Custom Wooden Tap Handles for Cold Brew Kegerators

The Appeal of Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew coffee has seen a huge surge in popularity over the past few years. The smooth, less acidic taste combined with the high caffeine content makes it an appealing choice for coffee lovers. As cold brew becomes more mainstream, more people are enjoying it at home by making their own using coffee makers, French presses, or other cold extraction methods.

Installing a Kegerator for Cold Brew

One way to take your at-home cold brew to the next level is by installing a kegerator. These refrigerated beer tap systems can easily be adapted to serve delicious nitro or standard cold brew coffee on tap. Installing a kegerator for your cold brew allows you to have coffee shop-quality cold brew available anytime. It also adds a fun, unique element to your home and impresses any guests.

Adding Custom Tap Handles

Once you have a cold brew coffee kegerator installed, making or installing custom tap handles can add to the aesthetic. Tap handles come in many styles from simple plastic to intricate metal and wooden handles. For cold brew, a custom, handmade wooden tap handle is a popular choice. The natural look of wood combined with an original design tailored to your taste makes for an eye-catching tap handle. Whether you make them yourself or have them commissioned, custom tap handles bring your cold brew kegerator to the next level.

Making Custom Wooden Tap Handles from Scratch

For the woodworkers and DIY-ers out there, you may consider making your own custom tap handles from scratch for your cold brew kegerator. With some practice, the right tools, and creativity you can design and produce wood tap handles that perfectly match your kegerator setup and design sensibilities.

Selecting the Wood

The first step is selecting which type of wood you want to use. Popular choices are woods like maple, walnut, oak, or mahogany. The wood choice affects factors like weight, strength, workability, and final appearance. For example, maple works easily for turning and brings a light color, while mahogany gives a striking reddish-brown color. Think about size as thicker woods allow shaping intricate handles. Sourcing quality lumber or a wood turning blank is essential for tap handle durability.

Design Concepts

Before starting, conceptualize some handle form ideas. Sketch concepts thinking about overall shape, size for grip comfort, location for tap connection, and small accents like grooves or edges you may want to incorporate. You can take inspiration online from other custom handles, but make yours unique for an original look. If you want to include any logos or designs, plan those details at this stage.

Shaping with a Lathe

With creative ideas in mind, start shaping using a wood lathe. A lathe spins the wood blank allowing you to hold chisels against it at various angles to remove material. This shapes the round overall form including the grip section, the nozzle mount area, and any curved accents. Take it slow, wearing safety glasses and removing small amounts of wood at a time checking form often. Cutting too aggressively can ruin the handle shape.

Adding Special Touches

Once the overall handle form is carved on the lathe, switch to hand tools. Carefully mark and measure any lines or placement for detailed elements imagined earlier. Use small carving tools to delicately shape designs. Tap handles often have decorative indented lines for style and improved grip. Sand through grits up to at least 220 for a smooth finish. Apply a food-safe finishing oil to protect and bring out the natural wood visual qualities.

Installing Hardware

The last construction step is drilling and adding the necessary hardware like threaded nozzle inserts and washers allowing attachment to the tap tower. Use a vise and clamp to prevent spinning and carefully measure drill bit sizes needed. Brass nozzles help prevent corrosion issues. Apply epoxy or thread tape for maximum hold strength. With quality glue and hardware, the custom tap handle is ready for years of durable use.

Show Off Cold Brew Tap Handles

A final alluring custom wooden cold brew tap handle finishes off your kegerator beautifully. Every time you or friends pour a glass of creamy smooth nitro cold brew, you can showcase your personalized tap handle with pride. The admirable compliments you’ll receive on the hand-crafted handle confirm all the design process efforts were worthwhile.

With a custom tap handle specially made just for your cold brew taps, your at-home kegerator setup impresses as if it were a professional coffee shop. A handmade tap handle adds aesthetic charisma making cold brew coffee tastings even more enjoyable and memorable.

FAQs

What types of wood work best for tap handles?

Hardwoods like maple, oak, walnut, and mahogany are best for durability. Maple works easily but lighter woods show wear. Darker woods like walnut or mahogany are striking choices.

What tools do I need to make custom tap handles?

Key tools needed include a wood lathe, chisels, carving knives, drill, tap handle hardware, and sandpaper. Protective gear like eye glasses are essential when using power tools.

How long does it take to make a custom wooden tap handle?

With proper tools and skills, tap handles can be made by hand in 2-3 hours. Creating an original design, preparing the wood, turning on the lathe, adding accents, finishing, and installing hardware all add time.

Can I sell custom tap handles I make?

Yes, handmade custom tap handles can be sold online or at craft fairs. Uniqueness, quality materials, and fine details bring higher prices for artisan goods like these.