Brewing on a budget is not all ways an easy task. I thought I would share my sight glass idea with the rest of you budget brewers, let me know what you think.
I used an old rigid pipe threader to thread the end of 3/4 od. 5/8 id polycarbonate tubing. I used dish soap to lube the cutter. It was pretty easy just make sure to keep the tubing square to the cutter. The tubing is slightly smaller than standard pipe but the tapered threads allow it to work just fine. I also used plenty of Teflon tape to ensure a good seal. The shield is made from a standard sanke dip tube, I drilled a hole into each end of the tube and cut the slot between them with an angle grinder. I cut the Bologna slice in the top so that i can put a screw through the tube into the rim of the keggle and it looks cool to. I got the polycarbonate from Granger, an 8' section cost $12.23 after tax. I also got about $3 bucks in stainless screws. So for about 15 bucks I got all three sight glasses. Not to shabby.
I used an old rigid pipe threader to thread the end of 3/4 od. 5/8 id polycarbonate tubing. I used dish soap to lube the cutter. It was pretty easy just make sure to keep the tubing square to the cutter. The tubing is slightly smaller than standard pipe but the tapered threads allow it to work just fine. I also used plenty of Teflon tape to ensure a good seal. The shield is made from a standard sanke dip tube, I drilled a hole into each end of the tube and cut the slot between them with an angle grinder. I cut the Bologna slice in the top so that i can put a screw through the tube into the rim of the keggle and it looks cool to. I got the polycarbonate from Granger, an 8' section cost $12.23 after tax. I also got about $3 bucks in stainless screws. So for about 15 bucks I got all three sight glasses. Not to shabby.