3 tier build

[loh777]

Thinking of building a 3 tier gravity stand.

I am stuck between using 1x1x 1/8 think square aluminum
or
1x1 14 gauge steel square tubing?

any recomendations to make my decision easier?

Will be using 3 keggles, so stand needs to be strong enough to hold the weight of those.

 

[Dwain]

There are several discussions about what people prefer. Search the threads for builds and see if there is one you want to emulate. Are you using those materials because you already have them?

 

[loh777]

No I do not have either one of these items. I have searched some threads on the site and those seem to be the products thats quite a few people are using.

 

[Dog House Brew]

I would build with carbon steel. Just my opinion. I made my 3 tier out of 1 1/2" angle. Carbon is easier to fabricate, cheaper, and works great. I painted mine with cheap grill paint and it's holding up well. I wish I had built a 2 tier or single tier. Having the HLT high is a pain. This summer I will be cutting mine a part and making it something that is more down to earth. Dropping the HLT is in my future. When I find a deal on stainless I'm going single tier. Once I got my pumps it made everything so easy.

 

[Dwain]

So, is the 3 tier set in stone If so, why? I'm just curious and trying to spark some conversation. It killed me to spend the cash to get my March pump. But, I had been brewing long enough to know I didn't want to be carrying grain/liquid around on brew day. There are a large number of people on here that use a 3 tier very happily, so it really is a matter of choice. I know this was not the question in the OP, but if you haven't started anything yet, why not explore the options. If you have, sorry for jacking your thread. - Dwain

 

[bt24drexel]

Just went through this myself. I did not want to buy transfer pumps, and knew I would be using cooler-tun(s). I wanted some added variability/capacity in my process, and settled on a design that consisted of two towers with a mash/lauter bridge spanning them. I just brewed a 13G batch of Cream Ale, and a 13G batch of New Castle simultaneously.

I used 1.5" square tubing (.125" wall) - heed this: "measure twice, cut once". I used a harbor freight 90A flux core welder($80 on sale, 115V will run off of 15A wall outlet) with Lincoln brand .035" wire (lowes). The steel ($160) I got from a company that I can only describe as a man's toy store - bonus they have two locations in NJ: http://www.josephfazzioinc.com/

I bought the banjo burners from Northern, and the kegs I got from a friend who is an alcoholic during Flyer season. If you need more help, let me know...it wasn't quick, but damn is it rewarding every time I step out into my garage.

here's a pic
http://gallery.me.com/twilley#100232/IMG_1464

 

[loh777]

Dwain the only reason I am looking to a 3 tier is mainly due to money and lack of knowledge on pumps and such. I don't see the 3 tier being a big deal to me since I will be brewing outside and using a hose with a filter attached to it to fill the keggles. I am also still young enough where lifting the grain isn't a problem yet. It is by no means set in stone but those are my reasons.

 

[loh777]

thanks for the info drexel

 

[Strongbad52]

You could also use either one of these from McMasterCarr.com. I am in the process of building a single tier brewstand. These bolt together and you could still do a gravity set up with them.

Slotted angle iron 8968K26 1-1/2" X 1-1/2", 6’ length
Slotted angle iron 4664T65 2-1/4" X 1-1/2", 6’ length

Here is the link to the original maker of the single tier I am copying. It has parts numbers for the McMaster site which makes it really easy to order.

http://www.aleiens.com/profiles/blogs/wallace-the-weldless-brew

 

[Alemaker]

The heat from your burners is very likely to compromise the strength of aluminum. That would be especially dangerous with a 3 tier. Go with the steel.

 

[rosier9]

alright so the reason you are going 3 tier is because of money... so you really have already answered the question yourself. 1x1 14 guage will be cheaper than aluminum any day... especially if you don't already own a spool gun to weld aluminum... I would suggest the steal because its easier to work with (weld) than aluminum and cheaper...