8 replies to this topic

[thool]

I acquired a data center server rack like this one:I already have a fully functioning natural gas rack I built (see this video I made), but this thing has been sitting in my basement for almost 2 years unused. Being a tinkerer, I'd like to get some ideas for making it into a self-contained brew system.One though is to make it completely gravity-fed. The top would house the HLT, heated by electricity. The hot water would flow into a mash tun made from a cooler. This would drain into the boil pot (a keggle w/nat gas burner) and then pumped through a plate chiller to the fermenter.All other would require additional pumping, so besides the extra cost, I haven't figured out their pros and cons.So what can I do with this server rack?

[Kremer]

I donno, we toss those out all the time at work and I've stared them up and down many times to figure out how I could make use of one. You could cut it in half about 2/3 of the way up and make tall and short table pieces for HLT and MT for a 3 tier system.

[gnef]

Do you grow your own hops? You could convert that into an oast pretty easily and be able to dry many pounds of hops at a time.

[Thirsty]

joe, your videos are outstanding! I watched your starter one a long time ago, but those AG vids are perfect. Good job!

[MakeMeHoppy]

Joe I can't help for your question, but I will book mark your video for viewing after work. I did see a long time ago when I was new to all grain and I want to watch it again now that I have a better understanding of the process.

[thool]

Joe I can't help for your question, but I will book mark your video for viewing after work. I did see a long time ago when I was new to all grain and I want to watch it again now that I have a better understanding of the process.

Thanks, and any feedback is appreciated!

[djinkc]

I'm pretty sure someone converted a server rack on the greenboard but I haven't checked..........

[Marmot]

Do you have access to more stands to make a 2-tier system?Marmot

[zymot]

They make all kinds of equipment shelves, slide out shelves and slide out rack rails. The surplus stores around here almost give them away.Putting a combination of those together.Top level HLT on fixed shelf inside rackMiddle level Mash Tun on sliding shelf, slides out side the rackBottom level Boil Kettle on bottom of rack inside kettleOpen frame has plenty of ventilation and coolingYou can hard plumb as required to the fixed levelsInstall some sturdy wheelsSlide Mush Tun into rack for storageYou got yourself a moble brewing set up.zymot