Brew Shed Set Up?
Moderator: Site Moderator
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
What do you guys think of flooring for a distilling room? My future stillin room floor plan is posted above, right now it's bare cement slab, but very smooth. Would you guys put down a sub floor and maybe tile?
Swedish Pride wrote:
get a brix reading on said ball bearings and then you can find out how much fermentables are in there
get a brix reading on said ball bearings and then you can find out how much fermentables are in there
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
I got some of those honeycomb rubber floor mats, helps to reduce the strain on feet and back. Easy to remove and clean up spills and what not.
_____________________
EXPAT
Current boiler and pot head
Cross flow condenser
Modular 3" Boka - pics tbd
___________________
EXPAT
Current boiler and pot head
Cross flow condenser
Modular 3" Boka - pics tbd
___________________
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- Master of Distillation
- Posts: 4666
- Joined: Sun Aug 27, 2006 4:48 am
- Location: Northern Victoria, Australia
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
Too easy to slip over and hurt yourself if a 'very smooth' floor gets wet.
Geoff
Geoff
The Baker
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
Horse stall mat? I dunno, they are industrible. I have bare concrete, and it does get tiring, especially still in barefoot.
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
It’s taken more time that I ever thought, but, I’m making progress. It took a while for the water heater/plumbing install and the electrical work, but, it’s close to being functional. I haven’t figured out the cooling water set up yet and need to build the insulated cart for the fermenting barrels. Sure will be nice to have a dedicated space and no more noise about her shower!!!
On storage, I found a 48”x 72” set of heavy duty adjustable metal shelving that I plan to connect to the wall. It’s just a start. I may have to do something else down the road.
On storage, I found a 48”x 72” set of heavy duty adjustable metal shelving that I plan to connect to the wall. It’s just a start. I may have to do something else down the road.
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
Its looking good, Love the stainless sinks and bench, Thanks for the update
Lee
Lee
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
Thanks, Lee. It has been a lot of work and I’m a long way from being fully functional. The SS sink and table are great. Easy to clean and solid as a rock. If you’re interested, I just looked on Craigslist and found a used restaurant equipment dealer. He had boatloads of tables, sinks, etc. in every style you could want. He had a 3 sink unit designed to fit in a corner with draining boards on both ends. Wish I had room for that!
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
Thanks for the tip we don't have Craigslist in UK but do have similar thing's just been browsing for when I am ready can't wait.
Please keep pictures coming
Thanks
Lee
Please keep pictures coming
Thanks
Lee
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
Looking good... except I dont see a still in there?
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
Yeah, I’ll post more pictures as things come together. The centerpiece of equipment has been packaged up and put away while the subs have been in and out helping me set up my “beer making” room.
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
Looking great, as mentioned by others the stainless looks perfect for the job. Looking forward to seeing further pics.
_____________________
EXPAT
Current boiler and pot head
Cross flow condenser
Modular 3" Boka - pics tbd
___________________
EXPAT
Current boiler and pot head
Cross flow condenser
Modular 3" Boka - pics tbd
___________________
- Jimy Dee
- Site Donor
- Posts: 217
- Joined: Mon Aug 08, 2016 2:20 pm
- Location: The Munster Republic, Ireland
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
GCB3, well done, you are getting there. Will your WiFi reach that room? Might be handy to make sure u have internet service just to keep you entertained when doing runs, or as some smart folk have done consider having the facility of having a small cctv camera there to allow u see what is going on if u wish to leave your stilling. Just an idea. I still in my stable/barn and I am like a jojo in and out to my house during a long run, remote viewing would be a winner and the installation of the cables etc now might be well worth while. Just an idea. Jimy Dee
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
Hey Jimy! Good points. I really do want WiFi out there. My current set up won’t reach. My previous attempts using extenders (several years back) were not very successful. It’s only about 100’ from the house. So, I’m hoping technology has improved and I’ll be able to beam it out there. I need to do some research on the equipment soon. I like the surveillance suggestions folks have made.
I’m really looking forward to meeting you in a month or so. You’ve been been wonderful with all of your suggestions for our trip. I’m hoping to also meet up with Swedish Pride while in Dublin.
Thanks again.
I’m really looking forward to meeting you in a month or so. You’ve been been wonderful with all of your suggestions for our trip. I’m hoping to also meet up with Swedish Pride while in Dublin.
Thanks again.
- Swedish Pride
- Site Donor
- Posts: 2658
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- Location: Emerald Isle
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
Could try something like this for cooling the water
http://www.coppercustomstillcomponents. ... 564#p52579" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
http://www.coppercustomstillcomponents. ... 564#p52579" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Don't be a dick
- ScotsPagan
- Site Donor
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Sat May 19, 2018 4:01 am
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
If you make it over to Glasgow, mebbe me and Scottish Auld Balrog could be persuaded to help you sample some local brews...
Since I've not even built my first still yet (still trying to acquire a welder and learn how to make it!), I'm little use to you there, but wi-fi wise, look up "Pringle can antenna". 100 feet (that's what the ' means isn't it? I'm rubbish with the olde-time measurements) is well within distance!
Since I've not even built my first still yet (still trying to acquire a welder and learn how to make it!), I'm little use to you there, but wi-fi wise, look up "Pringle can antenna". 100 feet (that's what the ' means isn't it? I'm rubbish with the olde-time measurements) is well within distance!
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
Hi GCB 3
Just wondering how your sheds coming along any updates
Lee
Just wondering how your sheds coming along any updates
Lee
- Yummyrum
- Global moderator
- Posts: 7730
- Joined: Sat Jul 06, 2013 2:23 am
- Location: Fraser Coast QLD Aussie
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
Nice setup but No No No on the remote viewing on CCTV from another area .
if you can get images from the still room to the “where ever the hell you sit area “ then you can get bloody internet to your stilling room .
Never leave your still unattended . ... Period
if you can get images from the still room to the “where ever the hell you sit area “ then you can get bloody internet to your stilling room .
Never leave your still unattended . ... Period
My recommended goto .
https://homedistiller.org/wiki/index.ph ... ion_Theory
https://homedistiller.org/wiki/index.ph ... ion_Theory
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- Novice
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Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
There is no way you need a garden hose running full open to provide chilling water for your still. I run a four inch column using around 15 amps of 240V power and only have a trickle of water coming through the garden hose. Remember, you need to run your system so that the temperature of the cooling water discharge is around 120°F for optimum performance. Perhaps you don't, I don't know what kind of rectifying system you run, but it shouldn't hurt. Rather, you may need a needle valve on the garden hose to regulate water flow with sufficient accuracy and minimal tinkering. Too little cooling and your parrot will vent, too much and the plumbing may get too chilled and choke off flow, depending upon your setup. Uniformity is key to producing high quality product. Of course, if your goal is to make cleaning fluid . . .
Hopefully, this shed is not attached to your house. Running on an open-air porch would be much safer than inside an enclosed shed connected to the house. Keep your family alive and safe.
Hopefully, this shed is not attached to your house. Running on an open-air porch would be much safer than inside an enclosed shed connected to the house. Keep your family alive and safe.
DSP-WA-15069
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
Hey, guys. Thanks for checking with me. The shed has turned out really well. The spray head on the sink is fantastic. Not only does it help with washing large barrels, but, if I use tap water for a wash, then it is one heck of an aerator.
The better half is not nearly as pleased as I am! I’ll try to get some pictures up soon. I still need to do a better job with storage, etc., but it is functioning as hoped.
On the cameras, I may have confused the issue. A while back I think someone suggested cameras to see who is outside your shed, not to sit indoors and monitor your quipment remotely. If I added outside cameras, I would probably want to do that with WiFi. I agree with you, Yummyrum. I’ve had things go sideways while I was sitting right there. I’m not comfortable being out of the area.
You are absolutely correct EagleCliffs. Now that I have a consistent area to work, I’ve learned a lot about my rig. I do not need nearly as much water as I thought at first. I still don’t have it honed down yet, but, my runs are improving. Our city water is so expensive that I’ve been using the well for cooling. It runs about 55* year round. I have had trouble with fine adjustments using the ball valves. I haven’t gotten the flows set to where I can get the output water that warm. I don’t measure the output water temp except to run my hand around the condenser throughout the run. I do measure the product output temp at the parrot. When I cut the water flow way back, the product will get up in that 110-120*F range. But I don’t think the output water is nearly that hot. If your water is exiting at 120, what is a corresponding product temp (and takeoff rate?). So many of you more experienced guys have recommend this that it’s something I need to work on. Any suggestions on needle valves? BTW, I did overcool one run near the tails transition, set the condenser to huffing, and got a quick lesson on that!
The shed is in a detached garage and I’m using electric heating elements. No open flames in there and lots of fans to move the air. Worst thing is no cigars either! That open air porch is really a nice spot, but, it is a little too revealing for me. I did it a few times and that’s what made me turn my sights on the shed. You just can’t help it, you keep finding yourself falling further and further down this rabbitt hole..........
The better half is not nearly as pleased as I am! I’ll try to get some pictures up soon. I still need to do a better job with storage, etc., but it is functioning as hoped.
On the cameras, I may have confused the issue. A while back I think someone suggested cameras to see who is outside your shed, not to sit indoors and monitor your quipment remotely. If I added outside cameras, I would probably want to do that with WiFi. I agree with you, Yummyrum. I’ve had things go sideways while I was sitting right there. I’m not comfortable being out of the area.
You are absolutely correct EagleCliffs. Now that I have a consistent area to work, I’ve learned a lot about my rig. I do not need nearly as much water as I thought at first. I still don’t have it honed down yet, but, my runs are improving. Our city water is so expensive that I’ve been using the well for cooling. It runs about 55* year round. I have had trouble with fine adjustments using the ball valves. I haven’t gotten the flows set to where I can get the output water that warm. I don’t measure the output water temp except to run my hand around the condenser throughout the run. I do measure the product output temp at the parrot. When I cut the water flow way back, the product will get up in that 110-120*F range. But I don’t think the output water is nearly that hot. If your water is exiting at 120, what is a corresponding product temp (and takeoff rate?). So many of you more experienced guys have recommend this that it’s something I need to work on. Any suggestions on needle valves? BTW, I did overcool one run near the tails transition, set the condenser to huffing, and got a quick lesson on that!
The shed is in a detached garage and I’m using electric heating elements. No open flames in there and lots of fans to move the air. Worst thing is no cigars either! That open air porch is really a nice spot, but, it is a little too revealing for me. I did it a few times and that’s what made me turn my sights on the shed. You just can’t help it, you keep finding yourself falling further and further down this rabbitt hole..........
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
[THUMBS UP SIGN] looking forward to your pictures
Lee
Lee
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
If you're running a VM setup you're probably going to to need a needle valve to control your RC. You can get a 1/2" one on eBay for less than $20.GCB3 wrote:
I have had trouble with fine adjustments using the ball valves. I haven’t gotten the flows set to where I can get the output water that warm. I don’t measure the output water temp except to run my hand around the condenser throughout the run. I do measure the product output temp at the parrot. When I cut the water flow way back, the product will get up in that 110-120*F range. But I don’t think the output water is nearly that hot. If your water is exiting at 120, what is a corresponding product temp (and takeoff rate?). So many of you more experienced guys have recommend this that it’s something I need to work on. Any suggestions on needle valves? BTW, I did overcool one run near the tails transition, set the condenser to huffing, and got a quick lesson on that!
For my pot and LM setups I use a basic gate valve, plenty of fine control for their needs.
I run my temps a LOT hotter than described though. Recorded on my last stripping run, Input water is 68f, product temp at about 75f, output water between 150-155f. So long as your condenser is efficient, huffing is no issue since it's a temp gradient rather than a shock.
_____________________
EXPAT
Current boiler and pot head
Cross flow condenser
Modular 3" Boka - pics tbd
___________________
EXPAT
Current boiler and pot head
Cross flow condenser
Modular 3" Boka - pics tbd
___________________
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
Thanks, Expat. Hope you’re doing well.
I run a 3” Brewhaus, either in pot mode or CM column depending on the mission. I know this isn’t the preferred setup by many on here, but, it sure seemed like a good idea at the time!
As I said above, I’m still in the steep part of the learning curve and haven’t focused on fine tuning the cooling water yet. I will probably order a couple of needle valves this weekend and start working on it. On spirit runs, my drop seems to run in the mid to high 90*F currently. The condenser output water is just barely warm to the touch.
But, I do have something weird going on during full power strips. If I set the water fairly slow, the drop can reach 120*+. When that has occurred, I’ve found a hot spot (too hot to hold your hand there) about midway up the condenser shell, on just one side, not all the way around the circumference. If I increase the water flow, the hot spot disappears and the drop temp goes down 10 to 20*, but, I get a “tinkling” sound from that area of the condenser shell. I’m wondering if there is a loose piece of scrap that possibly fell in the outer shell during construction. I guess it’s possible that it’s stationary and conducting heat during low water flow and becoming dislodged, creating turbulence (sound) at higher flow rates. It is a repeatable phenomena on strips. It isn’t apparent on spirit runs where I’m only using 50-60% power.
I’ve asked Rick at BH about it and he’s not sure what’s going on. He’s happy to look at it for me if I ship it back. I really don’t want to give up my condenser for weeks while I’m trying to get into AG. From my limited experience, they seem to make a high quality product and have been very responsive to one small problem I had initially. It’s a 15 gal kettle with two 1500 watt elements. I would think the condenser is properly sized. But, i can’t say and it’s really weird.
Thanks
I run a 3” Brewhaus, either in pot mode or CM column depending on the mission. I know this isn’t the preferred setup by many on here, but, it sure seemed like a good idea at the time!
As I said above, I’m still in the steep part of the learning curve and haven’t focused on fine tuning the cooling water yet. I will probably order a couple of needle valves this weekend and start working on it. On spirit runs, my drop seems to run in the mid to high 90*F currently. The condenser output water is just barely warm to the touch.
But, I do have something weird going on during full power strips. If I set the water fairly slow, the drop can reach 120*+. When that has occurred, I’ve found a hot spot (too hot to hold your hand there) about midway up the condenser shell, on just one side, not all the way around the circumference. If I increase the water flow, the hot spot disappears and the drop temp goes down 10 to 20*, but, I get a “tinkling” sound from that area of the condenser shell. I’m wondering if there is a loose piece of scrap that possibly fell in the outer shell during construction. I guess it’s possible that it’s stationary and conducting heat during low water flow and becoming dislodged, creating turbulence (sound) at higher flow rates. It is a repeatable phenomena on strips. It isn’t apparent on spirit runs where I’m only using 50-60% power.
I’ve asked Rick at BH about it and he’s not sure what’s going on. He’s happy to look at it for me if I ship it back. I really don’t want to give up my condenser for weeks while I’m trying to get into AG. From my limited experience, they seem to make a high quality product and have been very responsive to one small problem I had initially. It’s a 15 gal kettle with two 1500 watt elements. I would think the condenser is properly sized. But, i can’t say and it’s really weird.
Thanks
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
That's odd with the condenser. I have the 2" reflux and haven't had that at all. It is like there's wedged scrap conducting heat to the one spot
and fluttering with varying flow. Rick'll get you straightened out.
This thread has me dreaming of using a corner of the basement now. You really opened up some great responses.
Glad this post exists, it's going in my SUBSCRIBED folder.
While I got you, GCB3, I wanted to encourage you to try all-grain. It doesn't take that much more room for the ad hoc grain as
you don't have to buy 50-lb. sacks to get the job done. A few 5-gallon buckets would do it to keep the mousies out.
The other tool would be a squeezer of some kind. I use a simple wringer mop bucket for that. Point is, I was apprehensive by lack
of confidence doing my first all grain ---if that's what's holding you back. Then I did it and it opened all kinds of doors to doing some of
the great Tried & Trues and even designing my own all-grain recipes. If my monkey-brained ass can do it with aplomb, believe me ANYone can.
Have fun with that shed, and bring the wife a beautiful bunch of flowers for her tolerance through all this. Works with my wife.
and fluttering with varying flow. Rick'll get you straightened out.
This thread has me dreaming of using a corner of the basement now. You really opened up some great responses.
Glad this post exists, it's going in my SUBSCRIBED folder.
While I got you, GCB3, I wanted to encourage you to try all-grain. It doesn't take that much more room for the ad hoc grain as
you don't have to buy 50-lb. sacks to get the job done. A few 5-gallon buckets would do it to keep the mousies out.
The other tool would be a squeezer of some kind. I use a simple wringer mop bucket for that. Point is, I was apprehensive by lack
of confidence doing my first all grain ---if that's what's holding you back. Then I did it and it opened all kinds of doors to doing some of
the great Tried & Trues and even designing my own all-grain recipes. If my monkey-brained ass can do it with aplomb, believe me ANYone can.
Have fun with that shed, and bring the wife a beautiful bunch of flowers for her tolerance through all this. Works with my wife.
Re: Brew Shed Set Up?
Fizzix,
After 39 yrs of marriage and 5 yrs courtship before that, now she just shakes her head and goes back inside!
I’m sure Rick will help me. I may ask him for a loner while they puzzle over mine.
Thanks for the compliment on the post. I hope it helps a bunch of people. It has made this hobby so much easier. You wouldn’t believe what I was doing before. When the wife was out of town, I’d set up a fermenter in her shower! I was doing my runs on the back screened porch (where a number of bypassers could possibly see me) with bamboo shades strung up for cover. It was really a Moe, Larry and Curley job!
Also, thanks for the AG incouragement. I don’t want to hijack this thread, so, just quickly, I tried one run of Jimbo’s AG. I made every rookie mistake possible and essentially yielded nothing. BUT, I did get to taste my first made product with no sugar bite. I’m so pumped, I ground 34 lbs of barley tonight and hope to get it working tomorrow or Saturday. I am much better prepared for a successful mash this time. I posted about my tales of woe on Jimbo’s AG thread in the T&T Page. (You may not want to read it - it’s bad juju!)
Take care.
After 39 yrs of marriage and 5 yrs courtship before that, now she just shakes her head and goes back inside!
I’m sure Rick will help me. I may ask him for a loner while they puzzle over mine.
Thanks for the compliment on the post. I hope it helps a bunch of people. It has made this hobby so much easier. You wouldn’t believe what I was doing before. When the wife was out of town, I’d set up a fermenter in her shower! I was doing my runs on the back screened porch (where a number of bypassers could possibly see me) with bamboo shades strung up for cover. It was really a Moe, Larry and Curley job!
Also, thanks for the AG incouragement. I don’t want to hijack this thread, so, just quickly, I tried one run of Jimbo’s AG. I made every rookie mistake possible and essentially yielded nothing. BUT, I did get to taste my first made product with no sugar bite. I’m so pumped, I ground 34 lbs of barley tonight and hope to get it working tomorrow or Saturday. I am much better prepared for a successful mash this time. I posted about my tales of woe on Jimbo’s AG thread in the T&T Page. (You may not want to read it - it’s bad juju!)
Take care.