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I am new to homebrew and before I did any conversions I used to read how much of a pain in the ass using a syringe filter is. I used to think that the complainers were pussies who can't squeeze their thumb long enough.
I did my first 60ml homebrew last week and yes... it is a hell of an inconvenience both timewise and thumbwise.
Today I have brewed 200ml of gears, but I was better prepared.
For those who can't afford bottle top filters, or if it is a hassle to get your hands on one (like me who is too impatient to wait for one to arrive) here is a solution that is quite convenient. I would say it is as convenient as using a bottle top filter, but while using a syringe filter instead.
All you need is a Silicon gun (that you can find for a couple bucks in any hardware store) and a 60ml syringe. Take a look at the photos to see the gig.
Basically you just put the syringe in the Silicon Gun (and stabilize it well using rubber bands or whatever), and make sure that the syringe contains some air (I put 40ml of solution and fill the rest of air)
I also put some Silicon at the base of the Silicon gun pusher, for the purpose of acting like a spring. But I don't think this is really needed as I think the air pressure will be more than enough.
Once the gig is ready make sure the syringe's tip in downwards to have the air against the rubber of the syringe.
And then just squeeze the Silicon gun's handle.
This will compress the air that is in the syringe, which in turn pushes the gear through the filter.
Make sure not to pump a lot to avoid breaking the filter. You should have an idea of your filter's debit rate, and not compress the air more than needed (same issue with using a bottle top filter, so not an added inconvenience really).
Then go do something, and give a small squeeze to your awesome homemade pump every 15-20 minutes.
I thought that I would have to give it a squeeze every 2 minutes or so (which was still fine since there won't be any thumb pain) but turns out that the air pressure allows for more than 15 minutes of self filtering.
I am attaching pictures for those interested. It takes 5 minutes to make and will save hours of wasted time and thumb squeezing.
I hope you find it useful.
I did my first 60ml homebrew last week and yes... it is a hell of an inconvenience both timewise and thumbwise.
Today I have brewed 200ml of gears, but I was better prepared.
For those who can't afford bottle top filters, or if it is a hassle to get your hands on one (like me who is too impatient to wait for one to arrive) here is a solution that is quite convenient. I would say it is as convenient as using a bottle top filter, but while using a syringe filter instead.
All you need is a Silicon gun (that you can find for a couple bucks in any hardware store) and a 60ml syringe. Take a look at the photos to see the gig.
Basically you just put the syringe in the Silicon Gun (and stabilize it well using rubber bands or whatever), and make sure that the syringe contains some air (I put 40ml of solution and fill the rest of air)
I also put some Silicon at the base of the Silicon gun pusher, for the purpose of acting like a spring. But I don't think this is really needed as I think the air pressure will be more than enough.
Once the gig is ready make sure the syringe's tip in downwards to have the air against the rubber of the syringe.
And then just squeeze the Silicon gun's handle.
This will compress the air that is in the syringe, which in turn pushes the gear through the filter.
Make sure not to pump a lot to avoid breaking the filter. You should have an idea of your filter's debit rate, and not compress the air more than needed (same issue with using a bottle top filter, so not an added inconvenience really).
Then go do something, and give a small squeeze to your awesome homemade pump every 15-20 minutes.
I thought that I would have to give it a squeeze every 2 minutes or so (which was still fine since there won't be any thumb pain) but turns out that the air pressure allows for more than 15 minutes of self filtering.
I am attaching pictures for those interested. It takes 5 minutes to make and will save hours of wasted time and thumb squeezing.
I hope you find it useful.
