Mash Tun

[ruskii]

Hello,
I am in the process of converting to all grain brewing and building my mash tun.

I will be using copper pipes for wort collection on the bottom of the cooler. And I will attach cpvc tubes on the top of the cooler for sparging process.

My question is as follows. My copper tubes are not permanetly attached so they are a bit loose. I want to keep it that way so I can wash them. I am thinking of screwing some kind of metal (copper?) to the bottom of the cooler so my tubes dont move around when I mix or do whatever. What kind of screws and material I can use to make sure it is a food safe?

Thanks.

 

[Chrisl77]

I wouldnt make small holes like that in my MT it would be hard to seal them. If you wanted to make your connections fit tighter with it assembled take a punch and lightly tape a dent in each connection on the fittings. You could also put a wrap of teflon tape around the pipe when you assemble it.

 

[Tinga]

my manifold in my mash tun is just cpvc pipe with elbows and t fittings pushed together. works just fine for me without any securement to the bottom of my cooler.

 

[ruskii]

I wouldnt make small holes like that in my MT it would be hard to seal them. If you wanted to make your connections fit tighter with it assembled take a punch and lightly tape a dent in each connection on the fittings. You could also put a wrap of teflon tape around the pipe when you assemble it.

Which tape would you use? and what do you mean "punch"?

 

[Chrisl77]

Just regular teflon tape for sealing pipe threads. Its rated for higher temps then it will ever see in a MT. As for punch you can use something like one of these http://www.lowes.com/pd_82696-16878-61699_0__?productId=3356392&Ntt=punch&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dpunch&facetInfo= . Just dont use a punch with a sharp point that may pierce the copper. You put a dent in the middle of the connection to give some friction. to take it apart you just wiggle it as you pull it apart. teflon would probably work a little better as it would help seal the connections so you would get a better siphon.

 

[SamuraiSquirrel]

Don't overthink it .......... I use a copper manifold that is just dry fitted together. I've brewed 40+ batches with it and never had it fall apart during a mash.

 

[oregonparamedic]

I agree. I've been using the same for several years and the loose joints are easily fixed with a little adjustment from some vise grips. Keep it simple.

 

[Brandonovich]

Don't overthink it .......... I use a copper manifold that is just dry fitted together. I've brewed 40+ batches with it and never had it fall apart during a mash.

+1 here