Vengeance Stills

[rickyaifd]

Did not know the best thread to place this question....but in researching a possible still to purchase as my metal working skills are non-existent...found a company called Vengeance Stills which seems to be the most promising. Thy offer as an option for their stills a sealing ring that negates the use of a paste to seal the neck to the boiler. Doesn't seem to specify the type of sealing gasket though Does anyone have any information as to how reliable the company is? Here are the links....first - to the still in question... https://vengeancestills.com/product/5-g ... -optional/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
and to the clamp - https://vengeancestills.com/product/4-p ... on-stills/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[pfshine]

If I were you, I would not look at anybody that is trying to sell you a mason jar thumper, let alone for $30.

[rickyaifd]

I know from my reading to avoid glass at all costs...so i would opt for the copper thumper.

[rubber duck]

If I were you, I would not look at anybody that is trying to sell you a mason jar thumper, let alone for $30.

I argee, anyone that sells a mason jar thumper is a company I would avoid. That's kinds thin copper for a still isn't it?

[jb-texshine]

Did not know the best thread to place this question....but in researching a possible still to purchase as my metal working skills are non-existent...found a company called Vengeance Stills which seems to be the most promising. Thy offer as an option for their stills a sealing ring that negates the use of a paste to seal the neck to the boiler. Doesn't seem to specify the type of sealing gasket though Does anyone have any information as to how reliable the company is? Here are the links....first - to the still in question... https://vengeancestills.com/product/5-g ... -optional/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
and to the clamp - https://vengeancestills.com/product/4-p ... on-stills/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Looks like a standard tri clamp and a silicon gasket.

[corene1]

I am going to say no on these stills. The pictures weren't very close but it looks like the bottoms are just set on an over sized copper plate circle and fillet soldered. There is no lapping of the seam or any fold over on the seams for strength. I think there was a post several months ago of a still like this that had the bottom joint come apart while being ran dumping hot wash all over the burner and floor. . The bottoms at 16 or even 20 ounce are also very thin to be using propane heat on especially with no lapping for seam strength. If they would show a close up of the seams it would be beneficial. Shoot them an e-mail and ask them if the seams are lapped for strength. Neat CNC plasma cutter though.

[rickyaifd]

Update...found out for sure that the gasket is silicone...which if I have read correctly...is not recommended for alcohol distilling. Am I correct on that?

[rad14701]

Update...found out for sure that the gasket is silicone...which if I have read correctly...is not recommended for alcohol distilling. Am I correct on that?

Correct... Some use them but . . . .

[Slappy26]

I actually own one of these stills? With the traditional thumper. It works great and producing wonderful tasting product. The downside is the bottom. The edge of cylinder is bead rolled for an indention, but the bottom is just set on this indention and soldered. Mine developed significant leaks after 1.5 years. I repaired and it ran for a but and then again had a massive failure. I've since built a much larger, rigid still, but I still have this one. I will fix it and use it for small batch runs. The owner is a good guy.

[Biker Mark]

Is there a company that makes a "Good" boiler with the bottom constructed properly?
I'm not looking for the old "build your own" answer, I work 12 hours + a day, 7 days a week and hardly have time to drink it, let alone make it and build a still.

I bought the Vengeance 5 gallon kit and soldered it myself about 6 months ago. I noticed the design imperfection as well, I paid extra attention to the bottom when soldering.
The bottom is recessed about an inch, and one side has begun to bend over, inward toward the bottom, from tipping the still to pour out the backset.
I'm considering tapping it over all the way around and re-soldering it. this would give the bottom a "fold over" and another layer of soldered joint.
I'm not having any problems so far, but a preemptive strike may be in order before I'm wading in 200 degree wash.

[Hound Dog]

Is there a company that makes a "Good" boiler with the bottom constructed properly?
I'm not looking for the old "build your own" answer, I work 12 hours + a day, 7 days a week

There are plenty of them out there. Remember that you get what you pay for. Of course at 72 hours a week, money should be no object

[Biker Mark]

There are plenty of them out there. Remember that you get what you pay for. Of course at 72 hours a week, money should be no object

I have Motorcycles to maintain! $$ That's why I gotta make my own drink.
I'm willing to pay for quality, but I've been scouring the WWW looking for NC style pot stills with cap and arm with limited results.

I found these: http://www.appalachianmetalworks.com/mo ... key-making" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Anyone have any eperience with these, or heard anything?

[Hound Dog]

There are plenty of them out there. Remember that you get what you pay for. Of course at 72 hours a week, money should be no object

I have Motorcycles to maintain! $$ That's why I gotta make my own drink.
I'm willing to pay for quality, but I've been scouring the WWW looking for NC style pot stills with cap and arm with limited results.

I found these: http://www.appalachianmetalworks.com/mo ... key-making" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Anyone have any eperience with these, or heard anything?

Since you brought it up, I know that expense this one has been on the lift for a bit waiting on my dead ass to replace the leaking main seal. Luckily my Fatboy is up and running...

[freefall]

Luckily my Fatboy is up and running......thunbs up