Custom soda keg(cutting and welding)

[Elfmaze]

Hi guys i guess this is my first official post! yea! But onto buisness. I was looking for a corney keg that can fit into a cooler to take on my boat. also something that could fit in the fridge better was desirable.


I have seen 2.5 gallon corney kegs. but, they are twice the price of the used 5 gallons. I cant think of any, but can anyone think of why cutting a cheap 5 gallon keg in half and tig welding it back together would be a bad idea?


Thanks,
Dan

 

[k1v1116]

well not if you or someone you know is an excellent welder, it would have to be not only air tight but able to hold quite a bit of pressure. you might want to find a way around this problem, if you only want 2.5gallons why not just bottle the beer? 2.5 gallons bottles in no time.

 

[ChrisKennedy]

Party pigs are your friend.

 

[monty73741]

tap a draft

 

[Yooper]

Didn't Yuri_rage do exactly that? I can't remember the details, and it was a while ago, but I thought he did that. It was very ugly, but worked if I remember correctly.

 

[Elfmaze]

I have looked at the TAD'S heavily and honestly they are exactly what i need for basic use. BUT, For force carboration the TADs chew thru co2 12grams. where as the corneys i can hook up to my bulk tank. Plus the corneys are dirt cheap these days the same price for stainless steel proven durrable tanks vs the plastic. I have also been worried about aging in the PET bottles(cider over 2-12 months). And i want to be able to use my draft system in a cooler chest to bring beer on my boat(for the passangers)

For the same price it just makes sence

I did find this link shortly after i posted this but it doesn't have any results

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/2-5g-keg-thoughts-cutting-one-down-16076/

 

[Yooper]

Yeah, that's when he did it. Here's a picture from his gallery of the finished 3 gallon keg:

 

[Cpt_Kirks]

I have seen pics of multi "keg" systems using 2 liter PET soda bottles.

They require a custom DIY fitting, but it looked like the parts were standard, possibly with modifications.

5L mini-kegs are also an option.

I want some kind of system like the OP is looking for. The ability to take multiple kinds of my homebrew with me in a cooler would be nice for going to the lake, visiting friends, or camping.

 

[beerfactory]

Attach the Carbonater to a 2 Liter soda bottle. Using your kegging outfit you can force carbonate enough beer to take with you.

Austin Homebrew Supply

 

[Elfmaze]

i have looked at mini kegs but people have said that they are no good for aging, and the appear hard to get in the US maby?

 

[Cpt_Kirks]

i have looked at mini kegs but people have said that they are no good for aging, and the appear hard to get in the US maby?

Midwest has them for $11.

Mini-Keg :: Midwest Supplies Homebrewing and Winemaking Supplies

You would carb the beer in a corny keg, then load the mini keg from the corny.

 

[MoRoToRiUm]

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/tap-draft-first-impression-60237/

Decent thread on TAD

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/5l-mini-keg-6-8-refills-83474/

Good info to know about mini kegs (as well as photos of what not to do)...

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/experiences-fass-frisch-report-them-here-82638/

More on mini kegging.

Personally, I think I would hold out for a good score on a smaller corny- If you brew 5 gallon batches, bottle the rest. Great for aging and conditioning (when it's done right) and very very easy to toss in the cooler

If you go with the mini keg, check out Mini Keg Equipment :: Midwest Supplies Homebrewing and Winemaking Supplies. I had experimented with mini kegs (still have them in a box, as well as avanti mini pub thing) and got them off here. One had a little dent, called them and they had me a new one here for free next day.

 

[Cpt_Kirks]

I just found this:

Onebeer.net :: Homebrew :: Minitap

DIY 2 liter keg system.

I WILL be building one of these...

 

[MoRoToRiUm]

I believe it was circuit city has 'dusters' like the one pictured that take CO2; some fittings and a soda bottle....

I forget the end result, but there is a thread around, about painting soda bottles with krylon (plastic paint) to help shield out the light from getting to your beer. Might be worth a look if you decide to go this route.

 

[jds]

Attach the Carbonater to a 2 Liter soda bottle. Using your kegging outfit you can force carbonate enough beer to take with you.

Austin Homebrew Supply

For that matter, if you're going to consume it in the same day, filling a 2l soda bottle from a corny keg and capping on foam will definitely keep the beer carbonated for a day or two. This is a great way to take beer to picnics.

 

[Cpt_Kirks]

I believe it was circuit city has 'dusters' like the one pictured that take CO2; some fittings and a soda bottle....

I forget the end result, but there is a thread around, about painting soda bottles with krylon (plastic paint) to help shield out the light from getting to your beer. Might be worth a look if you decide to go this route.

I don't think the beer will be in the clear bottles long enough for that to be an issue. They will be in the cooler, too.

Though, the plastic paint is a good idea. I have a can of that in black in the garage.

 

[Elfmaze]

I saw this guys work a long time ago. is quite impressive, and two litter bottles do handle pressure nicely. i think burst is around 160-180psi. Was a bit concerned with the metals he had used for the fittings. But would be great for a travel set. could even work with three liter bottles with the right lids.

I usually force carbonate in soda bottles all the time making seltzer.

 

[RC0032]

Yeah, that's when he did it. Here's a picture from his gallery of the finished 3 gallon keg:

I sent him a PM a few days back and no reply. Anyone else tried this?

 

[Bobby_M]

The problem with hiring out the welding on that project is that the hourly rate is likely going to be about the same as a 3 gallon corny. The weld has to be sanitary from the inside.
+1 to growlers or soda bottles with a carbonator cap.

 

[the_bird]

What I remember from Yuri's experience was that it was a total PITA not just because the weld has to be sanitary, but because the metal is so thin. I asked him once whether he was still making those, but he's out of that business.

I was able to find a 3-gallon keg for only $60; keep your eyes open, you might get lucky.

 

[IrregularPulse]

I'm a little surprised I've not seen this question brought up.
What kind of boat and what kind of water? I would think even a pontoon on a lake would be too rocky for a keg to pour reliably.

 

[RC0032]

I was able to find a 3-gallon keg for only $60; keep your eyes open, you might get lucky.

Where?

As for the welding it would be free/ the price of lunch