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Author Topic: How do I cut a keg?  (Read 8345 times)

Offline mindar

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Re: How do I cut a keg?
« Reply #15 on: August 12, 2010, 11:18:01 pm »
Meh, I took a piece of string, a black sharpie, my dremel, and my metal cutting discs, and cut the top off that way. Went thru about six discs, then used the grinder on the edges, then the sander, and now it's smooth as a....well, you know. Took me two or three evenings, about an hour each time. And didn't cost me anything, and I didn't have to worry about cutting off a limb or burning anything down.

Offline riverrat

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Re: How do I cut a keg?
« Reply #16 on: August 13, 2010, 08:58:27 am »
Only 6 mini dremel discs?  Or were they the larger dremel discs?  Either way, not bad.  I seem to go through the majority of 1 cut off wheel per keg in an air grinder (3" disc?)  Then just use a buffing wheel to clean it up.  ~20 minutes before work and it's done.  If I leave myself 25 minutes, I can have the holes drilled for the fittings too.
Founding member, California Street Brewery

Offline kohlerbeer

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Re: How do I cut a keg?
« Reply #17 on: August 15, 2010, 04:17:18 pm »
I used an angle grinder to cut the top, and then I sanded it to get rid of the burrs.  The keg was semi-dented, so the hole is not a perfect circle.  Oh well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  The valve is a Kettlevalve from Willimas. 

I attempted to attach a photo of the finished product, but there was no option to attach a photo.  I guess I do not yet have a high enough level of participation.

I cannot wait to get the first batch underway. 

Thanks to all of you who provided valuable insight.

Im Himmel gibt's kein Bier.....

Offline tschmidlin

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Re: How do I cut a keg?
« Reply #18 on: August 15, 2010, 11:30:07 pm »
I attempted to attach a photo of the finished product, but there was no option to attach a photo.  I guess I do not yet have a high enough level of participation.

http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=20.0
Quote from: garyg
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Tom Schmidlin

Offline kohlerbeer

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Re: How do I cut a keg?
« Reply #19 on: August 16, 2010, 03:04:14 am »
Thanks on the photo advice.  Here are one photo of before and two photos of the finished product.





« Last Edit: August 16, 2010, 03:14:22 am by kohlerbeer »
Im Himmel gibt's kein Bier.....

Offline mindar

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Re: How do I cut a keg?
« Reply #20 on: August 16, 2010, 05:56:27 am »
Only 6 mini dremel discs?  Or were they the larger dremel discs?  Either way, not bad.  I seem to go through the majority of 1 cut off wheel per keg in an air grinder (3" disc?)  Then just use a buffing wheel to clean it up.  ~20 minutes before work and it's done.  If I leave myself 25 minutes, I can have the holes drilled for the fittings too.

Yup, the minis. The new EZ lock types. And I didn't just cut off the top around the keg handle, I cut off from underneath so it's completely open (to be used as a mash tun) and the 14" kettle lid I already have will fit on it perfectly. And I won't have to fight the lip in order to clean it. I'm a stickler for getting every spot clean.

Offline tschmidlin

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Re: How do I cut a keg?
« Reply #21 on: August 16, 2010, 11:48:49 am »
So, how do you plan to seal the bung?
Tom Schmidlin

Offline kohlerbeer

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Re: How do I cut a keg?
« Reply #22 on: August 16, 2010, 02:06:07 pm »
I am going to take it to a local welder and have a stainless steel disc welded over the hole.
Im Himmel gibt's kein Bier.....

Offline tschmidlin

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Re: How do I cut a keg?
« Reply #23 on: August 16, 2010, 02:22:49 pm »
Yeah, that'll do it :)
Tom Schmidlin

Offline bonjour

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Re: How do I cut a keg?
« Reply #24 on: August 16, 2010, 02:47:50 pm »
Did you check the bottom flange that sits on the ground for holes?

Most kegs have them, but a few do not.  get a little moisture in there, add heat and BOOM!!!
I know of 1 case where shrapnel wen flying for this reason.

Fred
Fred Bonjour
Co-Chair Mashing in Michigan 2014 AHA Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan
AHA Governing Committee; AHA Conference, Club Support & Web Subcommittees



Everything under 1.100 is a 'session' beer ;)

Offline tschmidlin

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Re: How do I cut a keg?
« Reply #25 on: August 16, 2010, 03:06:32 pm »
Did you check the bottom flange that sits on the ground for holes?

Most kegs have them, but a few do not.  get a little moisture in there, add heat and BOOM!!!
I know of 1 case where shrapnel wen flying for this reason.

Fred

Wouldn't it be best then to drill holes in it, so any moisture that may get in can drain, and any that boils has an easy escape route for the steam?
Tom Schmidlin

Offline bonjour

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Re: How do I cut a keg?
« Reply #26 on: August 16, 2010, 03:07:49 pm »
That would make it safe.

Fred
Fred Bonjour
Co-Chair Mashing in Michigan 2014 AHA Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan
AHA Governing Committee; AHA Conference, Club Support & Web Subcommittees



Everything under 1.100 is a 'session' beer ;)

Offline kohlerbeer

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Re: How do I cut a keg?
« Reply #27 on: August 16, 2010, 05:12:14 pm »
It is a singular piece with no pockets, but thanks for the tip.  The bottom is curled but all one piece.  That would be a hell of a way to kick the bucket.  I could just see the headlines "Local man gives his life for beer, in pursuit of ale he did fail".
Im Himmel gibt's kein Bier.....

Offline IHBHS

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Re: How do I cut a keg?
« Reply #28 on: August 18, 2010, 03:51:21 am »
Ice Harbor Brewing Co.
www.iceharbor.com

Offline kohlerbeer

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Re: How do I cut a keg?
« Reply #29 on: August 18, 2010, 09:40:48 am »
Nice!!!!!!!!!  I think I need to add a thermometer. 
Im Himmel gibt's kein Bier.....