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So true. It boggles my mind how much time I've spent trying to get it to match my own numbers that I've already discovered imperically. My spreadsheet is bang on. I've measured volumes lost to every component and each stage. Boiling, great shrinkage, frementers, dead space, trub, you name it. I...

I've been using a refractometer for some time. I checked its calibration a long time ago but not recently other than with distilled water. I thought I'd see how it compares to my dusty old hydrometer. I pulled a sample from the primary and checked with both instruments to compare results. So...

I did mention it to him a while back. He wasn't very interested at the time. Perhaps it was incorporated in the new version, but I refused to pony up for a subscription so that I could cloud my recipes and have stayed with version II. I'll see if I can submit the recipe, but it's a little...

I've been using beermith for a few years now and like it for recipe formation but I've had issues with it I've never really resolved. One is that the calculations for mash water and sparging never match and frankly it kind of annoyed me that I was unable to simply run a test to set up the heat...

Mostly complete. I had a little party on the weekend and had to rush it together. A little finishing work needs to be completed still. Yes, all 5 taps were in operation!

Varnished, holes drilled and insulated.

Yes, I considered the hardwood plywood. Problem with plywood is the ends - either you live with an exposed endcut, or are left trying to mitre the corners. I've always found that tricky to get a nice finish. The other trick would be to put some end framing around all the corners to hide the...

You're slightly ahead of the game. I did throw some spar varnish on the inner portions of the box before I veneered, but I could have easily waited until the end to do it all together. However, I treated my all lumber collar the same way. I wouldn't trust condensation with any Wood product. A...

However little Wood filler and done sanding and all is good!

Now it's starting to look like what it's supposed to. I'm not entirely happy with the sloppy butt joints on the top surface, but meh, they'll barely show once the lid is on.

Once glued on, turn the whole thing upside down. (Protect the surface of the veneer though!) Use a utility knife to carefully trim away the excess veneer. Then ever so gently sand the edge to remove splinters and sharp edges that might catch.

Once the glue is completely dry, position the veneer where you want it. I found a piece of parchment paper worked well to keep from putting marks on the veneer surface while ironing. Use a dry iron on the cotton setting. Work from the center outwards slowly applying good steady pressure. I...

Glue is applied to the back of the veneer with a roller. Some talk of thinning it out with a little water, but I found that unnecessary. I just used a really low-knap roller. It did orange peel a little at first but dried pretty smooth. At least two layers of glue are required on each...

After the whole thing was smoothed down by sanding and a little wood filler. Glue had to be applied. Use the right type as not all wood glue works. Titebond II is recommended.

The collar box was built out of 3/4" MDF. I had them cut it into 10.5" strips at Lowes with the big parallel cut saw they have. They will do 7 cuts at no extra charge. Running a 4' x 8' sheet through my table saw wasn't going to happen and a skillsaw is just too imprecise. I then used my...

Sadly, the freezer of my keezer died. I tried some necromancy with a refrigerant recharge, but alas, the resurrection was temporary. So I gave away my collar to a brewclub member who was able to fit it to his freezer while I tackled a re-build. I found the perfect freezer candidate on good old...

I put in a high flow rate, low-pressure regulator on the propane tank with a flexible appliance supply line to the black iron pipe maniford on the brew stand. A few brass adaptor fittings mate up to a 12" flexible appliance supply line to each burner with a valve from homebrewfstuff (I think)...

Only in desparation. I'm looking for a more efficient use of space. Be nice if I could make it dispense as well.

I need to build a proper grain storage bin. I tend to buy in 25kg bags from Gambrinus as they give such a great rate at the gate. Currently I have 9 of the Rubbermaid 74L plastic bins for my base malts (pilsner, pale, ESB, honey, munich, rice hulls, vienna, wheat, plus one for my specialty...