Cool Box Mash Tun

[Immy's Dad]

Going to be making this tomorrow, but have had some difficulty finding the braided pvc tubing. Hope to get some tomorrow before I start.

After buying all the kit, tools etc. it probably works out as quite an expensive piece of gear, but I am really looking forward to making it!

Will take pics!

[Bigster]

B& Q do it if memory serves

[Andy]

B&Q do indeed sell it but it's pot luck as to which sizes they have in stock and the price is silly (as in expensive). For what it's worth I use an unbraided stub of tubing to connect the back of tap to the manifold without probs. I know DaaB experienced probs with this approach. Mine is different in that I use a hozelock tap adapter screwed into the tap threads and then unbraided pipe from the adapter to the manifold. The adapter outlet is a much smaller diameter than the tap threads and so my unbraided hose is smaller diameter than the braided hose in DaaB's pics. Hope that helps

[crow_flies]

For what its worth, I use an unbraided piece of tube and just push it into the tap hole. I havent had any problems with grain or with it coming out.

/CF

[Frothy]

Best if you could use a 22mm - 3/4" adapter from the plumbing shop that screws straight on the back of the tap?
See here->
http://www.willmottw.fsnet.co.uk/brew/equipment/

Frothy

[Frothy]

Yeah it's a bit mingin. I have a clean picture somwhere.
Mine sits flat on the tun bottom? I didn't weld any of the joints so there is a bit of flexibility to allow for the tap being mounted slightly above the curved edge at the tun bottom. The tap still clears the ground if you put the tun on the floor etc. no problem. With this variation its a good idea to make a single cut in the pipe joining the adapter & the T-piece as this helps draining if have to tip the tun.

Frothy

[Immy's Dad]

Well I've had a disaster of a day.

First of all couldn't get braided hose, got some clear stuff though.

Managed to drill the holes and fitted the tap relatively easily but the real problems came cutting the pipe.

I was using a cheap pipe cutter but I just couldn't get it to cut straight, I tried tightening it as far as I could but it just kept spiralling.

I have managed to cut about 4 lengths but I also managed to get my hand caught in the pipe cutter. "oh dash!" I cried. It's stopped bleeding now but it stings a bit.

On a plus note, I have racked my beer into keg using the length of 5/8" tubing I bought earlier today, the first time I haven't had to use a syphon. What a joy!

Will keep you updated on my lack of DIY skills!

[kt88man]

...I was using a cheap pipe cutter but I just couldn't get it to cut straight, I tried tightening it as far as I could but it just kept spiralling.

Sounds like you're tightening too much too soon. Tighten until the cutter wheel is just touching the pipe, then tighten by only about 1/8 of a turn, run the cutter round the pipe 2 or 3 times, put on another 1/8 of a turn on the cutter and run it around the pipe again. Keep going like that and you should find it cuts cleanly without spiralling. You'll soon get the hang of it.