Knights of the Mashing Fork



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  • The following article is only to give you an idea of brewing projects you can do on your own. Detailed steps are not included. We are assuming you have a knowledge of materials, tools, and their use. We will not be held responsible for anything you do to yourself, others, or property. If you'd like more advice on the project below, visit our forum and post your questions.
  • By: Bryan Peretto

Cheap and Easy Site Tube

This was one of my very first brewing projects and it’s incredibly simple. I had a 12 gallon kettle with a welded coupler and ball valve. The problem was: How do I measure the volume in the kettle?

Many people use a diptube (or their brewing spoon) and mark off gradations on it. That’s a fine process and works well. I still use that in other applications. Okay, onto the show.

Unscrew the ball valve from the kettle.

Add a nipple to the outside of the kettle and put a tee on the other end with the 90 degree port facing up. (yes, I said nipple)

Screw in a MPT to 3/8” hose barb onto the port facing up.

Screw in the ball valve on the remaining side of the tee.

Install a hose onto the barb and cut its length a bit over the top of the kettle. It’s best to use a small hose clamp where the hose attached to the barb.

Slide copper pipe over the tube. One that’s slightly larger than the hose. Mark the pipe where it reaches the top of the kettle.

Remove the pipe and whip out the dremel. First cut the pipe at the marked point.

Next, cut out a viewing window in the pipe. Make sure it has some structural integrity left.

Reinstall the pipe over the hose.

The construction is now complete. You will need to fill the kettle gradually with a calibrated measuring device. With a permanent marker, mark the hose at each level (half gallon or gallon marks as you see fit)

Note, the only drawback to this method is that the level shown in the site tube is not accurate when the ball valve is open. Not a big deal! If you wanted, you could add a stopper to the top of the tube while it was draining if you really needed to know the level at that time. I’ve never needed to know.

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