Has anyone notched their Blichmann lid?

[GotMaLT?]

I'd like to buy one of Blichmann's brew pots, but noticed that their lids are not notched to accomodate an immersion chiller and whirlpool (Jamil's design). I contacted Blichmann and was told that they don't offer that service. Has anyone notched their Blichmann lid or know of someone that could do it (a professional job...not a "sawzall" job). Any pictures would be great.

Thanks,
GotMaLT?

[alanzo]

I make the lid cover as much of the pot as possible and cover the rest with Saran Wrap (no, it doesn't melt). It's also cheaper than aluminum foil and easier to work with. I have three 10 gallon Blichmann Boilermakers with a Top Tier sytem.

[Quin]

I make the lid cover as much of the pot as possible and cover the rest with Saran Wrap (no, it doesn't melt).

I did this for years with an un-notched mega pot lid. Now that I have a Morebeer notched lid, I wouldn't go back. It's such a small change, but a whole lot less to worry about.

The notch is about 1" wide x 2" long. It looks like they drilled two 1/4" holes in the inside corners and cut the rest out with a saw.

[Datamike]

I've done it on three Boilermaker lids. It's simple to do. Use a sharpie to mark the cut and a angle grinder and files.

Photo:
Michael

[leaky_porch]

I eventually drilled a hole in the side of the kettle and installed a whirlpool arm(valve + bulkhead + stainless tee)

[SirBC]

No, but my notched lid from my 15 Gallon Morebeer HLT fits my 20 Gallon Blichmann kettle perfectly.

[Cliff]

Do it yourself. you need a drill and a hack saw with super fine teeth the finest you can find probably won't be appropriately fine. A jeweler's piercing saw would do but you'd also have to purchase the saw frame so that's probably out.

Any way just Mark out the place where the HEX piping will go through the lid and place your holes there just slightly oversize of your piping OD.
Then draw a straight line to the holes and saw out the metal. the web between the holes you can take off with a file.
Then clean the saw marks up with the file, deburr it, and you are done

What ever you do do not let a professional near your BK. A doctor, lawyer, school teacher, or preacher will -- of a certainty -- screw the thing up. If you don't want to do it yourself take to a skilled tradesman not a professional. You know, a guy who is good enough at his trade that he can earn a living at it and does.

An auto body guy should have the skills and tools to nibble out any shape you want in the lid.

[TimmyR]

I cover as much as I can and then use some foil to get the rest of the job done. No problems...except that the immersion chiller always hangs up on my Hopblocker....so I am about ready to try to clip the recirc tube to my kettle (or maybe put a bulkhead in the top) and then switch to a counterflow plate chiller.