Doughballs Schmoballs

[crookedeyeboy]

Anyone have any trouble with these? I mean if you have had some in the mash and got rid of them have you had any detrimental problems later?

Thought I would ask as I was getting fed up with, and one very knackered arm, slowly pouring in the malt on my own whilst stirring.
So last brew I just bunged the whole lot in, got a few balls and so far no probs...

Ta

[Deebee]

Anyone have any trouble with these? I mean if you have had some in the mash and got rid of them have you had any detrimental problems later?

Thought I would ask as I was getting fed up with, and one very knackered arm, slowly pouring in the malt on my own whilst stirring.
So last brew I just bunged the whole lot in, got a few balls and so far no probs...

Ta

I can relate to what you are going through. HAd the same problem when doughing in alone. The i got a painters mixer for the drill. Start this in the mash water as you add the grain and it goes really easilly.

Have had much much better efficiency since i started doing this too. MAybe this is because the sparge is slower now, maybe its because all the grain gets hit with the water, maybe its a combination of the 2.

[crookedeyeboy]

Hmmm interesting how much are these paddles? Still, isnt it a grind having to hold a bucket, a heavy bucket!, of grain under one arm and a drill in the other...going to have to get me an assistant!

[OldSpeckledBadger]

A drill? What on earth do you need a drill for?

[Scooby]

I really can't see the problem doughing in single handed, do we have to have a machine to do everything.

If the grain is heavy divide it into 2-3 or more containers, pour in a slow and steady flow and gently stir, slow or stop if it looks like clumping. It's not that hard surely?

[crookedeyeboy]

Its not hard it was just a query

[mysterio]

Have to say i've never had a problem. I pour my grain in a couple of seconds then stir. Helps if you have quite a slack liquor to grain ratio (2.7 L/kg). After a good stir there might be a doughball or two, just crush it against the side. I don't use a paddle just a big spoon.

[crookedeyeboy]

Me too

[Aleman]

Put dry grain in dry tun
Attach pipe from HLT to Outlet of tun, open ball valves and let mash liquor flow into mash tun.
Stir

Sorted.

Underletting is really easy, assuming you know your system well enough to hit your mash temp with the liquor at the correct strike heat. . . . Its not quite as simple as I make it out above, as the first few times I've tried it I have ended up with drier areas of grain and a lower efficiency, so it does need stirring . . . on big grain bills . . like the 12 or 15Kg grain bills I normally use its more effective to do it in two batches . . . Half the grain . . Fill . . . mix . . . rest of grain . . . . Fill . . . . Mix.

I'm always wary of using a paint mixer, as even at low speeds I find it drags air into the mash, which I do not get using a holey or slotted stainless spoon with more vigourus stirring.

[leigh1919]

Never had an issue, I use 5kg of grain and add water, grain, water, grain etc stirring as i go.

[Dr. Dextrin]

You can always jug your grain in, or use a scoop, although that can be a bit dusty.

[crookedeyeboy]

I think this thread has lost its way a bit. It was more about the doughballs than anything.
No worries.