some pics of my new brew stand

[rdwj]

excellent job. I was thinking of building something like this, but was worried about strength. I may revisit the idea now that I've seen yours

 

[sam]

Here's an updated pic with the burners plumbed out. I've got 3 batches through her so far. No rust yet but the zinc plating has burned off. Apparently, when that zinc plating gets hot it gives off some nasty fumes. Keep well ventilated. Once the plating is burned off it should be safe. I had the rig in my back yard the first 2 batches and watched from the comfort of my living room most of the time because it was so cold out.

 

[Shaggyt]

Sam,

Nice job kind of looks like my frame. I built it from uni-strut or sometimes called super strut. It is very strong and was under $150.00. Sorry about the picture but it is the only one I had right now. Anyway it should get the message across.
To me this is one of the best ways to put a frame together without welding or other costly materials. This also gives you the ability to reconfigure the frame at anytime depending on your personal needs. It should work out great.

I have some uni-strut on the way (hopefully). I believe the "U" shaped pieces, which presents some challenges for my build.

Do you have any more pics of this rig Harley03? They would be helpful for designing my build. I'm curious about how to construct the corners and cross supports.

My original design was for slotted angle iron, but my brother-in-law said he could get uni-strut for a fraction of the price or free!!!

 

[harley03]

ShaggyT,

Let me check when I get home tonight to see if I have any more pics. I beleive I do. This stand works very well and is sturdy enough to do anything you want.
I picked up most of the uni-strut when is was on sale at Home Depot. If you can get this stuff go for it!! The only thing I am trying to figure out now is how to mount the electrical boxes etc. to the frame so they are out of the way.

 

[Mirilis]

Nice stand, there are a lot of people on here who cant weld (myself included) and this is a great alternative.

 

[humann_brewing]

I like it and thanks for finally posting

 

[bohdan987]

good job, i wanted to do something like this before. now iam definatly doing it!

 

[MistyMountainHops]

This just gave me a lot of inspiration Sam. It looks awesome. Thanks!

 

[IrregularPulse]

Looks good. I'll either go this route or wood. I'm going Electric.

 

[sam]

This just gave me a lot of inspiration Sam. It looks awesome. Thanks!

Cool, thanks! I've got a little write-up on my brew stand here with some more close-ups of the corners and bolt positions. I also posted some detailed pictures of my keg to mash tun conversion. (I love my mash tun!)

It looks a little different now... The picture below is pretty accurate even though it was taken 6 months ago. I added some switched outlets (still saving up to buy another pump), wind screen (just pieces of cement tile backer), and some handles on the sides. I've got about 15 ten gallon batches on it now...

 

[Troubs]

Look at that thermometer! That bitch is HUGE!

Awesome rig!

 

[sam]

Look at that thermometer! That bitch is HUGE!

Awesome rig!

Yeah, you like that thermometer?! That was an awesome ebay find. Got it for $40 shipped. It's a Weksler 5" dial and it can be tilted (I didn't know that when bidding on it.)

 

[bohdan987]

here guys, its chepest perforated angle that i can find. http://store.wastewatersupplies.com/peanir.html

 

[harley03]

Shaggyt,
More pics of the brewstand if anybody is interested.

 

[The Pol]

Damn, I like that U channel steel... very nice!

Around $200-300?

I like that

 

[Shaggyt]

Thanks harley03...that stand is *uckin' rock:rockin: These pics will be hella useful when I get the materials.

Did you get all the connectors at HD as well?

 

[harley03]

Yes I got everything at home depot. The channel I got on sale while the brackets and fasteners I had to pay regular price.
However the bracket can add up pretty quick so make sure you know what you need or at least keep your receipt.

I have a MIG welder at home but just did not feel like welding at the time. Anyway hope the pics help this was the beginning of my HERMS build and it will also be controlled by the BCS460 which seems to be gaining popularity with other homebrewers.

Below is a link with my build with some updated photos but it has not been update in awhile.

Everything is basically done excepot the electrical portion which I need to finish. Once the electrical portion is done I will be ready to go.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/another-herms-designed-clock-135250/

 

[bohdan987]

i started doing my rig, frame is 80% done. i post pictures after iam done with the build, keep your eyes open project "masha st-xpr"

 

[sam]

Finally added that 2nd pump to my stand.

 

[Troubs]

So sweet man. I'm definitely going this route when I build my stand. Anything that you would have done different?

 

[Cuzco_Brew]

Sam, that bottom temp probe on the MLT that goes through the same T-piece as the ball valve, what's the probe length on that? I am considering a similar setup with 2 inch probe.

Cheers
Zac

 

[sam]

Sam, that bottom temp probe on the MLT that goes through the same T-piece as the ball valve, what's the probe length on that? I am considering a similar setup with 2 inch probe.

Cheers
Zac

I have the 6" probe but the 2" will work fine too. Either probe will extend far enough into the tee that the flow of wort will pass over it and you'll get a good reading (while recirculating of course).

When direct-firing the tun, I have to watch to make sure the mash doesn't stick. If the flow slows down too much, the wort under the false bottom will get hotter than what the thermometer reads. I realized this when the mash for my wit started boiling and the thermometer only read 150F. This was really weird because the big thermometer only read like 135F. (The whole mash wasn't really boiling just the liquid under the false bottom.)

Now, when I want to do a step, I'll recirc with the pump wide open and stir the mash with my paddle so the bed doesn't compact. At the same time, I watch the bottom thermometer to make sure I don't have the heat up too high. I'll try to keep it under 170F. I've found I can raise the mash temp 2 - 3 degrees every minute or so.

 

[craigsphillips]

Harley03, I'm considering making my own version of your stand using the superstrut. What are the dimensions of the stand (H x W x L) and spacing of the cross beams on the top tier? Can you post a picture showing how the burners are mounted to the strut? Oh yeah, what burner did you use? Thanks.

 

[Grossy]

Wow! great job.

I just book-marked this page, I will be copying this design later this year. Hope you dont mind.

I never learned how to weld, I do everything with wood, your brew stand is a perfect solution for me.

Again great idea.