Mini-regulator - DIY?

Brewing Processes
1

This looks awesome to me: http://www.williamsbrewing.com/MINI-BALL-LOCK-C02-REGULATOR-P2072C148.aspx

However, the price is a bit steep.

Anyone built something similar?

I’m thinking you could use this: McMaster-Carr with a schraeder valve for an inlet and a barbed fitting for an outlet.  That would let you use one of those CO2 injectors that take cartridges.  I use one that I got at a bike store (which will fit the schraeder valve) but my biggest complaint is that you can’t control the pressure.

Any thoughts?

2

The regulators you show mcmaster all have flow control so you should be able ajust pressure.

3

I know I’d seen an article in BYO or Zymurgy where someone built one for cheap. Maybe in the last couple of months.  When I have a few minutes I’ll see if I can locate the article

4

This is a lot cheaper.  I’m sure you could modify it with a gauge and call it good.
http://morebeer.com/view_product/18301//CO2_Injector_Ball_Lock

5

That would be awesome.  If it’s BYO it will be more fuel to my lingering thought of re-starting my subscription.

6

Right.  That’s basically what I have.

I’m trying to suss out ideas for adding a regulator and gauge.

I use mine on mini-kegs and without a regulator you can pop them out into little 5L metal footballs.

7

There was a post on her a few weeks back, can’t find it now, maybe in the equipment section, where a guy built exactly what you are talking about. he posted pics and offered more detailed instructions.

8

BYO November 2011.  Article by Kevin Verratti

Didn’t see the article online.  The important pieces look like:
Planet Eclipse inline high pressure regulator
Planet Eclipse OPS (on/off purge system)

Then there are various adapters and generic pieces.

Edit: In searching to find info on those parts I found the article posted on instructables:

Edit2: Further looking I found prices, looks like you’ll probably spend about half as much doing this vs the williams regulator but that is a much nicer looking package

9

Very cool. Thank you. I’m not worried about pretty.

10

So, it looks like the key is to have the high pressure regulator or you’ll likely blow the seals on the low pressure.

Which is what I was concerned about.

This thing seems like it might start to get unwieldy.