Lookin' for a false-bottom...

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Matt · #1 Post by **Matt** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 8:27 pm

So I'm cutting the tops and plumbing my keggles this week and I'm super stoked. Thanks again for your help and expertise Andy, I'm grateful.

There are still a few things I need however, most notably a good false-bottom for the mash tun. Since I'm using 15.5g kegs, I'd love one of those Sabco stainless ones that are hinged, but I'm still *trying* to do this on the cheap -- I can always upgrade when the money's there.

So what I'm wondering is, does anybody out there have a false bottom that might work in a keg, that they're not using anymore... maybe you've upgraded to something better, and have your old one laying around collecting dust?

Pretty much anything would be a start and let me get that much closer to brewing on my own rig -- something I know several of you will say is ABOUT DAMN TIME. :) I couldn't agree more. So think of it this way, you're not just doing me a favor; you're getting a little $ for something you don't use anymore, you're helping me, AND you're keeping me from harassing Shane, Andy, Sean & John quite as much, which will make us all happier. :)

I'd prefer a stainless false bottom, but beggers can't be choosers. Bazooka-style screen would be worth trying out if you've got the material or know where I can get it super cheap to make my own. But I tend to make big beers, and I can't imagine 30 lbs of grain not crushing a screen manifold. Maybe you've got a copper tubing manifold you're not using? I'm looking for something to get high efficiency from -- something that will preferably sit well on the concave bottom of the keg and draw from the very middle (which is again, why I'm thinkin' a false bottom and dip tube design would be best).

Anyway, any suggestions and/or inexpensive equipment you have to sell or trade (even better) would be most appreciated. Thanks!

Matt

Matt · #2 Post by **Matt** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 8:31 pm

OH, almost forgot -- a third (and probably best) option would be if someone could point me in the right direction on where to get stainless perforated metal sheeting, so I could make my own Sabco-style false bottom. I'm betting I could cut and hinge one myself for LOADS cheaper than they sell them. It's a long-shot, but you never know with you crazy folk. Some of you seem to get your hands on the most interesting things. :)

Matt

Matt · #3 Post by **Matt** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 4:37 pm

Oh, just as an update, with the help of Shane in finding some quality material and Andy in cutting said material, I now have a kick-ass, Sabco-style false bottom done up in stainless.

I found stainless hinges (with removeable pins so I can even clean in there if need be), and got it nicely filed down to smooth edges. I think it's going to work great. I'll let anyone interested know how it goes when I finally get the rig finished and get to brew my first batch with it.

Sorry... I just had to bring it up... it's friggin' sweet and it cost less than $35 to make (including raw material, hardware and cutting discs for Andy's angle-grinder). New Sabcos go for like $75-85, so I'm pretty damn stoked.

Thanks again to Shane and Andy for all their help with materials and tools.

Matt

Snowman · #4 Post by **Snowman** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 11:09 pm

New Sabcos go for like $75-85

For what just the false bottom right? You have some very nice keggles worth much more than that with the fittings etc...more like $250 each atleast! You know come to think about it I don't think Sabco is selling them anymore. CONGRATS...Welcome to the DIY club

Matt · #5 Post by **Matt** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 11:29 pm

Snowman wrote:New Sabcos go for like $75-85

For what just the false bottom right? You have some very nice keggles worth much more than that with the fittings etc...more like $250 each atleast! You know come to think about it I don't think Sabco is selling them anymore. CONGRATS...Welcome to the DIY club

Thanks Jarrell. It feels good.

And to answer your question, yes. I was referring JUST to the false bottom. To get a complete keggle mash-tun from Sabco would be more like $350, and they do still sell them. You can find all their stuff online at http://www.brew-magic.com. As soon as I add a thermometer bulkhead and thermometer, I'll have pretty much exactly what they're selling there but for ridiculously less.

Can't wait to finish up and get to brewing!