Martin Bridges's Page

Any decision on the next recipe ?

Hi Martin, I'm sending out a bit of an SOS and you maybe able to help. I'm trying to get Stephen Plowman (Hallertau) to send me some of his corny kegs. He does not reply to emails very well. I live in Napier. He's given me a price but no way to pay him (bank account details). This has gone on for 6 months.

I need someone to pick them up, pay him, and send them to me, being duly compensated in the process (several pints at Hallertau!!!).

Any chance you could help???????????

Hi Martin

I've just made my first all grain batch and thought you might be interested in the lautering manifold. I made it from plastic components purchased from Mastertrade (although I think I saw them cheaper at Mitre10 mega). The design is exactly as described in on HowToBrew except is made of plastic. I figured that if I'm mashing in plastic, fermenting in plastic & bottling in plastic that a plastic manifold won't hurt.

Total cost of parts was just over $40 (although that doesn't include a flow controlling tap of some desciption to control the syphon speed, mabe next time).

The only tools needed were a pencil and a hack saw. The hardest part was getting the hose to fit over the PCV pipe (Hint: use boiling water and push like hell unitl it goes on). The parts all just push together and hold well enough for the mash and sparge. No problems with the manifold.

I've added some pics that you can look at to see photo of the manifold.

Just sing out if you have any questions.

Cheers

Andrew

Had the chilli-bin already. It's a 38L which is bordering on being too big for a 19L batch but it seems OK . Sorry, I haven't been pricing chilli-bins lately, can't help you there. I did however notice, a couple of months ago, that Bunnings had some with spigots. Might be worth a look if that's what you're after.

I don't have the receipt but it went something like this:
4 x plastic elbows @ $4 each
1 x plastic T joint @ $5
2m of rigid plastic pipe @ $3.50 per metre (only used 1m)
2m of non-toxic tube @ $3.50 per metre
Plus GST!!!

Just a couple of thoughts on setting up for a batch sparge (which it sound like your preparing for).

- If you go for a braided SS hose, you'll be pretty much limited to batch sparging. If you build a manifold for your chilli-bin, you'll be able to batch sparge and/or fly/continous sparge down the track. That was my reason for choosing the manifold.

- If you're gonna batch sparge, look very carefully into getting the water volumes right so that you get the desired amount of run off. I didn't quite hit the mark on mine :(

I found this link helpful :
How to batch sparge

Hi Martin - how'd the SOBA catch up go? Hope it went well. I'm sure, at worst, it was good to meet a few fellow beer lovers. Send us a report on the mail-list.
Cheers
Stu

Martin, Shane here from Steam Brewing. If you are going to do a tasting at one of the Cock and Bulls get in contact with me and I try to make sure the experiance is a pleasant one. Depending on the the date either myself or one of the other brewers will talk you through the beers. Also if you want to look through the brewery and Packaging line we may bew able to organise something.

Hi Martin, beer at Galbraiths, from about 4?

Hi Martin

I spoke to Steve Plowman in the weekend (just happened to call in for a beer). He told me that the champion Homebrew is done and is lagering. It my be ready for our next meeting and he would be hppay to see us. If it is ready. I am happy to liaise with him or you could give him a call, if thats what you decide?

Take care

Tony