Homemade float valve to pan connection

[SyncroScott]

Nice,sounds like it’s gonna work good. I’ll google the valve,thanks����

I finally found the same brand I have (Aquamedia) and the ebay store I got it from (link below). I noticed there is a very similar one on Amazon for less but with a different arm design. As I said, the arm was the most problematic so if you are willing/able to fabricate your own from maybe some copper rod (all it could possibly take is soldering a small washer on the valve end, drill a pivot hole, and add threads to the ball end...hey now that I'm thinking of it...I might do the same..HA!) you could make something the suits your needs better.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/STAINLESS-S...cAAOSw2DBaqs97

[Jerkzack]

Here is the valve I used:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-Steel-F...72.m2749.l2649

As SyncroScott mentioned, there is quite a bit of side-to-side slop, hopefully going to remedy that with some nylon washers. I also shortened the stainless arm as it was too long for the box. I just added 2 inches of threads with a die set and cut off the excess. Not planning on micro adjustments yet but that might have to be revisited.

pan:
https://www.amazon.com/Winco-SPT6-Si...gateway&sr=8-3

1/2" npt to garden hose connection at the ball valve from home depot (I'm not running a pre-heater)
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt...1669/300095984

and 2x 1/2" male npt solderable bulkhead fittings, one on pan, one on float box
https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/ptbulkheadmf.htm

with a union between them
https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/nptunion12.htm

Definitely not planning on the bulkheads carrying the weight of this box. I'll probably support it with a leftover chunk of 2x4 cut with an angle grinder an inch too short.


I've actually gotten quite a few fittings from www.brewhardware.com. Added fittings to my finishing pot for a drain spout and thermometer, as well as this float box project. Great service and products!

[In da bush]

Thanks JZ,I think I’m gonna fab one of these as a backup. Unfortunately I pulled the trigger on a Leader bolt on float because I though the season was about to pop off a week ago. Have a great season up there!!

Here is the valve I used:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-Steel-F...72.m2749.l2649

As SyncroScott mentioned, there is quite a bit of side-to-side slop, hopefully going to remedy that with some nylon washers. I also shortened the stainless arm as it was too long for the box. I just added 2 inches of threads with a die set and cut off the excess. Not planning on micro adjustments yet but that might have to be revisited.

pan:
https://www.amazon.com/Winco-SPT6-Si...gateway&sr=8-3

1/2" npt to garden hose connection at the ball valve from home depot (I'm not running a pre-heater)
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt...1669/300095984

and 2x 1/2" male npt solderable bulkhead fittings, one on pan, one on float box
https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/ptbulkheadmf.htm

with a union between them
https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/nptunion12.htm

Definitely not planning on the bulkheads carrying the weight of this box. I'll probably support it with a leftover chunk of 2x4 cut with an angle grinder an inch too short.


I've actually gotten quite a few fittings from www.brewhardware.com. Added fittings to my finishing pot for a drain spout and thermometer, as well as this float box project. Great service and products!