Cutting the top off of kegs

mistermurphy · Post by **mistermurphy** » Tue Jan 31, 2012 3:34 pm

Has anyone had their kegs plasma cut? If so, where?

Or does everyone just resort to the old grinding/cutting wheel?

KwaiLo · Post by **KwaiLo** » Tue Jan 31, 2012 6:09 pm

I have plasma cut the tops off of about 10 kegs so far, frankly I find the cut better with a grinder and jig. If you do a search on HomeBrewTalk for it, there are a few jigs that are quite easy to make.

Plasma cutters, even when used by an experienced person, leave a somewhat ragged edge, as it is blowing through the material.

grub · Post by **grub** » Tue Jan 31, 2012 7:13 pm

yeah, i have used dremels and grinders and find the grinder to be far better (and the wheels are much cheaper). it's nice if you've got someone who can do the plasma cut for you (thanks scott!) but certainly not mandatory.

KwaiLo · Post by **KwaiLo** » Tue Jan 31, 2012 10:45 pm

grub wrote:yeah, i have used dremels and grinders and find the grinder to be far better (and the wheels are much cheaper). it's nice if you've got someone who can do the plasma cut for you (thanks scott!) but certainly not mandatory.

My pleasure.

phirleh · Post by **phirleh** » Wed Feb 01, 2012 11:36 am

A jig is easy to make, I got a grinder for $25 on kijiji and cut the top off in a few minutes

grub · Post by **grub** » Wed Feb 01, 2012 1:53 pm

i've never even used a jig, just draw a circle using a loop of string around the center post, then follow the line. easy enough. just make sure you depressurize the keg before you start, and use a stainless steel cutting wheel!

kijiji is a good option. i got mine on sale at cdn tire (regular $90 on for $40 or something). once i threw in my stash of cdn tire money i got it for $18. good deal.

mistermurphy · Post by **mistermurphy** » Wed Feb 01, 2012 1:57 pm

Hey, since I've got you guys here..... where did you get your false bottom for your keggle?

I see a few different options on MoreBeer, Midwest Supplies and Northern Brewer, just not sure which one to get....

jcc · Post by **jcc** » Wed Feb 01, 2012 2:07 pm

mistermurphy wrote:Hey, since I've got you guys here..... where did you get your false bottom for your keggle?

I have heard of a few people getting them from Innovation Homebrewing (http://ihomebrewing.ca/stainless-steel- ... ottom.html) if you want to buy from a Canadian source.

phirleh · Post by **phirleh** » Wed Feb 01, 2012 3:36 pm

jcc wrote:
mistermurphy wrote:Hey, since I've got you guys here..... where did you get your false bottom for your keggle?
I have heard of a few people getting them from Innovation Homebrewing (http://ihomebrewing.ca/stainless-steel- ... ottom.html) if you want to buy from a Canadian source.

He has stainless bulkheads there too, and bazooka tubes.

grub · Post by **grub** » Wed Feb 01, 2012 6:59 pm

mistermurphy wrote:Hey, since I've got you guys here..... where did you get your false bottom for your keggle?

I see a few different options on MoreBeer, Midwest Supplies and Northern Brewer, just not sure which one to get....

posted about mine recently in another thread.

randy over at canadian homebrew supplies has a bunch of options too, and i always like being able to see that stuff in-person before i buy it.