BeerBorg

Holy hole!

I have a bunch of Greenlee punches, but I would question their use on a round surface vs. a flat surface. Haven't lined one up with a pot to see if it sits flat or not.

RickBeer wrote:,but I would question their use on a round surface vs. a flat surface.

The punch doesn't care at all.

Inkleg wrote:

RickBeer wrote:,but I would question their use on a round surface vs. a flat surface.

The punch doesn't care at all.

Especially on a pot where the radius is not that pronounced.

I'm pretty sure using a punch is the fastest and most accurate way to pop a hole in stainless. Drill bit drift, burrs and lots of oil cleanup make drilling a burden, not necessarily impossible, but not at all the easiest method.

I used a punch to do the hole for my sparge attachment, that was really quick and perfect for the hole size. No oil, minor burrs, and no questions if I was at the right level of the step. I found a friend with the punch size though to save me money.

Although a punch may be a good option, I was just stating that it is not necessary. The step bit cut through the kettle like butter. As far as being faster, maybe so but all I have is time so I was content with the step bit. Spending 80+ on 2 holes just was not going to happen for me.

D_Rabbit wrote:I used a punch to do the hole for my sparge attachment, that was really quick and perfect for the hole size. No oil, minor burrs, and no questions if I was at the right level of the step. I found a friend with the punch size though to save me money.

What are you using for a sparge Attachment?

I got it from brewhardware.com. I got the recirc arm and the sparge circle for it. Here is the link.

http://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/m ... lation.htm

D_Rabbit wrote:I got it from brewhardware.com. I got the recirc arm and the sparge circle for it. Here is the link.

http://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/m ... lation.htm

Excellent! That is exactly what I have had my eye on. Thought maybe you knew of another option. How well does it perform?

RayF wrote:

D_Rabbit wrote:I got it from brewhardware.com. I got the recirc arm and the sparge circle for it. Here is the link.

http://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/m ... lation.htm

Excellent! That is exactly what I have had my eye on. Thought maybe you knew of another option. How well does it perform?

I love it. Takes a bit of manipulating to get the ring set up right though. Had to buy a pair of rubber gloves so I can do it with the temp of the water but once you get it set it works great. I'm brewing again on Friday and will try to snap a few pics of it set up. You might be able to see it on my advanced equipment thread for my single tier build.

Finished the boil kettle today. I added a whirlpool port, another valve, cam locks and thermowell. Everything works great so far! Tested how well it keeps temps. It works very well as long as I'm stirring, which I had anticipated. The boil kettle will only need to be operated manually rather than with a PID so ricirculation to keep steady temps won't be necessary. I will need to recirculate the HLT to keep steady temps though. Contemplating whether I should use a second pump or mixer of some type to circulate the HLT. Anyone have any advice on which method is best? I'm thinking pump.

I say go for the pump. you are going to go that route eventually.

I'll need two pumps instead of just the one I had hoped for. Oh well, no turning back now!

Jump in with both feet brother.

Looks good! Can't wait to see it all in action.