Mash tun question

[TheDarkSide]

I had read that article. How hard was it to enlarge the hole on the stainless washer? Or is there something else you could buy to avoid that?

I used a rotary tool and it was surprising easy. I was afraid I went to big with it. I have this exact setup and love it.

[LoganO]

That works for me. I think I have an old rotary tool just have to find it now.

[Henway]

I got a step-drill that goes to 3/4 inch from Harbor Freight--it makes doing this MUCH easier.
Lowe's has the stainless washers, but they have to be drilled out to work. HD doesn't seem to have anything SS.

I had a little difficulty with the length of the 1/2" coupler. the brass guys are expensive and I got one about 1/2" too long and have to use a bunch of washers to correctly space it out (the spacers can be the cheapie galvanized type)

I finally finagled the hose out of the SS braid--now I need a $0.15 3/8" end cap to finish it off! It helps to free both ends from the area it was cut first.

[LoganO]

I assume you just got a step drill bit?

On the coupler what size did you go with? I was looking at the info on the Lustreaking Brewing link above it it called for a 1/2 x 1.5" brass nipple

[Nate Diggler]

I actually didn't have to grind out anything, the washers I bought had a large enough hole. I took the piece of brass that they were going over, and I went through the drawer of washers until I founds ones that were already large enough since they don't seem to be made with much precision.

I had read that article. How hard was it to enlarge the hole on the stainless washer? Or is there something else you could buy to avoid that?

[LoganO]

How tight of a fit are you looking for with the washers?

[Henway]

I think that so long as you retain the rubbery (silicone?) washer, the only washer to worry about ID is the one on the inside. Mine doesn't leak on the first try. Woohoo! My brass connector is 3", but I have the 100Quart igloo.

[Nate Diggler]

Yeah, as long as they slide over the 2" brass piece, you're good... they are just for spacing, and compressing against that rubber washer that comes with the cooler. I ended up with the stainless one on the inside, and I think 4 zinc ones outside... though you can use stainless for everything... the zinc is just cheaper, and doesn't come into contact with wort.