learning siphon and wand, some guidance please!

[detlion1643]

I finally got around to opening my auto siphon and bottling wand the other night. Now, my lhbs mentioned I shouldn't need any of the extra tubing they have there since the wand was made for the auto siphon (I figured they'd know better than I would at least). Of course, being excited at the time, I didn't think anything of it...

When opening them, I noticed the auto siphon mentioned the 3/8" measurment I've seen around before. However the wand doesn't mention a measurement, but holding it next to the siphon it is the exact same size. Now, if I take yet another trip the lhbs for tubing, I should prob get the 3/8" I'm thinking. However, re-iterating that I've yet to use these, I'm leary of how the tubing would connect up. Does the tubing just fit snugly over the siphon end and wand? Wouldn't that allow leaks? All I saw with the siphon at the lhbs was more tubing, no connectors or anything special.

Just one more quick one too. The siphon instructions say to insert the siphon into carboy with the tube part halfway out already. I'm guessing I just pump it down back into the siphon then to start the flow? Says it only takes 1 pump, but it won't hurt the beer if I have to pump again will it?

 

[day_trippr]

I'm not sure what the ID is of the vinyl tubing I use with my autosiphon, but it fits very tightly and I never get any leaks out/air in. If your LHBS sells the autosiphon they should be able to supply you with tubing that fights tight to it.

As for the operation, the sliding tube should be bottomed-out in the autosiphon upon insertion, then draw it out about halfway and push it back to the bottom to get the flow going. Doesn't make any sense to start with it halfway out to begin...

Cheers!

 

[spongerob]

The tubing should fit nice and snug. And I have never had anyproblem with leaking.
One pump is usually what it takes to get mine started but and additional pump will not hurt a thing.
I would suggest that if you are still leary of all this, to just get some practice and confidence by using it with some water in a bucket or jug. Just play around with it until you are comfortable with it. Water will not hurt and practice is always a good thing.
Good luck and welcome to a hobby that has become an obsession for many including myself.

 

[kh54s10]

The tubing with the auto siphon will be tight enough to fit without leaks. You will not need any clamps.

You can put the siphon in with the cane raised. Let the tube fill then push the cane down. It should start with one pump. If you have to try again it will be ok.

Try putting a 1 1/2 inch piece of tubing on the spigot of your bottling bucket and the bottling wand in the other end.

This thread will give you the info you need.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/bottling-tips-homebrewer-94812/