Sourcing Parts for CO2 Manifold

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by jbakajust1, Jun 18, 2014.

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  1. jbakajust1

    jbakajust1 Pooh-Bah (2,552) Aug 25, 2009 Oregon
    Pooh-Bah

    Anyone have a good lead on where to order the parts to make a CO2 manifold? I bought a 3 way online a while back on a super deal, but one of the valves wasn't actually welded properly and it leaks so I only have a 2 way now. I also have up to 6 kegs in the fridge, so having 6 splits would be awesome. They are way too expensive to have someone else do the work and then mark it up. I can do it myself if I can find the parts, but that has proved difficult. Any thoughts?
     
  2. PortLargo

    PortLargo Pooh-Bah (1,831) Oct 19, 2012 Florida
    Pooh-Bah

    Fabricate it. If I picture your project correctly, all the fitting will be 1/4" npt. Your wyes, shutoffs, gauges, regulator input/output should all be this common fitting. Any good plumbing store will have copper pipe threaded (male) at 1/4". If unsure ask for "nipples" (secrectly you've always wanted to ask for that :rolling_eyes: ). Add a 1/4" "tee" to branch out, . . . then cap-off the last opening with a 1/4" male plug (may have to add a coupler or two to make it all fit). Even good ole HD or Lowe's will most likely have 1/4" nipples in multiple lengths, price will be cheap. A little pipe tape, a leak check, and you can add "Manifold Maintenance" to your resume.
     
  3. jbakajust1

    jbakajust1 Pooh-Bah (2,552) Aug 25, 2009 Oregon
    Pooh-Bah

    Yeah, looking to build one, just finding that all the parts are more expensive. Found some parts at Harbor Freight that are actually fairly affordable, and they supposedly have the manifold blocks for these builds too, just can't find them on their website.
     
  4. BumpkinBrewer

    BumpkinBrewer Pundit (993) Jan 6, 2010 Massachusetts

  5. premierpro

    premierpro Savant (1,060) Mar 21, 2009 Michigan

    You can re weld your existing manifold. If you want to add three more lines you can get another three way and connect the two by drilling and taping one of them.
     
  6. jbakajust1

    jbakajust1 Pooh-Bah (2,552) Aug 25, 2009 Oregon
    Pooh-Bah

    Good idea, that would make it cheaper to get all 6 lines on.
     
  7. ryane

    ryane Initiate (0) Nov 21, 2007 Washington

    For manifold blocks from harbor freight you should look at the quick connects.
    http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-tool-accessories/3-way-uick-coupling-manifold-68195.html

    Or you can hook together several T's to make enough ports if you dont want to use quick connects.
    http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-tool-accessories/14-female-brass-t-connector-68197.html

    personally Ive changed out my whole co2 system to quick connects. I have one line from my tank to the back of my fridge, another from the inside of the fridge to my distribution system, and individual quick connect lines to each keg. i love it this way as it allows me to swap things super easily
     
  8. PortLargo

    PortLargo Pooh-Bah (1,831) Oct 19, 2012 Florida
    Pooh-Bah

    What ryane says.

    If you want to go simple, a series of tees/nipples/shut-off valves will do the trick. You'll need a threaded barb on one end for the gas inlet and a male plug on the opposite end. No need for stainless . . . CO2 is non-reactive and copper and moisture play well together.

    The idea of qd's for the tank supply is also solid, I can swap a tank out in under 5 seconds. My interior connections remain threaded as they rarely (never?) change.

    But if I had a six-keg keezer and routinely won medals with sours I would have multiple pressures available. A simple 3-stage secondary with 3 wye outlets will give you six hook-ups with three different pressures. You'll take a one time hit on price, but it sure makes life in the keezer more pleasant. Other than win medals with sours that is what I have done . . .
     
  9. jbakajust1

    jbakajust1 Pooh-Bah (2,552) Aug 25, 2009 Oregon
    Pooh-Bah

    This intrigues me... Mind sharing photos of your set up?
     
  10. billandsuz

    billandsuz Pooh-Bah (2,097) Sep 1, 2004 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    Foxx equipment, if you can convince them to establish a commercial account. You will not beat the price.
    Plan to buy some other junk you have been meaning to get and place an order. Really, you will not beat the price, and the service is great. They take credit cards.
    Cheers
    Edit, I will note again, you will not beat the price. Foxx will get you the equipment you need without headache. But they do not serve the GP, go in knowing something and youll be set, just like McMaster Carr really, more so even.
     
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