3 replies to this topic

[tag]

Howdy Bros, I use a converted keg with a full-width false bottom as my mashtun. I have a coupling welded through the side and attach the copper diptube with a union. The hole in the false bottom and the union have little to no wiggle room that makes it a b!tch to fit together. I tried a compression fitting and that doesn't seem any more flexible. It would be great to find something that has a little flexibility or adjustability to make it simple.What do y'all use?TIA, Tom

[EWW]

A friend of mine had a similar issue and went with pieces of copper tube and some high temp silicon hose joining the two sections togther. Basically he just sweeted 1/2" copper to a 90 degree elbow coming off the false bottom and has a small piece of 1/2" copper pipe screwed into his weldless bulkhead. He then uses the short piece of hose to connect the two sections. 1/2" ID silicon tube creates an air tight seal when slid over the copper tube. Looks kind of like this:----========----

Edited by EWW, 16 August 2010 - 06:17 PM.

[djinkc]

You really want it all fitting tight. Grain sneaking under the FB and clogging the drain valve, pump etc., makes for a not so fun brewday. My FB (in the kettle for whole cones) was a PIA. But I want that FB solid against the bottom. After a few times it was a lot easier to swap out (union fittings) from my pellet system. I think the same applies for your situation though.OTOH, a nice heavy rubber mallet + copper plumbing can be your friend.

Edited by djinkc, 16 August 2010 - 06:29 PM.

[tag]

A friend of mine had a similar issue and went with pieces of copper tube and some high temp silicon hose joining the two sections togther. Basically he just sweeted 1/2" copper to a 90 degree elbow coming off the false bottom and has a small piece of 1/2" copper pipe screwed into his weldless bulkhead. He then uses the short piece of hose to connect the two sections. 1/2" ID silicone tube creates an air tight seal when slid over the copper tube. Looks kind of like this:----========----

And tight enough to not come apart while stirring? I could cut out a few mm and I've got the silicone hose.

You really want it all fitting tight. Grain sneaking under the FB and clogging the drain valve, pump etc., makes for a not so fun brewday. My FB (in the kettle for whole cones) was a PIA. But I want that FB solid against the bottom. After a few times it was a lot easier to swap out (union fittings) from my pellet system. I think the same applies for your situation though.OTOH, a nice heavy rubber mallet + copper plumbing can be your friend.

Oh it's nice and tight! Hadn't thought of the mallet. Will do.Brew on, Tom