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Exhaust for the Quest M3 roaster

Postby Arpi on Sat Dec 05, 2009 10:31 am

Hi Fellows.

The weather is getting cold and opening the window all the way is not an option. This is a very easy mod (10 mins $15) on how to fabricate an exhaust for the Quest M3 roaster.

First you need the materiasl. I got then at HomeDepot for $15. I think they are made of galvanize steel. They are strong and easy to clean (smooth surfaces).

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Then you need to notch the 4x3 reducer with aviation shears (or a pair of snips) and bend the edge out. To fabricate the flange, you need to put the square piece (flange) aligned with the exhaust hole of the roaster and bend it (make a hanger for the top). Then cut it. Make sure you place the flange in a diagonal so that you have enough length to reach both edges of the roaster (it will hold it in place). Bend the edges and make a small hole for a screw in one side. This will prevent the weight of the exhaust from tipping to the side.

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Finally, connect the pieces together and enjoy.

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Postby Arpi on Sat Dec 05, 2009 2:00 pm

Hi again.

This is how the roaster looks now from the side.

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And this is how the roaster station looks. I've put the roaster in a cart so that I can move it around (to/from the window). I have also installed a new switch to stop the drum so that I can do software development jeje.

Image

Cheers
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Postby another_jim on Sat Dec 05, 2009 2:28 pm

Nice. No mods, just using the screws already on the case.

A board the width of the window, and a hole for the duct is useful to stop the wind and smoke from blowing in while roasting, especially in the winter. That's what I used in my old place, and I may revive it here.
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Postby Arpi on Sat Dec 05, 2009 2:56 pm

Thanks Jim.

That is a good idea. I've seen that done with portable ACs. I need a 3" hole saw for this one. I may stop today and get one.

Cheers
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Postby narc on Sat Dec 05, 2009 7:47 pm

Not sure how hot the gas will be at the exit end of your exhaust pipe. I have a more or less permanent pipe in place for my exhaust hood. Placed a one way dryer baffle to prevent cold wind & any critters from coming in. Would be an easy & inexpensive install onto your window board.

Thanks for the photo and parts list.
LMWDP #151
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Postby Arpi on Sat Dec 05, 2009 9:13 pm

The exhaust pipe mod is a success. I am doing batch after batch from the comfort of a chair in room temperature. no worries about wind (it is snowing now). The pipe gets hot but not hot hot. I made a hole in a 6x1 piece of wood. I am doing Kenyas now preparing for next week. Take a looki :)

Image

Cheers

ps:another little mod I am testing is to use fabric softeners at the end filter. They are 'no perfumes' and clear. So far so good. This is supposed to keep the fan blades clean. So if I use one per 5 roasts that's good.
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Postby another_jim on Sat Dec 05, 2009 11:01 pm

That's a blazingly fast and light roast; for brewing I guess.
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Postby Arpi on Sun Dec 06, 2009 9:57 am

Hi Jim.

This was the first time doing Kenya for me. From the buzz I had heard, the profile was supposed to be fast and aggressive. But at the same time I didn't expect the beans to be small (they get done sooner). They had high density (1 cup 140 grams). The bag recommended a light roast.

I tried a shot (premature) this morning and I couldn'r taste any grassiness. The beans are crunchy. Plenty of lemon flavor (the good kind). I guess they will do OK as singles but drip is also an option (I have a Bunn at work)

Next time I'll drop them at 300F instead of 350F and I'll try to shoot for 12 mins.

I wrapped a fabric softener (free of perfumes) around the basket. Then I put it inside the tray (pinched). This seems to help filtering the smoke to keep the exhaust blades cleaner. I estimate one sheet to last ~ 8 roasts (depending on load). It is a cheap extra filter.

Thanks
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Postby Arpi on Tue Dec 15, 2009 11:56 pm

Hi

For anybody wanting to play with the back pressure I've found this online:

http://doitbest.com/Main.aspx?PageID=64...n=DATAFEED

They sell more or less the same thing at HomeDepot but they only have a size of 4" (instead of 3"). I am busy with other thingies at this time to play with this and to see what difference it makes. But it looks interesting.

Cheers

PS: be careful with the size. The ideal size would be smaller than 3". A cheap home made one would be a good trial candidate
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Postby Javacat on Fri Dec 25, 2009 4:15 pm

Arpi, what vendor(s) are selling these in the US. I'm very interested in getting one. thanks. Sorry if this already happens to be mentioned on one of the threads.

Kurt
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