle, and I know that can be a drawback due to all the dead space below and on the sides. I'm going to recirculate during the mash with a vertical tube with holes inserted in the...
  7. Mike123

    Moving to BREW IN A BASKET

    As I said in my previous post I'll continue my Single Vessel build as described above. Meanwhile I'm looking ahead now on how to control mash temperature during recirculation (RIMS) using my 120VAC version Blichmann Hop Rocket. I initially thought about manual control but I've been warned away...
  8. Mike123

    Moving to BREW IN A BASKET

    I'm proceeding with my build as planned. Here are pics of my progress, in no particular order. I expect to buy a SS grain basket in the future. I'll make the recirculating vertical tube from copper tubing, and attach via the quick disconnect male connector inside the Keggle.
  9. Mike123

    Saaz Hop Tea for Czech Pilsner

    I have a modified hop tea approach that might work better than my above one, based on the hop utilization chart I've attached. I want to add the resulting tea to my Czech Pilsner at bottling time. The objective is to add flavor and aroma, and no additional bitterness. 1. Heat 3/4 quart...
  10. Mike123

    Saaz Hop Tea for Czech Pilsner

    I think I'll do this, based mostly on Brooo Brother's actual and very positive results. Heat 1 quart distilled water to 170F, steep 1 ounce Saaz pellet hops for 30 minutes in a French press. Press and chill and add to the beer when I bottle it. Bottle condition for 2 weeks. I'll get back on...
  11. Mike123

    Saaz Hop Tea for Czech Pilsner

    I have an all grain Czech Pilsner that is approaching bottling time. Has been lagering for 4 weeks at 38F. I tasted it and it seems a little light on hop taste and aroma, and I'm considering making and adding a hop tea to the beer when I bottle it. Has anyone done this, and if so what did you...
  12. Mike123

    What are you drinking now?

    From sunny Las Vegas (however a cool 60 F day) - my beverage of choice for the early afternoon NFL game. Brewed in the heart of Germany. I would call this one "juicy"....leaves your mouth watering.
  13. Mike123

    BIAB Plumbing Plan - Will this work?

    OK got it, corn meal. I also bought a Brix Refractometer when I bought the iodine, so I'll do both. Gee Whiz I have to say, I'm loving this more and more now that I have retired and can focus on it. Making beer is a mix of physics, chemistry, and cooking. Three of my favorite things. I tried...
  14. Mike123

    BIAB Plumbing Plan - Will this work?

    Ok thank you RM-MN! My plan is to use iodine to determine when conversion is complete, is that how you do it? And regarding a "fine crush" can you quantify that somehow? Mill roller spacing? Multiple times through the mill? Or do you have a picture of your fine crushed grain? Is there any...
  15. Mike123

    BIAB Plumbing Plan - Will this work?

    OK thanks I'm a KISS camper too and will definitely start without the RIMS, now that you remind me I recall reading that for RIMS, automatic heat control is a must-do. I'll probably do recirculation (minus the RIMS plumbing) because I have a small basket relative to BK volume, and I'm concerned...
  16. Mike123

    BIAB Plumbing Plan - Will this work?

    I'm moving to BIAB (basket) and this is my plumbing plan. If you have done this and see any problems with this setup, please advise. Thanks again everyone that replies for your comments and suggestions, I have learned a lot from this forum.
  17. Mike123

    Dial Thermometer - Recommendations?

    OK good points. I'll calibrate the B1 bimetal thermometer roughly in the middle of the mash temperature range (150F), which is my primary range of interest. That way I can see from a distance when I'm getting close to mash temperature. I'll confirm the mash temperature with my digital...
  18. Mike123

    Dial Thermometer - Recommendations?

    Any one have a recommendation on a good dial thermometer that can be mounted directly on a brewpot and not get damaged by overheating during normal use? Preferably one with a 1/2" NPT male connector. I've been using a readily available dial thermometer (B1 and B2) on my Keggle for years...
  19. Mike123

    refractometer/hydrometer

    What do you recommend for a pH tester?
  20. Mike123

    refractometer/hydrometer

    Hi. I'm going to get a refractometer to measure gravity throughout the process. What do you recommend? I've read here to avoid the ones with a Brix scale (without Specific Gravity scale), and to use a calculator to convert Brix to SG. Why do you say it is "Close Enough"? Thanks I could use...
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