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Is fiberglass okay for a custom made conical fermenter?

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Is fiberglass okay for a custom made conical fermenter?

Postby Brewser » Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:14 am

I would like to know if fiberglass would make an acceptable conical fermenter. This is little information on the Internet about fiberglass fermenters. Fiberglass would be an ideal material for making custom made conical fermenters for a relatively affordable price.

Some swimming pools are made of fiberglass and withstand years of use with chlorinated water.

So, does any one know if fiberglass or epoxy resin would work?

:?
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Re: Is fiberglass okay for a custom made conical fermenter?

Postby Wild » Wed Jun 10, 2009 6:49 am

Chlorinated water is different than beer. I know that the epoxy resin is waterproof but can it be sanded smooth enough to prevent hiding places from the nasties? Will it leach out any off-flavors, aromas, chemicals? They don't make fiberglass dishes and cups do they?
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Re: Is fiberglass okay for a custom made conical fermenter?

Postby brrman » Wed Jun 10, 2009 5:14 pm

I would not use fiberglass. You will never get it as smooth as surface as plastic or glass. Lots of places for bacteria to hide. Even though it feels smooth to the touch, it is actually full of pits unless you go through a lot of time consuming filling processes - which makes it not worth the effort and cost.
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Re: Is fiberglass okay for a custom made conical fermenter?

Postby jeepguy » Thu Jun 18, 2009 2:35 pm

I would not try it. Alcohol could possibly start to eat it.
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Re: Is fiberglass okay for a custom made conical fermenter?

Postby Bierbelly » Mon Jul 06, 2009 6:02 am

I've covered boats in fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin. The objections already raised here are valid. It's a great material for boat building, but very labor intensive and pretty nasty to work with.

And is it rated food safe? That goes for whatever materials are used in the process.
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