Removing top of 50l keg

[Sam]

Hi all, I'm keen to convert a keg I've picked up to convert into a HLT / brew kettle. Basically the issue is removing a circular area on the top. 

 

Does anyone have any experience doing this? And perhaps could recommend either the equipment to source/use or a workshop/person who could do it in the Wellington area? 

 

 

Thanks!

[Michael]

This guy does a pretty cool job doing it himself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LthGdMk_avk

 

If you are not comfortable with doing this, talk to Chris. He is awesome at making keggles.

[hayden]

Hey sam,

 

I just increased the size of my keg hole yesterday (for the second time) to allow my immersion chiller to fit inside. I used an angle grinder with a half used thin cut off disk (smaller diameter). Mark a line to follow, then use the guard on the grinder to rest against the top of the keg. See 4.18 of michaels video, rest the black guard against the keg.

Basically a freehand version of what michael posted. If you take your time and use only the tip of the disk, you can do a neat job and follow the curve of the line you drew. You can get a good view from above where you're cutting.

Follow up with a grinding wheel, round file, and some sand paper.

My cut was about 2 cm's from the vertical stainless, this meant that the angle grinder was cutting at a negative angle which meant it followed a curve better.

 

Good luck, give it a crack.... its easy

[Scarrfie]

If you can put up with the hole being about 35mm from the edge then a jig saw with a metal blade would do the trick. Easier and neater than an angle grinder:)

[Ged]

Take it to a local metal shop and ask them to plasma weld / cut the top out. Took a mate around 30 seconds to do it on mine and left a beautiful smooth edge.  Probably charge you a 6 pack of beer..

Ged

[Smiffy]

I've wanted a plasma cutter for a while. Having seen the youtube clip of the guy cutting the top off a keg with one, and looking at other clips of them being used, I'm definitely going to get one now.

[RopenutS]

Seen that infomercial for the "versicutter"? Haha could do the job...

[Smiffy]

I doubt if one of those would cut more than a few inches of a s/s keg. Stainless steel is tough. Same for a jig-saw, you'd get through a dozen blades.

I've ordered a plasma cutter, should have it early next week.

Anyone still got a keg they want cutting? (Paraparaumu Beach).

[Scarrfie]

Lol. Nice to have a toy like that, wish I was your neighbour:)

I recently had to cut through two stainless flues, and yes it buggered one blade. However I wasn't using cutting compound, which would be essential to stop it work hardening. It is really just an alternative to an angle grinder.

Go the plasma cutter.

[RopenutS]

Yeah i bet the versicutter is pretty shit anyways.. How much would you take a top off for Smiffy? Im living in Paraparaumu myself

[Smiffy]

I'll do it for the experience. Email me on smiffypr(at)clear(dot)net(dot)nz and I'll let you know when the machine arrives.

I'm thinking it may be a good idea to half fill the keg with water first so that any "splatter" doesn't stick to the insides.

 

[Paul Wicksteed - another1]

Chris Banks [e-mail] is in Wellington and runs a brewing hardware business, contact him if you need help