Calling all Pump-in-a-toolbox-owners!

[Schnitzengiggle]

I have my pump and all of my cam-lock fittings for my Pump-in-a-box build, I just need to get a tool box and configure it.

I wanted to hear what you all would have maybe done differently with your designs or configurations, from tool box choice, to switch and plug placement, or anything else you can think of.

Any info or suggestions you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[bucfanmike]

subbed, building mine next week also

 

[Cpt_Kirks]

I asked the same question a while back:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/show-me-your-toolbox-pumps-202713/

 

[Schnitzengiggle]

I asked the same question a while back:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/show-me-your-toolbox-pumps-202713/

I have reviewed that thread, but I was hoping to get some feedback on what anyone might change if they could do it al over again.

 

[weirdboy]

Well in my case I used a Gormann-Rupp pump and not the typical March or Little Giant. The pump itself works great, but the connections on it are hose barbs so every time I brew I am sitting there with a screwdriver and hose clamps connecting the thing up.

So I guess if I build another I will use a pump head with threaded fittings.

 

[simtel20]

I thought about doing a pump-in-a-box, but instead I attached my pump to an inverted "T" that I made out of plywood. I went with this because I couldn't find an cheap toolbox that satisfied me.

*edit - I added a pic to my gallery with the brew set-up shown. The pump is on the floor under the kettle.

 

[IDrinkBr]

Built my toolbox in January. I got it on sale at HD for about $15. I liked the overall size and that it could hold all the stuff that I bring to a brew day. Plus, it has removable trays the lid to hold all my extra fittings.

I put a rocker switch on it (was worried that I might accidentally "bump" it and turn on the pump, which hasn't happened yet) I considered wiring an outlet on it too, someone on HBT had one, but I didn't feel the need for it.

I like the portability and the fact that I have a place for all my bits and pieces. I have a stand for my MLT that the toolbox sits on when I brew. The pic included has the stand sideways from what I normally use.

My complaint so far is that it is heavy. With all the stuff in the toolbox and the weight of the pump and fittings I worry about the latches holding. The included pics show the toolbox in it's "empty" state. I just brewed on Saturday and haven't put everything back in yet.

Also, I worry about the heat generated by the pump. In February (think Chicago weather folks) I didn't notice too much heat with the box closed. I brewed this weekend (65 degree day) and had the lid opened. I am considering adding a vent on the side (as well as a partition in the bottom for more storage. But again, how does that affect the heat?)

Hope this helps. I love using a pump to brew with. Prior to using it, I had an fairly substantial 3-tier stand and the use of the pump greatly reduces my brewing footprint. Additionally, i am much more portable now and have greater flexibility by having the pump in the toolbox.

Hope this helps.

 

[IDrinkBr]

Oh...forgot to mention...

Cam locks for everything. Much easier to change hoses around

 

[Schnitzengiggle]

I'm gonna bump this because I haven't really gotten alot of feedback.

I'm going toolbox hunting tomorrow after school!

Thanks to those that have posted, I really appreciate your input.

 

[ultravista]

What is the purpose of the second valve on photo 2 (second from the top)?

 

[weirdboy]

I can't make out that picture very well, but it is probably there to bleed air out when priming the pump.

 

[Schnitzengiggle]

I believe weirdboy is correct it is to aid priming the pump. I know a couple guys with a center inlet, and they said they have had no issues with priming, but from my research, the inline users tend to claim that they have priming issues more often.

 

[IDrinkBr]

Sorry for the crappy phone pics.

The 2nd valve is indeed a bleeder valve.

 

[xsists]

I used a orange hd "homer" box for mine. Plenty of room for everything. I too may add a vent at some point but I haven't even used it yet.

 

[IDrinkBr]

The other thing I would do differently would be to mount the pump a little higher in the box so the plumbing on the outside clears the ground. It's close now but I need a little extra clearance to connect the camlocks. I do keep the box on my stand though.

 

[xsists]

Same here. I have mine configured horizontally and will have to see how it works but I would have liked the option to change.

 

[simtel20]

I believe weirdboy is correct it is to aid priming the pump. I know a couple guys with a center inlet, and they said they have had no issues with priming, but from my research, the inline users tend to claim that they have priming issues more often.

I thought the suggestion for march-hs509 style pumps was to have the inlet on the bottom to bleed air from the line up through the pump, and the output be higher. I assumed this was so that the poster could have one inlet hose, and connect to more than one output without having to plug/unplug (and spill) when transitioning. I've got to think about whether this would make sense for me, in fact. It's a good use of some extra hose if it would work and if I can find the right pipe tees.

 

[thesanch]

Schnitz, you already know all about my pump, but here's a link for everyone else:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/my-pump-toolbox-build-189941/

 

[Schnitzengiggle]

Schnitz, you already know all about my pump, but here's a link for everyone else:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/my-pump-toolbox-build-189941/

Thanks for the bump! Not getting a much feed back so far

 

[RobbyBeers]

Two things I've learned while tweaking my box:

-Use a bleeder valve. I tried other workarounds (including an autovent), but I never got great results.

-Use zip ties to secure the parts. That way, if any sticky wort gets in there, you can pull everything out and clean it up.

 

[Schnitzengiggle]

Thanks Robby, I actually just finished up the guts of the box, just need to add my fittings to the pump head, and to my pot and MLT.

I have the center inlet March 809, and I know of two ppl, who have no priming issues whatsoever, so I will leave the bleeder valve off unless I find priming is problematic.

I agree with the zip ties, I have a couple holding down the wiring to the pump.

Here are a couple of pics of the box in its current state, I will dedicate an entire new thread in the DIY section after I get the write up and my complete parts and pricing list finished.

 

[ryan0914]

I just finished my pump in a tool box. Its a little different than the usual but i think it'll be easier to lug around.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/members/ryan0914/albums/my-new-pump-toolbox/3971-front/

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/members/ryan0914/albums/my-new-pump-toolbox/3972-back/

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/members/ryan0914/albums/my-new-pump-toolbox/3973-inside/

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/members/ryan0914/albums/my-new-pump-toolbox/3974-top-tray/

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/members/ryan0914/albums/my-new-pump-toolbox/3975-hoses-inside/

 

[Ryan_PA]

Mine was the one in the BYO article (http://www.byo.com/component/resource/article/1968-pumped-up-toolbox-projects)

If you are looking for my suggestions, just make sure the pump fits and the handle is durable. I was 1 for 2 on that suggestion. This year the crappy plastic handle broke, and now I have to carry the thing with 2 hands. I really need to port the guts over to another box, and will, once I have some time.

The box I used is no longer avail at Home Depot or Lowes or wherever I got it, but I would not really suggest it anyway based on the handle issue.

I would say to follow the port orientation and bleeder/sample port like I have done in the article.

 

[BrewMoreBeers]

i would change my switch location. When i built it i put the switch on the left side near the rear of the box. In hind sight i should have invested in a smaller switch that i could have mounted on the top of the box closer to the front.

But now i have a control panel so the switch issue is moot.

 

[Ryan_PA]

That is a good idea. I always considered adding a foot switch, but again... never got around to it.