Aussiedistiller, Home Distilling, Moonshine, Home Brew

Does anyone know where to get dial type thermometers like the ones FSD sell but with the probe at the side rather than the back of the meter? I've found some at RS Australia but they're ludicrously expensive. I'm after one for my Boka and although I have a digital thermometer that functions perfectly I would prefer a dial type one because, well, I like analogue dials dammit.

Cheers,
Prof Green.

Dobbie Bros' used to market thermometers, but they were bought out some time ago. Wika are the distributors now. Just goggle "side entry thermometer". Dial type thermos are stilll used extensively in industry. You may pay a bit more for them but they are generally quite robust, weatherproof, usually 316 SS, field calibratable, and user adjustable for zero error, and more importantly, accurate.

Cheers Phil

Thanks Phil.

Cheers,
Prof. Green

Managed to find myself a 3" all-angle dial thermometer on ebay for a relatively reasonable price but the shaft on it is way longer than I need. Does anyone know if they can be cut down without stopping it from functioning?

Cheers,
Prof. Green.

I wouldn't cut it, I would highly doubt if it would work shortened.

Pleased to be corrected if anyone knows better though.

Pretty sure there's a wire/sensor inside the probe, I reckon cutting it will stuff it ;-)

who's game to cut one to find out?

might see if i have an old meat probe in the kitchen tonight

Bi metal thermometers will not work if cut, they have a join at one end of the 2 metal strips that turn the dial (usually they're joined to the wall of the probe, as well)
One metal strip shrinks/expands faster then the other and causes flexing which drives the needle on the thermo
If you cut the shaft, you'll most likely cut the metal strips and render them useless
I would dare also say that if the probe was open, you'd get corrosion from exposure to moisture and it would stuff the metal strips as well

Just as I suspected, thanks folks.

Hopefully it will still be relatively accurate with the excess shaft length sticking out of the thermometer well on the Mac Boka.

Feel free to post jokes about shaft length from now on if you please.

Cheers,
Prof. Green.

got a pic? in the boka?

If you mean a pic of the thermometer in the Boka, not yet as the thermometer has only just shipped. There's a pic of the Boka in full swing here

The way things have been going for me lately the thermometer will turn up and the shaft won't fit in the well!

Cheers,
Prof. Green.

Professor Green wrote:
The way things have been going for me lately the thermometer will turn up and the shaft won't fit in the well!

Cheers,
Prof. Green.

As long as the probe diameter is 6mm or less you'll be right :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Thanks Mac, might be a tight squeeze as I think it's 1/4" so I guess it might be down to tolerances.

Cheers,
Prof. Green.

If its 1/4" then you might be sol.
Quarter inch is 6.35mm.
But you might be able to run a 1/4" drill bit in your thermometer hole to enlarge it to fit the new probe.

I'll just have to wait and see when it arrives. I have one of the 3" dial thermometers that Mac sells and just gave it a try and it fits with plenty of room to spare. Shame the dial points upwards when the Boka is assembled!

Cheers,
Prof. Green.

Put a few wraps of thread tape on the male thread and it should tighten and seal when its facing the right way.

Oh that it were that easy! The shaft comes out the back of the thermometer and the port on the boka is about 7 feet off the ground when mounted on the boiler and points upwards so the face of the dial is always pointing at the roof and not visible when standing next to the rig.

Cheers,
Prof. Green.

Put one of those big convex mirrors on your roof...

Or set up a little wireless webcam and mount it to the column looking at the dial.

Or dig a big pit and put your still in that so the thermo port is at eye level.

Or set up a step ladder so you can climb it and check the temp when required.

:greetings-waveyellow:

:))

Cheers,
Prof. Green