Melvico counter pressure filler

[champagneave]

I have seen a few posts here regarding these. Some wanting them badly, others who have them sitting around unused. Which makes me wonder are they any better than a beer gun, cobra tap and stopper, or was it overkill for the job? By simply going slower at a lower pressure with a beer gun give you the same result? It looks not too hard to build a copy of the idea, but after buying valves, gauges, hoses, clamps and a dip tube I would be very close to the cost of a beer gun. The hdpe blocks and stand materials I have. Comments or insight from those who have one or have used one would be appreciated.
Jason

[McGruff]

It was about the year 1996 when I noticed one of these at my byo wine place where they sold beer kits. He said he would order me one for $400.00. I declined. I saw it in operation and it was slick. Just put the plastic bottle in, it purged it and filled it with beer and cap it. Very easy. I thought the price was too high for a homebrewer, but not a byo place. Canadian made too I heard.

[Jayme]

I bought one used and just never got around to using it... I think it was Jamie D on here that bought it from me though - he has told me he really likes it.

I'm happy using my beer gun - should have at least tried the Melvico to see the difference though!

[Jamie D]

I had a beer gun and it was ok, but I would still sometimes have foaming issues. I really had to watch the pressure and It worked best when the beer and bottles were cold. If I was filling a lot of them (10 dozen) I would find that my finger would be stiff from holding the trigger. I like the melvico much better. It was a little tricky to get to get the hang of using it, but once I figured it out, it just works. You don't have to hold the bottle or the filler and it is easy to clean. I sold my beer gun shortly after the first time I used it.

[champagneave]

I played with making the stand this afternoon. I have a question on the valves, are they 1/4 or 1/2 npt? my second thoughts were to go with https://www.everwoodavebrewshop.com/pro ... le-female/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for a valve and reduce the barb to 1/4, or I would be interested in a source to purchase three 1/4 mnpt X 1/4 barb stainless ball valve,originally I thought i could remove the check from a co2 shut-off valve but I'm not sure about the "chrome plated brass" I see in the description. Regardless it's a go, I can see this passing my estimate and the beer gun in price though.

[firebrew]

I would do almost anything to get my hands on one of these devices, it is by far the best counterpressure filler I have used!!

[the-mailman]

These guys sell a nice looking filler for under $100, http://www.morebeer.com/products/counte ... iller.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;, and put on a stand as shown here, https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 711&type=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;, or another version in this video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ikKnYwKtjA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;, seems to work really good.

Would be easy to build a replica if you could find the 3-way valve they use.

[RubberToe]

My CPBF is mounted on a stand with a shelf for the bottle and it's so much easier to use.

Edit: BTW that very same youtube video is what inspired me to do the same.

[mthibodeau]

three way valve http://www.ontariobeerkegs.com/Stainles ... l-type.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

half inch though

[champagneave]

I've ordered 3 ball valves for now, what I am planning is beer in on the left, co2 from the top, both flowing down the tube to purge and fill from the bottom. I do like the simplicity of one handle. I am "not sure" the obk valve above would work though, the picture from morebeer has a different configuration, which in 1/4 stainless are not cheap. The best price I can find is about half the cost of the whole unit, possibility in part reasons for the mixed reviews and back ordered status of it. Maybe a thought for version 2, I will start a DIY thread with pictures of my progress on the Melvicopy.
Jason

[Jamie D]

Sorry, I didn't reply sooner. I was on vacation with limited access to the internet. I think all the valves are 1/4". They are not 1/2". Their are no 3 way valves. The valve on the left controls the co2 into the bottle. The one on the top controls the beer flow. The valve on the right controls the co2 out of the bottle and the speed that the bottle fills.

I played with making the stand this afternoon. I have a question on the valves, are they 1/4 or 1/2 npt? my second thoughts were to go with https://www.everwoodavebrewshop.com/pro ... le-female/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for a valve and reduce the barb to 1/4, or I would be interested in a source to purchase three 1/4 mnpt X 1/4 barb stainless ball valve,originally I thought i could remove the check from a co2 shut-off valve but I'm not sure about the "chrome plated brass" I see in the description. Regardless it's a go, I can see this passing my estimate and the beer gun in price though.

[champagneave]

That is the best picture on the net. Bottler p0rn...worth a thousand words.

[the-mailman]

Any updates on your project. I'd like to build one too so looking forward to your experience.

I've ordered 3 ball valves for now, what I am planning is beer in on the left, co2 from the top, both flowing down the tube to purge and fill from the bottom. I do like the simplicity of one handle. I am "not sure" the obk valve above would work though, the picture from morebeer has a different configuration, which in 1/4 stainless are not cheap. The best price I can find is about half the cost of the whole unit, possibility in part reasons for the mixed reviews and back ordered status of it. Maybe a thought for version 2, I will start a DIY thread with pictures of my progress on the Melvicopy.
Jason

[sheanhiggins]

I would do almost anything to get my hands on one of these devices, it is by far the best counterpressure filler I have used!!

Old thread, I know; but did you ever manage to get your hands on one?
I just made one up for grabs in the classifieds

Best offer takes it.

http://www.brewnosers.org/forums/viewto ... f=6&t=9966" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;