Mash tun cooler conversion parts list

[Brian_S]

As requested.

http://www.thinkingfreshservices.com/ho ... shTun.aspx

The owner of the site above is a user on Craftbrewing.ca but I can't remember his name.

B

[Jmac00]

Hawoh

[Jake]

Question. Converting my cooler and I managed to break the rubber seal that came on the cooler (half inch piece of rubber that I was supposed to save built in with the spout). The spout wouldn't screw off so I had to pretty well rip it out and I managed to rip the rubber seal ... Is it really necessary or would a rubber washer do the trick?

... part is hard to describe but it's a half inch rubber seal. If you've done the conversion, chances are you know the part I'm talking about.

[Jmac00]

Heads up to anyone wanting to build one like in the link, those 48qt coolers are on sale at Walmart for $20.  

[Jake]

So worst case scenario I'll need to pick up another cooler at wal-mart. thanks for the info lol

[JohnQ]

Which cooler do you have Jake? same as mine?
If it is the igloo, then the washer that came with is supposed to go, and be replaced by a food grade silicone one I think.
JW

[Jake]

it wasn't the igloo cooler, it is the 48 qt rectangular coleman cooler. It's the part that fits partially inside the hole on the inside of the cooler. Yea I figured that any food grade o-ring or washer would probably do the trick in terms of sealing any potential leaks. Looking to do my first batch in the coming days once I get the mash tun together.

I bought a half inch stainless braided tube thingy (yet to cut and remove hose) ... will half inch work well, or do I need to go bigger?

[JohnQ]

half inch is fine, remember you're pushing the braid off, not pulling...it is a chinese finger puzzle.
JW

[Jake]

So I can't seem to get my hands on any stainless steel parts for the conversion, so looks like i'm using brass. Planning on treating it first in a solution to make sure it's safe.
Quick question: I bought a wort chiller from hopdogs made of copper ... does this need to be treated in any way or is it safe to use?

[Jake]

just read to treat copper with white vinegar before the first time I use it. necessary?

[Ian Grant]

I never treated my i'm pretty sure copper is fine untreated..

[Brian_S]

As long as you cleaned the copper first (and its 100% copper) I don't think treatment is needed.  
I've got a few brass valves in my tun which I treated with vinegar and peroxide to removed surface lead (but it was only .005% alloy to begin with) and I seem to be OK..... Now Time to go back to that building thingy where my beds and TV is.

B

[Kyle]

Copper is safe to use. you know your drinking water pipes: copper  

I'm also fairly certain that there is lead solder on most of the pipes in older houses and apartments.