Updating Parent site

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cranky
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by cranky »

I don't know if this is really a concern but this page
http://homedistiller.org/equip/control" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Is really pretty outdated. It isn't a safety issue but pretty much the page talks about using triac and PID controllers and most people don't use those any more because there are much easier and better options now a days.
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cranky
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by cranky »

I haven't stopped going through this, it's just a slow and tedious process and hope others are trying to help out too :D

On this page
http://homedistiller.org/fruit/wash-fruit/method" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Jack gives an update wrote:For those using an ice-water-wok still, freeze concentrate the wine down by half, and for every gallon of freeze concentrated wine, add a teaspoon of table salt, then run it however you normally do- ice-water-wok type stills are very odd in how they are run- it's up to the individual on how to make the cut. Just remember to separate out the heads.
This doesn't really add anything to the text other than confusing people since the ice-water-wok is really a bad design and is even listed as a "fake still" under "stills that aren't stills" in the equipment section of the parent site.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by cranky »

http://homedistiller.org/fruit/wash-fruit/sugar" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Parent site wrote:Gert Strand however, at http://www.turboyeast.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow, however suggests that the extra alcohol (and CO2 produced) extra MORE flavours from the fruit. See his site for excellent instructions on various techniques & recipes when using his Turbo yeasts.
Dead link and I don't think the info is very valid.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by cranky »

http://homedistiller.org/fruit/wash-fruit/mockbrandy" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
I just read this page over and over again and can't really put my finger on why it just seems wrong, maybe it is the ice in the lid of the pot while boiling and simmering 40-50% alcohol for 4 hours in a sealed or semi sealed pot or maybe it is something else but to me something just seems so wrong with this page.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by thecroweater »

Bushman wrote:Not sure we want to promote these stills for sale anymore as the list is dated unless we work at an update:
Stills for sale
There are better valued stills around but most of these are not bad stills per say and a couple can be modified to be quite good
Probably don't want the following image of a glass oven top still:
Glass teapot still
plain old needs removing
What's new at HD has not been updated since 2012: :lolno: yeah probably fairly redundant
What's new at HD
Just my opinions
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der wo
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by der wo »

Because of the thread here: http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =1&t=66336
Perhaps we should replace the azeotrope number 95.6% with 97.2%. Or write 95.6 abw (alcohol by weight).
For example here:
http://homedistiller.org/theory/theory/strong" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
The graph is about alcohol by volume, but in the text:
Note that only 96.5% ethanol can be obtained by regular distillation of alcohol & water.

Also here: http://homedistiller.org/theory/theory" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
You cannot get rid of that small amount of water, as once you reach a mix of 96.5% ethanol/water, with a boiling point of 78.2 °C
In this way, imperialism brings catastrophe as a mode of existence back from the periphery of capitalist development to its point of departure. - Rosa Luxemburg
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Still Life »

New member 'WallyGator' found this aluminum column entry under Mike Pemberton's Vapour Management Still.
http://homedistiller.org/equip/photos-ns
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by OtisT »

Hi. There is an image of a glass stovetop still in the flavor section of the parent site. An oil extraction still.

http://homedistiller.org/flavor/flavour/still" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow.
Otis’ Pot and Thumper, Dimroth Condenser: Pot-n-Thumper/Dimroth
Learning to Toast: Toasting Wood
Polishing Spirits with Fruitwood: Fruitwood
Badmotivator’s Barrels: Badmo Barrels
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by OtisT »

OtisT wrote:Hi. There is an image of a glass stovetop still in the flavor section of the parent site. An oil extraction still.

http://homedistiller.org/flavor/flavour/still" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow.
Forgot to mention the output on this thing is a plastic tube.
Otis’ Pot and Thumper, Dimroth Condenser: Pot-n-Thumper/Dimroth
Learning to Toast: Toasting Wood
Polishing Spirits with Fruitwood: Fruitwood
Badmotivator’s Barrels: Badmo Barrels
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Pikey »

OtisT wrote:
OtisT wrote:Hi. There is an image of a glass stovetop still in the flavor section of the parent site. An oil extraction still.

http://homedistiller.org/flavor/flavour/still" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow.
Forgot to mention the output on this thing is a plastic tube.
Nice little unit and condenser though - Stainless tea pot would do the same job perhaps. 8)
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Uncle Jesse »

Gearing up to tackle some of this soon.
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Bushman
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Bushman »

Wow, let me know if you need some help that is going to be a big job but one that needs updating. I am glad so many members have already given input on the threads that are outdated.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Uncle Jesse »

Starting to do these changes. Help me out here folks.

1. Need a photo of a thumper. The glass thumper pic has to go. I like that it's clear and you can see it, but it's not safe. Either I put in a different photo of a safe thumper or I don't use a photo. A gif would work too... animated gif of course.
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Kareltje
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Kareltje »

What about:
$_87.jpg
Never seen before: the copper clamps to support the bottom.

I asked this still builder about the glass thumper. He said he never had a problem with it, but one should heat it quietly and evenly. And of course support it! He never lost one.
Just common sense, if you ask me.

Sorry: now I see the outlet pipe starts at the bottom. That of course is quite wrong!
And a better one:
2017-05-21-04.JPG
.
Problem is that you can not see the piping inside the thumper.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Uncle Jesse »

Soft batch wrote:Glass Jar thumper (with BPA lined lid), rubber grommets, and unknown seal on pressure cooker.
http://homedistiller.org/equip/designs/thumper
This page has been modified. I removed the photo of the atrocious setup and modified the accompanying text.

Please folks, read this page and let me know if I missed anything in there which is dangerous or misleading.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Uncle Jesse »

cranky wrote:Thank you for starting this thread Tater.
I don't know how much you are willing and able to change on the parent site but one of the biggest problem we run into in regard to the parent site is that darn pressure cooker still on this page
http://homedistiller.org/equip/photos-pot" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Novices stumble across this one frequently then try to duplicate it and get jumped all over for doing so. If you can't get rid of it could you at least put a warning on it?
I modified this page as well. Please check it and comment.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Uncle Jesse »

cranky wrote:This is another safety one from this page http://homedistiller.org/equip/designs/make_pot" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
parent site wrote:The diameter of the tubing depends on the heat - for most stovetop models (typically built out of a pressure cooker) 1/4 to 1/2inch tubing is used for the lyne arm and the condensor. The narrower the tubing is, the lower the heat setting you need to use. The condensor running off of your potstill can be whatever diameter you have (provided it's no smaller than 1/4")
Of course we know that 3/8" is minimum with 1/2" preferred and they are no longer typically built out of pressure cookers.
Corrected. Please proofread it and comment.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Uncle Jesse »

Bushman wrote:Not sure we want to promote these stills for sale anymore as the list is dated unless we work at an update:
Stills for sale

Probably don't want the following image of a glass oven top still:
Glass teapot still

What's new at HD has not been updated since 2012:
What's new at HD
1. I am not up on the current vendors selling stills. Anyone want to provide a list so I can update that page? It will not be a quick update as there is a lot of info there, and photos.

2. I removed the ludicrously dangerous coffee pot essence extractor from all three pages which referenced it, and deleted the image.

3. Updated the what's new page.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Uncle Jesse »

bitter wrote:This has the glass teapot still also http://homedistiller.org/flavor" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow under Gin might want to remove it.. or have a warning

http://homedistiller.org/equip/first_run" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow might want to be updated to show the recomended cleaning bnch of different methods listed on that page. Simplify and ensure people have the right info

http://homedistiller.org/wash/ferment/high" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow This is not really wrong we just recommend against high gravity so not sure best way to fix this.

Thanks for spending the time to update this.

B
1. As stated earlier I removed the glass coffee pot still from three pages. Thanks for spotting this.

2. Is there a good thread you can point me to for info on cleaning a still? I'll link it on that page if there is.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Uncle Jesse »

bitter wrote:http://homedistiller.org/wash/ferment/high This is not really wrong we just recommend against high gravity so not sure best way to fix this.
Modified this page with my personal thoughts.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Uncle Jesse »

cranky wrote:I didn't figure we needed to debate among ourselves on this one. We have been asked to point out problems, I will lay out where I feel they are, what they are and why I think they are a problem and the mods can make the decisions, if they have any questions or need clarification as to why I feel these things need to go all they have to do is ask me and I will be happy to answer any questions they have.

Now, that said this page
http://homedistiller.org/equip/designs/pot_plan" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
is just full of bad info from that damn pressure cooker again, a still made out of a paint can :wtf: and even this statement
parent site wrote:No welding - just glue, silicone, clamps. All this is sitable for most kitchen stoves and sinks. Obviously this is an introductory still for the beginner.Paint tins are not heavily coated. Kept dry it should last years - rust remover will extend this.

I forgot to mention Safety aspects important as we don't want kitchens going up in flames! I switch the exhaust fan on to take away any stray fumes, even though the ring clamp is air-tight. I made the lyne arm quite long for partial reflux and to take it away from the stove. The distillate outlet tube goes down to the floor, well away from the stove. An electric stove might be safer, although apparently slower.
There is a whole lot wrong in that quote and I'm sure there is more on that page that could really use cleaned up
This page almost made my head explode. I have modified it heavily.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Uncle Jesse »

Also, folks, I'm not going to say that nobody can make a safe still out of a pressure cooker.

What I will say is that I don't want this on the main site. The last thing I want is a novice using a pressure cooker. If you have a certain level of expertise then you know that the minimum safety requirement is that you don't allow your mash or vapor path to come under pressure. I don't want some novice using a pressure cooker and causing an explosion, especially not an explosion with high proof vapor or liquid present.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Uncle Jesse »

cranky wrote:http://homedistiller.org/theory/refluxdesign/your
Parent Site wrote:Suggestions include paint tins as seen in walt or AV25L or a preserving pan with a clipped lid like Teds at http://mwci.s5.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow.
I already mentioned the paint tins on another page. The preserving pad is enameled steel.
I removed the part about pot still plans which used paint cans :econfused: and clips :shock: and put in a link to the forums.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Uncle Jesse »

cranky wrote:http://homedistiller.org/equip/photos-reflux
Peter's Still with Vodka Bottle Condenser
I think it is really a bad idea to keep this one showing a cut off bottle being used as a reflux condenser.

Also on that page under
Victors Aircooled Still
Victors Aircooled Still wrote:I seal the lid with a rubber gasket and steel band. The gasket I made from (some type of) rubber round, cut to length with a splice joint and glued with contact adhesive. Against all expectations, its lasted and lasted and shows no signs of failing.
I feel this bit can be removed without affecting the past as a whole, although there are a few other minor outdated things in that post they aren't really safety issues.

and
Ted's Still at http://mwci.s5.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Which again is made from an enameled canning kettle rather than approved materials.

Then there is the advertisement at the bottom of that page for
The Ultra Pure Still at http://www.puredistilling.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
I only mention this because advertising seems out of place.
Fixed all this mess up.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Uncle Jesse »

shadylane wrote:http://homedistiller.org/wash/ferment/pitch

"If using dried yeast, it can be helped along by letting it soak in about 1C of warm (24 °C) water for about an hour beforehand'

Figure 15 minutes would be plenty of time.
Yeast will have rehydrated and begin to starve to death in an hour.
http://www.scottlab.com/uploads/documen ... lemand.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Done
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Uncle Jesse »

shadylane wrote:Over the years I've seen newbies get into trouble
asking about making carbon filters out of plastic pipe.
And here's were they found the idea

http://homedistiller.org/distill/polish/methods" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Embarrassing that this nonsense was still on the parent site after all these years. I modified the page and removed as much of the nonsense plastic/pvc/bike pump stuff as I could. Please check it to make sure I got it all.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Tater »

looking good :thumbup:
I use a pot still.Sometimes with a thumper
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Uncle Jesse »

cranky wrote:I know I may have a bit of a jump on people because I started making this list as the beginnings of the spoon feeding thread but I hope the other members are busy going through here to help improve the parent site. I know it is a bit tedious but just take some time, pick a page, read through it and make notes, before you know it you have made it through an entire page, then take a break and be silly on the forums for a bit and soon we will have the parent site cleaned up and full of the good useful safe information it should have.

Now, this page
http://homedistiller.org/equip/photos-sold" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Specifically this still
parent site wrote:Duplast at Des Zine's Code Imports
Duplast Reflux Performance : 80 - 82%

Dean Watts comments : My still has a Plastic boiling chamber (basically a brew barrel which you can by the way, see through and see the wash boiling correctly.) This then connects to a plastic reflux tower which is 11cm wide by 30cm tall. Then it connects to a Copper head (another 18cm high) unit which has the reflux condenser inside mounted about 9cm from the top. As the copper head is the last thing to be assembled you can only put media in the 30cm Tower.
:esurprised: :esurprised: :esurprised: Plastic still with plastic column! nuf said.

and this one
Bob's MoonWater Still at http://www.encode.com/exec" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
has a dead link. I think there are probably a lot of dead links that someone may look into.
Fixed these too. Wow.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Uncle Jesse »

der wo wrote:http://homedistiller.org/distill/dtw/toss
The terms foreshots and methanol are confused.
Be ruthless about tossing the first 50 mL (off a 20L wash) that you collect, as this contains any methanol (causer of hangovers - small quantities, or blindness - larger quantities).
I think it's proved wrong in the meantime. We have four or five studies proving the opposite, methanol in the tails or at least similar in all fractions.
It's not pretty but I modified that page.
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Re: Updating Parent site

Post by Uncle Jesse »

cranky wrote:http://homedistiller.org/equip/concept
This is in the 2nd paragraph where it talks about heating with gas and I feel this particular sentance really doesn't add anything to the text and does more harm than good talking about using glass and propane together.
wrote:I use gas (9kg l.p.g. bottle) with my small glass still that I use for experimenting, and for botanicals.
A little further down the page it talks about using a double boiler and once again mentions using paint cans
wrote: I use quart and gallon unlined, new paint cans.
Same page under Boiling kettles it once again mentions
wrote: pressure cookers
Under Lid on that page
wrote:You may want to consider some form of pressure relief valve - eg a rubber grommet pushed into place. Some lids use a length of soft PVC tubing split along its length to fit around the edge of the lid - this deforms when the lid is fastened, and helps maintain a good seal.
As we know, a rubber grommet and PVC tubing are bad things.

Last on that page is
wrote:Thermometer
You need to be able to track the progress of the distillation. For pot stills the thermometer needs to be mounted in the head, whereas it should be at the top of the packed column in a reflux still. In both cases, its just prior to the final condensor.
As we know a thermometer isn't really necessary in a pot still
Changes have been made.
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