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Yup, but I'm makeing great beer so far and it should only get better. I thought the jump to something like this would set me back in my brewing more then it actually has, but there's still plenty to learn. The issue with glass, is its easy to break. I could see tightening it just a little to...

I hear you on this and I am contemplating switching to the Brewers Hardware thing, but I have to take a closer look at it. One thing for sure, is that you do need to remove the thread to triclamp fitting to clean it. There is a ton of gunk that builds up in there in the boil kettle that can not...

No, it did not leak at first, but as I was boiling my first batch the lower section started to leak. I kept trying to tighten it up, but it got to the point where I could not make it any tighter. After inspection, the end of the plastic tubing actually shrunk in diameter. Yes, John does know...

All good ideas. I'm getting a little rust on the base in the HLT, but not on the boil kettle. I have to clean it before each session.

Yeah, it's not a great picture, suffice to say, that my encloser is lower then the bottom of the tank. It's a 4 inch round water tight box. I had to raise the tank up so the encloser didn't bottom out. Also, I'm up against a wall, so i couldnt just hang the encloser off the back edge of the...

Second batch. First IPA. Pretty darn good beer I say!

After a little thought, if I could do it again, there are only 2 things i would change to my stout kettle order. 1. I would have them raise the heater inlet on the HLT about an inch. It is very low in the kettle, and would give you a little more leeway in the element encloser construction. I...

Thanks Wadefisher. I would tend to agree with your "Only on the HLT" statement. The sight glass is of most use during fly sparging. It takes a long time to do it and your adjusting pump flows in and out of the mash tun for a bit. It's nice to see at a glance the water level and judge the flow...

I apologise if I came off as being a naysayer, as that was not my intention. The point I was trying to make in my post is that if you are going to build something yourself, it does not hurt for your plans to be examined by your local inspector before you build it. Some people view inspectors...

Also, I'm using 2 part valves, and so far no issues.

Good advice. Start simple and learn how to use it first. I'm just learning my 20 gallon system I've had for 6 months. It would have been overwelming and less productive if I started off with automatic valves- hard plumbed..and probably wrong. As you use it, you'll learn where you'll want certain...

Building a commercial system will be scrutanized by the "powers that be" such as building inspectors, fire chief/safety inspector and insurance companies. Brewmation's commercial panels are UL listed which is a good thing, and don't seem too pricey IMHO. You seem like you may be underfunded. If...

Since this thread is starting to get active again, over the next few days I'll describe my experiences I've encountered so far with my build and what I've learned from brewing on it so far.

yes, I believe you have to pony up the cash

So, the sparge arm works great, but I only use it during sparging. I use a 90 hose barb and tube when recirculating the mash. It's a little tricky changing over, but I havent dropped anything into the mash yet. I have a love/hate relationship so far with the site glasses. They really help to...

I'm in!

Yes, I have. I'm now on my 4th batch and starting to get the hang of it. My first batch was a lesson in humility as I wasn't quite finished with the build. The beer was fine, but things did not go smoothly. Here's some pics from my 3rd batch.

All good advice. Here's a pic of my succesfull panel job. I've been running it for over six months now without any issues (no popped breakers with 2 heaters sometimes running simultaniously). My furnace and hot water heater are gas fired. Make sure you know your whole house load.

Here's where I got my din rail terminal blocks. I used Type J fuses as recomended by watlow instead of circuit breakers for my wattlow Din-a-mites. 2 30 amp GFCI breakers feed this panel http://www.zorotools.com/g/Terminal%20Block/00072409/

Sorry for the late reply. I've been busy with my electric build and have not checked in for a while. Overall I would describe the blend as fairly nuetral , but with a minerally crispness in the finish. I'd say the profile taste imparts some of the lager strain but it isn't a big pronounced...