Thumper build plans.

[TxBrewing]

waiting on a few parts to arrive, I think I am going to need a scrap of 2" pipe, not sure where to find that, only need like 2 inches or so

[Corn Cracker]

Ok, so after a bunch of this and a bunch of that, I am picking up the copper parts tomorrow.

Decided to just run a 3/4 inch line out of the head into a top feed thumper set up.
I will add a union to connect the run and one off the thumper exit, this will allow me me to switch between a regular pot and a thumper set up.

I have not soldered in about 10 years, but I do not think the small stuff will be an issue, but I am worried about the 2 inch ferrule to the 2 inch tee.
It is a copper to copper connection, is there a video to watch for copper to copper, or does anyone have any pointers.

last will propane be hot enuff? Or should I get Mapp gas?

I have recently learned to start heating the copper a few inches above the ferrule and work it down, with map gas I didn't have to actually put the flame to the ferrule.
If your around Houston I can help ya with a bit of 2 inch, no problem

[TxBrewing]

Ok, so after a bunch of this and a bunch of that, I am picking up the copper parts tomorrow.

Decided to just run a 3/4 inch line out of the head into a top feed thumper set up.
I will add a union to connect the run and one off the thumper exit, this will allow me me to switch between a regular pot and a thumper set up.

I have not soldered in about 10 years, but I do not think the small stuff will be an issue, but I am worried about the 2 inch ferrule to the 2 inch tee.
It is a copper to copper connection, is there a video to watch for copper to copper, or does anyone have any pointers.

last will propane be hot enuff? Or should I get Mapp gas?

I have recently learned to start heating the copper a few inches above the ferrule and work it down, with map gas I didn't have to actually put the flame to the ferrule.
If your around Houston I can help ya with a bit of 2 inch, no problem

I used to be in the Houston/Galveston area, that is where I grew up.
The army took me away, and when I retired in 2017, I stayed in Colorado.

But thanks for the advice and offer

[Corn Cracker]

Well, at least you're away from the humidity

[jackfire57]

Would like some straightforward advice i have a 18gal pots still and wanted to add a thumper so by design i need at least a 5 gal thumper to be effective . That being said i bought a 21 l /5gal pot with sealed and clamped lid. Now my question is the down and vent pipe positioning , i see some are designed closely together and others far apart which would you advise and any other design options would be appreciated.

[Yummyrum]

Both methods will work . A lot will depend on the lid you have . This will determine the difficulty of adding fittings .It is easier for setup reasons to have all in/out tubes vertical .If the lid is domed , then you will have to be creative on how you seal the tube to the lid , especially if it is thin Stainless lid .
Not that its a big deal if you are handy with metal and soldering . Just cut a copper washer and use a copper coupler ( with the stop filed out on the feed through tube) and solder it all to the SS lid for a solid build .

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This is often why the inline method are used . You can simply add a weld-less bulkhead triclamp fitting in the middle of the lid and feed in and out tube concentrically .

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This method is also popular fir kegs as no holes need to be drilled in the keg .

You may have noticed the two styles of inline thumpers . Either in at the top and out on the side ( which is the easier if the two) …or… in at the side and out the top ( which is more flexible equipment wise )

Note: A copper washer can be made by cutting open a piece of pipe and annealing ( heating it to cherry red and letting it cool down ) and flattening it between two pieces of wood . While still annealed ( softened) you can easily form it to the contours of your lid.

This isn’t exactly what I mean but you can see how easy it was to press the copper to match the contour of a domed lid .

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[Yummyrum]

Another way to fit thump tube is with Brass compression fittings . Use low lead fittings . This took me about 10min .

Ground off hex face on a Compression nipple and cut to angle of lid .I could solder it on but for extra strength added a copper washer.

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Cut a copper disc out of some scrap and brazed it to the cut nipple . I could have soldered this on but the heat of brazing means the copper washer will be soft enough to shape to the lid .
Also , it will stay together when I soldered it to the SS lid .

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So now , fit olive to thump tube and tighten Kinko nut . Use copper olives , not the nylon as shown .

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If you are funny about using brass , you can “Tin” the inside of the nipple with Lead free solder .