B-Day $...What to do

[TimmyR]

$200 from my mother-in-law. Have a kegerator (chestfreezer w/temp control) and deciding what to buy.

Want:
Refractometer
Stir Plate
0.1 Gram accuracy lab scale
Additional 5lb CO2 bottle

Thoughts?

[BDawg]

Hoppy Birthday!

1) Definitely get the Refractometer. You'll be glad you did. (- $50)
2) Make your own stir plate and save $$$ (- 50) The big thing is to get the strongest magnets you possibly can get.

That leaves 100.

What size is your current CO2 cannister? If it's already a 20 lb one, get a 5 lb CO2 tank, if it's a 5lb tank, get a 20 lb one. Either way, you should be able to do so for $125 or less.

Why do you need a .1 gram level of accuracy? 1/28th of an oz is not accurate enough for you? Are you keeping a side job that you don't want to talk about?

[TimmyR]

Why do you need a .1 gram level of accuracy? 1/28th of an oz is not accurate enough for you? Are you keeping a side job that you don't want to talk about?

I dunno. Seems like a good idea for some reason. JZ always says to use a scale you use for other purposes...I have no other purposes, but would hate to limit myself with the current shortages of hops....

Seriously, I have minimal handy-man skill....do you have any rec's for where to buy the stir-plate parts?

Do I need to shop around for a refractometer or can I just buy the one from NB??

[bub]

when you buy a refractometer MAKE SURE the scale is in BRIX or SG or PLATO.
There are a couple others out there (potential alcohol or some such shit)
that don't scale well.
BUB

[Sven]

I just picked up a 0-32% Brix refractometer with ATC brand new in the box on eBay for $15.50. I saw hundreds of others for about $35 or less.

S'ven

[macgruffus]

I'm with Sven. I got both a refractometer and an electronic scale on eBay for WAY below retail. Have been very happy with both. My scale in only accurate to 1 gram and I've never had an issue with accuracy. Save the cash for hops.

David

[Petedadink]

grain mill and a sack of grain. throw in some soft tacos for good measure.

[seanhagerty]

Hookers and booze.

$200 will make a nice evening.