Drilling a ball valve hole in a kettle

[Geneticjim]

Holy sore hands Batman!
I drilled a hole for my ball valve. It took a good long time. Yes I used a step bit. I think the lube I used was way too good. I used a dab of molly paste. As soon as I cleaned all the lube off I felt the bit start cutting better. All said and done I have no leaks and I'm just about ready to brew.

 

[Geneticjim]

I just need to figure out a way to measure the gallons for the kettle. Any suggestions?

 

[pinchegil]

I ordered a cheapy sight glass kit about $20 bucks and marked it using a half gallon at a time then marking each increment with a sharpie, course you could always just use a story stick made of NSF plastic or stainless with notches each half gallon. here is a cool link as well [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-k_BHbQ-JM[/ame]

 

[Pratzie]

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrzjoVF38h0[/ame]

Same concept, just install the sightglass and add a gallon at a time and mark. Or the story stick as mentioned above.

 

[Geneticjim]

Thanks guys!

 

[pinchegil]

Olive oil works fine for keeping your bit cool and is easier to clean later. I drill a pilot hole and then use my step bit. makes it a little quicker

 

[cyanmonkey]

I use a dowel rod that I've notched gallon marks on. Works great and cost a dollar fitty.

 

[Riot]

You can etch marks on the kettle with some salt water and a 9v battery. It takes forever on bigger kettles though