1st all grain too- with pics

[Joe Dragon]

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[blefferd]

sweet, set up how long did it take you to build that manifold? and how come you went with the 10 gal cooler instead of a 5? i just purchased a 5 gallon round cooler today i almost snagged the 10 gal but it seemd to large for a 5 gallon batch. are you planning on moving up to 10 gallon batches?

 

[ohiobrewtus]

Congrats on completing your first AG! It's a great feeling, isn't it?

 

[blefferd]

i might take my 5 gallon back and get the 10 gallon it seemed fairly cheap 40$ i beleve is what was on the price tag at HD. im currently using a red victory from walmart with SS braid i want something a little more sturdy thats why im thinking of a perforated falsebottom or the slotted copper manifold.

you picked that scale up from target for 29$? i just got a very low end scale ($4) from walmart! i really wanted a digital but they didnt have any lol

 

[Kevin Dean]

you picked that scale up from target for 29$?

I think I paid $19 for that same exact scale and I'm sure I bought from Target.

It's a nice scale.

 

[rdwj]

Congrats Joe! You're gonna have to join us for a group brew one of these days.

 

[PseudoChef]

sweet, set up how long did it take you to build that manifold? and how come you went with the 10 gal cooler instead of a 5? i just purchased a 5 gallon round cooler today i almost snagged the 10 gal but it seemd to large for a 5 gallon batch. are you planning on moving up to 10 gallon batches?

You'll only be able to mash about 13lbs max (w/o mashout) in a 5 gal cooler. That limits you to under 1.060 O.G. or thereabouts. If you're planning on doing big beers, you'll need a 10gal + cooler.

I bought the 5 thinking I'd stick with partial mashing. Lasted 3 batches, now I want to go AG for big beers and need to buy another cooler. I'll use the 5 gal as a HLT, though.

 

[boo boo]

I wish I had the foresight to get a 10 gallon cooler, but I'm making do with my 5 gallon one until I can afford a 10 gallon one.

One thing though. In your picture you show your slots in the up position. Do you sparge like that? That might explain part of your stuck sparge/and/or lack of clearing when sparging.

 

[uglygoat]

can you list the parts you used for the tun's tap/valve?

looks nice, did the primary blow?

 

[Vagrant]

I just built a FlyGuy® MLT tonight. I had to go to 5 different Home Depots/Lowes to find the right sized connectors. I'm still looking for 5/8 stainless steel washers. I may have to settle with rubber.

The ball valve I was able to find hours ago is an American Valve M100-3/8 . 1/2 and 3/4 are the most common, I found out. Here's a link to one online if you run into issues.

http://plumbing.hardwarestore.com/52-306-ball-valves/ipt-brass-ball-valve-612321.aspx?CAWELAID=42491027

Hope this helps. I'll post pics of mine once I complete it.

 

[EdWort]

Congrats! Welcome to the club. The All Grain Club!

I love this picture.

I add my grain to to the hot water though, stirring as I add it. Great pic!