While I have been planning and now am awaiting the arrival of my SST 14 gallon water jacketed concial I had reason to questin the sanity of my historical and fortunate experience of using heavy glass carboys.
I only had one break.
But I've read about people having 'em just come apart in their arms while washing and severing tendons nerves and even disabling arms for life. Half a glass carboy sliding the sharp edges across your arm trapped underneath it is a fearsome proposition.
Ferarsome enough to cause me to have done something about it.
I thought about wood frames. I could make some real purdy ones but, I wanted a cheap easy fix that would last as long as I pleased to have it but cost me very little time and cash. I didn't need beautiful carboy holders made from Bolivian rosewood. Yah I got some around and it'd be absolutely gorgeous but why? The yeast have no aesthetic taste.
So I got some heavy metal window screening in a roll from the BORG. Armed with a roll of duct tape and a pair of sizzors I cut the screening in little square patches for the bottoms of the carboys. . Then folded and pressed and taped them to the bottom of the carboys. Then some more for the sides taping extensively to assure a non slip application and complete coverage of screen. Then some more tape to cover up the little poly ends of screening from where I cut it: and VIOLA I have carboys that not only make me feel safer but are demonstrably safer and easier to get a grip and hold on to, to boot.
If one cracks on me while I'm cradling it the wire mesh will protect me enough that I can unburden myself of it all before I suffer harm.
It was cheap, easy, required the skill level of a 4 year old, and took all of an hour.
I only had one break.
But I've read about people having 'em just come apart in their arms while washing and severing tendons nerves and even disabling arms for life. Half a glass carboy sliding the sharp edges across your arm trapped underneath it is a fearsome proposition.
Ferarsome enough to cause me to have done something about it.
I thought about wood frames. I could make some real purdy ones but, I wanted a cheap easy fix that would last as long as I pleased to have it but cost me very little time and cash. I didn't need beautiful carboy holders made from Bolivian rosewood. Yah I got some around and it'd be absolutely gorgeous but why? The yeast have no aesthetic taste.
So I got some heavy metal window screening in a roll from the BORG. Armed with a roll of duct tape and a pair of sizzors I cut the screening in little square patches for the bottoms of the carboys. . Then folded and pressed and taped them to the bottom of the carboys. Then some more for the sides taping extensively to assure a non slip application and complete coverage of screen. Then some more tape to cover up the little poly ends of screening from where I cut it: and VIOLA I have carboys that not only make me feel safer but are demonstrably safer and easier to get a grip and hold on to, to boot.
If one cracks on me while I'm cradling it the wire mesh will protect me enough that I can unburden myself of it all before I suffer harm.
It was cheap, easy, required the skill level of a 4 year old, and took all of an hour.