Brew system pics

[6thstreetbrewer]

Who knew you could make beer with an erector set. J/K nice system a buddy and I are in the works of something similar.

I thought the same thing but, it is a bad ass looking stand if you ask me.

It's especially bad ass for non welding fools like me.

[Sam Scott]

Thats a cool set up... Where did you get the frame material? How much di just the frame run you??

The stand was built with perforated angle iron (McMaster calls them "steel slotted angles"). I've got a McMaster warehouse less than 5 miles from the house so I picked everything up at Will Call. Here are the McMaster part numbers...

8968K26 - 2 Each - 1-1/2" X 1-1/2", 6’ length | $17.32

4664T65 - 6 Each - 2-1/4" X 1-1/2", 6’ length | $66.54

4664T22 - 16 Each - Steel Corner Plate, 6"x 6" | $35.52

4664T61 - 1 Pack - Bolts W/nuts & Washers | $12.89

8789T42 - 4 Each - 400 lb. capacity caster | $91.84

The stand itself (no burners, pumps, etc.) was built for less than $225 (you could probably find cheaper casters). The thing is rock solid. I sat 3 kegs on it and filled all with water then I jumped up and stood on it. It's all zinc plated so I know it will eventually corrode and rust (especially near the burners and where I made the cuts). I'm not too worried about it, though. I'm pretty sure I'll get a few years out of it. And as long as the casters hold up I can replace the whole frame for $135.

Here's a pic after running the burner for a few hours to give you an idea of what happens to the plating... I'll let you know how it holds up as I rack up some more time on it.

[Test_Engineer]

The stand was built with perforated angle iron (McMaster calls them "steel slotted angles"). I've got a McMaster warehouse less than 5 miles from the house so I picked everything up at Will Call. Here are the McMaster part numbers...

8968K26 - 2 Each - 1-1/2" X 1-1/2", 6’ length | $17.32

4664T65 - 6 Each - 2-1/4" X 1-1/2", 6’ length | $66.54

4664T22 - 16 Each - Steel Corner Plate, 6"x 6" | $35.52

4664T61 - 1 Pack - Bolts W/nuts & Washers | $12.89

8789T42 - 4 Each - 400 lb. capacity caster | $91.84

The use of Galvanized steel for this application is a BIG NO NO!!!!!!!! When that galvanized plating is burned off, it gives off toxic fumes. By any chance did you have any general flu like symptoms after your brew day? Like fever, chills, nausea, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and joint pains? If you did, this is known as Metal Fume Fever. Seriously guys, DO NOT USE GALVANIZED steel on a brew sculpture.

[Sam Scott]

The use of Galvanized steel for this application is a BIG NO NO!!!!!!!! When that galvanized plating is burned off, it gives off toxic fumes. By any chance did you have any general flu like symptoms after your brew day? Like fever, chills, nausea, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and joint pains? If you did, this is known as Metal Fume Fever. Seriously guys, DO NOT USE GALVANIZED steel on a brew sculpture.

Good to know! It's zinc plated not galvanized so there's what, 10 times less zinc? But zinc is zinc, right? I had this running outside in 32 degree weather. I was inside most of the time keeping an eye on it from the comfort of my kitchen. None of the symptoms you describe.

Question: After it's been burned off, is it safe to use???

Thanks!
Sam

[foomench]

What if you painted it with high-temp paint, or covered it with high-temp powder coating or ceramic coating?
Wouldn't this be cool? http://www.caswellplating.com/powder/ceramics.html

[Monster Mash]

Once it is burned off after a few uses it will be fine. Painting it will not help, the paint and the galvanization will both burn off.

I don't think it is that much of a problem unless you are in an inclosed area or if you stand next to it the entire time. Galvanized metals are most dangerous to welders because of thier close proximity to the fumes.

[Sam Scott]

Finally got the propane plumbed. Got 3 batches through her and corrosion looks no worse than the previous picture I posted...

[Chaz]

Looks pretty sweet, I've been looking into the whole angle iron thing for a while. This guy did it too and was in a recent BYO: http://bwbrewing.blogspot.com/2008/05/brewhouse.html

Though all this metal fume fever has me wondering... McMaster carries Zinc plated, galvanized, and "Green Plated Steel" (and Stainless too, for a lot more). What exactly is green painted steel? Regular steal that's painted? Galvanized steel that's been painted? I'm just wondering if that would be a better choice over galvanized or zinc in terms of safety, once the paint burns off I guess which could be hazardous...

I'd imagine if you were really concerned you could mix SS and galvanized/zinc. I'd think the bottom of the rack could be galv/zinc as it probably doesn't get hot enough to fume?