Opinion on Mash Tun Build

[spank13]

I have a SS colander I was going to combine with a SS braid to move over to a keggle MLT from my current 10 gal igloo set up. The colander shown is 6"or so deep from the bottom, with port access at the top (i could come in from the side if necessary. Am I just creating too much dead space in the bottom if I go this route? This stuff is all on hand, didn't want to buy a proper false bottom if I can avoid it. Thanks for your input. View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1480110759.068510.jpg

 

[GreenMonti]

Interesting idea.
If your using a ss braid, why do you want a false bottom?
If you draw off the bottom (no matter from the top or the side) I'm not sure there would be any issue of dead space. My concern with the colinder is hitting it with a paddle or spoon when stirring the grist. That might kick it up and have grains go under it.

 

[spank13]

The only reason I was considering both was to protect the SS braid from collapsing with all of that grain on it. Though it hasn't been an issue when I've done big batches in my igloo...

 

[GreenMonti]

How big are you batches? 10 gallon?
With the braid in place....I suppose it wouldn't matter much if grain got under the colander.
Do you use a brewing program? If you do and you have it dialed in really good to your system. You could just run a couple batches and see if you get better efficiency one way or the other.
I know you dont want to spend any money. However. I've made a few false bottoms with soft copper in a spiral shape with slots cut in the bottom. They worked pretty well. Maybe you've got some laying about?

 

[oakbarn]

Good idea. We crushed our braid with the mash paddle more than once. We no longer use our old igloo as it has seen its days.