Cut keg top for false bottom?

[Riddei]

Petro, that is brilliant. Soldered our riveted?

 

[petrostar]

I used stainless nuts and bolts I had on hand. I tried to solder it but couldn't get the silver solder to stick.

 

[petrostar]

Thanks. Here's what it looks like. I'm gonna drill some holes in the paddle. Some 'speed holes' as Homer Simpson might say. Lol

 

[Riddei]

I know we kinda ganked the thread with this, but that looks spectacular. I am going to have to build one write an article on the beer lovers site.

 

[Zamial]

@ petro that is a nice paddle. IMO I would remove the "crown" on the handle. You do not need it there and it will not only clean up the look but be easier/more sanitary to use. The only other suggestion I would have would be to get some 7/8" (I am guessing from what I remember it is.) ID thin silicon tubing (maybe a foot?) spray the handle down with starsan (That will make it temporary slippery) and slide the hose down the handle. This will help you not only hold onto it but help shield your hand from heat. (I bet that thing gets warm!)

If not then that is OK too. These were just minor improvements on a fantastic build.

 

[Riddei]

I'm actually making my paddle section a bit long and will have some half inch drilled holes. I haven't thought about putting a no slip grip on it, but I like that Idea.
Cheers

 

[stamandster]

I'm making an FB from my keg bottom. What size holes and what spacing is good??

 

[aquenne]

I'm making an FB from my keg bottom. What size holes and what spacing is good??

i would keep the drill size under 1/8th inch (.125).. and the more holes the better.. you can put a ton of holes at that dia without worrying to much about the structural integrity (within reason)...

 

[aquenne]

here is the one i made

 

[Brewitt]

here is the one i made

Aquenne, Can you please explain what we're looking at. What did you make the edge out of? I assume the copper tube goes to the spigot on your keggle, correct? Finally, what did you use to smooth off your cuts and holes. I made something similar and I am always snagging my BIAB bag on it.

Sorry for all the questions. Thanks for any answers

 

[aquenne]

Aquenne, Can you please explain what we're looking at. What did you make the edge out of? I assume the copper tube goes to the spigot on your keggle, correct? Finally, what did you use to smooth off your cuts and holes. I made something similar and I am always snagging my BIAB bag on it.

Sorry for all the questions. Thanks for any answers

No problem.

So this FB sits the way it looks in the pic.. The slits were cut with a thin wheel grinder disc (1/8th thk).. the holes were .096, drilled on a drill press.
To smooth, I just took a non-metallic grinder pad to it to remove any bits of metal stick hanging loose, and then buffed it on a brass wheel on a bench grinder..

thats about it.. there are 2 large stainless washer covering the large hole from the sanke coupler from either side.. they are about 1.25" id, 2" od

then 2 smaller 3/4" id washers for the 1/2 NPT connection..

 

[stamandster]

Thanks for the suggestion. Maybe I'll just do slits instead... i'm debating!

 

[Zamial]

FWIW Mine is still working flawlessly. I have even direct fired the MLT. This is more of an update than anything else...

 

[stamandster]

The first image is what i started out with. I banged out the bottom to invert it slightly so it wasn't completely a dome (less dead space i was hoping). Don't let the lighting fool you it's completely round

I used 1/8" cutting disc on my grinder. Took a couple hours total to complete. I used very small files to clean up all the cut edges. The knob is an unfinished maple knob from HD with a stainless screw.

 

[Brewitt]

Thanks Aquenne. I will take your lead. I have a little cutting work to do on mine then to the refinishing. I like the idea of the siphon tube through the middle. I have given up on worrying about grub. Just let it settle in the primary and rack. I still am confused about what the cream colored edge on your FB is. Or am I confused?

 

[stamandster]

Brewitt I think that's a silicon tube with a slit down the middle.

 

[aquenne]

Brewitt I think that's a silicon tube with a slit down the middle.

yes correct, its thermoplastic tubing to aid in sealing the FB to the bottom of the keg.

 

[Brewitt]

Got it. Thanks

 

[davepeds]

I also got a plastic scrubby from the grocery store to put around the base of the dip tube, due to one time occurance of grain getting around edge of the false bottom, and clogging the dip tube. Works great so far, be even I see myself in the future getting an nice professional false bottom, when all of the other needs of my brewery are solved(years from now).

whoa. gotta say, I'm excited about trying this project. Why not a stainless scrubby, or copper? Less cancer, perhaps?

 

[Reflux]

Maybe a sparge arm for the spear?

 

[ParabolicDestination]

Hi Guys, I was looking over this thread and thought I would add my own thoughts to the greater good. I just pulled a Sanke spear apart and am going to use it as a false bottom adapter. I took the Stainless Ball out and am using the spring that was used to retain the spear. Now I assemble with just the rubber "Grommet" and stainless spring to hold the rubber spear top in place. Haven't tried it yet, but I think the hole is perfect size for a 1/2" copper pickup tube. Now to have at the keg top with the grinder!