Attaching a weldless thermometer to a Burco boiler

[JamesH]

Hello,

I recently bought this weldless thermometer to attach to my Burco boiler.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171928429780? ... EBIDX%3AIT

I thought it would make my brew days much easier than using a thermometer to measure the temperature at mash, sparge and pitching time.

The problem I have is that I cannot work out how to drill a hole in the boiler to fit the thing. I have a few different metal drill bits, including a 19mm one which should fit the thermometer. However, I just cannot drill any hole in it.

Is there a knack to doing this?

Thanks,

James.

[themadhippy]

If your drilling on the side of the boiler get a bit of wood the same length as the diameter of the boiler to wedge inside the boiler,it gives you something to push against.Mark the center of the hole with a counter punch (or nail),dont try and drill the 19mm in one hit,step up slowly ,start with a 2 or 3mm drill,then step up to around 6mm then 10mm ,15mm and finally the 19mm.I find using a slowish speed works better than fast ,and always use plenty of cutting oil to keep everything cool,otherwise you'll work harden the metal.

[Kev888]

Yes, stainless work-hardens very easily (it may already be somewhat hardened after manufacture) so if you use a fast speed you can very quickly harden the metal under where you're trying to drill, which will prevent it cutting.. A very slow speed, plenty of pressure and a new/sharp drill bit will all help cut rather than wear at the metal.

You can get specialist TCT metal drills (not the more common masonry types) and hole-saws which are ideal for stainless, or somewhat more cheaply/easily available are cobalt bits. But plain HSS bits should manage at least one hole with the right technique. For bigger holes Q-max cutters are popular too.

[Wonkydonkey]

I brought one, at lest 5yrs ago. It's still sitting on a shelf telling me the temp of the room..

I must get round to using it better .....oh yeh now it's in the cupboard telling me the temp, (the temp while I'm fermenting) oops: Not on the boiler or mash tun

[WalesAles]

I brought one, at lest 5yrs ago. It's still sitting on a shelf telling me the temp of the room..

I must get round to using it better .....oh yeh now it's in the cupboard telling me the temp, (the temp while I'm fermenting) oops: Not on the boiler or mash tun

Wonky,
ELC at its` best!

WA

[BenB]

The key is using a centre punch. I tend to just use a nail as my proper equipment is in my garage... Even if you can't see a dent it makes all the difference. Much much quicker and less pressure needed. I was quite honestly astounded when I tried it. It means the metal is "presented" as intended to the drill bit. DeWalt 100% carbide bits are also quite nice and not too expensive... at least for the basic set of 5...

[JamesH]

Hi folks,

Thanks for all the replies. Very helpful.

I will have a go and let you know how I get on. I can put some photos up in case anyone has the same question in future.

Unfortunately I won't have time to do it before I brew my Abbey Ale at the weekend.

Still, the best things come to those who wait.

[Fil]

good advice above.. And i too would suggest a sharp punch with a back brace to puncture the skin and then stepping up drill bits to the required hole size.

I had a look at the ad and it states the hole needed is about 1/2" in diameter, and your talking about 19mm??

If 19mm is close to the threaded fitting size i would suggest it could be a 1/2" BSP sized fitting in which case the usual solution is a qmax punch 20mm or 21mm size.
the qmax punches cost a circa £12 that size but do punch out a neat clean hole once a 10mm pilot drill hole has been made.

depending on your location a friendly brewer could be on your doorstep with one ??

also you can buy cutting grease in a toothpaste type tube for about a fiver a small dab of which on the drill point enables cooling as you drill and enables the use of cheap hss jobber bits

[mozza]

Use a cobalt 3/4mm bit for a pilot hole (my HSS bits did absolutely nothing) and then use cheaper HSS bits to enlarge the hole or a stepped bit. I used some GT85/WD40 as lubricant and worked nicely!