Hop Drying Screens

[SAMPLER]

Quick question....

What to use for a screen?

Window screen?
Aluminum Screen?
Galvanized 1/2 wire screen?

I'm leaning towards the galvanized 1/2 wire for it longevity and strength.

Any thoughts or ideas?

 

[david_42]

I use the screen from my patio door. It's fiberglass and I avoid having another piece of equipment around I only use once a year.

 

[jerkstore]

I made a 20 inch square out of wood (same size as my box fan). And stapled window screen to the wood.

 

[Gridlocked]

I use my patio door screen as well.

 

[SAMPLER]

So would there be any negatives to using the galvanized wire screens?

The only reason I ask is that I may have a free supply and want to take advantage of it. Plus I feel that the wire would be stronger and more durable when being stored and tossed around throughout the year. There would be less chance of poking holes through the screen and maybe even better air flow through the screen since the hole are larger.

Just a thought.

 

[GVH_Dan]

Free is good...spread the wealth.

As long as the hole size is small enough that your smaller cones don't fall through, go for it.

 

[Gridlocked]

I don't see why not, if they're free, I'd take advantage. I didn't even wash mine off before throwing the hops on there. They're all going to be boiled for at least 20 minutes anyway.

 

[Homercidal]

I used the door off our patio door AND a large piece of SS screen and barely had enough room to spread them out.

I can't see why galvanized would make a difference in this application.

 

[DevilsCreekBrewing]

I used aluminum screen in my frames. They 24x2x2 pine, with the screen stapled on. I drilled and inserted 4 lengths of dowel on each, with a corresponding hole in the next so they don`t fall over. I need to make a few more, as I still have had to use a sheet suspended with fans on it too. Can`t believe it, but too many hops this year.

 

[david_42]

Larger holes means the small cones and loose petals will fall through. (Assuming the 1/2 means 1/2 inch)

 

[SAMPLER]

Free is good...spread the wealth.

As long as the hole size is small enough that your smaller cones don't fall through, go for it.

Free is good for sure! I made 2 frames today with old aluminum screen I had at the house. 36x30. Ill be make more.soon with the galvanized screen. It also is free!

By the way how small is too small of a cone pick?

Larger holes means the small cones and loose petals will fall through. (Assuming the 1/2 means 1/2 inch)

I think I will end up using 1/4 inch screen holes. That way I can catch the small cones too.

 

[Randar]

I made 36"x40" boxes out of furring strips (2x2's) and just stapled some cheap vinyl (I think) screen material to it. Each screen was enough to hold up to 4 lbs of wet cones:


Hops on the racks 1 on Flickr


Hops on the racks 2 on Flickr