Stir Plate Build

Decided to try to build a stir plate to try to make yeast starters. The required parts, all available at Radio Shack, cost about $35 I've listed them below:

Project Enclosure ($7)
Computer Fan 6-7V ($15)
6V Power Supply ($5)
Power Switch ($5)
Magnet ($3)

I could have saved a lot if I'd planned a little better I could have saved a lot. I disassembled an old computer after buying the parts and the fans inside were both 12V, and I couldn't find a 12V power supply around the house. Unfortunately, we cleaned out all of our old cell phone chargers about a month ago, otherwise I could of had the fan and power supply already, oh well. I like the style of the switch, and I'll see how we'll it works when I get my stir bar and erhlemeyer flask.

Oatmeal Stout

Been a while since I posted. I've done a few batches in the meantime. For the sake of brevity Ill stay focused on the Oatmeal Stout.

I found a recipe on the page of my online supplier, Brewmaster's Warehouse, and edited a little, here it is:

5 lbs - Pale 6-Row
3 lbs - 2-Row Crisp Caramel 60L
3 lbs - Flaked Oats
1 lb. - Aromatic
1 lb. - Chocolate
1 oz - Challenger @ 60 min
1 oz - Fuggles @ 15 min
1 oz - Magnum @ 5 min
Wyeast Irish Ale Yeast

Mash Schedule:
Protein Rest: 20 min @ 120 deg
Conversion : 50 min @ 148 deg
(Decoction 2 qts) 15 min @ 152 deg
Sparge: 170 deg

Collected 6 gallons to kettle
Collected 5.25 gallons to Primary

OG: 1.052
Bitterness: 38 IBU
Color: 42 SRM

Finally broke 70% efficiency!