Jaybird's Stainless False Bottoms

[bchurch]

Yes, there is more to the story. When I ordered the FB in August, Jay contacted me to provide measurements for the Kettle. I'm deployed military so I don't have access to it at the moment. He did try to contact Blichmann to get the measurements. He later apologized for the delay and said he was considering ordering a kettle like mine so he could build it. That was about two weeks ago. I have e-mailed him twice since then to see where we're at and he's not responding. I understand he's a busy man but then I look at this forum and he has been posting frequently. Also, he has built them for 10G Boilermakers before. I don't think he's trying to take the money and run. If he simply can't do it without me providing dimensions, I would just like to know so I can figure something else out.

Isn't there anyone who can measure it for you? Expecting someone to order an expensive kettle because you can't provide the measurements is a bit absurd. I know he offered but still I would rather be certain myself.

 

[Jaybird]

I don't expect him to. I imagine he would order one to sell in his store. From his website, you can click on the brand and pick your options. It seems like he has the dimensions to take it from there. Also, I did provide him with dimensions I found online along with a dip tube measurement a buddy took. That's when he said he was considering ordering it so that he can get it right.

TimmyWit
Brother if you have sent me any more emails than the ones I responded to, I am sorry but I have not seen them. The last time we talked you wanted a custom FB with hole placement etc. I cant really do that without exact measurements from you. I though that we discussed you wern't going to be back state side for over a month, and I was going to order a kettle from Blingmann so I could build what you want and make it perfect for you. I did try to contact Blingmann with no response from them so I am putting together an order. I am happy to do what ever you like for your kettle but knowing you are overseas and this being custom I really didnt see any urgency. I will finish my order from them today and get this done and out the door for you ASAP.
If you want me to refund your $$ I am happy to do that for you for sure and I apologize for the issue. Sometimes when were dealing with custom stuff when the person is not with the kettle they want me to build something for, I do what I can, but its is hard when I dont have an exact measurement. Please understand that because the Bilngmann kettles come from China like I told you they are not all the same size. the couplings are not always put in the same spot etc etc. and this being a custom build I want it to fit perfect for you.
I just did a search in my email for your email and the last one I have is the one I responded to. PM me here is always the best way to get me. Its is direct to me. Only for you guys and there isnt 300 other emails to filter.

PM me and we will get this resolved for you.
Jay

 

[Jaybird]

Jaybird:

I ordered a false bottom from you for my keggle a while ago and didn't get the handle installed on it. Stupid, I know.... Anyway I could ship it to you, have a handle welded on, and have it shipped back? Obviously I'd pay for the shipping both ways and the cost to put a handle on there. I'd certainly appreciate it!

Thanks!

Ohh you bet. I will PM you with details on how to do that.

 

[RyanWeary]

Ohh you bet. I will PM you with details on how to do that.

Thanks - I actually sent you a PM already today too.

Let this be a lesson to anyone else who orders one!! Spring a few extra bucks for the handle!!!!!!!

 

[mors]

some stainless steel wire for a handle works good for mine

 

[RyanWeary]

some stainless steel wire for a handle works good for mine

Bah! I want it done properly - should have just done it right the first time.

 

[mors]

I like that I can remove them... honestly... if Jaybird made a handle that just sort of hooked into the false bottom I would buy that for sure.... I just didn't want a handle attached perm to the false bottom.

 

[RyanWeary]

heh well I'll admit I thought about it both ways before ordering mine... I landed on the wire handles because I wasn't sure if I would like 1 or 2 handles best... 2 'handles' works best because it's super easy to spin the false bottom to get the dip tube to fit.

Now that's a good idea.....

I've been using the probe end of a thermometer jammed into a hole to spin it around to fit it in place. Then when I'm done mashing fighting like hell to get it apart.....so done with that.

Edit: I should note that these have been the easiest mashes I've ever done with this FB too. Continuous recirculation with a pump = HEAVEN!

 

[hammis]

just ordered my new one today, cant wait!

 

[GreenDragon]

I have what I think is the standard issue 10 gallon Igloo (yellow and red one, seen them all over). Currently I'm using a tube screen but getting ready to upgrade to your cooler false bottom. Do I need to measure it or do you have the Igloo ones pretty much down now?

 

[Jaybird]

I have what I think is the standard issue 10 gallon Igloo (yellow and red one, seen them all over). Currently I'm using a tube screen but getting ready to upgrade to your cooler false bottom. Do I need to measure it or do you have the Igloo ones pretty much down now?

This is a killer question as I get it asked all the time in the store and on the web.
I have bought several coolers from the same company, lets just use Igloo as an example but they are all the same. There is a major difference between all the coolers. I think this is because of the foam injection they do, but dont know that to be fact. So you can have 5 Igloo coolers side by side and have 5 diferent measurements. So to answer your question. Yes, get me a measurement 2" above the bottom of the cooler. I ask for a measurement on ALL cooler false bottoms I build, and custom build them for your needs
Again thanks for asking the question here.

Cheers
Jay

 

[lemy]

I too have the same question about supporting the weight and don't really understand why 32# of grain would let grain through, I would think the additional weight would either have no effect, or actually secure the FB more firmly to the bottom. Also don't get why RIMS/HERMS would matter at all.

I am planning on purchasing (I can't believe nobody else makes a FB that fits the entire concave bottom of a keg) a FB for my Keggle that actually has a pipe welded into the edge of the concave bottom, so no dip tube, but I do need a FB to reach all the way to the edge. Click here for photos.


I'm also a little perplexed about the hinges and why reversing them matters.

I apologize if any of this has been covered.

Thanks,
-Lemy

Great questions.
I have used my 15" for years without a stand without any issues. I did notice grain getting through a little, while I was doing larger batches 32+# but that is only after years of abuse. From what I have seen anything under 27# your good if your not doing a RIMS or HERMS. Since I started using the level 1 in my MLT I will say this. The added support and the added filtration from the material being there to help stop grain from getting in the diptube is a huge bonus.

As for the level 3 without the FB? I am not sure. I would guess it would clog fairly quickly, but I have not tried it myself and of course it's going to depend on the hop load you throw at it. You can always try it and if you need more filtration add the 15" FB later. You will need a hose clamp or something to hold the Level 3 down during the boil though.

Cheers
Jay

 

[Jaybird]

I too have the same question about supporting the weight and don't really understand why 32# of grain would let grain through, I would think the additional weight would either have no effect, or actually secure the FB more firmly to the bottom. Also don't get why RIMS/HERMS would matter at all.

I am planning on purchasing (I can't believe nobody else makes a FB that fits the entire concave bottom of a keg) a FB for my Keggle that actually has a pipe welded into the edge of the concave bottom, so no dip tube, but I do need a FB to reach all the way to the edge. Click here for photos.


I'm also a little perplexed about the hinges and why reversing them matters.

I apologize if any of this has been covered.

Thanks,
-Lemy

Lemy
All good questions! To start, there are others that make a 15" hinged false bottom, I am not the only one on the market, but I do think my system is better.

Why 32# of grain or HERMS or RIMS systems make a difference, although I make these out of 16ga material they do have their limitations and will bow down, splitting the two halves apart a tad in the center, if put under too much stress. I have found that under normal conditions a stand isn't needed and the hinges can take the stress. But most home brewers these days are adding the constant draw of the RIMS and HERMS systems, creating a little too much pressure on the false bottom. I created the stands to eliminate that bowing and separation of the hinge.
The stands added so much extra strength and extra filtration to the system it has been a 2 fold successful addition to the entire system. In doing this I needed to reverse the hinge so the underneath side of the false bottom where the stand is going to set was flat and wouldn't interfere with how the false bottom set in the kettle. So without a stand, hinges down. With a stand, hinges up.

Thanks for the questions. Hope I was able to answer them.

Cheers
Jay

 

[lemy]

Jay,

Now I totally get it! the grain gets through the center hinged area, makes perfect sense. Thank you for the explanation.

So... Free shipping in the November/December time frame?

Thanks,
-John/Lemy

 

[Jaybird]

Jay,

Now I totally get it! the grain gets through the center hinged area, makes perfect sense. Thank you for the explanation.

So... Free shipping in the November/December time frame?

Thanks,
-John/Lemy

Heck yeah man! no problem... Free shipping???? I am gonna guess Dec not November. We have a few things we want to offer as a free shipping deal, but Dec is more likely.....
Cheers
Jay

 

[HollisBT]

Well hurry up and offer us something, I'm waiting to make my order!!

 

[vinylicious]

Jay,

I am contemplating using a FB in my Bottom Drain Keggle BK with a 5500W Ripple Element installed. Would a reverse hinge FB be able to fit under the element? I haven't installed it yet, so I can give myself a bit more room if need be. Would it be possible to have a FB made with 3 hinges?

 

[Jaybird]

Jay,

I am contemplating using a FB in my Bottom Drain Keggle BK with a 5500W Ripple Element installed. Would a reverse hinge FB be able to fit under the element? I haven't installed it yet, so I can give myself a bit more room if need be. Would it be possible to have a FB made with 3 hinges?

It should fit no problem, just depends on how much room you have from the end of the element to the side of the keg. Best thing to do is make a cardboard FB 14 7/8" split it in the center and just play with it in the kettle and see. Yes I can make one hinged in 2 spots for sure.

Cheers
Jay

 

[erikrocks]

Any chance you're gong to announce this deal soon? I've got a huge order sitting in my cart!

 

[Jaybird]

Any chance you're gong to announce this deal soon? I've got a huge order sitting in my cart!

Still working out the details on how its going to work exactly and we are testing the promo code on the site. I will let you guys know here early next week....But it will be a promo for November....Not December.

Cheers
Jay

 

[erikrocks]

Cool! Looking forward to it!

 

[asdash]

Jaybird, are you participating in Small Business Saturday???!

 

[vinylicious]

How would a false bottom with a level 3 filter work to filter trub and pellet hop material in a bottom drain boil kettle? Does anyone use this setup to filter trub before a CFC?

 

[calculon]

Hey Jaybird, sent you a couple of PMs.

C

 

[mors]

there seems to be some sort of issue with your site. pages like this are just blank with no products. I was going to suggest your false bottom to a buddy of mine in my homebrew club...but couldn't actually locate the false bottoms on the site...

http://www.norcalbrewingsolutions.com/store/Conversion_15.5Gal_Straight_Wall_Mash.html

 

[Jaybird]

there seems to be some sort of issue with your site. pages like this are just blank with no products. I was going to suggest your false bottom to a buddy of mine in my homebrew club...but couldn't actually locate the false bottoms on the site...

http://www.norcalbrewingsolutions.com/store/Conversion_15.5Gal_Straight_Wall_Mash.html

IPower is down for some reason...Its killing me! We have been on the phone with them ALL day!

Thanks a bunch... We are working on it..

Ill update this as soon as I see it back up

Jay

 

[Jaybird]

So as of about 5AM my site is back up and running....

Sorry about that guys. It seems that Ipower lost our database during an upgrade and had to do a restore from yesterday. Bastards!

Cheers
Jay

 

[Maltose]

Anybody using Jay's false bottom for a 30 gallon Bubba's Barrels MLT?

 

[Jaybird]

Anybody using Jay's false bottom for a 30 gallon Bubba's Barrels MLT?

Maltose
I have built several FB for the Bubba's Barrels. The guys that have them gave me measurements so I am not sure if they were the 30 gallon the 40 gallon or the 55 gallon. I do know I just revisited the 55 gallon FB size and increased it a bit to better fit the drum. We are doing a stand that makes the FB sit directly over the drain hole.
Cheers
Jay

 

[Maltose]

I think 30 is the smallest size he has, which is what I have. What was his measurement?