I'm moving to all grain!

[steber]

I believe after 3 months of doing extract boils i'm ready to step up to AG. I plan on picking up some fittings, copper pipe and a bulk head and fitting a manifold in a cooler for mash tun sometime in the next week. :rockin:

I currently have a 30qt kettle for my boils, I know this is cutting it way too close, but my partner and I sit around the boil like its a campfire, so we will be watching it like a hawk. Plans are in the mix for a new kettle when the funds come through..

I know this comes up a lot, but any tips for me? I just want to make sure I have all my equipment in order. All grain strikes a bit of fear into me, but everyone has been telling me to make the leap.

 

[Xaphoeous]

pH meter? Apparently, a mash pH of 5.2 to 5.3 is pretty important. I'm hoping the pH meter I just bought will reveal why I can't get good efficiency from my all grain mash.

 

[manoaction]

Not to contradict Xaphoeus, but don't fall into the effeciency trap too soon. The difference between 65% and 95% efficiency is a couple of bucks on 5 gallon batch.

Get your strike temps down pat first.

This is a solid calculator that I like http://brew365.com/mash_sparge_water_calculator.php

Finally, remember you want silver solder, NOT lead solder.

Also a mill should be high on your next item to purchase. Brew shops have a reputation for very loose grinds that hurt your efficiency forcing you to buy more of their grain.

 

[Xaphoeous]

Yeah, you can just add grain if your efficiency isn't high. However, if you have a low efficiency and have no more grain to add, you're out of luck. At the same time, if you have too much grain in the mash and overshoot your OG, you might not have enough yeast prepared. Once you know your typical efficiency, it's certainly easier to plan your grain bill.

 

[manoaction]

Oh yes, I'm not saying don't track your efficiency.

In fact, taking better/more notes should also be high on your list.

Here is the form that I use. Just fill it out and then click Forms>Manage Form Data>Export Form Data...

http://redphoneconsulting.net/photos/BetterBeerNote_Templates.pdf

 

[tre9er]

What are you heating sparge water in if you're using the 30qt. pot for a BK? I have this issue myself, so I'm doing BIAB in the cooler MLT and dunk sparging in the BK. You'll need two decent sized pots total to sparge with a manifold...unless you want to collect runnings in separate, smaller pots and then recombine them into the BK

 

[steber]

I have methods of heating sparge water outside of my brew kettle. Two smaller pots will be used for that. Not that effective as a single pot, but id have to use two burners on the 30qt kettle anyway.

 

[danorocks17]

Remember that it's all about having fun! even if something goes wrong, you will still (more than likely) make good beer. Congrats on moving up to AG, it took me almost 3 years, and I wish I would have done it sooner. For me, AG really reinvigorated my love of home brewing

 

[quadmx08]

Oh yes, I'm not saying don't track your efficiency.

In fact, taking better/more notes should also be high on your list.

Here is the form that I use. Just fill it out and then click Forms>Manage Form Data>Export Form Data...

http://redphoneconsulting.net/photos/BetterBeerNote_Templates.pdf

How do you click Forms>Manage Form Data>Export Form Data... In a .pdf. Maybe you sent the wrong link or mis-stated that.

 

[steber]

Started my build.. got the bulkhead installed! Will hopefully be sweating some pipes next week! Here's some pics. Getting pretty excited for all grain!

:rockin:

 

[Dhruv6911]

are you sure those washers/nut isn't galvanized?

 

[steber]

The washers are stainless fender washers drilled out. The nut is a conduit nut. I think that conduit nuts are zinc coated. But I thought I read on the wiki that they can be used?

 

[tre9er]

Be careful. Hot water at prolonged exposure could start to show ill effects. SS Lock nuts can be found (BF probably has them)

 

[steber]

I have a plastic conduit nut. I guess ill be better off with that.