Aluminum Brewstand?

[redbenn]

I found this site online, where you use their 3D editor to make "industrial furniture." http://www.framexpert.com/products/framedesigner/

Any thoughts of using this to design/order a brewstand? Would a heavy duty aluminum frame work w/ direct fire?

Thanks!

 

[DKershner]

My only concern would be high heat conductivity creating a giant heat sink.

 

[Sawdustguy]

Do a search. This has been discussed at length a few times in the very recent past. Pretty much, everything has been said that can be said in those threads. No use rediscussing it.

 

[Burgia]

Do not build with aluminum. I found out the hard way this past weekend. I've read several opinions about aluminum brewstands but didn't see a definite answer. I was leery when I built the stand but my access to aluminum made me risk it.

I can most definitely tell you now, DON'T DO IT. My Banjo burners melted 3/8" thick aluminum flat stock I was using to hold by SS burner shields (which were holding my burners). The bolts I had running through the center of the 1-1/2" wide by 3/8" flat stock, transferred enough heat to melt the flat stock (standing on edge) into a V. It also started melting some of the welds that were at least 6" from any direct flame.

I plan on using the base of the cart but making a new top out of 1-1/2" X 1/8" wall SS tubing.

 

[BlueCollarBrewer]

Glad this thread was started. Otherwise, I may not have seen this:

Do not build with aluminum. I found out the hard way this past weekend. I've read several opinions about aluminum brewstands but didn't see a definite answer. I was leery when I built the stand but my access to aluminum made me risk it.

I can most definitely tell you now, DON'T DO IT. My Banjo burners melted 3/8" thick aluminum flat stock I was using to hold by SS burner shields (which were holding my burners). The bolts I had running through the center of the 1-1/2" wide by 3/8" flat stock, transferred enough heat to melt the flat stock (standing on edge) into a V. It also started melting some of the welds that were at least 6" from any direct flame.

I plan on using the base of the cart but making a new top out of 1-1/2" X 1/8" wall SS tubing.

Good to know. Never would have guessed 3/8" aluminum would do that. Little different than melting aluminum cans in a campfire.

 

[Walker]

My system is electric and I am just using an old steel frame table for the stand. Aluminum would be fine for me.

I downloaded this software just to see what kind of price I would get and all I did was drop down a rectangular box and the price was already $200. I don't think there is much use in me going any further with the design in the software.