Marc,
I've always started my siphons with my mouth; I've never had a problem. As
with anything, you get better at siphoning the more you do it, whether you
use your mouth or one of those fancy gadgets - lol.
Darlene

"Marc" > wrote in message
. ..
> Hi folks
> Newbie question regarding siphon. Is an auto-siphon just a commodity when
> bottling large amount of wine, or for a clean job or is there an actual
> risk
> of contamination by using one's mouth (considering a healthy mouth) to
> start
> the flow ? I only make batches ranging between 1 gallon and 6 gallons and
> have always used my mouth to start the siphon process. Only have to do it
> once for the whole operation.
> Thanks
> Marc
>
> > a écrit dans le message de
> ...
>> Steve Margita > wrote:
>> > Can anyone recommend an easy way to start the siphone when bottling
> wine? I
>> > have the Auto-Siphone (1/2 inch) that I use when I rack my wine back
>> > and
>> > forth, but that is too much volume at once when bottling. I know
> Fermtech
>> > makes an auto-siphon for 3/8 inch tubing as well.
>>
>> > I have a bottle filler that touches the bottom of the bottle and opens
> up
>> > and stops filling when I lift the tube up, but I always have trouble
>> > starting the siphon when bottling.
>>
>>
>> Keep that $2.50 spring-loaded filler -- simple and wonderful.
>>
>> Cap the carboy with one of those two-holed caps that a racking cane
>> fits perfectly through.
>>
>> Insert racking cane through first hole.
>>
>> Place spring-filler in first bottle, and press and hold while blowing
>> through the second hole. Siphon pressure should now be established.
>>
>> The spring-loaded filler maintains the vacuum for the entire bottling
>> process.
>>
>> -- WB
>>
>
>