Newby question. Partial Mash Equipment

[1stTimer]

I am going to pick up a 5-10 gallon cooler today but what else do I need to convert the cooler? I have to get this brew done this weekend. I've had the grain for a few weeks now. not sure what the shelf life is but it cant be much longer. Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[brokenanchor]

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/wiki/index.php/Converting_a_cooler_to_a_mash_tun

Here's the wiki thanks to the humble geniuses at HBT...proud of those guys. Your options are a SS Braid or a manifold of either copper or CPVC. Just read through the wiki and google converting a cooler to a mash tun. It'll turn out great, and if it doesn't you can always make adjustments.

 

[1stTimer]

Thanks. Cant wait to finally make the move to partial and eventually ag.

 

[JohnnyO]

Hey 1stTimer, one piece of advice I will give you is to locate the stainless steel fender washers first. That piece is not standard stock at your Home Depot/Lowes type stores. I had to go to Fastenal to pick mine up. It wasn't a big deal once I found teh store as they had them in stock and they're cheap. However, it set me back a week because I went to Home Depot to get all my supplies the night before I wanted to brew and they had everything I needed to make the mash tun except for the stainless fender washers.

Another piece of advice: Go with the 10 gallon cooler if you have the space.

 

[1stTimer]

Appreciate it JohnyO. Space shouldnt be a problem. I'll make some calls today about the washers.

 

[1stTimer]

Ended up finding the washers at the local H Depot. Going to put it all together tonight while enjoying a homebrew. Thanks again everyone.

 

[jeremyx]

I ended up switching to a steel braid that is used for a washing machine. It never gets crushed.

I also used some zip-ties to bunch the braid together in the middle of my round cooler so it's more like a center manifold and I avoid sidewall channeling.

 

[1stTimer]

I just looked at the hose and it says its engineered polymer braid. It claims its more corrosion resistant than Stainless Steel. Is this ok to use?

 

[hexmonkey]

No. Return it and get SS braided hose, preferably 1" x 24" water heater supply line. That polymer stuff won't hold up the weight of the mash.

See here for good instructions with photos from John Palmer himself.
http://www.brewboard.com/index.php?showtopic=43032&mode=threaded&pid=494930

 

[1stTimer]

Thanks Hex. Where did you get the supply line?

 

[hexmonkey]

Home Depot. Probably about $15. You only need the SS braid on the outside, but that's somewhat harder to find by itself.