Mash strainer problems

[BOBTHEukBREWER]

I use a rectangular one inch copper pipe with slits to get my wort. The liquid always seemed to be cloudy so I tied a fine straining bag around the rectangle and a coarse straining bag round that. The liquid was very clear very quick but I only got 3 gallons out before the syphon stopped, due to the apparatus "floating" in the mash. For my next brew tomorrow I shall weigh it down with a 2 lb scale weight sealed inside 2 poly bags for hygiene reasons. Anybody got a better idea?

 

[samc]

Use a grain bag for all the grains, the fine mesh does what you want and clean up is a lot quicker.

 

[shortyjacobs]

You shouldn't need anything other than grain to filter the grain. Do you vorlauf well? (at least 2 quarts, I typically ended up vorlaufing more than a gallon before I switched to recirculation mashing)

 

[cheezycow]

I agree with shorty...make sure your vorlauf is complete. I usually have to go at least 2-3 quarts, I use a false bottom. Stupid question but your manifold slats are facing the bottom of the tun right?

 

[BOBTHEukBREWER]

Yes - years ago when I was given this equipment I DID have the slots facing UP. I run off at least a gallon and return it even with the bags around the strainer. I had 12 lb pale malt in 6 gallons of water, and after an hour added 4 more gallons at 95 deg C. I ended up with just 5 gals in the fermenter and the beer will be close to 6.6% ABV. Oh, and the 2 lb weight did its job. I don't want to use a bag for the grain as I like to use very dilute mashes and stir every 5 mins to even out the temperature. This last brew I mashed at 69 - 69.5 degrees C.