Solid strut single tier build

[rbwduece]

Clean build.

 

[lpdjshaw]

Hey lpdjshaw...really nice build. I've been subbed to this thread for awhile and have finally decided I'm going to build my own. Everything is in my shopping cart but before I press "Order"...any changes you would recommend? I'm sure you've had opportunity to brew on this rig and just wondered if there's anything you'd do differently with the stand now that you've had a chance to use it.
Thanks,
Pete

Sorry, just saw this, haven't been on in awhile. Anyways, probably the only thing I'd change would be to build it a little shorter (I can still shorten it though, just too lazy right now). I wasn't sure at the time whether I was going to go with 15 or 20 gal kettles so I went with the longer frame to accommodate wider kettles. I'm still planning on making a gas manifold and mounting that on the frame as well as mounting my water filter.

 

[Daves69]

the only thing I'd change would be to build it a little shorter

I would have to agree with this, especially if you are using keggles. I cut my strut to pretty much the exact same dimensions as lpdjshaw and even gave him credit in my thread. But I thought it was a little to high. Then my wife wondered out into the garage when I was mocking up the stand (after it was assembled with casters installed) and she could not see inside the keggles, now she is only like 5'4". I basically cut the legs down to a height where she could peak over the top and inspect the product with out being on her toes or step ladder. I think I eventually took about 4" off the height making my legs 20" instead of the 24". Yeah it was an extra cut and yeah the stand was already assembled but that's the great thing about strut, when you want to make a change you can!

 

[pellis007]

Thanks for the reply and input lpdjshaw and Daves69. My strut order shipped today so I haven't started the build yet. I'll definitely take your advice to go a little shorter. Having it too tall kinda defeats the purpose of single tier. I was thinking with casters installed that it may be a little tall. I'll be using boil kettles instead of keggles so they should be a little lower profile also. Thanks both for your input...I can't wait to get this build started. I'll be sure to snap some photos of the progress.

 

[Corby]

This is beautiful. I had never even thought about building a stand with struts. When I get ready to build a stand, this may be the way I do it. Thanks OP!

 

[RScottyL]

This is beautiful. I had never even thought about building a stand with struts. When I get ready to build a stand, this may be the way I do it. Thanks OP!

If you decide to go this router, check out this thread:

My Weldless Build With 1 5/8" Strut

That thread has information using non-solid strut, but it would be the same as this thread!

 

[Gameface]

Any downside to going super low? I'm thinking 16" off the ground. Enough to gravity feed the pumps but low enough so that I'm looking down into the kettles.

I love this design. Pretty sure this will be the way I go. Just don't see the benefit of height anymore than to be able to feed the pumps. Could I go lower than 16"?

 

[Daves69]

Any downside to going super low? I'm thinking 16" off the ground. Enough to gravity feed the pumps but low enough so that I'm looking down into the kettles.

I love this design. Pretty sure this will be the way I go. Just don't see the benefit of height anymore than to be able to feed the pumps. Could I go lower than 16"?

Your going to be doing allot of bending over at 16" to the bottom of your kettles. My stand is 29.5" to the bottom of my keggles and it's that height because my wife is 5'2" and she wanted to be able to see inside the converted sankey keggle. She can see down them so unless your very little and I am not being mean but 16" sounds way low.


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[Gameface]

Your going to be doing allot of bending over at 16" to the bottom of your kettles. My stand is 29.5" to the bottom of my keggles and it's that height because my wife is 5'2" and she wanted to be able to see inside the converted sankey keggle. She can see down them so unless your very little and I am not being mean but 16" sounds way low.


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I have you beat in the short wife dept but I doubt my wife cares if she can see into the kettles. lol

Guess I won't go as low as 16" but maybe around 26", I'll get a tape measure out and compare to other stuff before I commit to anything.

My kettle currently sits on a KAB4 and that thing isn't too far off the ground, not too much of an issue. I have a 20G Blichmann and it's 20" tall.

 

[HOPtuary]

Just got mine built. BG14s go on this weekend. Was an easy 3 hour cut and build.

 

[HOPtuary]

Basically finished. So glad to finally start all grain.

 

[LoopeyLoon]

What size black pipe did you use? I'm at that stage right now in my build.


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[HOPtuary]

It's 1/2"

 

[LoopeyLoon]

Thanks. Build looks great!


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[bd2xu]

Wanger99 can you tell me what casters those are? They look like the softer rubber ones that I want. Like rollerblade wheels?


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[HOPtuary]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DD1F6/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Here is the link

 

[bd2xu]

Excellent thanks just ordered. Are they kind of soft like rollerblade wheels?

 

[HOPtuary]

they are close to roller blade wheels. They roll nicely

 

[viafax999]

What size and type of hosing are you using? Is it connected via quick connects or permanent mounts with clamps?

 

[pellis007]

Well, this project has been on the "back burner" (pun intended) for awhile since I don't brew in the summer. But I've resurrected my solid strut build and plan to have it finished in the next week or two, just in time for my brew season. I built the stand and mounted the burners last winter/spring. Yesterday I decided to finish the propane plumbing, mount the chugger pumps and my Therminator. I have all my kettle valves, weldless bulkheads, sight gauges and thermometers on order and they should be here this week. I also ordered some pump valve kits with quick disconnects and hoses which should arrive this week. After that I need a propane regulator, and to finish my mash tun. Not sure what my sparge solution will be yet and I still need a false bottom. I plan to recirculate and eventually will probably convert to an automated RIMS system with gas valves and control panel. Thanks to the OP for the idea and the info. Can't wait to finish this up and get my 10 gal batches going for the fall.

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[pellis007]

Almost ready to go. Just need my sparge arm, and false bottom for the MLT, and a couple valves for the lids and it's done. Just thought I'd post an update picture.

 

[Daves69]

Looks good, clever way to mount your pumps like that. I would get something to cover them though, mine sit below a wood "shelf" and they still seem to somehow attract wort!

 

[BugHunter]

Almost ready to go. Just need my sparge arm, and false bottom for the MLT, and a couple valves for the lids and it's done. Just thought I'd post an update picture.

Excellent setup, and I love the simple layout you have for your pumps. Quick question: what casters are you using on there, and where did you source them? I'm having a devil of a time finding good quality casters for my own stand and it's really putting a hamper on my willingness to haul the thing out and brew.

 

[pellis007]

Thanks for the compliment. The casters were from Harbor Freight, I think 4 inch hard rubber, two with brakes, two without. http://www.harborfreight.com/4-inch-x-3-4-quarter-inch-stem-swivel-caster-with-brake-90999.html
It was a simple inexpensive solution. It moves around just fine so far, but I haven't brewed on it yet so time will tell.

 

[pellis007]

Looks good, clever way to mount your pumps like that. I would get something to cover them though, mine sit below a wood "shelf" and they still seem to somehow attract wort!

Yeah, I'm still thinking about what to do about that. My brewing buddy is coming over this weekend so we'll put our heads together and come up with a solution.

 

[brewmax25]

Almost ready to go. Just need my sparge arm, and false bottom for the MLT, and a couple valves for the lids and it's done. Just thought I'd post an update picture.

How did you make this gas manifold and out of what?

 

[Daves69]

It looks to be the same as mine which is "black iron pipe" I had to visit two different Home Depot 's as not all them carry the stuff. I had to go to one located in an older area of town where they have lots of gas in the homes.


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[Daves69]

View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1417297535.786863.jpgView attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1417297565.009336.jpg


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[pellis007]

How did you make this gas manifold and out of what?

Yep, like Dave said...black pipe from Home Depot. They had everything I needed from the pipe, connectors, gas valves, fittings, and gas lines. I used 1/2in but 3/8 or 1/4 should work too. Plenty of gas supply to my 3 BG14 burners. I've brewed a batch on this system and aside from a couple slight hiccops, everything worked great.

 

[Eddiebosox]

I am looking to get this same setup from strutchannelfittings.com. I have blichmann burners. Has anyone else used them to attach to this rig? They have a bit of an odd shape since their designed to be attached to their top tier system, so I'M curious what attachments I need from the strut website to get them in there correctly.