Beer Forum

So I was all ready to pull the trigger on a B3-500 when I got the sticker shock of shipping. Over $400!!! So this blows my budget out of the water and now I'm looking at different options.

My first question, does anyone know where I could maybe pick one of these (or comparable set up) from a location on the east coast? If not, how hard is it to have one of these built? If I wanted to go to a welding shop to build the stand (using the instructions sold on B3), could I get the rest of the accessories (mash tun, kettle, burners, etc. etc.) to finish making this? I'm not much of DIY guy so I'd need some help for sure.

I appreciate the help and thoughts guys...

Slavin'...

Not really East Coast but more so than B3 www.kegs.com

HH

If you have a local Brew Club you can check with the members and they may know local options, welders, etc. Homebrewers love to help each other out, just like we do here! If not, your LHBS may be able to point you in the right direction.

I'm currently in the process of building my own 1/2 bbl brewery. So far it looks like it's going to cost me at least $375~$400 to build the whole enchilada from scratch. What anyone who plans to do this needs is to research other people's website's and see what they have done, then decide on what your needs are. Due to space and vertical height needs, my system will be six feet high (including HLT), three feet wide (includes the width of Kettle, control panel, gas and plumbing lines, pump, counter-flow chiller, and hopjack) and the floor level which houses the Mash/Lauter tun, propane tank, and undercarraige (which is 16 inches deep). I've gone through tons of paper and computer drawings until I got just what I wanted, now I'm into assembling the actual parts needed. All pieces will be bolted together, including the kegs, which will use bulkhead fittings rather than being welded/brazed/soldered together (in case I change my mind at a later date and want to automate the system). While I'm no construction wiz or engineer, but after careful examination of many other systems (Sabco has an excellent site that shows good detail http://www.kegs.com, which has a complete inline fully automated system). So, in a nutshell, look around, especially flea markets, and you might even find an old sculpture for sale, or even the parts to build one yourself. So far it's been fun, and I'm looking forward to my inaugural brew on National Homebrew Day!

Slainte!

Michel

don't know the costs... but you can buy the plans from B3 for some of their sculptures.
BUB

Slavin',

I'm in Saratoga and belong to a local club here... I'll send out an email with your question and see what I get for answers. I'm a ghetto brewer using a cooler to mash, turkey fryer for heat and home converted keggle for boiling... and just about anything in my garage for my brewery to sit on. I'd be interested to see how you make out.

Stay tuned...

Rob

I know that I have seen sculptures on Ebay before, also you may want to check craigslist or something similiar, both of these may be a shot in the dark, but ya never know.

You could also check the www.probrewer.com board I have seen 1/2 bbl systems on there and I believe that there are a few listed recently. Good luck.

HH