Kettle Project

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Mon, Mar 26, 2012 - 5:05pm
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Sean Colleran
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Kettle Project

Hey Guys-

I'm thinking about installing a ball valve, sight glass, and thermometer on my SS brew kettle.  Weldless fittings seem like the easiest way to go, and the parts are relatively cheap.  However, I know less than nothing about working with metal, and even if I knew what type of drill bit to buy, I'm not even sure my POS drill would be up to the task.  If I try to drill the holes on my own, I guarantee I'd ruin the kettle, break the drill, get hurt, and probably start an electrical fire that would burn the city down for the second time.

So, is anyone out there with the knowledge and tools willing to help me out with this project?  I would of course offer up some of my homebrew as compensation.

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Mon, Apr 2, 2012 - 8:08am
adman
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Sean/David,

Sean/David,

Did you guys have an idea when you wanted to do all of the drilling/punching?  I am available this week.

-Adam

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Wed, Mar 28, 2012 - 9:09am
David
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I have a few holes that I

I have a few holes that I need to drill into some of my kegs...let me know when you are planning on doing this. We can go ahead and do a bunch of these.

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Tue, Mar 27, 2012 - 2:02pm
Sean Colleran
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Thanks so much for the offers

Thanks so much for the offers to help everyone.  I'll let you guys know when the parts arrive and I know what size the holes need to be.  We'll see who is available to meet me at the brew house then.

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Mon, Mar 26, 2012 - 6:06pm
adman
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I have a 13/16 knock out

I have a 13/16 knock out punch that will make a perfect hole for a 1/2 inch weldless fitting.  Assuming the other holes need to be slightly smaller, I also have a step bit that should enable you to make the right sized hole.  I'd be happy to help you out, particularly if compensated in homebrew.

-Adam

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Mon, Mar 26, 2012 - 6:06pm
enash7070
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Sean,

Sean,

Just let me know when you have your stuff and I can meet you at the brewhouse with my step bit and drill..It will take 15 minutes to put all the holes in...

I recommend the the sightglass from here..but he has all the other stuff too..

http://www.brewhardware.com/

I like this guys weldless fittings....I use them...

www.bargainfittings.com

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Mon, Mar 26, 2012 - 5:05pm
Sean Colleran
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No matter how easy you think

No matter how easy you think it is, I don't trust myself with this one.  The other day I turned a light fixture on my ceiling the wrong direction and now it's stuck and I literally can't change the light bulb.  Assume my level of competence hovers around that of Tim the Tool Man Taylor.

Bill said:

it's easy.  first determine what size hole you need.  Then buy yourself a bi-metal hole saw of the diameter that you determined you needed with the pilot drill bit already installed.  Get a center punch to mark a dimple for the pilot drill (in the hole saw) so that it's not "walking" on you while trying to start the hole.  put your cordless drill on high speed and cut away.  use a file (round preferably) to deburr the sharp edge of your newly cut hole.  will probably take all of 10 minutes per hole.

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