Advice on mashtun/manifold

[Garth]

So, got my cfc done to an acceptable standard, now it's onto the mash tun.

Got a one of those Thermos 28lt ones, what is the best spacing to use between the manifold and inside of cool box? is it critical? going to be using 22mm copper tube.

What was the eventual concensus on a middle strut, was it needed, did it help at all? Will go with either as long as I don't get a stuck mash.

any help gratefully recieved

Cheers
Garth

[Vossy1]

Hi G, I've left 1/2 an inch all round, as per advice from other members.

Middle strut go for it.

I wasn't convinced that I'd gain any extra slits once the t-pieces had been taken into account, so I didn't bother.

If your mid strut is longer than the length of the 2 t's added together plus an inch, then you've gained

[Garth]

might as well do it, I've already got the bits, and can't be arsed to take them back, already been to B&Q about six times this week for various things beer and non-beer related, and been to the returns counter this week after realising that solder joints are not necessary for the manifold.

How did you hold/ support the tubing while you hacked into it? a vice etc?

[Vossy1]

How did you hold/ support the tubing while you hacked into it?

I put the pipe on the garden table and used my left foot and hand to hold it still whilst hacking at the pipe

And then today I bought a table vice and pipe cutter from machine mart....now all the hard works done

[Vossy1]

You can also get aluminium/plastic soft jaws for a regular vice designed for the same purpose.

That's nifty, I'll be getting some of those

[Garth]

Thanks Daab and Vossy,

I thought I'd seen those plans somewhere whilst mooching about, that helps a lot cheers

may try the B&D workmate first, also me dad has a hefty vice on the bench in the garage so I could also try that it

[Frothy]

Matt- opens chapter in Palmers on wort flow dynamics for Mash tuns. Has a Heart Attack. Dies.

The End

[Frothy]

BTW - you can get these 22mm- 3/4" adapters that screw on the back of the tap.
http://www.willmottw.fsnet.co.uk/brew/e ... bottom.JPG
Daab's page there is Ace!

Matt

[bod]

to anyone who has read (or tried to read) palmers book..... forget it all! great beer can be made without all the technical gubbins he goes into! honestly!

[Seveneer]

Yeah right.... but how much fun is that?

[bod]

ok, forget everything apart from the shinny stuff!

[Garth]

so what are we saying here, that Palmer is just too technical/scary/OTT?

I have the 1st edition somewhere on my hard drive but have never really read it.

[ColinKeb]

wot about using one of those hoby cutters , yknow the little dremel things, and a steady hand? could cost the same but you'd end up with a better gadget to play with

[Frothy]

You must stop reading that Palmer stuff Frothy or you'll never get an all grain batch underway

Have you given that mash tun a scrub yet, a few bottles of bleach may be in order

Yah it's a lot cleaner now & as per advice I removed ~ 1" from the longer pipes to bring the drain away from the far tun wall. First brew with it this weekend - fingers crossed.

I love Palmer - he's like the cool uncle I never had. The book's ace.

good luck with the tun Garth
Matt

[Garth]

anyway Daab whats wrong with a bit muck on yer mash tun? I've heard it adds to the flavour....and improves efficiency too...