A complete noob - any comments VERY welcome

[black grouse]

1100mm long - braved the outdoors today.... hopefully not have to again lol

[Capt-Cudellez]

Hi black grouse, welcome to the forums.


Sorry if I missed it. I take it the plan is the plug the top 2-1/4" element port then cut a hole in the side to fit another element near the bottom of the tank? You cant run it using the element at the top.

I'm sure you already know that, but just in case.

Also if your braising skills aren't up to it, there are mechanical flanges available too.

[black grouse]

Aye blanking the top 2 1/2" element hole but also using it as a fill port
The element will be right at the bottom ( or as near as I can ) and a bendable element installed down there

[Icefever]

Did you get around to having a go at cleaning the boiler??? nippers permitting...

[black grouse]

nah been a long day at work and been given extra responsibilities - no more money yet tho but it keeps me out of trouble

[black grouse]

I am looking at bendable elements for my still.
I am going for a 3kw one however.... does the length make a difference? IE will it heat up faster the longer it is or because its 3kw no matter the length will it be the same no matter the length......... odd question I know but the small ones are £30 ( 48 inches ) and large are £60 ( 96 inches )

[Capt-Cudellez]

3kw is 3kw, same output for a given input regardless of the length.
If the longer one will fit ok, I'd go for that, the more surface area of element there is, then it has a Lower watt density. Should mean less chance of scortching or burning if you try something thicker than a sugar wash.

[ROC]

Hi,
That boiler looks like it's going to work out perfect and it cleaned up nice too. I wish mine was electric so I wouldn't need to work it outside. I use a gas burner. I shared photos of it here along with a bottle washer I converted from a dish washer for my wine making. So far I've only made grappa from scrap wine I collect and set aside. I would like some kind of grain recipe to run sometime. Good luck

[Almanac]

One question - what's in the barrels?

Nice bit of creative recycling with the old dishwasher. For anyone doing beer or wine that's a great idea.


Oh! I nearly forgot, welcome to our humble abode. Plenty of recipes here if you want them and some weird ones too, like the Lentil Wash They've all been tested to death and do actually work. All grain is just starting to take a wider hold with members here so you're in good company.

AM

[black grouse]

lentil's ace..... so far anyhow.... left a post about it on your thread

[black grouse]

Well, got outside today with a grinder...... but then the rain came

So far..... hope she goes back together!!!

[Icefever]

As I was told the strength of the cylinder is in the top and bottom..you'll find the side is thin and very easy to bend..it seems to have a mind of it's own...
I've cut mine off and thought about taking a length of 15mm copper pipe, flatten it then fix that around the top of the tank....inside or out, by copper rivets, then I'd solder the top ring on. If it's on the inside and left a little high the top should fit back over.

Then I may have a chance of fixing the top dome back on to this thicker ring...that's my

[black grouse]

Didnt have my mega to test, but that seems good insulation to me, well over 1Mohm

Tomorrow I shall attempt the lid I think if I get time, hospital again

[Runningman]

Hey Black Grouse why not try and procure a 50 litre stainless steel beer keg. They make fantastic boilers
Regards
Runningman

[Easydrinker]

Runningman,
BG has chosen a path to follow,I am happy to watch his progression.
I'll help him if I can.
You may feel that there are better options,and advise them,and that is good.
That is what this forum is about.
I also go by the odder paths,and it suits me.
Partly 'cos I am an ornery old bugger,partly 'cos I like to see my ideas work,-or sometimes,indeed I watch them fail,but it is always good to have tried.
I could devote the time that I spend "messing",earning real money,and invest in more bought in shiny hardware,but I choose not to.
Allow a fellow a little soul.
By all means offer advice,but do not be affronted if it is declined is all I am trying to say here.
Hoping you don't take offense at this,it was clear in my head what I intended to say when I started this post,but it is late,and I have had a drink or two,or possibly twelvety.


Robert.