60acresbrewclub
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- Sep 18, 2014
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Finally decided to make a stir plate. I was researching "problems" with DIY stirbars to try to get an idea of issues people run into. It clearly takes a lot of guessing, testing and double checking and I thought maybe it would be good to get another consensus as the majority of posts with a wealth of info were from 2008.
I'm going to separate this thread into three sections.
MAGNETS:
Do you have two or one magnetic areas of contact?
For the people that use two magnets NN, SS, or NS? Did you try it different ways? Do you use two magnets of the same size?
Does anyone stack two magnets on top of each other to increase the field? On both areas of magnetic contact or only one?
STIR BAR:
Some threads seem to indicate that even though a 2" or 50mm stir bar is ideal for a 2L Erlenmeyer when using a professionally made stir plate that a smaller stir bar should be used on a D.I.Y. Stirplate.
What size stir bar do you like on your 2L? Do you use one with or without a pivot ring and why do you like it that way?
Has anyone put their stir bar in clear plastic tubing to diminish sound/protect the flask? Did that result in the bar getting thrown more?
GETTING THROWN:
What more then anything else do you think contribute to thrown stir bars and what more then anything do you think resolved the problems you had. In my experience cranking it up to the highest setting or rapidly increasing speed has been the #1 cause.
Materials:
1) I decided to go with the store bought magnets probably either 3/8" or 1/2" Neodymium Rare-Earth Magnet Discs Home Depot has 6-10 for $3.98. [I tossed my computer a few months ago & I'm still cranky about losing my fans and magnets to decluttering.]
2) I got a $2.69 fan from Walmart its doing its site to store thing.
3) My local liquor store has a bunch of nice cigar boxes set out for only $1 each.
4) 25-OHM 3-WATT RHEOSTAT Model: 271-265 Catalog #: 2710265 @ RadioShack $4.49 will get the knob there too prob another $3.
5. Quick Disconnects (maybe)
6. And I'll most likely get an on off switch at radio shack or Home Depot...or I'll just splice a cheap one onto the cell phone charger wire.
7. Tools, Screws, and bolts (already have)
Total Cost $15-$20.
I'm going to separate this thread into three sections.
MAGNETS:
Do you have two or one magnetic areas of contact?
For the people that use two magnets NN, SS, or NS? Did you try it different ways? Do you use two magnets of the same size?
Does anyone stack two magnets on top of each other to increase the field? On both areas of magnetic contact or only one?
STIR BAR:
Some threads seem to indicate that even though a 2" or 50mm stir bar is ideal for a 2L Erlenmeyer when using a professionally made stir plate that a smaller stir bar should be used on a D.I.Y. Stirplate.
What size stir bar do you like on your 2L? Do you use one with or without a pivot ring and why do you like it that way?
Has anyone put their stir bar in clear plastic tubing to diminish sound/protect the flask? Did that result in the bar getting thrown more?
GETTING THROWN:
What more then anything else do you think contribute to thrown stir bars and what more then anything do you think resolved the problems you had. In my experience cranking it up to the highest setting or rapidly increasing speed has been the #1 cause.
Materials:
1) I decided to go with the store bought magnets probably either 3/8" or 1/2" Neodymium Rare-Earth Magnet Discs Home Depot has 6-10 for $3.98. [I tossed my computer a few months ago & I'm still cranky about losing my fans and magnets to decluttering.]
2) I got a $2.69 fan from Walmart its doing its site to store thing.
3) My local liquor store has a bunch of nice cigar boxes set out for only $1 each.
4) 25-OHM 3-WATT RHEOSTAT Model: 271-265 Catalog #: 2710265 @ RadioShack $4.49 will get the knob there too prob another $3.
5. Quick Disconnects (maybe)
6. And I'll most likely get an on off switch at radio shack or Home Depot...or I'll just splice a cheap one onto the cell phone charger wire.
7. Tools, Screws, and bolts (already have)
Total Cost $15-$20.
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