Heat Shield Prototypes

[Dog House Brew]

You have a good idea. I made something similar for my rig. It has saved my fittings. It came down to the poor design on my burners. I get a lot of heat wash that is directed straight at my fittings and dial. I made mine out of aluminum coil stock. Not as nice as yours, but it makes a huge difference. I'm sure you will move plenty of them, maybe even a few to me.

 

[Bobby_M]

I'm definitely moving forward on this now that I've ordered more of those clips that I'll ever know what to do with. I'll probably have the smaller ones available first because by far I sell more WLSL and WLST240 kits. After I get those going, the larger plates will come for the larger kits and also for protecting ball valves/handles. I found that a certain clip will fit nicely one the 2 and 3 piece ball valves and the longer plate can be rotated sideways to keep the handle from being untouchable. Stay tuned for more progress.

PS: YES, I did find that AnoldUR seeded this project some 6 months ago and here I thought I was being so darn clever coming up with my own idea.

 

[modobrew]

Has anything come of this Bobby? Very interested in one for a weldless sightglass/thermometer kit i bought from you.

 

[kincade]

Bobby,

Im also interested in one for a 3 pc valve.

On another note, what are those clips called? I have another hobby and think those kight come in handy.

 

[Bobby_M]

Still working on it. I'd probably have something ready if the holiday order volume wasn't a factor. Note to self, develop new stuff in the off season in the future.

Right now I have a few people who actually have time to brew beta testing the prototypes. I'm also playing with assembly methods. While my DIY monkey brain wants a new spot welding machine in the garage, the payback would be like a year. I've been having some success with semi-tubular stainless rivets and my air hammer but the larger clips for the big fittings/valves don't leave enough clearance for tools so stainless blind rivets are probably going to be the choice.

The last bit of feet dragging, which may seem completely lame to many, is waiting for my BrewHardware.com metal stamp to arrive so I can finally do some product branding.

kincade - Mcmaster.com calls them tool holders. They come in many different materials and sizes. Attaching the larger plate to a 3-pc valve requires that the two bottom bolts are removed, the clip pops on, then the two bolts go back in. The much larger clip may have the grip required to go over those bolts but it would be a bit obnoxious.

 

[kincade]

Still working on it. I'd probably have something ready if the holiday order volume wasn't a factor. Note to self, develop new stuff in the off season in the future.

Right now I have a few people who actually have time to brew beta testing the prototypes. I'm also playing with assembly methods. While my DIY monkey brain wants a new spot welding machine in the garage, the payback would be like a year. I've been having some success with semi-tubular stainless rivets and my air hammer but the larger clips for the big fittings/valves don't leave enough clearance for tools so stainless blind rivets are probably going to be the choice.

The last bit of feet dragging, which may seem completely lame to many, is waiting for my BrewHardware.com metal stamp to arrive so I can finally do some product branding.

kincade - Mcmaster.com calls them tool holders. They come in many different materials and sizes. Attaching the larger plate to a 3-pc valve requires that the two bottom bolts are removed, the clip pops on, then the two bolts go back in. The much larger clip may have the grip required to go over those bolts but it would be a bit obnoxious.

Thanks Bobby! They look perfect to clip something to my handlebars... I knew they looked familiar.

Keep me in mind if you make any heat shields... Currently looking to build or buy 2 for a 3 pc valve. Sent you an email about another subject as well.

 

[Bobby_M]

I spent some time this weekend building a bunch with the sample plates I had. I'm just about ready to start full production but I'm offering the prototypes for a 50% discount.

Brewhardware.com Heatshields

And not ready yet but:

 

[Golddiggie]

How far are you from having one for 3 piece ball valves?

 

[CanadianQuaffer]

Do you think you would ever make one just to protect a weldless thermometer? ie a Brewmometer fitted into a Megapot? (my set-up)

Oh, and I could definitely see myself buying the one featured in the last picture above to protect my ball valves.

 

[weirdboy]

How far are you from having one for 3 piece ball valves?

++


I would like to fix up the heat shield on my Blingmann pot. It's not particularly well thought-out IMO.

 

[Golddiggie]

Do you think you would ever make one just to protect a weldless thermometer? ie a Brewmometer fitted into a Megapot? (my set-up)

Oh, and I could definitely see myself buying the one featured in the last picture above to protect my ball valves.

I don't know about you, but all the valves I have that need heat protection are 3 piece models.

 

[CanadianQuaffer]

I don't know about you, but all the valves I have that need heat protection are 3 piece models.

Mine are just standard 1/2" SS ball valves.

 

[WortMonger]

Sweetness! Way to go Bobby_M

 

[Bobby_M]

How far are you from having one for 3 piece ball valves?

Actually, that one will fit a 3 piece as well. The one catch is that you have to temporarily remove the bottom two bolts which is simple if you have the nuts on the vessel side.

I'll snap a pic tomorrow.

Bobby

 

[Bobby_M]

I have some production units ready to go in limited quantities and just thought I'd throw up some of the latest pictures. To be completely honest, the assembly of these is a total pain in the butt. Even with a pneumatic riveter, I'm still punching the holes and removing the mandrels by hand.

 

[wildwest450]

Looks nice, of course with an electric setup......

 

[Bobby_M]

I just HAD to spend the bucks on a metal stamp too!

 

[stevea1210]

Awesome, i've been waiting for these to be ready. I'm looking to order a couple of them from you, but need help on which size to get on one of them.

3 are easy - your WLSL sight glass and 2 ball valves.

However my BK has this sightglass: Weldless KEG Sight Gauge kit

The compression fitting is about 13/16" across (put a wrench on it). Which of the heat shields would best fit that sight glass?

 

[Bobby_M]

Well, the large clip would fit but I don't think you want that big plate sticking out. If you want the large clip on the smaller plate, order an extra large and put a comment in during checkout that you want a 3x3 plate on one of the large ones. The large pricing is more related to the attachment labor for the larger clips (two holes, two rivets).

 

[Rob_B]

I just HAD to spend the bucks on a metal stamp too!

But they look great!

 

[stevea1210]

Well, the large clip would fit but I don't think you want that big plate sticking out. If you want the large clip on the smaller plate, order an extra large and put a comment in during checkout that you want a 3x3 plate on one of the large ones. The large pricing is more related to the attachment labor for the larger clips (two holes, two rivets).

Thanks Bobby. I just placed the order. 4 shields and a few SS fittings.

 

[Golddiggie]

Would one of the shields work for the Blichmann kettle sight glass assembly?

 

[Bobby_M]

I have no idea because I haven't had the chance to get my hands on one. I think the small plate with the larger clip would be the best bet.

 

[Deric]

Large ones sold out already Sent you an e-mail!!

 

[Bobby_M]

Stock current as of right this second:

Small - for WLSL 27

Large - for LTS kit 8

Small - With Large Clip 4

Large - Horizontal for ball valve 3

These things take a while to put together but I'm getting faster at it. Found a sweet antique metal punch in a box of my grandfather's tools.

 

[Bobby_M]

Just a quick note for anyone that was waiting for more stock. I banged out 25 of them last night. The large ones for ball valves were more popular than expected.

 

[Bobby_M]

OKAY! I finally broke down and bought a spot welder so I can keep up with these. There should be another 20 or so in stock for each variety if you were waiting for them.

 

[Bobby_M]

Would one of the shields work for the Blichmann kettle sight glass assembly?

I finally had a brew club member bring his 15 gallon version in and I can say for sure that the Small with Large Clip version clips on snuggly to that square block at the bottom. They're going to give me feedback after their next brew.

Oh, $10 flat pricing on all heat shields due to snappy faster spot welding technique... woot!

 

[Bobby_M]

Here's how they fit. This is the Small with Large Clip or HS.SM.LC.