Search found 57 matches

by willee
Wed Jul 18, 2018 7:25 am
Forum: Mashing and Fermenting
Topic: Acetone smell and sulfur mash
Replies: 20
Views: 2940

Re: Acetone smell and sulfur mash

Quick question so I decided to rerun all the bad smelling spirit I had which was about 3 gallons watered it down to 40% and am running it now I have collected 2 quarts total in 1/4 quart sizes and the smell is still present but it actually taste ok this is very strange I use a small can of tomato p...
by willee
Wed Jul 18, 2018 7:21 am
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Can someone explain this to me ...?
Replies: 4
Views: 1908

Can someone explain this to me ...?

I have a Still Spirits Turbo 500 column and can get 192 proof product from it fairly easily. The column is 2" diameter, 24" tall, and packed with stainless steel rings with a handful of copper saddles at the top. But it runs slow ... small thin stream barely above a drip. about .4 oz per m...
by willee
Mon Jul 16, 2018 9:02 am
Forum: Mashing and Fermenting
Topic: Acetone smell and sulfur mash
Replies: 20
Views: 2940

Re: Acetone smell and sulfur mash

The T-500 is a good still but a bit slow. it uses a condenser for condensate cooling. It can be much improved by running two separate cooling lines instead of passing the cooling flow thru the condenser and then thru the top internal reflux cooling coil. I did a big run with mine last night and got ...
by willee
Sun Jul 15, 2018 1:35 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Higher proof output ...?
Replies: 6
Views: 1465

Re: Higher proof output ...?

I run tall columns and subscribe to the 15 plate minimum to hit azeo. Along those lines you will need more than 60" of column to hit 191. My current vodka rig is a 4" with 8 ft packed over a 6" plate. Now with that said, I think you have an issue with something if you could only hit ...
by willee
Sun Jul 15, 2018 1:20 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Higher proof output ...?
Replies: 6
Views: 1465

Re: Higher proof output ...?

How are you controlling the reflux ratio? You could be trying to go too fast. After heat up I flow water thru the condenser at the top of the column. After about 40 min I start reducing the flow of water thru it till I get a proper flow of product. I take it down to dripping and then reduce it a bi...
by willee
Sun Jul 15, 2018 1:11 pm
Forum: Yeasts, Enzymes, Fungi, Nutrients
Topic: Amylase enzyme......please help!!
Replies: 28
Views: 3799

Re: Amylase enzyme......please help!!

I use that enzyme in brewing beer ... I add it to the mash when the temp is around 155 F and let is sit for one hour. Works just great.
At about 170 F you will destroy the enzymes.
by willee
Sun Jul 15, 2018 12:42 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Higher proof output ...?
Replies: 6
Views: 1465

Higher proof output ...?

I bought a 3" column from a well known supplier. It is 28" tall and packed with copper mesh. First run today ... and the best I could get it to produce was 150 proof. I want as close to 200 proof as I can get. Would adding an additional 15" column section do it or would it need more. ...
by willee
Thu Mar 30, 2017 1:19 pm
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: First Run
Replies: 25
Views: 2552

Re: First Run

Copper scrubbers will work well but I use the stainless steel rings with one copper scrubber near the top of the column. Watch the gas flow as to much heat will flood the column so start low and heat up slowly ... warm up should take about 35 to 45 min for 5 gal. Adjust the heat and coolant flow to ...
by willee
Fri Mar 17, 2017 6:01 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: How many plates ?
Replies: 12
Views: 3113

Re: How many plates ?

A 4" column will give you a gallon an hour. I would do a 6" bubble ball under a packed column to run fast. Probably 6' packed. Taller will work better. You should be able to throw 6000w at it. Younger women, faster horses, and older whiskey ... yeah! Bubble ball ... I guess that is a sing...
by willee
Fri Mar 17, 2017 4:39 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: How many plates ?
Replies: 12
Views: 3113

Re: How many plates ?

You mite want to read this thread on column packing.. it is very interesting what is said about packing and different column packing.. flutes are not the best for what you intend to do in my view.. http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=30727 Just some thoughts Mars Thanks StillerBo...
by willee
Fri Mar 17, 2017 4:46 am
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: T500 repair question
Replies: 9
Views: 4362

Re: T500 repair question

Have you inspected the element itself? They can go bad. It might have popped and needs replacing. pfshine ... on the T-500 boilers the element is a metal plate with two heater elements in it. It is bonded to the bottom of the boiler and would be hard to remove and even harder to bond a new one in p...
by willee
Fri Mar 17, 2017 4:31 am
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: How many plates ?
Replies: 12
Views: 3113

How many plates ?

How many plate sections would be required to equal the re-flux level of 40"s of packed column?

Thinking about changing from my current 2" packed CM column to a 4" flute column to make clear spirits with the highest ABV possible.
Is that a wise choice for what I am wanting to make?
by willee
Wed Mar 08, 2017 9:47 am
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: T500 repair question
Replies: 9
Views: 4362

Re: T500 repair question

I have used my Turbo-500 setup for a while and am happy with the results I get with it. OK I see by the post you are aware of the reset button on the bottom so that is not the problem. If you have had the unit less than a year it is covered by warranty ... call Still Spirits USA for replacement. If ...
by willee
Wed Mar 08, 2017 9:23 am
Forum: Other Hobbies and Projects
Topic: Smokers
Replies: 103
Views: 14783

Re: Smokers

Purchased a Rec Tec Pellet Grill / Smoker last summer and couldn't be happier. Could not cook good ribs on a charcoal grill but this thing makes it fool proof. Set the temp controller to 220 deg and place the ribs in the grill ... 5 hours later ... perfection. Heavy smoke bark, very tender and juicy...
by willee
Mon Mar 06, 2017 4:09 pm
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Sainless Steel or ceramc Ball berings ...
Replies: 2
Views: 832

Sainless Steel or ceramc Ball berings ...

How would stainless steel ball bearings or ceramic bearings work as a packing material?
by willee
Mon Mar 06, 2017 4:05 pm
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: Running store bought liquor
Replies: 22
Views: 3825

Re: Running store bought liquor

Run half of it.
Mix it back in.
by willee
Fri Mar 03, 2017 11:40 am
Forum: ** Welcome Center **
Topic: Homebrewer to Distiller
Replies: 6
Views: 922

Re: Homebrewer to Distiller

Martyjhuebs, what distilling equipment do you have or what are you planning to buy / build?

I started distilling a few months ago using the copper T-500 column on top of my GrainFather but have recently purchased another electric boiler and CM column from Affordable Equipment.
by willee
Wed Mar 01, 2017 1:42 pm
Forum: Research and Theory
Topic: So, the answer was copper
Replies: 185
Views: 30834

Re: So, the answer was copper

So a fist size ball of copper mesh in the boiler will help eliminate the problem?
I thought a copper packed column would be enough but from what I read here it might not be as effective as the copper mesh in the boiler.
by willee
Tue Feb 28, 2017 6:47 am
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: Condenser Controlled Columns
Replies: 378
Views: 155759

Re: Condenser Controlled Columns

I have been reading the Lagavullin scotch site where they strip to ale zero ( their low wines), then on the spirit run strip to zero again (their feints are added to low wines). So last night after reflux hearts I siphoned the hot ale into my stovetop, stripped feints into low wines. I don't know y...
by willee
Tue Feb 28, 2017 6:39 am
Forum: ** Welcome Center **
Topic: Hello from Scotland
Replies: 9
Views: 965

Re: Hello from Scotland

Been to the land of the Scots years ago and what a beautiful country it is.
Hope I can visit again before I die.

I see your current interest is making good gin ... but how about doing some authentic Scotch wiskey?
If I can ever help you with resources from the USA please don't hesitate to ask.
by willee
Tue Feb 28, 2017 6:32 am
Forum: Rum
Topic: Rum mash not fermenting ...
Replies: 20
Views: 3986

Re: Rum mash not fermenting ...

If you really want a quick demo and nobody's going to taste it - I'd go turbo ! Bread yeast is very aggressive too and a low sugar wash with that may get you something off in time. It does seem that you rather need some more fermenters ! Pikey ... you are right about that. As you see havent been do...
by willee
Tue Feb 28, 2017 6:26 am
Forum: Rum
Topic: Rum mash not fermenting ...
Replies: 20
Views: 3986

Re: Rum mash not fermenting ...

You kinda jumped into this with two left feet. I reckon it was possible to rescue this, but you asked for help without giving us the info we needed to help you, then dumped it before we got a chance. Now, you want a quick BW for next weekend. Good luck with that. My rums always finish dry before my...
by willee
Mon Feb 27, 2017 5:51 pm
Forum: Rum
Topic: Rum mash not fermenting ...
Replies: 20
Views: 3986

Re: Rum mash not fermenting ...

Thanks to everyone that replied to my post here. The mash was very thick and I think the real problem was too much Molasses and not enough water as yummyrum suggested. It was to thick to even get a SG reading. Very strong smelling and messy stuff. I started thinking that perhaps there was preservati...
by willee
Mon Feb 27, 2017 11:19 am
Forum: Rum
Topic: Rum mash not fermenting ...
Replies: 20
Views: 3986

Re: Rum mash not fermenting ...

Removed 1 gal of mash and added one gal of water with 10 lbs of sugar.
Pitched a packet of bakers yeast to see it that wont get fermentation started.
by willee
Mon Feb 27, 2017 10:29 am
Forum: Rum
Topic: Rum mash not fermenting ...
Replies: 20
Views: 3986

Rum mash not fermenting ...

I used two gallons of feed Molasses purchased from Tractor Supply mixed with 4.5 gallons water ... boiled for 20 min ... cooled and pitched ale yeast. Oxygenated the mash in the fermentor. After 24 hours still no sign of yeast activity. I am suspecting some preservative is killing the yeast. Anyone ...
by willee
Sun Feb 26, 2017 5:40 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Column limits
Replies: 17
Views: 2022

Re: Column limits

Check out this link for info about wattage and column size ......

http://homedistiller.org/theory/refluxdesign/diameter" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
by willee
Sat Feb 25, 2017 10:46 am
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: Dialing in new reflux still
Replies: 23
Views: 2063

Re: Dialing in new reflux still

I'm no expert but I use a CM re-flux column. I assume you are reading the temp just below the condenser on the column ... not the condenser on the vapor takeoff tube. I use copper mesh for the column condenser area up and Stainless Steel saddles (http://www.austinhomebrew.com/Still-Spirits-Stainless...
by willee
Fri Feb 24, 2017 3:41 pm
Forum: Novice Distillers
Topic: alcohol free GIN
Replies: 30
Views: 19118

Re: alcohol free GIN

I dont know ... they have been trying to make beer with no alcohol and get it to taste right ... but it is just never the same taste without the ethanol.
I would suspect the same would be true trying to get gin flavored water to taste anything near the real thing.
by willee
Fri Feb 24, 2017 3:26 pm
Forum: Boilers
Topic: Heater element replacement help ....
Replies: 9
Views: 3262

Re: Heater element replacement help ....

Are you 100% sure the elements are the problem? I've heard they have a reset button that is hard to find. Yeah ... the over-temp or "run-dry" breaker is located in the center of the bottom cover and it is reset. I used an Ohm-meter to verify the 1000 watt element is open ... the smaller 6...
by willee
Thu Feb 23, 2017 1:46 pm
Forum: Column Builds
Topic: What would be the difference ....
Replies: 1
Views: 696

What would be the difference ....

If I went from a 2" CM re-flux column to a 3" CM re-flux Column ?
Same 8 gal boiler and 5500 watt electric heat source.
I would expect faster production but what about purity?
Can I reasonably expect 95% ABV neutral spirits?
Would the 3" column need to be taller than the 2" column?