diy stainless conical fermentor

[TenTwentyThree]

I want to build a ss conical. I however don't know anyone with one to get some kind of plans. I have access to c&c water jet to cut my parts and have welders and the ability to weld. I know I need to get 304 stainless steel but im not sure on the gage I need. If anyone has info or advise I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[aeviaanah]

I want to build a ss conical. I however don't know anyone with one to get some kind of plans. I have access to c&c water jet to cut my parts and have welders and the ability to weld. I know I need to get 304 stainless steel but im not sure on the gage I need. If anyone has info or advise I would greatly appreciate it.

sheet metal worker here, i can help. 14-12 ga is a start depending on size of tank.. go for 316 ss if possible but not needed. a ss conical is simply a cylindrically rolled piece of sheet metal welded to a conically rolled piece of sheet metal. the layout is simple. let me know what your looking for i may be able to help.

 

[Golddiggie]

You could also locate a decommissioned 1/2 barrel sanke keg and use that as the base. It's 304 stainless there. You can also just use it as a fermenting vessel and not do anything else with it.

 

[TenTwentyThree]

I am thinking I want a 20 gallon conical. Other than that I am still in the planning stages and open to suggestions

 

[TenTwentyThree]

I have thought about using a sanke keg for fermenting but I like the challenge and I'm not going to lie I would like to be the envy of my homebrewing friends and since I have access to the equipment I might as well use it

 

[Golddiggie]

I am thinking I want a 20 gallon conical. Other than that I am still in the planning stages and open to suggestions

I hope you can either get the materials really cheap, or for free. Pretty sure 1-1.3mm thick 304 stainless isn't cheap in the size you'll need to use. You'll want it less tall and more squat... Check out what Stout Tanks and Blichmann offer up for ideas. Figure that Stout gets theirs from overseas, so the unit production cost (for them) is lower than the materials will probably be for you. Base 27 gallon from Blichmann is ~$850... Stout's start at $800 for a 20 gallon too...

 

[Golddiggie]

I have thought about using a sanke keg for fermenting but I like the challenge and I'm not going to lie I would like to be the envy of my homebrewing friends and since I have access to the equipment I might as well use it

Convert a keg into a 15.5 gallon (or more if you make the bottom the same cone angle as a conical) fermenting vessel... Your materials cost will probably be much more economical...

Personally, I don't care that much about trying to wow the others. I do things for ME to brew easier/better beer. If it happens that they think it's really cool too, that's a bonus.

Oh, and I did get my first mash paddle in order to give other brewers 'paddle envy'. Wasn't as great of an idea since it's a bit tight in the sanke mash tun. At least I'm ready when I step up the mash tun size.

 

[TenTwentyThree]

I completely agree about not caring about impressing and making better beer. That is the reason I want a conical in the first place. I should have been a little more clear. I would like to be the envy for my ability to build it and (if my calculations are correct) the money I would save vs buying one from a supplier or my LHBS

 

[Golddiggie]

IMO, I get pretty much all the benefits of a conical without the expense (or hassle of trying to build one) by using sanke kegs. I typically use tall 1/4 bbl kegs to ferment in. I use a CO2 push to move my brew out, leaving the sediment behind. I'm not harvesting yeast (right now) so I don't care about trying to dump it from the bottom. I could, if I wanted to, extract some when the brew is done, either with a longer dip tube and CO2 push, or just wait until the beer is in serving kegs and dump it then.

I did just clear a larger part of the basement (side with no windows) in order to have a larger fermenting/aging area. I'll be picking up a furniture dolly from HF before I go to use my 50L fermenting keg next. Mostly so that it will be easy to move when full. Planning on getting about 12 gallons in there. :rockin:

 

[aeviaanah]

I completely agree about not caring about impressing and making better beer. That is the reason I want a conical in the first place. I should have been a little more clear. I would like to be the envy for my ability to build it and (if my calculations are correct) the money I would save vs buying one from a supplier or my LHBS

Fabrication is a hobby within itself. Start with looking at others ideas. Try downloading google sketchup and designing something that way. 14-12 ga is a great thickness for a 20 gal conical.

 

[aeviaanah]

here a layout website for cone. no math is needed....

http://www.sheetmetalguy.com/cones.htm

the dxf file is what your water jet operator will need

your bottom diameter will have to match that of the cylindrical body of the fermenter.

To figure the body stretch out just take the mean diameter of the cone and multiply by pie. now just figure your height. shear, roll weld to cone and polish.

 

[TenTwentyThree]

I hope you can either get the materials really cheap, or for free. Pretty sure 1-1.3mm thick 304 stainless isn't cheap in the size you'll need to use. You'll want it less tall and more squat... Check out what Stout Tanks and Blichmann offer up for ideas. Figure that Stout gets theirs from overseas, so the unit production cost (for them) is lower than the materials will probably be for you. Base 27 gallon from Blichmann is ~$850... Stout's start at $800 for a 20 gallon too...

I've done some research and from what I've found I can build one quite a bit cheaper then buying one. I will know 100 percent after I get my dimensions figured out.

 

[Golddiggie]

I've done some research and from what I've found I can build one quite a bit cheaper then buying one. I will know 100 percent after I get my dimensions figured out.

Well, if you want to make another one hand have someone else test it for ya, let me know.

 

[TenTwentyThree]

Fabrication is a hobby within itself. Start with looking at others ideas. Try downloading google sketchup and designing something that way. 14-12 ga is a great thickness for a 20 gal conical.

Thanks for your input. Fabricating is definitely a hobby within its self. I enjoy it almost ax much as brewing

 

[Golddiggie]

Thanks for your input. Fabricating is definitely a hobby within its self. I enjoy it almost ax much as brewing

I really enjoyed making knives while I was doing it. I'm working on getting the funds together to buy a mini lathe now. I want to make my own small parts/items.