Whew!

[John Sand]

That was close. My 1970's avocado green Waring Blender-Grain Crusher wouldn't start. The mash water was heating, everything weighed and mixed, but no buzz crushing the grain. Switched outlets, still nothing. Took the bottom plate off, checked the connections, nothing. Starting to sweat. Played with the wires a little, and ZZZZZZZZZ! We're in business. I know I could have bagged up the grain for another day, but it has been a while since I brewed, this would have been frustrating. I think I need to scout yard sales for a back-up. That thing is starting to get hinky after only forty years or so, and I must have paid a good $5 for it used.

[John Sand]

Well, I finished my brewday okay. Used my homegrown hops, still dialing in my new system on volume, but corrected my OG with some water. Fished one boiled yellowjack from the wort. Just after I finished, a young woman stopped by with campaign literature. Turns out she's a brewer too, and she has a better set up than I do!

[Dawg LB Steve]

Good deal, better to have to adjust OG with water than have to bring it up with DME or live with what the OG ended up at.

[John Sand]

That's my theory too Steve. I used to brew 5 gallon batches in a 5 gallon pot, so I always topped off. Since trying to hit my gravities and volumes, I've had less luck. I knew this batch was low on volume, a gravity sample told me how much to add. I know that will affect your hop usage, but not too much. I am still trying to nail the volume/efficiency/gravity. Each time I brew I should get closer.