ndinh
Well-Known Member
I wanted to gauge my water volume in my HLT and wanted to make something super simple and something that, if I were to mess up, I wouldn't destroy an expensive SS kettle. There are a few options that people are using such as drilling for a weldless fitting, 9V+vinegar to make markings, etc. I definitely didn't want to drill my kettle (and didn't want to buy a step bit) and I even tried the vinegar method and of course, it turned out crappy...unlike all the nice ones posted here. So, I just made a sight gauge but instead of having it outside the kettle, I stuck it inside. Here is the parts list:
1. Polycarbonate tubing 3/8" ID, 1/2" OD from McMaster= $3.46
2. 1/2" copper strap from HD (bag of 5 but you only need 1)= $2.27
3. 2-3" of 1/2" copper pipe or 1/2" copper coupler from HD= $0.50 to $8.98
4. Food grade clear silicon for BBQ, up to 450F from amazon= $6.95+shipping
Since I already had a 1/2" copper pipe lying around, I didn't have to buy it and all I did was use the silicon to attach the copper pipe to the copper strap and attach those to my kettle. The silicon is claimed to be food grade and I know people that have used it to seal valves in their kettle and MLT but since this will be above the water line, I'm not too worried. I, then, cut the polycarbonate tube down to size (depending on your kettle) and cut an angle on the bottom so water can easily move in and out. After, measuring my gallon marks, I just used a pipe cutter to make shallow lines indicating where my volume would be. This, obviously, came out a little too light to really see. I think it'll work but it would be nice to somehow, make darker markings. I just slid the tubing in the copper so I can remove it for cleaning if I needed to. As you can see, my kettle actual came with volume lines(5gal on) but these were over 1/2gal off for my setup. Like I mentioned earlier, this is for the person that wants something quick and easy, not a professional job or have multiple tools and skills. Also, if you were to change kettles down the line, you can easily just remove this setup. Hope this can help someone out there and if anyone has a better way of making volume markings, let me know.
1. Polycarbonate tubing 3/8" ID, 1/2" OD from McMaster= $3.46
2. 1/2" copper strap from HD (bag of 5 but you only need 1)= $2.27
3. 2-3" of 1/2" copper pipe or 1/2" copper coupler from HD= $0.50 to $8.98
4. Food grade clear silicon for BBQ, up to 450F from amazon= $6.95+shipping
Since I already had a 1/2" copper pipe lying around, I didn't have to buy it and all I did was use the silicon to attach the copper pipe to the copper strap and attach those to my kettle. The silicon is claimed to be food grade and I know people that have used it to seal valves in their kettle and MLT but since this will be above the water line, I'm not too worried. I, then, cut the polycarbonate tube down to size (depending on your kettle) and cut an angle on the bottom so water can easily move in and out. After, measuring my gallon marks, I just used a pipe cutter to make shallow lines indicating where my volume would be. This, obviously, came out a little too light to really see. I think it'll work but it would be nice to somehow, make darker markings. I just slid the tubing in the copper so I can remove it for cleaning if I needed to. As you can see, my kettle actual came with volume lines(5gal on) but these were over 1/2gal off for my setup. Like I mentioned earlier, this is for the person that wants something quick and easy, not a professional job or have multiple tools and skills. Also, if you were to change kettles down the line, you can easily just remove this setup. Hope this can help someone out there and if anyone has a better way of making volume markings, let me know.
