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New Boiler

Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 12:29 am
by linw
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 :D

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!!

Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:36 am
by Pieterpost
Sounds good Linw! Let us know how everything goes ! :)

Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 6:25 am
by Uncle Remus
A stainless keg cuts like cheese with a good quality metal blade in a sabre saw...if you ever gotta cut one again keep it in mind...and good luck :)

Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 7:04 am
by Grayson_Stewart
linw,

I'm sure thats not your "final masterpiece"...just the most recent one you've made till you start on your next.

Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 4:10 pm
by pothead
Looking forward to seeing some pics when you get it all finished. Your last cooker looked nice...too small for ya?

Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 5:34 pm
by linw
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.

Image

Image

Image

Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 5:55 pm
by Uncle Remus
NICE! :)

Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 4:15 am
by Brett
hey linw


im converting my boiler for winter use this means going electronic, im interested where did u order your Sutronics from and can i ask the price.


cheers Brett