Looking to Build a Wort Chiller - Advice on where to get tubing?

[ByramMike]

I'm looking to build a wort chiller on a budget... I need about 30' of refridgerator tubing to get the unit built. I've read about a bit and I read that tubing is inexpensive... went to Lowes' last night and, well, it's not inexpensive. They had the pre-cut tubing that is pre-cut (5', 10', 20', 50'), with the 50' length at $80 plus. It seems cheaper to buy one from NB!

So... I'm looking for suggestions on where I can get 30' of 1/4" od tubing for in the neighborhood of $25 - $30... if it's possible.

Thoughts?

 

[SoonerDoc]

Copper is very expensive these days. Not sure you can find it cheap anywhere besides your neighbor's air conditioner.

 

[IffyG]

You really won't save much money vs buying one with copper prices as high as they are. I ended up making my own prechiller and ended up just a few dollars less than had I purchased on from Rebel Brewer...

 

[birvine]

Try calling around to different stores. I found that one charged by the foot and the other by the roll. The former was WAY more costly.

You're right that ordering might be cheaper - makes no sense does it?

B

 

[certaut]

Stainless is cheaper than copper
here

for the real lazy(like me)

 

[ByramMike]

I think I knew what the answer was going to be, though stainless is an option I hadn't looked at. I know copper prices are up, but I was hoping... I've been brewing since May and I want to build SOMETHING to add to my ever growing equipment inventory.

Ah well... I may bite the bullet and buy one... I'll build my mash tun when the time comes (and it's coming soon, I can feel it).

 

[Zixxer10R]

Stainless is cheaper than copper
here

for the real lazy(like me)

Good lord, i'd almost be losing money NOT buying one of those 50' ones! How do they get their prices so low?

 

[ozzy1038]

Roll's at Menards are about $30-35. You want the soft stuff. Not the thick hard copper. I used 1/2" ID to make mine. From what I have read 3/8" is a little more efficient. I am happy with it though. I have thought about building a closed chilling system using a bilge pump and recirculating heavily iced water. It should be more efficient and more economical. Although I use the water now that comes out of my IC to water the garden and bushes so it isn't being wasted so to speak.

 

[ozzy1038]

I just barely missed a copper one on CL recently for $10.00. Even though I already have one there is no way one could pass it up for that price.

 

[madipop]

Something like this ? http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
obviously you wouldn't need the spigot, but the tubing is pretty cheap.

 

[ByramMike]

Something like this ? http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
obviously you wouldn't need the spigot, but the tubing is pretty cheap.

The stores around me don't carry this particular item... but at least this gives me another "name" to call it...

 

[ByramMike]

I appreciate all the responses... time to have a beer (my last bottle from my first batch) and cheer the Yankees on...

Cheers!!