DIY cast iron pipe draft tower

[m00ps]

Have you given any thought to a drip tray? Thanks

I bought this one which is just barely long enough to catch everything from both taps on my setup
http://www.birdmanbrewing.com/drip-tray-14-x-6-stainless-counter-top-no-drain/

 

[Gizzygone]

I’m curious if PVC would fit inside the iron pipe? I’m thinkibg of trying this, but I’d want some airflow to the lines....

My thought is PVC run up the center, and then spray foam outside the PVC for insulation?

 

[thekraken]

I’m curious if PVC would fit inside the iron pipe? I’m thinkibg of trying this, but I’d want some airflow to the lines....

My thought is PVC run up the center, and then spray foam outside the PVC for insulation?

I did exactly this, though with pvc for inner and outer layer. Yes, pvc will fit inside the iron pipe.

See post #7 and #21.

 

[Gizzygone]

I did exactly this, though with pvc for inner and outer layer. Yes, pvc will fit inside the iron pipe.

See post #7 and #21.

Does the PVC alone provide enough insulation?

I think I may have worded my question incorrectly: basically I want to make sure the beer lines stay chilled enough: but I want to insulate the black iron pipe in a way that I won’t create a giant heat-sink! (Making the fridge work harder)

 

[thekraken]

Does the PVC alone provide enough insulation?

I think I may have worded my question incorrectly: basically I want to make sure the beer lines stay chilled enough: but I want to insulate the black iron pipe in a way that I won’t create a giant heat-sink! (Making the fridge work harder)

Now you've confused me

What I've done from outside to inside is 2(ish)" pvc -> spray foam insulation -> 3/4(ish)" pvc -> beer lines. I don't remember what the exact sizes of the pipe were. You can easily swap the outer pvc for cast iron pipe.

Now you're asking if you could skip the spray foam, if the air gap would be enough insulation? I don't *think* so... You would at least need a way to cap it off, or "insulate" your air gap from the rest of the cold air in the fridge.

All that said I imagine some folks run the fridge with no insulation in the tower at all.

 

[Gizzygone]

Now you've confused me

What I've done from outside to inside is 2(ish)" pvc -> spray foam insulation -> 3/4(ish)" pvc -> beer lines. I don't remember what the exact sizes of the pipe were. You can easily swap the outer pvc for cast iron pipe.

Now you're asking if you could skip the spray foam, if the air gap would be enough insulation? I don't *think* so... You would at least need a way to cap it off, or "insulate" your air gap from the rest of the cold air in the fridge.

All that said I imagine some folks run the fridge with no insulation in the tower at all.

Sorry! I guess I didn’t “subscribe” to this forum: I didn’t catch your response...

what you described is exactly what I was looking to do: I just didn’t think there was enough space in 2” Pipe to really fit another pipe.

I’m considering 2.5” or 3” Iron Pipe too... but 3” may be too bulky...

 

[theQ]

Is there a black iron 2" Male NTP for 7/8" Female NTP shank ?

Planing to do a similar thing but with a cross "tee" so I can have 3 taps.

 

[Abyssal]

Is there a black iron 2" Male NTP for 7/8" Female NTP shank ?

Planing to do a similar thing but with a cross "tee" so I can have 3 taps.

This guy made something pretty much the same as what the OP posted. The main difference (besides using premium stainless steel pipes...) was that he used a couple 2" X 1/2" 304 Stainless Steel Threaded Bushings and then drilled out the 1/2" hole to 7/8" so it'd be nice and tight. So that's an option if you're worried about your shanks being loose.

On a side note I have a question about pipe diameter. I have 1.5" pipe lying around from some other project. You guys think I could use that instead of 2"? I would be worried about there not being enough room for the tubing plus some sort or air flow to keep things cool.

 

[Abyssal]

Oh I guess I should mention, I was thinking of using copper pipe insulation for my insulator, so that paired with 1-1/2" pipe do you guys think would be enough for air flow?
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Frost-King-1-in-x-6-ft-Foam-Plumbing-Tubular-Pipe-Insulation/3133247

 

[Gizzygone]

This guy made something pretty much the same as what the OP posted. The main difference (besides using premium stainless steel pipes...) was that he used a couple 2" X 1/2" 304 Stainless Steel Threaded Bushings and then drilled out the 1/2" hole to 7/8" so it'd be nice and tight. So that's an option if you're worried about your shanks being loose.

On a side note I have a question about pipe diameter. I have 1.5" pipe lying around from some other project. You guys think I could use that instead of 2"? I would be worried about there not being enough room for the tubing plus some sort or air flow to keep things cool.

I used the 1/2 and drilled to 7/8ths. Worked well for me, but it was tough tightening down the nut enough...

Oh I guess I should mention, I was thinking of using copper pipe insulation for my insulator, so that paired with 1-1/2" pipe do you guys think would be enough for air flow?
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Frost-King-1-in-x-6-ft-Foam-Plumbing-Tubular-Pipe-Insulation/3133247

This is more or less what I did. The lines fit, but it’s tight when you need to fish the lines through (mostly because the vinyl has lots of friction)

 

[theQ]

I am going to do this soon. What is the best place to get the black steel fittings from ?

Also for the shanks what size is that 2" long and 7/8'' diameter, is that correct ?

I am planing to use a 12" nipple and to flanges to secure it on the top and at the bottom (the two flanges would act as a clamp)

Also I plan to use a cross fitting instead of the tee so I can have 3 taps. Insulation and keeping the beer code in a 3 foot long line would be a challenge too but I am sure I can figure some things out.

 

[Gizzygone]

I ordered all of mine from supply house dot com. Fast shipping and great customer service.

The big box stores stock most of the black pipe, but it’s all made in China and has obnoxiously large “CHINA” imprints on them. Supply House has a made in USA section for the fittings... (anal of me, I know, but for some reason the CHINA markings bothered me)

 

[theQ]

I ordered all of mine from supply house dot com. Fast shipping and great customer service.

The big box stores stock most of the black pipe, but it’s all made in China and has obnoxiously large “CHINA” imprints on them. Supply House has a made in USA section for the fittings... (anal of me, I know, but for some reason the CHINA markings bothered me)

That's a great source. Thank you!
Say I am trying to figure the reducer from 2" to 7/8" to be able to connect the shank. I tried under reducer/bushing couldn't find it. Does it have a different name ?

Much appreciated again!

 

[theQ]

this is the only one found but is 2 x 3/4
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Bluefin-BLB200-075-2-x-3-4-Black-Bushing-w-Inside-Head

 

[Gizzygone]

Honestly, I can’t recall what size I used. I ended up ordering several sizes and returned what didn’t work (so I can’t tell from my invoices what I used).

I will say that I ended up just using a bushing slightly smaller than the tap, and I used a step drill to make it the correct size.

 

[theQ]

3/4 would be smaller than 7/8, so that makes sense! Now I have to find a step bit/tap that same threading with the 7/8 shank! Do you recall the length of the shanks you ordered ?

Did you use a step bit to enlarge it or use a tap to create the threading ?

 

[Gizzygone]

I’m pretty sure they’re 2 1/8” shanks from Amazon.

I didn’t thread it. I just bought a cheap 7/8” step bit and drilled through. The shank I used worked very nicely this way!

 

[theQ]

Can I get an advice on these ?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZYB297G/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Seems that the shank is 5/8 ? that wont require much drillingit shoul fit nicely!

 

[theQ]

I've received my hardware I wanted 3 taps. Need some time to accomodate with the look and height. I will lower the base nipple. Also considering adding a tap in the middle of the cross fitting as I don't like how toll it gets. Thoughts ?