Lion introduces "Tap King" - party keg / growlers

[jorni]

Hi jorni,Like your idea of just replacing the cartridge,instead of the other options I've seen.But have you had any problems with the pin that punchers the cartridge?

Hello ash2, actually it was driftdaddy who first took it apart and replaced the cartridge. He inspired me...

Anyways, so far no problems with the pin that punctures the cartridge. Just have to remove it from the punctured cartridge and reuse.

 

[Hwkdog]

I'm interested to know why the Finewhip site lists the same brand as food safe? They do seem to cost a fair bit more.

http://finewhip.cart.net.au/store/12g-un-threaded-keg-chargers-x-5-strong-food-grade-strong.html

I think they r same as the other ones , it says nothing about food grade in description , only in the title, description talks about paintball guns an re filling bike tyres, why the hell would u need food grade for that?

I'm guessing the site is cashing in on tap king folk,

Happy to be proven wrong

 

[Beerisyummy]

I think they r same as the other ones , it says nothing about food grade in description , only in the title, description talks about paintball guns an re filling bike tyres, why the hell would u need food grade for that?

I'm guessing the site is cashing in on tap king folk,

Happy to be proven wrong

The Finewhip site does list some other 12g cartridges as industrial grade only. The Mosa ones all seem to be made for making soda primarily.

 

[mrTbeer]

We need someone's help with the internal CO2 plumbing, come on you engineering types get involved. How do we get CO2 hopefully from a decent cylinder into the system.

This is pretty easy. The existing reg has a 6mm OD hose that takes CO2 from regulator does a quick U-turn and injects straight into lid using another little plastic 'needle.'
That hose is held on by 2 black plastic fittings which are easily slipped off. The hose end can then be pushed into a 6mm ID pipe and a little stainless clamp 7-10mm goes around that making a simple reducer.
The 6mm ID hose can then be connected to any CO2 regulator. My regulator used 6mm ID hose anyway so didn't require any other adapters. I drilled a hole in side of tap king and threaded hose through.
This way you can set dispense pressure at 11psi or carb pressure higher say 30psi? And you can remove bottle from tap without wasting all the gas as happens with the bulbs, just remember to turn gas off before disconnecting bottle.
The other upside is you aren't reliant on the O-rings in TK which are made for single use.

driftdaddy got there first with reusing bulbs, I tried this but found it frustrating dealing with tiny screws and sourcing replacement bulbs. I still remove the empty bulb and reseal lid just so I can identify if it's used or not.
p.s. I am an engineering type but more familiar with 18t bulldozers than 2mm triangular screws.

That'd be cool if you could just alter the existing reg to force carb pressure, I naturally carb the bottles and was worried that sediment would clog small inlet hose but no issues so far?

 

[treefiddy]

That'd be cool if you could just alter the existing reg to force carb pressure, I naturally carb the bottles and was worried that sediment would clog small inlet hose but no issues so far?

Where does the dip tube actually sit? Are you getting sediment the whole time, or is it just on the initial pour?

 

[mrTbeer]

The tap king pops the end of the bottle up about a 1cm. The dip tube sits at the very bottom where curve meets face if that makes sense.
First glass seems to cop all sediment and foam.

 

[mrTbeer]

Why do they use Co2 for inflating tyres,could be a difference in written English here between Australia & china . Just as a tangent here, 1 of my workers suggested using nitrogen cartridges as they do with Guinness.Should produce a creamier longer lasting head.( WHO DOESN'T LIKE A CREAMIER LONGER LASTING HEAD )

Co2 common for tyres especially MTB but also motorbikes. Smaller/lighter to carry than any other bike pump.
I'd be surprised if Lion don't start selling Guiness in 3.2L tapking, they own Aussie rights so it seems logical.
Fully agree on last comment.

 

[keg guy]

Playing with a dispenser today and started wondering if I could get the Tap King regulator out side the unit would that be useful.
One thing lead to another and its in pieces again.
What I discovered is a well placed hole drilled under the tap handle gives access to the single phillips head screw that holds the regulator in position.
Pull the handle forward and remove the spout as though for cleaning. Drop the handle all the way to the bottom exposing the whole front face. Use a ruler and mark a point on the vertical centre line 14.5 mm above the top of the spring, note only the end of the spring is visible.
On my dispenser if I look very closely at the surface around this location, by changing the light angle, there is a slightly raised bump surrounded by an indentation. The screw head is directly below the slightly raised bump.
I used an 8 mm drill but go slowly you don't want to damage the screw head.

To remove the regulator slide back the black retainer at the hose end and release the hose from the regulator.
In order to get the regulator out I had to be sure the unit is in the open position (lever on the side all the way towards the front) and remove the locking device from the regulator and now feed it out through the centre where the bottle cap would go. Just could not manage to get it through as a complete unit. I suggest you mark the location of the regulator cap and body before disturbing it, refit the locking device once the regulator is removed.

If your really brave you can dismantle the mechanism and take the screw out without the hole in the front, this also gives access to replace the PVC hose rather than joining to the original piece

Can the regulator be mounded some where outside and be adjusted to a reasonable charging pressure???

One might assume most small CO2 cylinders would be charged to similar pressures, the size seems to change as the volume does, 8,12 and 16 g.
Given the above I guess a 16 g cylinder connected to the regulator would be no more stressful than the 8 g cartridge already being used.

Have fun, the Keg Guy.

 

[Captain Morgan]

The tap king pops the end of the bottle up about a 1cm. The dip tube sits at the very bottom where curve meets face if that makes sense.
First glass seems to cop all sediment and foam.

The tap a draft comes with a little plastic thingo that goes over the intake tube in the bottle to keep it a few mm off the bottom of the "keg" to reduce sediment.

Wonder if a similar mod would help us?

http://buyfreshgrapes.beer-wine.com/sites/default/files/images/products/Tap-a-DraftRegulator_0.jpg

 

[mrTbeer]

Keg guy you can get access to that same screw by undoing all screws inside, the mech comes apart and can be reassembled with a bit of patience. I too think all bulbs are probably same pressure ~900psi regardless of size. The problem is with TK reg. out it doesn't have a good connector on HP side ie. no threads, no piercing dart.

 

[keg guy]

mrtbeer, what about the ones they use for 19L kegs, I think they are 16 g, coluld they be adapted? Are they discharged completely the first use or can they be removed from the bottle without gassing out. I have never played with with these little bottles before.
the keg guy

 

[barls]

they discharge completely.

 

[mrTbeer]

The 16g can be used externally, see my pic a few pages back.

The 16g won't fit inside standard TK lid which is made to accommodate a 12g without a thread.
The 8g will fit inside standard TK lid but the unthreaded part is a different size.
When pierced on TK lid the bottle cannot be removed without discharging all gas.

 

[swampdog]

Completed my first Tap King homebrew:

Method:

1. Replaced 12g CO2 bulb with one from ezycharges (some people say you don't need to use a cartridge). I have a bottle waiting to be tested without a co2 bulb, will post the result later but didn't want to risk it as I am thirsty :icon_drool2: .
2. Used 7 carb drops, probably could have used 8 in retrospect as the beer is carbonated but could of used a little more gas.
3. Connect and :drinks: , image is of the first beer I poured with very little froth.

Beer: was an imitation Little Creatures Pale Ale that my local home brew shop supplies the hops etc for.

I think eventually I would like to do a mod to be able to use larger CO2 bottles and avoid the hassle of replacing the screws etc on the lid.

 

[Beerisyummy]

Completed my first Tap King homebrew:

Method:

1. Replaced 12g CO2 bulb with one from ezycharges (some people say you don't need to use a cartridge). I have a bottle waiting to be tested without a co2 bulb, will post the result later but didn't want to risk it as I am thirsty :icon_drool2: .
2. Used 7 carb drops, probably could have used 8 in retrospect as the beer is carbonated but could of used a little more gas.
3. Connect and :drinks: , image is of the first beer I poured with very little froth.

Beer: was an imitation Little Creatures Pale Ale that my local home brew shop supplies the hops etc for.

I think eventually I would like to do a mod to be able to use larger CO2 bottles and avoid the hassle of replacing the screws etc on the lid.

7 carb drops? Maybe bulk priming would work better?

I think it's great that TK has brought a little excitement to everyone. Love your work mate!


I have a question about filling the bottles for everyone.

When naturally carbonating, how far do you fill the bottles from the top?

 

[Amph]

My main problem with this tap king setup, is all those times i've yelled at the kids "don't stand there with the bloody fridge door open" is going to come back and bite me in the arse..

 

[mrTbeer]

I think it's great that TK has brought a little excitement to everyone.

I used the 3.2L bottle as a big growler fill for a Honey-Porter today. Caused some "mild euphoria." The bartender had a few questions, 2 other blokes passing by asked about it, and the next customer asked "how much for the big bottles?" Plus another couple questions on the walk to car. Cheers H.

 

[Captain Morgan]

some people say you don't need to use a cartridge

I've had two fail to fire now which have been store bought ones, not HB. After the first glass, it barely dribbles out so I'm not sure how far you'd get with no cartridge.

I just opened up one that failed and the CO2 had been pierced and emptied. I didnt notice any gas escape when I first inserted the bottle into the tap so its got me beat. I've had successful firings between the 2 that have failed so I'm stumped!

I replaced the cartridge with one that i've ordered for my HB and inserted it again. There was a big "whosh" but I'm not sure if that was just the CO2 filling the bottle or escaping. I managed to pour a glass and the bottle is now hard again (it was soft by the time it stopped pouring properly before i changed out the cartridge) so I'll try another few glasses this afternoon and see if it holds a gas charge.

 

[Bentnose]

I've just replaced the cartridges in 3 x Tap Kings, relatively painless. I think if you decided to go ahead with the external CO2 idea you still need to pull the lid apart every brew as beer gets into the various parts of the lid and would lead to an eventual infection. It wouldn't be a big deal if the screw threads started to wear out as when the lid is on the screws aren't doing anything and could even be taken out without any problems.

 

[Captain Morgan]

so I'll try another few glasses this afternoon and see if it holds a gas charge.

Nope, its empty and flat again. I have a leak somewhere and of course, I didnt keep my receipt.

I'm ebarrased to say that I'm even having trouble pulling apart the tap to see whats going on in there ... -_-

 

[Beerisyummy]

Nope, its empty and flat again. I have a leak somewhere and of course, I didnt keep my receipt.

Where are you? I have a receipt for Dan's @ Willoughby.

Then again, you might just be able to pull the unit apart and stop it leaking.
6 screws and the whole thing is in pieces.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Where are you? I have a receipt for Dan's @ Willoughby.

Then again, you might just be able to pull the unit apart and stop it leaking.
6 screws and the whole thing is in pieces.

Oh thats very kind of you, thank you. I'm in Hurstville.

I pulled out all the screws I could see, but it still seemed quite well stuck together still. haha. I'm usually quite mechanically minded so perhaps I haven't had enough beers today.

 

[Beerisyummy]

Oh thats very kind of you, thank you. I'm in Hurstville.

I pulled out all the screws I could see, but it still seemed quite well stuck together still. haha. I'm usually quite mechanically minded so perhaps I haven't had enough beers today.

Don't be a pussy. Crack a beer and get the screwdrivers out. :beerbang:



It takes around 5 minutes to dismantle the unit and put it back together.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Haha.. iTs apart, but I cant see anything out of the ordinary. Nothingt to suggest it should leak

 

[Beerisyummy]

Looking closely at the unit, I would guess the regulator and gas line would be the culprit in 90% of faulty units.
If the regulator is leaking I'm pretty sure you're stuffed.

Like I said, I've got a spare receipt I can send you if you PM me your details.

After stripping down the unit a few times I can appreciate just how well thought out this design is. Yeah there are a few things that could be better, but some parts are just brilliantly simple.
The valve system on the lid is my favourite.

At this stage I'm going to do away with the top part of the faux keg and leave the regulator where I can adjust it. The next trick is to set up a mini reg/charger with a spear for carbonating the bottles.

Next stop, full keg system.......one day.

PS.
Just hooked up a new bottle to test the adjustment on the regulator. So much better at pouring when you dial it down a quarter turn.
My plan is to dial it back up to the normal position when I'm done drinking and let it maintain the factory bottle pressure while sitting idle.
Perfekt!

 

[keg guy]

Hi Guys, Can someone give me the details as to how you post images? what the trick?
Thanks the keg guy

 

[Yob]

Next to the post button is the "more reply options" go into the full editor and you'll see where

 

[Captain Morgan]

Like I said, I've got a spare receipt I can send you if you PM me your details.

You're an absolute champion! I've worked the old credit card a bit lately so I wasnt looking forward to the eye rolls from the wife when I had to tell her I needed another tap. PM on its way. Thanks again, its very kind of you. :beer:

 

[Bentnose]

I've been promised 7 empty tap kings, I'll have at least 11 by the end of the year, I'll have three bottled in the next two weeks, brilliant.

 

[Diggs]

So the thing I'm most interested in is refilling the bottles and priming for self carbonation, leaving the standard carbonation in place.

Keeping it really simple, am I missing something here? Everything I am seeing is around pimping it use bigger cartridges or SodaSrtream bottles.