Hey Fortydegnorth,
I have attempted something similar with a aluminum kettle and the inserted basket. The problem I found, on a 10 gal BIAB setup, is that the weight and the handle are incompatible. When raising the basket, the handle pulls the sides in. This was with only about 20 lbs of grain. I'm curious how a fully loaded basket like yours will work with the weight of the grain and water. Have you tried a dead pull yet? Toss a number of weights into it, to simulate grain and water, and pull it up with your winch?
A cross beam handle would evenly distribute the weight. The rest of the rig is gorgeous. My next brewery build, I would like to incorporate some of your ideas. Very well done.
Speedoguy,
I had the bayou classic 40 quart. Very similar to that picture, but as it was pointed out, I removed the handle and put it back after adding a cloth bag, and put a little damage on the rolled lip, not to mention the handle got shortened. So, I probably caused my own problem. I might just have to replace the inner steamer basket. I will say that the 10 gal is just enough to do a 5 gal batch of a 1.075 beer. Your 80 quart should be good for a 10 gal batch.
Hello Lads, I've been following this thread for a few months now. I'm also looking for a way to have a smaller foot print and I have a similar design in my head. I want chillers and pumps mounted to the stand and I want everything either in the bottom area, hanging from the stand or stored inside the kettle on top of the stand. I also want my propane tank mounted to the stand or on a smaller dolly with wheels so I can just roll it. I'm going to visit a welder tomorrow and tell him what I want and just go for it. I'll either use a boat winch or an electric winch mounted to the ceiling. The main problem with ceiling mount are my garage doors get in the way and of course that's a problem when they are open for ventillation. However, I do have windows in my garage.
Do either of you have any updates?
Speedguy, I like how your mind works.
For anyone that cares, the Little Giant pump is absolutely amazing. I had two March 809 pumps before and they are about 3 times as loud, 10 times harder to prime and pump about half of what the Little Giant will do. I was shocked that it sucked the test water right out of the pot with hardly any noise. It primed instantly. I will only run this about 1/4 of it's potential and it's way overkill for my needs. I picked it up for the same price as a new March. Great little pump.
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