| Author |
Message |
    
Bill Pierce
Moderator
Username: Billpierce
Post Number: 8209
Registered: 01-2002
Posted From: 24.57.225.170
| | Posted on Monday, December 17, 2007 - 07:16 pm: | 
|
I've been asked to drop some hints for Santa this year (the items don't have to arrive before the 25th), and one thing I could use in my brewery is a good digital scale for grain. I have an excellent lab balance with a resolution of 0.1 gram for hops and other small quantities, but for 10 years I've been measuring grain with an old 5 lb. postal scale. Needless to say, it's a pain to measure 15-20 lbs. of base malt this way.
Ideally what I'm looking for is a 0-20 lb. (0-10 kg) digital scale with a resolution of 0.25 lb. (100 grams). I'd rather not pay more than $50-$60. However, I don't seem to see much that is available. The 20 lb. postal scales I've found only measure in 1 lb. increments.
Does anyone have a suggestion?
(Message edited by BillPierce on December 17, 2007) |
HEU Brewer
Intermediate Member
Username: Heu_brewer
Post Number: 317
Registered: 01-2002
Posted From: 146.137.152.40
| | Posted on Monday, December 17, 2007 - 07:27 pm: |
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Calibrate your grain weight by a specific volume. Then go from there.
I have a 5lb scale, and have a "calibrated" 2 lb hopper. Doesn't answer your question but may save you $60 USD or $60,000,000 Canadian |
Skotrat
Intermediate Member
Username: Skotrat
Post Number: 472
Registered: 07-2007
Posted From: 24.34.40.158
| | Posted on Monday, December 17, 2007 - 07:44 pm: |
|
Hi Bill,
A couple years back I bought an ULTRA-55 digital scale and it has performed like a champ for both malt and hops.
It was very reasonable and has a 55lb / 25kg capacity
I highly recommend this scale.
Ultra-55
* Huge 55lb / 25kg capacity
* Dual range design
* Tare, Hold, and auto-off feature
* Runs on batteries or optional AC feature
* Removable display on 2ft flex-cord
* Available in silver, white, black and metallic blue
* Included accessories: Letter Tube Holder, Mail/Envelope Holder
* Programmable auto on/off switch
* Auto Backlit(optional)
My Weigh Ultraship Ultra-55 Scale
Optional AC Power Adapter
http://www.axner.com/axner/equipment/scalesmixersseives.php
I bought mine somewhere else but there is a link and I imagine that you could find a vendor up in CANUCKENSTEINLANDIA with no issue. |
Bill Pierce
Moderator
Username: Billpierce
Post Number: 8210
Registered: 01-2002
Posted From: 24.57.225.170
| | Posted on Monday, December 17, 2007 - 08:17 pm: |
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Scott, that looks like a nice one. Thanks for the link. |
Skotrat
Intermediate Member
Username: Skotrat
Post Number: 474
Registered: 07-2007
Posted From: 24.34.40.158
| | Posted on Monday, December 17, 2007 - 08:29 pm: |
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Bill,
I also bought the bought the Optional AC Power Adapter. For what it is worth I have never used it. I am still using the original batteries that I put into it.
So you might want to save the $7 for beer on Sandy Claws morning |
Paul Hayslett
Senior Member
Username: Paulhayslett
Post Number: 1474
Registered: 02-2002
Posted From: 71.234.46.245
| | Posted on Monday, December 17, 2007 - 09:57 pm: |
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I have the My Weigh Ultraship 30. Same as Scott's except for the smaller capacity. Same track record -- I love the thing. I especially like being able to take the front panel off, so that I can watch the numbers while pouring grain into a bucket.
I got mine at a store on ebay. Very cheap for a good-quality scale. Just like Scott, I wasted the money for an AC adapter which I've never taken out of the box. The batteries seem to last forever. |
Paul Erbe
Advanced Member
Username: Perbe
Post Number: 989
Registered: 05-2001
Posted From: 64.233.251.195
| | Posted on Monday, December 17, 2007 - 10:22 pm: |
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I just bought one of those from a supplier on Amazon.
16.75 plus shipping, not sure if they will do canada.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006LA4DQ/ref=cm_sp_item |
Onebarrel
Member
Username: Onebarrel
Post Number: 149
Registered: 12-2002
Posted From: 99.249.36.166
| | Posted on Monday, December 17, 2007 - 11:24 pm: |
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Bill - I just bought a shipping scale at Sam's club... $85 Can. Royal brand, 315lbs capacity, wireless remote, .05lb (20g) resolution.
I looked at ebay, but with shipping/duty/tax comming into Canada everything that was a good deal seemed out of reach.
I know it is a little past your budget... I just convinced the wife that it was more accurate than our bathroom scale for checking that New Years weight!
Alex. |
Mike Huss
Senior Member
Username: Mikhu
Post Number: 1790
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 69.21.247.113
| | Posted on Monday, December 17, 2007 - 11:45 pm: |
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Bravo Bill, I was just thinking how badly I need a grain scale because I too am getting awfully sick of measuring grain 5 lbs at a time. Very timely thread, thanks! |
Anil Tyson
Junior Member
Username: Anil
Post Number: 56
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 67.168.118.245
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 01:57 am: |
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Nice scale Skot, great link Paul.
Changing my Xmas list to the wife as I type this... |
Skotrat
Intermediate Member
Username: Skotrat
Post Number: 477
Registered: 07-2007
Posted From: 24.34.40.158
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 03:00 am: |
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You will love the Ultra...
I watched and watched digital scales. For years they were so expensive. In the last few the technology has gotten cheap and we can benefit.
being able to weigh grain and hops on the same scale makes a huge difference for me |
Paul Hayslett
Senior Member
Username: Paulhayslett
Post Number: 1476
Registered: 02-2002
Posted From: 71.234.46.245
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 06:20 am: |
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I totally agree, Scott. I also use mine for green coffee beans to roast and miscellaneous kitchen chores. Today, my daugher and I used it to help divide biscotti dough into 3 equal portions.
At some point, I also picked up a 100 gram test weight for checking the calibration. This thread made me wonder, so I dropped the weight on the Ultraship tonight. It read 100 grams exactly. How can such an accurate scale be so cheap? |
Paul Erbe
Advanced Member
Username: Perbe
Post Number: 990
Registered: 05-2001
Posted From: 64.233.251.195
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 04:39 pm: |
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It's the mirrors. |
Vance Barnes
Senior Member
Username: Vancebarnes
Post Number: 3008
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 74.7.7.66
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 08:47 pm: |
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Not sure what type batteries these use but my electronic scale uses a little 9V. I just save the smoke detector batteries when I change them to use in my scale. I always have plenty even if they don't last all that long after being in the detector for a year or two. |
Skotrat
Intermediate Member
Username: Skotrat
Post Number: 479
Registered: 07-2007
Posted From: 24.34.40.158
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 09:05 pm: |
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The Ultra-55 uses 4 C batteries |
Vance Barnes
Senior Member
Username: Vancebarnes
Post Number: 3010
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 74.7.7.66
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 10:12 pm: |
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Guess that's why you've never had to change them and I go through a bunch. |
Bill Pierce
Moderator
Username: Billpierce
Post Number: 8220
Registered: 01-2002
Posted From: 24.57.225.170
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - 07:36 pm: |
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Occasionally I feel as if I'm living here in Canuckistan rather than less than 50 miles from the US border in a fellow member of NAFTA.
The Ultra-55 scale is an example. Apparently they are not sold in Canada. I found several on eBay in the $10-$12 range, all from the same seller in Georgia. However, he would not ship outside of the US. At $16.75 on amazon.com, the price is still reasonable, and I was able to buy it, but they added $33 for shipping (and that ridiculous "handling" charge) it north of the border by UPS ground. On top of that I will have to pay about $12 in Canadian taxes and the customs brokerage fee levied by UPS for the "privilege" of acting as tax collector for the Canadian government. That will bring the total cost of the scale to $61.75. Onebarrel, I can see why the scale you bought at Sam's Club is not all that much more expensive. |
Paul Erbe
Advanced Member
Username: Perbe
Post Number: 993
Registered: 05-2001
Posted From: 64.233.251.195
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - 09:43 pm: |
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I blame, The French. |
Paul Hayslett
Senior Member
Username: Paulhayslett
Post Number: 1479
Registered: 02-2002
Posted From: 71.234.46.245
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - 09:45 pm: |
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$45 to deliver a $17 item? Next time you want something like that, shoot me an email. I'm sure I could find a way to get it to you for $44.95.
BTW, how does VAT work in Canada that the tax on a $17 item is $12? 71% tax is absurd.
(Message edited by paulhayslett on December 19, 2007) |
Dan Listermann
Senior Member
Username: Listermann
Post Number: 5201
Registered: 03-2004
Posted From: 216.23.59.245
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - 10:58 pm: |
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Bill, can't the scale be sent through the mail and avoid those fees that UPS charges? |
Bill Pierce
Moderator
Username: Billpierce
Post Number: 8222
Registered: 01-2002
Posted From: 24.57.225.170
| | Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 12:19 am: |
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Funny stuff, Paul E. Actually, a reason occasionally given in an attempt to justify higher prices for many items in Canada is the cost of translating documentation and package information into French. Given the quality of some of the translation, I'd say they must be paying semi-bilingual high school students minimum wage.
There are various schemes Canadians use to get around the high shipping costs. Those in border cities sometimes maintain US addresses at mail box rental places, but the cost is about $30 per month and you have to be close enough to make it worthwhile. Moreover, there can be long lines on both sides of the border, especially on weekends. US border security is tight these days, and more Canadians are crossing the border for shopping sprees now that each nation's dollar is nearly at parity. Other Canadians use US friends or relatives as shipping addresses. Mine are about a four-hour drive, and I don't get there so often in the winter when the Great Lakes can become snow machines.
The post office is no alternative. Canada Post, like the USPS, is technically a private corporation, but they are clearly in bed with the government and all too eager to collect the taxes and charge the customs brokerage fees. To add insult to injury, they won't deliver packages requiring duty and/or fees to your door; you have to go to the post office.
Paul H., the actual tax is a little higher than US sales taxes. There is a 6 percent federal VAT (called the Goods and Services Tax), plus the Ontario sales tax is 8 percent, for a total of 14 percent. On a $16.75 scale, that's only $2.35, but the "customs brokerage fee" has a minimum, often $10, which the shippers claim is necessary to offset the cost of the paperwork.
I blame the merchants as well. The actual cost amazon.com is paying UPS for shipping is likely about $12, and there is some extra paperwork to prepare the customs declaration, but that hardly justifies them charging $33 for "shipping and handling." It's just old fashioned price gouging.
(Message edited by BillPierce on December 20, 2007) |
Connie
Senior Member
Username: Connie
Post Number: 1111
Registered: 10-2000
Posted From: 76.17.52.96
| | Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 01:40 am: |
|
a four pound package looks like this for USPS to Canada....
Express Mail® International 5 Days $28.50 $26.22
Priority Mail® International 6 - 10 Days $19.90 $18.91
Priority Mail® Flat Rate Box 6 - 10 Days $23.00 $21.85
First-Class Mail® International Varies $15.46
----------------------
The second amount is if you print the postage on line...We do, as it automatically prints the customs declaration forms. These figures can go up depending where in Canade....
I've used USPS for eBay shipping to Canade several times and it's always expensive. I've never used UPS for international shipping~ |
Ryan Messenger
New Member
Username: Rem
Post Number: 19
Registered: 10-2007
Posted From: 74.34.7.108
| | Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 02:04 am: |
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Thanks Paul for the link, I ended up picking up one of these myself. |
Dave Witt
Senior Member
Username: Davew
Post Number: 1043
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 71.194.189.126
| | Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 03:24 am: |
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Cool!  I got one, too. I had been using a 25# hanging spring type scale that I would hang a bucket from to weigh my grain. This will be nice. |
dhacker
Senior Member
Username: Dhacker
Post Number: 1229
Registered: 11-2002
Posted From: 208.63.163.73
| | Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 12:30 pm: |
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Well, CRAP!
I just succumbed to the herd mentality and ordered one too.  |
Ryan Messenger
New Member
Username: Rem
Post Number: 21
Registered: 10-2007
Posted From: 74.34.7.108
| | Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 02:44 pm: |
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Heck, I think Paul should ask Amazon.com for a commission! |
priorm
Junior Member
Username: Priorm
Post Number: 53
Registered: 01-2006
Posted From: 69.142.68.242
| | Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 04:17 pm: |
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Added it to my gift list as well.
I've been using a 10lb. Sunbeam kitchen scale for grain and a triple beam scale for hops for over 10 years.
It will be great to use one scale and be able to read the display while weighing!
More commission, great idea and thanks for sharing this. |
Mike Huss
Senior Member
Username: Mikhu
Post Number: 1793
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 69.21.247.113
| | Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 05:31 pm: |
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I'm such a follower. I just ordered one too. That price is crazy good! |
Patrick C.
Advanced Member
Username: Patrickc
Post Number: 756
Registered: 01-2001
Posted From: 63.250.179.198
| | Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 06:25 pm: |
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Can we get one with a Brews&Views logo?
I may get one too, or suggest it to the in-laws as a Christmas present if it's not too late. |
Bill Pierce
Moderator
Username: Billpierce
Post Number: 8228
Registered: 01-2002
Posted From: 24.57.225.170
| | Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 09:18 pm: |
|
Connie, I just checked the UPS site for shipping costs. For a hypothetical 4 lb. package shipped from Atlanta to a residential address in Niagara Falls, NY, for example, it's $10.34 by standard ground service. If the package is shipped one mile farther across the border to an address in Niagara Falls, ON, the charge is $13.74. This is what the shipper would pay (not to mention that large shippers such as amazon.com enjoy substantial discounts), so to charge the customer $33.00 for shipping and handling is price gouging. |
Connie
Senior Member
Username: Connie
Post Number: 1113
Registered: 10-2000
Posted From: 76.17.52.96
| | Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 10:47 pm: |
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well, like I said, I've never shipped by UPS for international, but I'll look at it the next time I have something going that way. |
John Ferens
Member
Username: John_ferens
Post Number: 220
Registered: 05-2003
Posted From: 192.104.24.222
| | Posted on Friday, December 21, 2007 - 03:04 pm: |
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Paul, that Amazon price, even with the shipping, was simply too good to pass up (total was $27.24). Add me to the list of splurge buyers.
Cheers!
John. |
Tim Copeland
Member
Username: Hammer
Post Number: 184
Registered: 04-2003
Posted From: 65.93.85.34
| | Posted on Friday, December 21, 2007 - 04:08 pm: |
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Me too....Damn this hobby |
Ryan Messenger
New Member
Username: Rem
Post Number: 24
Registered: 10-2007
Posted From: 216.226.127.200
| | Posted on Friday, December 21, 2007 - 04:40 pm: |
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I think it's time to buy stock in the company! |
Tom Gardner
Senior Member
Username: Tom
Post Number: 1053
Registered: 01-2001
Posted From: 162.119.232.100
| | Posted on Friday, December 21, 2007 - 06:17 pm: |
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This one has the AC adaptor. Whatcha think?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000K3N248/ref=pd_luc_00004B000GHJM9CB000K3N248 |
dhacker
Senior Member
Username: Dhacker
Post Number: 1235
Registered: 11-2002
Posted From: 72.4.22.214
| | Posted on Friday, December 21, 2007 - 07:06 pm: |
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I think I can add an AC adapter for less than the difference in price compared to the scale I ordered!  |
Tom Gardner
Senior Member
Username: Tom
Post Number: 1054
Registered: 01-2001
Posted From: 162.119.232.100
| | Posted on Friday, December 21, 2007 - 07:11 pm: |
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I checked it out and the adaptor only costs $4.99, but the shipping was $7! So it's a wash.
Tom |
Connie
Senior Member
Username: Connie
Post Number: 1115
Registered: 10-2000
Posted From: 76.17.52.96
| | Posted on Friday, December 21, 2007 - 07:40 pm: |
|
I bought my Ultra 55 back in 2005.....$19.88 plus $13 (and change) for shipping with the included AC adaptor. |
Bill Pierce
Moderator
Username: Billpierce
Post Number: 8236
Registered: 01-2002
Posted From: 24.57.225.170
| | Posted on Friday, December 21, 2007 - 11:25 pm: |
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Buy one of those universal AC adapters from any number of local discount outlets. |
dhacker
Senior Member
Username: Dhacker
Post Number: 1237
Registered: 11-2002
Posted From: 74.226.121.10
| | Posted on Saturday, December 22, 2007 - 12:02 am: |
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EXACTLY!!
I have a bazillion universal wall warts at the stations and I'm sure one of them would fit the voltage/ connector/ polarity bill! |
Chris Storey
Junior Member
Username: Stuts
Post Number: 52
Registered: 07-2004
Posted From: 216.168.99.214
| | Posted on Saturday, December 22, 2007 - 12:14 pm: |
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This is why I shipped my 14 gallon conical to my BIL in Fl. He just put in the back of his truck and drove to his cottage in Ontario. That is how I got all my 10 cornies too. Not all at once though.
Chris |
Kentucky Dan
Member
Username: Kydan47
Post Number: 118
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 74.138.226.137
| | Posted on Sunday, December 23, 2007 - 11:45 pm: |
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Just curious, it does not look big enough to weigh 50+ lbs at a time. How does everyone get the weight onto the scales?
Thanks in advance, |
Jim O'Conner
Senior Member
Username: Roguejim
Post Number: 1021
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 67.133.59.72
| | Posted on Monday, December 24, 2007 - 12:57 am: |
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Mine's on the way, too. How small of an increnent will it weigh to? |
Bill Pierce
Moderator
Username: Billpierce
Post Number: 8245
Registered: 01-2002
Posted From: 24.57.225.170
| | Posted on Monday, December 24, 2007 - 01:19 am: |
|
Jim, mine is in transit (it should arrive before New Year's), but my understanding is that the readout and accuracy are to 0.01 lb. |
Ryan Messenger
Junior Member
Username: Rem
Post Number: 29
Registered: 10-2007
Posted From: 74.34.7.108
| | Posted on Monday, December 24, 2007 - 03:54 pm: |
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Jim, according to the product description it can weigh Pounds, Ounces, kilograms, or Grams. |
Dave Witt
Senior Member
Username: Davew
Post Number: 1047
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 71.194.189.126
| | Posted on Monday, December 24, 2007 - 04:12 pm: |
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Yeah!! Mine came today! Looks like a nice unit. I still need to get batteries. |
Wayne
New Member
Username: Mixnmatchbrew
Post Number: 4
Registered: 01-2007
Posted From: 70.253.145.219
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 25, 2007 - 02:29 am: |
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I have this and just use a 20 quart pot to fill/weigh in. Tare it after putting it on or put it on before I fill it up.
Its a great scale.
It will do 1/10 of ounce increments. |
Bob Wall
Senior Member
Username: Brewdudebob
Post Number: 1278
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 139.76.224.66
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 25, 2007 - 07:47 am: |
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I am a lemming:
Items: $16.75
Shipping & Handling: $10.49
Total Before Tax: $27.24
Estimated Tax:* $0.00
Order Total: $27.24
I guess that's what happens when you have to work Christmas Eve and there is nothing to do but surf... |
dhacker
Senior Member
Username: Dhacker
Post Number: 1244
Registered: 11-2002
Posted From: 65.4.248.222
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 25, 2007 - 01:42 pm: |
|
Yeah, lots of folks walked over the cliff together on this one. As an example, mine arrived y-day, and I didn't even open the box . . just put it in the closet with my two other scales . .  |
marc pullum
Junior Member
Username: Brewinales
Post Number: 43
Registered: 06-2006
Posted From: 207.200.116.133
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 25, 2007 - 03:43 pm: |
|
have a very nice single gram-4 lb scale i got for $5 a few years ago. now can we start a great deal on 2000 ml yeast starter flasks? i have a small stock pot and a growler that work just fine for making starters but allways liked the idea of preparing and fermenting the starter in the same container. |
Tom Gardner
Senior Member
Username: Tom
Post Number: 1058
Registered: 01-2001
Posted From: 71.56.208.229
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 04:51 pm: |
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Mine's on the way too!  |
Bill Pierce
Moderator
Username: Billpierce
Post Number: 8248
Registered: 01-2002
Posted From: 24.57.225.170
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 04:57 pm: |
|
I think Scott deserves a commission on all of these sales from B&V.  |
Mike Huss
Senior Member
Username: Mikhu
Post Number: 1794
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 69.21.247.113
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 11:08 pm: |
|
Mine appeared at my front door today! |
Ryan Messenger
Junior Member
Username: Rem
Post Number: 30
Registered: 10-2007
Posted From: 74.34.7.108
| | Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 09:46 pm: |
|
I got mine today, I'm looking forward to using it! |
Skotrat
Intermediate Member
Username: Skotrat
Post Number: 490
Registered: 07-2007
Posted From: 75.67.98.168
| | Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 - 03:51 pm: |
|
wow...
I hope everyone that bought the Ultra-55 has the same fantastic experience that Paul and I have had with our ULTRA scales.
I hope everyone enjoys them! |
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