custom size false bottom??

[Apoxbrew]

anyone know of a source for either custom sized false bottoms, or sheets of perforated stainless (so i could make my own)?

the awesome stainless thermos-thing (10gallon double walled stainless container) has an ID of 12.5" and i can't seem to find any false bottoms in that size.

thanks for the info!

 

[Frodo]

I don't know exactly what contraption you're talking about but I would think the domed ones for the regular 10 gal coolers would work... 12" diameter. http://www.northernbrewer.com/default/12-s-s-false-bottom.html

They don't fit "exactly" the circumference of a 10 gal cooler anyway, about 3/8" slack on each side. The diameter of my rubbermaid 10 gal is 12 3/4" and I have the 12" domed false bottom.

 

[r8rphan]

Jay(bird) at Nor Cal will probably make you a custom one...

 

[Apoxbrew]

I don't know exactly what contraption you're talking about but I would think the domed ones for the regular 10 gal coolers would work... 12" diameter. http://www.northernbrewer.com/default/12-s-s-false-bottom.html

They don't fit "exactly" the circumference of a 10 gal cooler anyway, about 3/8" slack on each side. The diameter of my rubbermaid 10 gal is 12 3/4" and I have the 12" domed false bottom.

this is the contraption:

so how does the slack on each side impact the mash? wouldn't you get all kinds of grain in your wort... or even a clogged valve on your tun?

 

[JacksSpleen]

www.onlinemetals.com is one place that sells stainless perforated sheets.

I forgot where I saw this but I think you could also split a tube up the center to create some sort of gasket/washer to wrap around the false bottom to take care of any gaps you might get.

 

[DakotaPrerunner]

this is the perforated sheet that is used by most people. I believe this is the same stuff that Sabco uses. I bought a 15 inch square to cut my own false bottom. I live a few miles from their shop=no shipping charges

 

[Frodo]

this is the contraption:

so how does the slack on each side impact the mash? wouldn't you get all kinds of grain in your wort... or even a clogged valve on your tun?

It seats down pretty well on the bottom of the cooler without a gasket. I think the weight of the grain keeps it pushed down in place. I have had a stuck sparge once in a while, but I think I ran off the liquid too fast those times without letting the grain bed settle slow enough without compacting. You'd probably be able to make a false bottom for a lot cheaper than the domed one costs, and who knows it might work better...