I can't seem to find a local supplier that stocks a racking cane or siphon in my area so I'd like to have a go at making my own. I could find an online supplier but most US stores won't ship to AU I want to use it in a few days.
I know I can just siphon with tubing but I'd like to use a cane with that rubber nozzle that reduces the muck that comes up.
Can I make my own racking cane? What's involved?
To best mimic the function of a racking-cane tip, I would crimp or plug the bottom of the tube and punch two opposing holes about 1/2 inch up the side of it so the liquid being siphoned it is above the trub. Then attach something rigid (like a strait section of plastic coat hanger) to the tube to stiffen it (after sanitizing well of course). This way you would have a rigid tube that pulls in wort above the trub.
I would suggest that you siphon with "just tubing" as you suggest. You can reduce the uptake of trub by adding a filter to the end of your tube. Muslin bags and panty hose both work great. Just be sure to sanitize them by soaking. You can also reduce uptake by simply keeping the end of your siphon above the trub for the majority of the racking time. If you do decide to add a filter, know that it will reduce the rate of flow considerably.
Still, I would consider ordering an auto-siphon online for future use.
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