Does anyone use this:
in a cooler style mash tun?
If so, is the mess tight enough to filter out grain particles and will it maintain its shape with 12-20 lbs of grain on top of it?
Thanks.
Yes, it works fine.
The bazooka works great with the weldless bulkhead spigots for the coolers (whether the 10 gallon round Rubbermaid type or the 20.5 gallon rectangular coolers). The mesh is perfectly sized (you’ll still need to vorlauf to set the grain bed “filter”) and does not collapse regardless of batch size. Just make sure the SS clamp keeps the braid tight onto the coupler–I’ve had my braid come off once during stirring my mash (w/o using a SS clamp).
Having used both types of coolers, I strongly recommend the rectangular one over the round one since there’s less grain bed compaction regardless of batch size and OG. As a rule (learned from experience), you don’t want the height to exceed the width of your grain bed (which, if it occurs, will cause grain bed compaction, loss of spaces between husk material, and will severely limit lautering speed).
They work much better than the braid, IMO, although I use 2 of them in a tee configuration.
Thanks for the replies. I have the 72qt Coleman Xtreme cooler ( blue one of course ). The toilet supply braid is getting pretty beat up and I just happen to have this bazooka screen and thought it would work great.
You use ss clamps on this? I would assume the threaded connection would hold.
Last question, does it matter what type of SS coupler I get ( i.e. 304 vs 315 stainless ) as long as it’s the right size and stainless ( i.e. not galvanized )? The LHBS doesn’t carry couplers so I was going to hit Home Depot and pick one up. I could order one online, but I was hoping to get the mash tun back together by this weekend ( and don’t want to pay $7 shipping for a $4 part ).
Thanks.
Just use a nylon coupler. I doubt that the big box stores will carry much SS anyway.
I use this with the weldless bulkhead spigot on my xtreme, works great, no collapse and no clamps it just screws right into the bulkhead, easy peasy. I posted some picts when i first assembled it and its been working great
cheers!
Tonyp
Yeah, you’ll want to use the SS clamp on the close SS nipple (no pipe between threads) to which the SS bazooka braid actually attaches. Most of the SS bulkheads already have the coupler included, otherwise use the nylon one as suggested.
Look again at the pictures that you and Tony have posted.
If you don’t use the SS clamp, then you’ll eventually knock the braid off the nipple while stirring the mash. I eventually did.
If that happens, you’ll have to put on long PVC gloves and stick your hands into the hot mash to reattach it safely.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?keyword=pvc+gloves&selectedCatgry=SEARCH+ALL&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&Ntpc=1&Ntpr=1
Important: Don’t try to do it w/o protecting the skin somehow–it only takes a second or so to get serious burns at mash temp.
http://www.accuratebuilding.com/services/legal/charts/hot_water_burn_scalding_graph.pdf
I’ve used a Bazooka in my 152 qt. cooler with up to 75 lb. of grain. It worked great, although in my “normal” 48 qt. cooler I find the braid works better.
Just me but, I am a neubee. Try it the quick way just this one time. It appears you got a date with some hot mash and can’t afford to wait. Then order the stuff you want. You will rest easier knowing that the clamps are just what you always wanted. After all, this is your beer. and won’t it taste great when it is ready. - not a question