Let me know if that works out for you. I'm located pretty close to you in Union, and would love to get rid of all my weld-less couplings. Unfortunately I can't weld SS, and wasn't able to find anyone who would do it for a reasonable cost.
Bobby_M makes and sells sight glasses.
Quality is top-notch and the price is pretty good too.
I think his site is brewhardware.com - just use the search on here. You'll find plenty of threads about them.
I've been ordering from Midwest since I started brewing a few years ago - never had anything other than good experiences. I will echo what others have said that good stuff costs money.
I can do good, cheap and fast - pick 2.
I use whirlflock and cold crash, but don't filter.
Here's a picture of a tripel I made. I was going to say it's pretty clear, but after looking at this picture, maybe I should consider filtering!? It really looks much clearer in person, I swear!
+1 on reading Palmer's book.
A chart like this one will help you figure out what pressure to set your regulator at to get it carbonated. http://www.kegerators.com/articles/carbonation-table-pressure-chart.php
I'm assuming you're using a 1/2 bbl sanke keg?
In which case, you wouldn't have enough headroom to ferment a 15 gallon batch (they only hold 15.5 gal).
You'd be fine fermenting 10 gallons in there - I do that regularly. Just remove the spear and slap a carboy cap and airlock on top.
I've been avidly reading this site for some time now, and never felt the need to comment on anything... until now. This build is simply amazing. Congrats man.