Well, I have now joined the keg hackers club! Got me a nice 50ltr one form the local scrap dealer for $NZ35. Pleased with that price. But, SS is sure a sod to work with after alu and copper! I, finally got the hole cut in the top and the hole for the element. Wouldn't bother doing it myself again I don't think. A man with a plasma cutter sounds good
Using the old inverted bowl to mount my current VM column. Bought a 3,000W incoloy element (not cheap) but it should withstand the ravages of acid/alkali better than tin or nickel plating. Was going to use a locking nut on the inside to mount the element but couldn't get a decent waterproof seal (SS doesn't yield like alu!). Fixed that by soldering the locking nut to the outside of the keg thus giving two nice flat mating surfaces, with washer, to provide a good seal.
Waiting for a Sutronics controller (BFM240-13) to arrive from the UK. Means that I can get full control with one element.
So that's me done - I will be happy with this one as my final masterpiece!!
Thanks, guys, for words of support. Note, Grayson, that the 'f'' in 'final' was lower case!! No, PH, the last one was not too small. In fact, 30 ltrs was an ideal size. But I had tried using bicarb of soda in the stripped product and alu doesn't like alkali. Besides, I must have been itching to get using my hands again!!
Well, I have my Sutronics controller and have tried it in some water. The box it is in got pretty hot so I have added some more heatsinking. Doesn't help its looks but there you go!
Kegs look much of a muchness but here are a couple of thumbnails.
