Messages

1

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: bad starter?

« on: November 12, 2011, 02:26:54 PM »

Thanks guys- the Brix of the starter is 15- this is a Bohem lager so I understand the time lag- it's just that I am brewing tomorrow and getting a little nervous and I didn't have a good feeling about the pack I got.  So in any case can I use this starter with the White Labs, or should I make a new one?

2

Yeast and Fermentation / bad starter?

« on: November 12, 2011, 02:05:52 PM »

I pitched a Wyest smack pack in a good starter and I believe the yeast is bad. Nothing after 24 hrs.  I planned a backup and have a tube of White Labs.  Could I just pitch this on top of the Wyest in the starter jug, or should I start from scratch with a new starter?

thanks, Gary

3

Equipment and Software / Re: Working with half barrels....

« on: December 08, 2010, 10:58:14 AM »

I made a jig I saw in a blog that fits over the tap hole and rotates while holding the plasma cutter at the right dimension.  PM me and I can send you a file so you can see how it works and make your own.  And absolutely fill with water first or the slag will stick to the interior.

4

Pimp My System / Og's Grogg brewtree

« on: November 05, 2009, 11:30:41 AM »

This current brewtree evolved from a portable unit.  I designed it to be gravity fed from HLT to fermenter. I designed the parts and a friend fabed them up. The first feature is the modularity to move the jet burner from any vessel while lit with a gloved hand. It also has a hopback, water filter, oxygenator and reverse chiller- all home built. The latest addition is a RIMS / pump system with the heat exchanger in the HLT. This has served me well but I am in the process of designing and building a Brutus 10 so I can do more with less hassle on brew day out of my garage. (Winters in Pittsburgh really suck)
http://www.neithercorp.us/images/brew/HERMS009.jpg
http://www.neithercorp.us/images/brew/HERMS017.jpg

5

All Grain Brewing / Re: Insulation For Mash Tun

« on: November 05, 2009, 10:49:27 AM »

I found some neat stuff at Lowe’s in the flooring / carpet section. It’s a pack of interlocking grey squares of ¾” rigid foam used in exercise areas.  Interlock together, cut to the circumference of your tun and duct tape the seams to keep it together. You can also but seam and glue with crazy glue- it takes a few tubes.  I also put a strip of aluminum sticky tape around the bottom first because I use a propane burner.