Bring on the vibrators (yeast starters)

[robtotten]

While watching Brewmasters a while ago, I noticed that their yeast girl (Does that sound weird in a thread about vibrators? Let's go with lab lady) was testing / propagating yeast in a flask similar to the ones many of us build starters in. But rather than using a stir plate, the vessel appeared to be on some kind of vibrating platform.

Is this common in commercial breweries? Does anyone use a similar method at home? It seems as though something like this would be easy and cheap to make with a handheld massager or adult toy and a little ingenuity. As long as the flask and wort are in constant motion, it would seem to be effective.

Thoughts? Has anyone tried this?

 

[Hex]

I think it's a swirl-er.

 

[Revvy]

This thread has the same potential as the hot tub mash tun...

Lab shakers of various types are pretty common in most research labs.

http://www.labdepotinc.com/c-98-lab-mixer.php

Another motor to consider, though less fun are the ones used in video game controllers.

 

[Hex]

Yeah, orbital shaker...

 

[KingBrianI]

Yeah, an orbital shaker is what you want. A vibrator isn't going to work. Look for something like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/Bellco-Mini-Orbital-Variable-Speed-Lab-Shaker-774408096-/150552945824?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230da7a4a0#ht_4215wt_905

 

[smokinghole]

I hope you have money for a contraption like that. They're expensive. We have one at my school that's like a $13k machine. Granted that thing will hold like 10-5L flasks so I'm told.

 

[Revvy]

Here's a DIY plan for making one...

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5045

 

[robtotten]

Thanks for the link, Revvy. After reviewing that, I'm confident that stir plates are the way to go! Although I'd still like to find a way to use sex toys in brewing.

 

[Revvy]

Thanks for the link, Revvy. After reviewing that, I'm confident that stir plates are the way to go! Although I'd still like to find a way to use sex toys in brewing.

Off to the memorable quotes page we go...And maybe this will end up in someone's sigline as well.

 

[smokinghole]

I may have to try and build one just because! Plus theres no stir bar to forget about. Hmmmm

 

[dzlater]

Here is a fairly simple design for a DIY orbital shaker.
I was going to build one, (just the shaker without the incubator) but then I got my hands on stuff to make a stir plate and decided to go that route.
go here http://openwetware.org/wiki/DIYbio/FAQ/Projects#Bob_Horton.27s_Shaking_Incubator
and scroll down till you see Bob Horton's Shaking Incubator

 

[BrewSpook]

Thanks for the link, Revvy. After reviewing that, I'm confident that stir plates are the way to go! Although I'd still like to find a way to use sex toys in brewing.

Well now, coffee on the computer monitor and its only 730. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

Thanks guys!

Why not just drop the vibrator into your flask? Should stir it up pretty well. You might want to put it on a rubber mat or something to keep it from moving around

 

[trigger]

Don't click these links at work!

What about wrapping a growler in these and then putting the growler in one of these. Would be an interesting conversation piece...

 

[robtotten]

That could actually work if it were in a ziploc bag with all of the air squeezed out so it doesn't float. Interesting. I wonder how long dildo batteries last, I would guess far less than 2 days, but who knows. I'm going to try this next week.

Well now, coffee on the computer monitor and its only 730. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

Thanks guys!

Why not just drop the vibrator into your flask? Should stir it up pretty well. You might want to put it on a rubber mat or something to keep it from moving around

 

[banjolawyer]

Why not just drop the vibrator into your flask? Should stir it up pretty well.

Doesn't work. I've experimented with this, and the beer just ended up tasting like Astroglide.

 

[ArcaneXor]

Doesn't work. I've experimented with this, and the beer just ended up tasting like Astroglide.

Isn't that illegal in Alabama?

 

[banjolawyer]

It is. But there's a small group people down here that are lawbreakers. ... into homebrewing and dildos. Both of which can get you a steep fine and thrown into jail.

 

[Hex]

It should read "It shall be unlawful for any Church to operate within 1000 ft. of any adult establishment."

 

[Revvy]

Thanks for the link, Revvy. After reviewing that, I'm confident that stir plates are the way to go! Although I'd still like to find a way to use sex toys in brewing.

We figured out a use for it... https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f12/cant-find-vibrating-football-game-234911/#post2773757

 

[ChshreCat]

Orbital shaker? Nah, go with one of these!
http://www.blairequipment.com/paint_shaker/paint_shaker.html

 

[starsailor]

We figured out a use for it... https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f12/cant-find-vibrating-football-game-234911/#post2773757

Funny I had this same idea for a yeast starter shaker (vibrator) of sorts. I scaped my childhood trashed football game last fall, but not before scavenging the vibrating motor assembly, thinking I could make something out of it.

Anyone built a yeast starter vibrator from one of these? Would it even work?

 

[TheBeerNerd]

Off to the memorable quotes page we go...And maybe this will end up in someone's sigline as well.

I'm all over that

 

[TheBeerNerd]

Funny I had this same idea for a yeast starter shaker (vibrator) of sorts. I scaped my childhood trashed football game last fall, but not before scavenging the vibrating motor assembly, thinking I could make something out of it.

Anyone built a yeast starter vibrator from one of these? Would it even work?

DFH's first continuous hopper was made from an old vibrating football table.