Noob equipment questions

[beerbaitNammo]

hey everyone this is my first post here but have been lurking for sometime now.. i have been thinking about getting into homebrew for sometime and recently a friend of mine gave me some of his old stuff to get a start and i figure what the heck now is the time to finally do it... One question i have is i got a old 8 gallon anheuser busch keg that never got returned it fits perfect on my turkey fryer burner could i simply cut the top off and use it as a brew kettle i assume there stainless steel?? I was given a 5gal glass carboy a copper wort chiller and a bottle bucket and i have also been saving beer bottles the last couple weeks i think i got right around 150 summit and sierra nevada bottles.. i know there is ALOT more stuff im gonna need would it just be smart to buy a package like this or part it together
Brewing Starter Kit - Brewing Equipment Kits - Beer Equipment Kits - Brewing Equipment

the only real downside i can see to the package is that i would want a glass Fermenter because i really would like to see the magic happen also i have a bottle bucket already and would like a better capper then the one that comes with that kit based on reviews that one is not too hot.... thanks for your help

 

[beerbaitNammo]

no takers??

 

[matt99004]

If it were me, I'd just part together what you need. It sounds like you have some of the major components already. Is there a home brew shop in your area?

 

[beerbaitNammo]

yes midwest and northern are both within 20 30 mins of me

 

[squirrelly]

I'd probably part things together as well. Maybe a 6 gallon glass carboy or better bottle and a hydrometer. Since you have most of the expensive stuff knocked out already maybe a 5000 ml flask for yeast starters or start keeping an eye out for an old fridge/freezer for temp control. Of course once you get that first batch in the fermenter you will probably be itching to brew a second batch, and will therefore be yearning for a second primary fermenter.

 

[beerbaitNammo]

i kinda was wondering about that as well is it better to have say 3 secondaries and one primary or 2 of each cause i do wanna have atleast two different styles rolling but i guess im getting way ahead of my self on that....also got access to a kegerator but its setup for a standard keg how hard is that to convert over??? from what i have read everyone says kegging is the way to go

 

[BOBrob]

Yup. cut the top out and make a keggle out of the keg. Lots of info on keggle here on HBT. Welcome to the hobby, I wish I lived that close to a candy store. I'd be broke and drunk all the time then. Cheers

 

[beerbaitNammo]

Yup. cut the top out and make a keggle out of the keg. Lots of info on keggle here on HBT. Welcome to the hobby, I wish I lived that close to a candy store. I'd be broke and drunk all the time then. Cheers

thats the conformation i was waiting for its gonna hit the plasma cutter tomorrow!!!