Hello, been lurking a while

[Jthornburgh]

I'm a new brewer, my first batch of Mead is seven days into primary right now. I am planning on making my first beer (BIAB) next weekend, using an old aluminum pot and plastic bucket.

While these are my first attempts, I have been thinking about being for a several years, have read as much as I can on mistakes that people make and things that can be done to improve the process, have attended several of the local homebrew meetings, and spoken to my friends that brew about my ideas.

I have built a fermentation chamber using a STC1000 and a upright freezer, and am in the middle of making a conical and brew pot from 16ga 316. I also have a keezer that I'm making a stainless top for, and a custom tower, with tap handles that I've designed and made. I also made my own stir plate.

I teach CAD and product design full time at Merced College in California, and teach part time at UC Merced and Fresno State.

 

[WildernessBrewing]

Would love to hear more about your conical build. Do you have any in-process photos to post?

 

[ncbrewer]

Welcome to HBT.

 

[unionrdr]

Welcome to the best home brew site on the net! We have a few engineers & a lot of tinkers on here, so you should be right at home.

 

[m00ps]

Im an Engineer. Sounds like youve got a hell of a lot more equipment than I did when I first got started

 

[iijakii]

Hi, how are you? I am fine.

 

[Jthornburgh]

Would love to hear more about your conical build. Do you have any in-process photos to post?

The Boil Kettle is a little over 15 gallons, and the Fermentor is just about 9. They both use 1.5" Tri Clovers. The Transfer Tubing will connect with camlocks.

Here are the CAD Models:

Here are the in progress pictures.

 

[Jthornburgh]

Im an Engineer. Sounds like youve got a hell of a lot more equipment than I did when I first got started

I have said that when I was going to start, I was going to go all in, and not need to upgrade for a while. By making it myself I'm saving a bunch. Even with the fittings I'm right around $200 for each the Kettle and Fermentor.

 

[unionrdr]

That's a great price! I'd love to have access to a plasma cutter! It'd make designing & cutting various car brackets a lot quicker & easier!

 

[SEndorf]

While these are my first attempts, I have been thinking about being for a several years, have read as much as I can on mistakes that people make and things that can be done to improve the process, have attended several of the local homebrew meetings, and spoken to my friends that brew about my ideas.

Impressive equipment indeed for a new brewer.
You most likely already know this by your research, but if you peruse the "what's wrong with my beer" threads in the beginners forum, you will find most problems are alleviated with 1) sanitation 2) temperature control and 3) water profile analysis with chemical adjustments.
Once you get the first two down, the water manipulation through brew science is fascinating and makes the difference between a good beer and an incredible beer.

 

[Jthornburgh]

That's a great price! I'd love to have access to a plasma cutter! It'd make designing & cutting various car brackets a lot quicker & easier!

Yes, working at a college has it perks, the welding professor is going to do my sanitary welds.

 

[Jthornburgh]

Impressive equipment indeed for a new brewer.
You most likely already know this by your research, but if you peruse the "what's wrong with my beer" threads in the beginners forum, you will find most problems are alleviated with 1) sanitation 2) temperature control and 3) water profile analysis with chemical adjustments.
Once you get the first two down, the water manipulation through brew science is fascinating and makes the difference between a good beer and an incredible beer.

Yes, I've noticed that. I figured this setup would help with sanitation. And I wouldn't start until I had the fermentation chamber done. My water is really hard, so I bought an rv water filter, and am planning on following the additions from the water primer.

 

[Cyclman]

Wow, very impressive. I wish I had the aptitude and skill to fabricate, but it is not in my DNA. Welcome to the hobby, and the group, from CO