What to coil my chiller around?

[arnobg]

Long story short the DIY 50' immersion chiller I made isn't working with the kettle thermometer I just installed as it protrudes 2" into the kettle.

I have 10" to work with now and I would like to roll out my coil and wrap it around something else. Any suggestions for what to use this size that I can buy at the store? I don't have any corny kegs.

Is unrolling and making it over again going to mess up the copper?

 

[Foosier]

You could always use a growler, similar size to a Corny. I did it and it does work, though mine used 25' of copper. You could also look at pots in your kitchen. Something there might work too.

Not sure you can unroll the copper. I believe I have read it gets brittle after it has been rolled. Maybe someone else could give you a better answer.

 

[flars]

My first thought is to purchase about 1.5 to 2 feet of PVC pipe of the diameter you need. Attach an over sized plywood base to have a secure flat surface to push against as you coil the copper tube to the new dimension.

I wouldn't unroll your current chiller before wrapping to the new size. Have a helper unroll as you wrap to the new diameter.

 

[arnobg]

Thanks for the tips. Initially I was thinking to use a 10" concrete post form but it may be slightly too big when doubling 3/8" around the outside of that 10". I have exactly 11" to work with.

I am now thinking this....anyone see any issues with this one?

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S94Lhp-bv8M[/ame]

 

[arnobg]

I actually just ran to Home Depot and they carry 8" concrete form tubes that vary 8-9" in diameter. This should work perfect I'll report back how it goes re-bending.

 

[kh54s10]

When I made my coil(s) I didn't use anything to coil it around. I just started at one end and bent it until the coils were the same diameter...

But then again I used 3/8" tubing.