Mash/Lauter Tun Questions

[rohman]

I am looking to get into all-grain brewing and have a couple of questions regarding the mash/lauter tun. I want to make a copper manifold and was wondering how large to make the slits in the copper. Also is a 5 gallon water cooler large enough for all types of 5-gallon all-grain batches.

[BrewDog]

Rohman-

I'd go with a 10 gallon cooler (or 48 qt -- 12 gal), because a 5 gal isn't quite big enough to take more than 1 step infusions. You'll end up doing emergency decoctions all the time to get your temps.

I have used a stainless steel braid (with good success), so I can't really comment on manifold slit sizes, other than to say that most make them with a dremel tool. I know there are many others on this board that can comment further.

AG is easier than it seems. It just takes a couple runs through and before you know it, you've got it. Just read up everything you can get your hands on, especially Greg Noonan's book and Ray Daniels' book. IMO, those two form the basis of an AG'ers must-have book collection. (Palmer, too).


HTH-

[HogieWan]

Love the sig, brewdog.

[Vienna Lager]

Use 1/2" copper tubing for your manifold and every 1/2" put a mark on it with a magic marker. Slide a 1/4" rod (like the ones they use to hold up garden fence) into the copper tubing and anchor it in a vice using wood to line the jaws and also notch the wood for the tubing as you don't want to crush the tubing. With a Sawzall (hack saw takes too long) cut on the magic marker line and as soon as the 1/4" rod starts to move you have cut deep enough. This will allow you to make cuts equal distance apart and deep.

[rohman]

BrewDog, Vienna Lager- Thanks alot for the info I cant wait to gey my supplies and give all-grain a shot.

[Bilbo Beergins]

I used a dremel with a cutting disc to cut the slots. If I use the cutting and not the grinding disc (you'll know the grinding disc because it has a grid of fiberglass to reinforce it, cutting disc doesnt'), I get a much finer cut, and still get enough drainage surface. I went through 7-8 discs, but a real controlled and fine cut.