I wouldn't say it's as simple. I wrote up a document on brewing with my old AG setup for someone that never brewed before. All grain took another 2 pages that weren't needed for extract and steep. Sure, it's easy enough to learn, but if you start with extract you'll need a little less equipment...
I like starter kits. They often include most of the equipment you want and should you really get into it, most of the equipment will still be usable after upgrading. Right now many homebrew retailers have specials for starter kits.
Consider doing kits and using dried kveik yeast. Premilled...
I've used a sanke keg a few times, but man do I like being able to see the action! It's also great for measuring the volume provided you a) place the sticker correctly by measuring and b) level it when you want to know the volume.
Last week I took a video of some WLP530 going to town on a tripel. My family thinks it looks gross but I just love it. It's like the star field screen saver only with beer and yeast.
About 2 hours away, but there's a welding supply and a medical gas place I'll look into for next time. There's an AirGas about 5 minutes from my house that will exchange (but won't fill) 20 lb tanks as well if neither of the above will fill 5 lb next time I need gas.
When I first moved here this place was the only one I could find nearby. After doing more searching there have been some more welding and medical gas supply places that have popped up besides the new AirGas that only does swaps and only for 20 lb tanks. It'll probably be a while before I need...
Yeah the hydro price of theirs is a little high but not totally unreasonable. The price to fill and a $9 o ring and $9 sticker are steep. I looked up the visual eddy test and it's just an extra safety thing to look for hairline fractures. It took about 3 weeks, which is what it took when I had...
So I picked the tanks up today. The invoice is as follows:
Description
Qty
Rate
Total
Service provided to Recharge, Certify, Inspect, and Tag Fire Protection Equipment
2
64.00
128.00
High Pressure Hydrostatic Test on CO2 Cylinder(s): under 50 lbs
1
56.00
56.00
Fire Extinguisher O Rings...
$38 I'd be fine with, especially if that's an exchange. I think this particular company either a) knows they're the only place in town to refill and doesn't mind gouging, b) really doesn't like having to refill CO2 and discourages it however they can, c) hardly ever get CO2 customers but have to...
That's a great idea. Do you still get the 5# tank tested from time to time?
Actually I wonder if the LHBS I visit sometimes when visiting family does CO2 exchanges.
Yeah this will be the last time I ever go there. I remember using them once before when I first moved and not being happy with the price. I don't mind paying a small local shop a little more, but there are limits.
Maybe I'll be carbonating with sugar in my kegs for the time being and see just...
I just filled 2 5 lb CO2 tanks filled and had 1 hydro tested for $242 at the local fire extinguisher place. One of the tanks are marked for medical oxygen, and it was missing a label on both (my tanks are 2nd hand). Filling is $62, and that makes the hydro test and labels $118. I seem to recall...