Converting 2 Kegs, one thread for questions

[bbognerks]

Yes, going to have to get on on Monday, the saw is cutting well, but I can only get about 3 inches per battery....

And I seem to have burned up my step bit on the first hole...POS!!!

Tim

I really think that you would be better off getting a cheap angle grinder from harbor freight. http://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-4-1-2-half-inch-angle-grinder-91223.html Really this stuff is easy with the right tools and techniques.

As for the step bit, since you say you burnt it up, then you weren't using it properly. If you are going full speed with your drill when using the step bit, then you are heating the stainless and work hardening it. Consequently, this will burn up ANY step bit you use, including the $50 greenlee ones. I have used the same small step from this two pack from harbor freight for about 20 holes in kegs and it still slices through the kegs like butter. http://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-titanium-nitride-coated-high-speed-steel-step-drills-96275.html

1. Get a 1/4" cobalt bit for making a pilot hole for the step bit. These cobalt bits tear through stainless like it's butter, making it much easier to start your step bit. Use cutting oil, or some type of lube for the pilot hole.
2. With the step bit, use cutting oil, good pressure and low RPMs.
3. After each step or every other step on the step bit, stop, re-lube, and repeat.

Just for an idea of the time savings. With an angle grinder, ss cutting disc and jig, you can cut the top off a keg in about 10 minutes or less. With the proper techniques using step bits, you can drill a 7/8" hole in about a minute.

 

[ox1574]

I didn't use my step bits properly, because I went through three of them for 9 holes. Basically one step bit per keg. Just glad I'm done with that part.

 

[dannedry]

I didn't use my step bits properly, because I went through three of them for 9 holes. Basically one step bit per keg. Just glad I'm done with that part.

I got the same two pack of step bits from Harbor Freight also... I only used the smaller bit, made a total of 12 holes 13/16" in diameter, and I think I could make many many more holes with the same bit. Trick is to make the starter hole, go SLOW, and apply good pressure, and use a **** load of cutting oil. I got the spray can from Harbor Freight, comes out in a foam. Works great!

 

[dannedry]

Guess I just repeated what bbognerks just said. Haha. I followed Bobby_M's guide for the angle grinder jig, and it took me less than 5 minutes per keg, and finished with perfect circles. But... get a few disks if you are going to go this rout, I got the think Dewalt cutoff disks from Lowes, and burnt through about one per keg. Good thing they are inexpensive!

 

[MX1]

I will buy a grinder locally on Monday, everyting in Brussels is closed on Sundays. I will also buy a new step bit, I can get them local too, maybe a bi-metal hole saw not sure.

My saw was really eating through the top, but my batteries are old so they gave out. and I blew the fuse in my 220 to 110 transformer that the charger was on...everything was working against me today...lol

It all good you cant keep a good brewer down, and I am off Monday so I will have all day to work....

Tim

 

[DyerStraightsBrewing]

Good luck you will appreciate it. To polish your kegs I would suggest using sand paper with a buffer or even cheaper an orbital sander....use 80 grit...followed by 120 grit...followed by your new angle grinder with a 6" buffing wheel used for stand grinders (you will have to remove your guard but this is a cloth buffing wheel and is farely safe) use two coats of polishing compound...the first being a smoothing compound...the second being a fine polish compound...I hope this helps, I experimented and wasted more than $50 us on different options...the sandpaper and polishing compounds give the best finish. Have some goof off or paint thinner to remove sticker adhessiv.es...that will save your sand paper....good luck...ps I am going back out to paint my frame of my brewstand before adding the LP gas fittings for the burners....finaly.

 

[rekoob]

I just cut two keg tops today with the PVC jig type thing, took me longer to cut out the pvc and zip-tie that to my gringer handle then it did to cut the kegs, only about a 1/4 inch or less off the cutting wheel after two kegs. changed that out for a flap disk and sanded the edges smooth. As in my first keg i plan to add a few washers (three) to the part cut out and use it as a lid. the grinder worked great.

 

[KingKegII]

TTIWWP

(this thread is worthless without pictures!)

Seriously, hope you're taking pix of your progress so you can show us. Can't wait to see it all come together.

Cheers.

 

[MX1]

I will start on monday, only thing i have done is put up the heavy duty plastic-ish shelves to asct as the structure for the brew space...and drilled a few hols to mount the Barley Crusher....but pics are and will be in order soon.

Tim

 

[DyerStraightsBrewing]

I will try to get some photos tommorow...I know the photos help...I will get some of my two tier stand and my polishing progress....

 

[MX1]

Almost Done!!!

Tim