Beer Engine Update, home brewing questions

[mmntech]

Does this mean we're one step closer to basement beer?

Sort of. Still working on getting it cleaned up. I was going to go pick up some beer line cleaner tomorrow (didn't have time to today) but the only place that sells it is closed. I did run it through the dish washer, which seems to have gotten most of the grime off.

 

[bbhaag]

Part 2, I know there's a couple of ATOTers who are home brewers. I'm curious to know what you guys would recommend for a beginner. Especially one who doesn't have access to one of those "brew your own" places. However, there is a place not too far from my grandma that sells supplies and ingredients. I've seen these kits like "MR Beer", but I'm skeptical about how good they are.

I use the kits almost exclusively. I get them from Midwest Supplies or Friar Tucks carries the Brewers Best line. I don't mind the kits and the beer you can brew from using them is really good. I only brew around 4-6 batches a year though. Two for summer two for winter and usually a spring and fall brew thrown in.

As far as fermentation goes I use a two step process. The first stage is in a 6 gallon plastic container with an air lock in the lid. Here's what mine looks like. It sits in here for around 4-5 days.

The second stage involves me transferring it over to my glass carboys. I got these for Christmas so this is the first time I've used them. Before my secondary was in plastic as well. I let it sit in the secondary for 1-2 weeks.

As far as equipment goes I got most of it as a Christmas gift 10 years ago. My in-laws gave me one of those all in one kits you can purchase. If I remember right acquiring the bottles is the expensive part. Even if you reuse bottles buying the beer can add up. The rest was just given to me over the years for birthdays and such.

It's definitely a fun hobby but it can take time and patience to learn it. You should give it a try! All of us home brewers here on Anandtech will help ya out if you have any questions.

 

[mmntech]

Beer engine update! It's been awhile. Due to unforeseen life events, I had to put the project on the back burner. I recently picked it up and started tinkering with it again.

Since my last post, I've installed new gaskets on the cylinder and replaced the washers inside the tap line. The nut that attaches the pipe to the cylinder was just sealed with caulk. Properly soldered now so it's all one piece. I may still replace it with flexible hose though.

Test rig set up. Pumps water.

Getting some water leaking out the top of the cylinder where the piston rod goes in. Probably need an o-ring of some sort to seal that.

Another project I've been working on this past winter. Just finished fiberglassing. Still need to sand and paint the hull and clean up the interior. Yes, the steam engine and boiler actually work.