New Brunswick Craft Brewers Association

Marketplace => Classifieds => Topic started by: paulmaybee on January 04, 2015, 02:51:38 PM

Title: stir plate/flask
Post by: paulmaybee on January 04, 2015, 02:51:38 PM
Does anyone have a stir plate/flask lying around that they're not using anymore (before I buy a new one)?  I'd like to give starters a try.
Title: Re: stir plate/flask
Post by: Al-Loves-Wine on January 04, 2015, 06:03:36 PM
You don't really need a stir plate to try starters, I just used a growler for a long time and would shake it every so often over the course of 24hr.

But, a stir plate will make your life much easier, and a very sound investment.
Title: Re: stir plate/flask
Post by: robcoombs on January 04, 2015, 07:43:45 PM
You don't really need a stir plate to try starters, I just used a growler for a long time and would shake it every so often over the course of 24hr.

But, a stir plate will make your life much easier, and a very sound investment.

+1 on this. I used a growler with sanitized aluminum foil on the top for a long time. It worked fine, never had any issues. A stir plate is definitely nicer to have and surprisingly easy to build yourself.
Title: Re: stir plate/flask
Post by: paulmaybee on January 04, 2015, 09:32:23 PM
You don't really need a stir plate to try starters, I just used a growler for a long time and would shake it every so often over the course of 24hr.

But, a stir plate will make your life much easier, and a very sound investment.

+1 on this. I used a growler with sanitized aluminum foil on the top for a long time. It worked fine, never had any issues. A stir plate is definitely nicer to have and surprisingly easy to build yourself.

Cool, thanks.  I guess @blisster (http://nbcba.org/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1931) would be the one to talk to about building one? 
Title: Re: stir plate/flask
Post by: robcoombs on January 04, 2015, 09:33:59 PM
Yes. He helped me out.
Title: Re: stir plate/flask
Post by: blisster on January 05, 2015, 02:05:24 PM
There really isn't much to them... You can easily build one for a $10-15.

I have extra hard drive magnets, AC adapters (9-12V works well for most fans), and on/off toggle switches if you can have if you want to build one.

This is the speed controller I used and a fan that would work. Very cheap and free shipping from DX.com but takes 2-3 weeks to get here:
http://www.dx.com/p/12w-speed-controller-for-heatsink-cooling-fan-dc-5-12v-171354#.VKrCEnsYmWI (http://www.dx.com/p/12w-speed-controller-for-heatsink-cooling-fan-dc-5-12v-171354#.VKrCEnsYmWI)
http://www.dx.com/p/3-pin-brushless-computer-pc-case-cooling-cooler-fan-7-x-7cm-136083#.VKrCgXsYmWI (http://www.dx.com/p/3-pin-brushless-computer-pc-case-cooling-cooler-fan-7-x-7cm-136083#.VKrCgXsYmWI)

For the magnetic stir bar, ebay is probably the best bet... The ones with the center ring seem to pivot/spin a better.

I built mine out of a cigar box but have been meaning to rebuild it using a plastic electrical box instead. I'm always hesitant to leave it untended since cheap China electronics probably would light up that cedar box pretty easy.  :frazzled:

(http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad200/blysster/SP2.jpg)
(http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad200/blysster/SP1.jpg)
Title: Re: stir plate/flask
Post by: pliny on January 05, 2015, 04:20:29 PM
http://www.ontariobeerkegs.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=YEAST-STARTER-KIT
Title: Re: stir plate/flask
Post by: Waterlogged on January 05, 2015, 04:58:28 PM
That is a good deal.
Title: Re: stir plate/flask
Post by: pliny on January 05, 2015, 07:52:15 PM
That is a good deal.

Yes, and it's turn key. Order it now and you'd have yeast ready to pitch by Sunday. (Assuming you go get your smack pack or vial and DME at NG before the kit is at your door.)

Title: Re: stir plate/flask
Post by: paulmaybee on January 05, 2015, 08:31:57 PM
That is a good deal.

Yes, and it's turn key. Order it now and you'd have yeast ready to pitch by Sunday. (Assuming you go get your smack pack or vial and DME at NG before the kit is at your door.)

Yes, this is what I'm looking at, and will probably get it this week, but thought I'd check the club to see if anyone had one lying around they're not using first. 
Title: Re: stir plate/flask
Post by: Two Wheeler on January 05, 2015, 10:38:43 PM
If I could do it again I would get the 5000ml flask, I've foamed over the 2000 nearly every time
Title: Re: stir plate/flask
Post by: robcoombs on January 06, 2015, 12:15:34 PM
If I could do it again I would get the 5000ml flask, I've foamed over the 2000 nearly every time

I went for the 5L and I'm glad I did. Worth the extra few bucks.
Title: Re: stir plate/flask
Post by: Roger on January 07, 2015, 11:50:59 AM
If I could do it again I would get the 5000ml flask, I've foamed over the 2000 nearly every time

I went for the 5L and I'm glad I did. Worth the extra few bucks.
Good call I wish I had thought of that. But I've been doing two 2L starters one for each carboy it seams to work just fine for me though.
Title: Re: stir plate/flask
Post by: paulmaybee on January 07, 2015, 11:55:54 AM
I just ordered this with the 5L flask.  Looking forward to a new New Year's project!
Title: Re: stir plate/flask
Post by: robcoombs on January 07, 2015, 12:09:27 PM
I built mine out of a cigar box but have been meaning to rebuild it using a plastic electrical box instead. I'm always hesitant to leave it untended since cheap China electronics probably would light up that cedar box pretty easy.  :frazzled:


Same here, I never have it going while I'm not home.