What size sankey kegs are you using? I thought about using the slim quarters or the 1/6th barrel kegs, but the cornies were a lot cheaper.
I have:
1 - 1/6th
1 - tall 1/4
1 - black rubberized short 1/4
1 - 1/2
so far...I got them all from CL with the exception of the short 1/4 a friend gave me and ideally would like to double this amount - the 1/2. (lets face it 1/2 bbls are pretty unruly to work with and move around full.
I have paid between $30-50 each. I just got the 1/6 and the 1/2 with an old working 70's era Kenmore keg-o-rater that came all set up for sanke kegs and I had bought some other CO2 stuff for sanke's from a rummage sale this summer. I am pretty sure I can get 1 - 1/2 bbl in the keg-o-rater or 2 - 1/6th and 1 tall 1/4. I do need to do some work on the tower as it only has 1 tap ATM.
I am SUPER patient when it comes to getting these items. I have been slowly acquiring these items as I go and I would guess have $200 invested so far...(I am currently using the equipment...so I am operational)
I am also going to be delving into the TAD/miller/coors home draft systems pretty hard. I was able to empty 1 into cooking and have some friends/family also helping me out. I have 3 total empty ATM and a known 4th on the way. I will use these for my "mobile" / "party" beer and for some sparkling apfelwein. (I will also be using the short 1/4 for apfelwein as well.)
I think if I did not find such good deals on my equipment and have a TON of patience, I would be in the hole $500 more than where I am now at least and have all brand new kegging equipment as well...lol. Unfortunately, I have more time than money...
I just want to add that either my old bottles will be slowly phased out or if they get in they too much I will post up a "free for the taking" and put them by the curb vs. recycling them.