36 Quart Bayou Classic - How do I add two holes?

[scottvin]

I would like to convert this pot so I have two holes - thermometer and drain. What parts do I need to do this?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009JXYUA/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Thanks!

 

[OpenContainer]

Shotgun slug??

Seriously though. All you need is a drill and a drill bit to start the holes and then a step bit to enlarge the holes to the size of your fittings. Like this...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OEPYWK/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[nickelmcgee]

I would suggest using something like this;

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052HZ3GM/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I've never had much success with step bits. Make sure you oil it plenty while you are drilling.

 

[scottvin]

will this work for the thermometer? http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/brewmometer-weldless.html

 

[P-J]

Yes that will work out very well.
You could install a ball valve as well.
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/s-s-kettle-valve-kit.html

 

[TravisT]

then go to http://www.bargainfittings.com/index.php?route=common/home for the ball valves, there have the best prices/product and costumer service cant be beat

 

[SpikeBrewing]

Have you looked into our pots? You wouldn't need to deal with weldless fittings. Also a stainless step drill bit is like $50. You can get the harbor freight ones for $20 but you'll be lucky to get both holes done before they dull.

 

[tealio]

Nice ad, but the harbor freight bits do just fine as long as you treat them right.

I got mine on sale for like $12.

Just drill somewhat slow and lube up with some sort of oil.

I used a little sticky tack to make a snake, then made a circle and stuck it to my keg to hold the oil there.

Bargain fittings has a bit too if you aren't close to a harbor freight.

Harbor freight has a 90 day return policy if the product fails too.

 

[tom_gamer]

I drilled my holes with hole saw, super easy, paid $10. If you want to "take care" of your tool use some sort of cutting oil, I used wd40. I've heard of people even using olive oil. Personally I would try to weld, good time to learn. If you want a nice DIY weekend, by a cheap aluminium pot and experiment. I got my first pot for $30 it was a 8 gallon pot.

 

[AAIndigo]

will this work for the thermometer? http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/brewmometer-weldless.html

Good choice. Glass face is Key

Good stuff here
http://www.brewershardware.com/home.php

 

[SpikeBrewing]

DIY:
$82 - Kettle
$10 - Drill bit
$34 - Weldless valve
$33 - Weldless thermo

Total $159

Spike Brewing:
$120 - Kettle
$20 - Valve
$25 - Thermo

Total $165

Couplers won't leak and are bullet proof, our kettle is thicker, drilling through stainless sucks (I do this for a living trust me). Just sayin, either way good luck and happy brewing

 

[tom_gamer]

DIY:
$82 - Kettle
$10 - Drill bit
$34 - Weldless valve
$33 - Weldless thermo

Total $159

Spike Brewing:
$120 - Kettle
$20 - Valve
$25 - Thermo

Total $165

Couplers won't leak and are bullet proof, our kettle is thicker, drilling through stainless sucks (I do this for a living trust me). Just sayin, either way good luck and happy brewing

I love your commitment and you do make a point. Although I will one up you.

Doing it yourself and gaining experience - priceless.

BTW - I wish companies would try this hard to get my business.

 

[SpikeBrewing]

I love your commitment and you do make a point. Although I will one up you.

Doing it yourself and gaining experience - priceless.

BTW - I wish companies would try this hard to get my business.

Agreed but not everyone has the time or tools. Just making sure he knows there are other options.

I won't deny that I would love the business but I like hooking people up with the best product for the best price. That product just happens to be mine

 

[Rbeckett]

Spike,
By the time you add in the value of a persons time to drill and do all of that your product actually comes in slightly cheaper. And it is almost instant gratification. Yeah you have to wait for it to arrive but you gotta wait for the pot and all the parts to get there too. And my luck always dictates that at least one of the critical parts is on back order for forever. Jus sayin.....
Bob

 

[DustBow]

I have that exact pot, I have the Bargain Fittings "true bulkhead" kit (one with soldered washer) and a BobbyM site glass (T-model w/ digital thermometer). Those are the best options for weldless IMO, but going with welded or silver soldered connections is a great option too.

edit: I used the cheap step bit for the holes, you just have to be a little patient - lower speed, lots of pressure and lube/cooling, but those Bayou Classic pots are pretty thin and are much easier to drill than kegs

 

[sclabrl]

Bought the same pot, bought an overpriced step drill bit ( because I couldn't wait), used Pam cooking spray, and the bit cut right through it no problems. Easy to do, less than 5 minutes and you have a perfect hole. Install the fitting and no leaks.

 

[tom_gamer]

Am I missing something? Why is everyone using a step bit and not a hole saw? I think hole saws are faster at cutting in these applications. Do steps leave less of a burr?

 

[kh54s10]

I bought the step bit at Harbor Freight, 1 mile away. ~ $12. The only hole saw they had was the wrong size and ~$40. YMMV

 

[tom_gamer]

I bought the step bit at Harbor Freight, 1 mile away. ~ $12. The only hole saw they had was the wrong size and ~$40. YMMV

I bought mine at lowes for $10, so I guess its only a price factor.

 

[SpikeBrewing]

Am I missing something? Why is everyone using a step bit and not a hole saw? I think hole saws are faster at cutting in these applications. Do steps leave less of a burr?

Personally I think a step drill is MUCH nicer. It gives a great hole and a step drill is a hand tool to have laying around.

 

[AAIndigo]

Am I missing something? Why is everyone using a step bit and not a hole saw? I think hole saws are faster at cutting in these applications. Do steps leave less of a burr?

You will get a better fit with a step drill. The hole saw will wobble. Step drill will cut through this like butter and last longer

 

[Teromous]

What about a knockout punch?

 

[SpikeBrewing]

What about a knockout punch?

That's what we use. They will give the best most accurate hole by far. Although a good stainless punch costs well over $100.

 

[Reuben1012]

Anyone used the step drill that bargain fittings sells? I was thinking of buying one in a month or so for my kettle build. I have used them before when I did my mashtun, great service.

 

[SpikeBrewing]

Anyone used the step drill that bargain fittings sells? I was thinking of buying one in a month or so for my kettle build. I have used them before when I did my mashtun, great service.

It looks like the same bit that harbor freight has. It'll get you two holes on thinner stainless but go slow and use lube (that's what she said) otherwise you'll dull it out before you even finish the second hole.