Jim, I used a false bottom like this one time also. Results were similar. After you get the flow moving and the flow clears, everything works well. It is a challenge to get started. Mike had a good comment and uses the outlet tube to keep the screen in place. The easiest device to separate grain from wort is a SS screen. Not sure if it is Phils but it is a small tubular SS screen and outlet valve. Works very well although you leave a bit of sweet grain at the edges of the bucket. My favorite device is a slotted manifold which I use in my mash/lauter-tun. It has the same small outlet valve and is connected to a 3/4 in slotted copper manifold. It is easy to make out of copper or plastic and works very well. Usually I get about 30 gravity points per pound of grain which is fairly decent for a home brewery. If you go or consider going this route, check your grain sugar by tasting a pinch from various parts of the grain bed (after lautering). When you find sweet, you need to do some routing work. Rick O MHBA Thanks for all of the great responses. I think the best answer is to grab a mesh bag at Northern. It will be easy to use - easy cleanup and should resolve the problems of the floating bottom and grain plugging up the tube. Back out to the garage this weekend for another brew session. Jim Voosen Stillwater, Mn Jim, ------ http://USFamily.Net/info - Unlimited Internet - From $8.99/mo! ------