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Author Topic: Pump/Chiller build ver. 2  (Read 4614 times)

Offline Two Wheeler

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Pump/Chiller build ver. 2
« on: May 08, 2015, 09:57:25 AM »
Since I fried my 12v pump after just two brew sessions it was time to upgrade to a Chugger pump, which meant I needed to completely rebuild my set up.

I've long admired Sabco's Chill Wizard unit, and a long time ago I stumbled across a thread on HBT where a guy made his own version, mostly out of PVC piping. I like the mobile and compact nature of this. This was the inspiration for this build, so full credit to him. Also credit to @DeMerch who I showed this to, and he built one first. http://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=407706

I also wanted to add a switch to the unit for easy on/off, and I thought that GFCI would be a good idea (although probably not necessary). I found another HBT thread that had a clean GFCI switch and box build on it. It's a weather resistant box with a GFCI outlet, with a switch. The pump plugs into this, and then this box plugs into the wall. This allows the pump to remain stock. http://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=480922

And a huge thanks to @Fhilo for helping me source the parts and save some money

Check it out below, I think I combined the best of both builds here, and am quite happy with it. Click for bigger pictures.


Dry fitting the base:


Front View:


Side View:


Rear View:


« Last Edit: May 08, 2015, 11:16:48 AM by Two Wheeler »
Jordan Harris
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Offline Two Wheeler

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Re: Pump/Chiller build ver. 2
« Reply #1 on: May 08, 2015, 10:03:00 AM »
Now, my only modification I need to do is fit some sort of water protection over the pump. Any ideas? I was thinking a lenght of 8" diameter PVC pipe might work. I believe I stole that idea from Roger.
Jordan Harris
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Offline blisster

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Re: Pump/Chiller build ver. 2
« Reply #2 on: May 08, 2015, 11:53:50 AM »
Now, my only modification I need to do is fit some sort of water protection over the pump. Any ideas? I was thinking a lenght of 8" diameter PVC pipe might work. I believe I stole that idea from Roger.

Very nice, Jordan!

One of those (upside down) plastic shoeboxes they sell at dollar store or Canadian tie may work for water protection? They sell them in all kinds of shapes and sizes...
Give a man a beer and he'll waste an hour, teach him how to brew beer and he'll waste a lifetime.

Offline DeMerch

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Re: Pump/Chiller build ver. 2
« Reply #3 on: May 08, 2015, 12:18:36 PM »
I went through one brew with my pump and chiller mounted to a board before I built this, and I don't think I'm overselling when I say it may be the most useful homebrew build I've done (and a reciprocal shout out to @Two Wheeler for introducing me to the idea). After building mine my two suggestions were 1) dry fit everything and mark so you know how it lines up (mine wobbles a little) and 2) lay out your full system to minimize hoses crossing and shoren hoses as much as you can (I went back and cut a lot of mine shorter on brew day). Here are a few pics of mine:

Assembled Stand


Full System


Pump Housing


In Action
« Last Edit: May 08, 2015, 12:25:35 PM by DeMerch »
@DeMerch 2 - @Two Wheeler 1

Offline Two Wheeler

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Re: Pump/Chiller build ver. 2
« Reply #4 on: May 08, 2015, 12:47:06 PM »
Now, my only modification I need to do is fit some sort of water protection over the pump. Any ideas? I was thinking a lenght of 8" diameter PVC pipe might work. I believe I stole that idea from Roger.

Very nice, Jordan!

One of those (upside down) plastic shoeboxes they sell at dollar store or Canadian tie may work for water protection? They sell them in all kinds of shapes and sizes...

That's what @DeMerch did, so I might try that out
Jordan Harris
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Offline Roger

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Re: Pump/Chiller build ver. 2
« Reply #5 on: May 08, 2015, 03:34:16 PM »
Now, my only modification I need to do is fit some sort of water protection over the pump. Any ideas? I was thinking a lenght of 8" diameter PVC pipe might work. I believe I stole that idea from Roger.
You sure did!  ;)
It works great for me keeps it dry and lots of air flow to keep the motor cool.

Offline Fhilo

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Re: Pump/Chiller build ver. 2
« Reply #6 on: May 08, 2015, 03:41:05 PM »
Awesome, glad I could hook you up!