Newbie looking to construct custom fermentation pale

[branlovesbeer]

I am brand new at brewing and these forums. I appologize for
the length of this post. I figured that some research would do me good before I got my feet wet. I think the most helpful find (other than these wonderful forums) is John Palmers free ebook which has helped me TREMENDOUSLY in understanding the basics of brewing as well as the hows and whys.

In doing this online research, I have noticed that I have nearly
ALL of the BIG equipment to do my first beginner batch.
In searching through these forums, I cannot find ANY information
on CREATING YOUR OWN equipment. DIY if you will.

Like I said, I have much of the equipment needed at least in
parts (the pieces that are usually the higher priced ones). For example"


5 or 6 (5gal) food grade buckets in good condition with NO
scratches (I used to work in a restaurant and they were usually
discarded after use)
2 glass carboys (1 5gal & 1 a bit larger)
I made my own immersion chiller from the article I found
doing a search (below).
http://www.allaboutbeer.com/homebrew/equip/chiller.html
Nice stainless boiling pots
Thermometer
Cleaning brushes (brand new)


The buckets on the supply website are always listed as follows:

The Primary Firmentor with drilled and grommited lid.
Secondary with spigot.


Now for my questions:
[list=1]
Why does the lid need to be grommited?
I have added spigots to this type of bucket before (I made
a make-shift cooler). Is this the same kind of spigot they are refering to? And would this be a viable option?
Does the lid have to be air tight? This may sound
like an ignorant question but each time I think I have it figured out I read a post mentioning contradictory things. I am probably just misinterpreting them though.
[/list=1]

I don't have a Home Brew (hobby) store anywhere around me so I can't go around the corner to pick them up. I also don't want
to spend $75 or $100.00 on equipment I already have or can buy
at the local kitchen supply store.

One Final Question
I have seen in many places on the net that many brewpubs
(micro breweries) are sometimes willing to let you have
some of their excess yeast. Has anyone else tried this?

Thanks for any help you can provide me.
I am so glad to be part of this community and I look forward to
many more posts. NOT THIS LONG, THOUGH

[thekulman]

Why does the lid need to be grommited?

They don't, a grommet takes the place of the drilled stopper you put your airlock into. It's got a hole big enough for the air lock. If not grommeted, just drill a hole (if not already one) in the lid and use a rubber stopper and air lock.

I have added spigots to this type of bucket before (I made
a make-shift cooler). Is this the same kind of spigot they are refering to? And would this be a viable option?

Yes, but use one with either a barb type nozzle that you can slip your racking tubing over or one that you can fit your racking tubbing into firmly, for transferring beer/bottling without splashing.

Does the lid have to be air tight? This may sound
like an ignorant question but each time I think I have it figured out I read a post mentioning contradictory things. I am probably just misinterpreting them though.

Yes, it should be. During the initial stages of fermentation so much CO2 is produced, but after that subsides you don't want stray yeast, pet/human hair, sneezes, dust ... you get the idea ... you don't want anything foreign and not sanitized getting into your precious beer.

Kul

[BignJames]

If you're in Greenville, SC Thomas Creek Brewery has a Homebrew supply shop.

http://www.thomascreekbeer.com/

[Mill Rat]

As far as those grommeted lids go, I have one with the grommet and one without. I prefer to use a stopper with the ungrommeted one, it's a real PITA to get the airlock out of the grommet.

Yes, airtight is essential for keeping stuff out of your wort/beer. You can't easily aviod a little air exposure during racking and bottling or kegging, but it should be minimized.

[branlovesbeer]

Guys, thanks for all the input. It is very helpfull. Keep it coming. I'm so excited. I can't wait to get started.

BignJames, thanks for the info on that store. That is just what I needed. I am going to stop by there on Friday or Saturday.

Awesome!!!