DYI Mash Tun Build

[ajpion]

First post!! Happy to be part of this wonderful hobby and network with all you knowledgeable people out there.

I want to build my own mash tun from a 10 gal. HD Water Cooler and have seen many designs and builds on the net. I see most DYI'ers use stainless pipe fittings but they are hard to come by and a little costly. Some people are building them with large coolers and use copper tubing for the manifold.

Can i use copper fittings or is there some risk involved with off flavors and metals leaching into the mash? I would think it's ok since nobody is commenting negatively on the copper manifolds.

Any help would be appreciated and if anyone knows where in Connecticut i can buy stainless steel hardware, please let me know, I still want that to be my priority over copper.

Primary1: nada
Primary2: nada
Secondary: Imperial Blonde
Bottled: Irish Red Ale
On Deck: Kolsch, Oatmeal Stout

 

[Auger]

Welcome to the forum from a fellow nutmegger. What part of CT are you in?

I use mostly copper fittings in my setup, you will have no issues due to that.

 

[cyberbrew]

Welcome! If you're looking for stainless fittings online, I recommend brewhardware.com. I've bought a bunch of stuff there, good pricing and fast shipping. (BTW, I'm not affiliated with them in any way)

 

[SteelManCM]

Check out this link:

http://imperialhops.blogspot.com/2015/02/now-for-what-is-possibly-easiest-mod.html

I detail how I converted my cooler and built my manifold, including links to purchase everything.

 

[d3track]

No worries using brass and copper fittings. Plus, they are easier to solder, if you are so inclined.

 

[CUrchin]

Copper is fine. Perhaps you are getting confused with brass which can contain lead....

 

[govner1]

+1 on the cooper manifold. Also, get a decent SS Ball Valve kit. Check w/ Bobby M