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My DIY Double Stir Plate
I finally found the case I have been looking for for my DIY Stir Plates. I had been using a flat rate priority mail cardboard box to hold each one and it was just a bit too primitive.
DIY Double Stir Plate to help grow big healthy starters full of happy yeasties! 
Two fans donated from old computers, topped with magnets from an old hard drive. The power supply comes from a pair of old cell phone chargers. The speed controls are the kits from brewershardware.com - better looking and much easier than wiring up parts from my junk boxes. 
The power blocks and their wires fit inside the case when it isn't in use. The divided structure and inserts in the case were trimmed with a dremmel tool to mount the fans - no fasteners needed. The dividers provide a nice firm base for the big 2000 ml Erlenmeyer flasks.
The case is an "Artbin" from Joann Fabric and Crafts. Purchased with a 40% off coupon. The lid laps fully over the outside of the case to prevent any spilled liquid from running in.
Kevin
Very nice man.. Someday, I'll build an Stir Plate big enough for my 1g starter jug..
That's pretty friggin cool! Did you add a rheostat to control the speed? Cheers!
Nice build. Just out of curiosity why two?
1n1m3g wrote:
That's pretty friggin cool! Did you add a rheostat to control the speed? Cheers!
Thanks! I was really happy when I found this case to complete the project. Something I left out above, it is a nice wide stable base and soft enough plastic to not rattle on the table.
No rheostats, the speed is controlled with voltage regulators. Brewershardware.com has DIY kits with a very nice circuit board and all the parts. I could have pulled all the parts from my junk box but it would have been ugly construction. The kit circuit board makes it clean and professional.
Why two? I like to do big batches of cider (15 to 20 gallons) when it is in season. Two big flasks will let me build up a large starter quickly. Start with one and then divide into two.
Very nice!
helluva job
Very very nice. Nothing DIY make do at all in that build. Now, the postage box was more my speed.
mine is much more redneck. I make up the starter, put it in a flask and then give a 3 year old a straw and have him blow bubbles in it for a couple days.
very cool, I always wondered if it was possible to make a stir plate big enough to put an entire 5 gallon batch on. If you can make one of those, i'll buy it from you. I think that should drop the fermentation time down to about 20 minutes, Ha ha.
bruguru wrote:
very cool, I always wondered if it was possible to make a stir plate big enough to put an entire 5 gallon batch on. If you can make one of those, i'll buy it from you. I think that should drop the fermentation time down to about 20 minutes, Ha ha.
I'm sure it can be done. I have some pretty big rare earth magnets, and know where to get a 180cm computer fan. It would just need the support stand and wiring. It not get the entire thing whirling like a starter, but it would certainly keep some movement in the bucket going....
I think it would be cool to do, or at least try. I posted this question once before on here but the general vibe was that it could not be done. I'm going to work on this one, it's fun doing stuff that breweries can't do.
Doc from the brewing network has a 5 gallon stir plate. Not sure of the performance level or the build but it quite obviously can be done
why would you need a 5 gallon stir plate? and where would you get a big enough stir bar?
now me, I need to get a stir plate. not a 5 gallon one, but one that can do 2-3 liters.
Has it been done though is the thing? Have any tests been done on it? seems to me if you kept that yeast in contact with the wort for 2 or 3 days you could possibly get a cleaner quicker ferment. I'm talking especially those god damn Belgians.
Since i'm partial to making 2 five gallon batches at a time anyway, I will make 2 and use the exact same yeast, one on a stir plat for 2 days, one with just a starter, and I'll see what I get. Don't get all technical on me, don't tell me not to do it, i'm gonna do it. All I want from people here is support, if you can't say nice things about this experiment, please move on, Ha ha.
Andrew wrote:
Doc from the brewing network has a 5 gallon stir plate. Not sure of the performance level or the build but it quite obviously can be done
I don't know Doc Andrew, I don't get the brewing network, I got 2 kids stomping me in the balls every 15 minutes, I don't have time for pod casts or anything like that man. These are the kind of commets i'm talking about, be supportive man, Ha ha
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