Nothing Fancy
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- copperheadrd
- Novice
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:16 pm
Nothing Fancy
Hey all, attempted an introduction but it didn't post (maybe it has to be moderated) regardless figured I'd show a few pictures of my rig, already did a cleaning and "sacrificial" run started a batch of DWWG last night and anxious to get one under my belt
- copperheadrd
- Novice
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- Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:16 pm
Re: Nothing Fancy
Thank you for the kind words sir, I took very seriously all of the things I've read in this forum and so far she runs beautifully, as far as the thermometer, it was my building partners idea (I tried to explain that we can't run a pot still with it but ultimately conceded), gives ya something to look at
- corene1
- HD Distilling Goddess
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- Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2013 8:05 pm
- Location: The western Valley
Re: Nothing Fancy
copperheadrd wrote:Thank you for the kind words sir, I took very seriously all of the things I've read in this forum and so far she runs beautifully, as far as the thermometer, it was my building partners idea (I tried to explain that we can't run a pot still with it but ultimately conceded), gives ya something to look at
Your thermometer is safe with me. It is true you can't run a pot still with a thermometer but you can certainly record data of the run with it and what temps the heads hearts and tails show up and what flavors are coming across at what temperatures. Shows the difference in temps between a stripping run an a spirit run. The hearts on a spirit run that has been cut to 40% ABV will show at a much lower temp than the hearts of a single run at 8% ABV. It is just things I like to watch and record for future thoughts and comparisons. Always take notes on your runs and washes so when you find one that tickles your tummy you can repeat it.
- copperheadrd
- Novice
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- Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:16 pm
Re: Nothing Fancy
I did chart my sacrificial run (and even my cleaning run), noted times and temperatures in there and i have to say the thermometer was helpful in giving us an idea of what was happening, we didn't rely on it but rather ran it by how we were getting the best stream, I can certainly see both sides of the fence with the thermometer
Re: Nothing Fancy
The thermometer IMO is a useful tool. I see no reason if in the right location and the right type no to use one. Why limit the amount of info available to you.
I did notice a small uphill tilt of your coil at the very start of our coil. I would try to get it all on a downward tilt. Looks like a very nice set up.
Happy stillin...
I did notice a small uphill tilt of your coil at the very start of our coil. I would try to get it all on a downward tilt. Looks like a very nice set up.
Happy stillin...
Re: Nothing Fancy
Fine job friend one ? Is your water being pumped in at the bottom of your flake stand and draining out the top?
Buy the ticket and ride the lightnin boys !!!
Impatience is the root of all bad things in my book of makin likker!
The sound of a thumper is the heart beat of the rebel" Warden Pappy"
Impatience is the root of all bad things in my book of makin likker!
The sound of a thumper is the heart beat of the rebel" Warden Pappy"
- copperheadrd
- Novice
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- Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:16 pm
Re: Nothing Fancy
yes sir, i have not had to run water yet because my flake stand has such a capacity, but there is a boiler drain valve at the bottom (garden hose thread) that when running i have a garden hose attached to, and toward the top is the nipple to the heater hose that serves to let the hot water out if i should have to cool her down, going to run a batch of DWWG on sunday so i'll be interested to see if i will have to turn on any water
-
- Angel's Share
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Re: Nothing Fancy
Nice looking rig copperheadrd. "Nothing Fancy" but nice work all the same. That rig'l teach you how to make good whiskey if you'll just learn to listen to what she's saying.
My first still had a thermometer and I took notes as to what was happening, at what temp, at what take-off speeds, etc. I think it helps the uninitiated guy learn what is going on with their rig. As one becomes more familiar with the distilling process and more comfortable running their still then I think it's relevance becomes less. I came to enjoy just listening to my still as it came up to temp and learning the language it spoke. I never did put another thermometer in a pot still, not even in potstills I made and sold to newbs. I say to each their own -- a thermometer has a place if you want it too.
That rig you got will make you some of the finest liquor you'll ever drink if you learn your craft. Best of luck.
My first still had a thermometer and I took notes as to what was happening, at what temp, at what take-off speeds, etc. I think it helps the uninitiated guy learn what is going on with their rig. As one becomes more familiar with the distilling process and more comfortable running their still then I think it's relevance becomes less. I came to enjoy just listening to my still as it came up to temp and learning the language it spoke. I never did put another thermometer in a pot still, not even in potstills I made and sold to newbs. I say to each their own -- a thermometer has a place if you want it too.
That rig you got will make you some of the finest liquor you'll ever drink if you learn your craft. Best of luck.
A little spoon feeding for New and Novice Distillers (by Cranky)
Advice- For newbies, by a newbie
Advice- For newbies, by a newbie
Novice Guide for Cuts (pot still)kook04 wrote: maybe cuts are the biggest learning curve, here.
- copperheadrd
- Novice
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:16 pm
Re: Nothing Fancy
Thanks for all the kind words, I am definitely looking for a quality drink, I have had interest in trying this for a long time and I was very happy to find this forum and have been trying to process all of the information I have read here to this point, I look forward to posting my results from my first run, and always look forward to learning more.
Re: Nothing Fancy
Good deal she will do ya just fine.
Buy the ticket and ride the lightnin boys !!!
Impatience is the root of all bad things in my book of makin likker!
The sound of a thumper is the heart beat of the rebel" Warden Pappy"
Impatience is the root of all bad things in my book of makin likker!
The sound of a thumper is the heart beat of the rebel" Warden Pappy"
Re: Nothing Fancy
Nice still...let the games begin !!
A Paraphrase of a Joe Walsh Album Title, "The Drinkier I get, The Smokier I Play!!"
Every new member should read this before doing anything else:
Every new member should read this before doing anything else:
- jedneck
- Site Donor
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- Location: drive to the sticks, hang a right past the sticks amd go a couple more miles.
Re: Nothing Fancy
Looks plenty fancy to me.
welcome aboard some of us are ornery old coots but if you do a lot of
reading and don't ask stupid questions you'll be alright most are
big help
Dunder
reading and don't ask stupid questions you'll be alright most are
big help
Dunder
Re: Nothing Fancy
Beautiful rig Copperhead, nice work.
You owe no one any apologies for your thermo.
You owe no one any apologies for your thermo.
In theory there's no difference between theory and practice. But in practice there is.
My Bourbon and Single Malt recipes. Apple Stuff and Electric Conversion
My Bourbon and Single Malt recipes. Apple Stuff and Electric Conversion
Re: Nothing Fancy
Really nice! How did you seal where the worm exits the flake stand?
- MichiganCornhusker
- retired
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Re: Nothing Fancy
Very nice setup, CR, that should keep you happy for a while. Nice shed, too.
Gotta love Steve Earle.
Gotta love Steve Earle.
Shouting and shooting, I can't let them catch me...
- copperheadrd
- Novice
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- Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:16 pm
Re: Nothing Fancy
a close relative of mine owns a welding business, we welded in a 1/2" NPT bung and then passed the pipe through it got a 1/2" pipe to compression fitting, used a teflon ferrule in the compression fitting and she's watertightchris_zx2 wrote:Really nice! How did you seal where the worm exits the flake stand?
- copperheadrd
- Novice
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:16 pm
Re: Nothing Fancy
ran some DWWG yesterday, hearts were at 58% and pretty smooth, I did not have to run any water, got another batch fermenting as we speak, lovin' it so far
Re: Nothing Fancy
Nice looking rig Copper
- thatguy1313
- Distiller
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- Location: Bulldawg Country
Re: Nothing Fancy
Congrats!
No, officer, I wasn't distilling alcohol! It was probably that guy!
Important information for new distillers
Important information for new distillers
- copperheadrd
- Novice
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:16 pm
Re: Nothing Fancy
Just found out my "stainless" bulkhead fitting is rusting on the inside already, on the hunt for a true stainless (or copper) bulkhead tubing union
Re: Nothing Fancy
On the keg or the worm?
- copperheadrd
- Novice
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- Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:16 pm
Re: Nothing Fancy
my pipe passes through the side of my flake stand (another plan i conceded on) the idea was to have everything held in place and have a threaded connection to take it apart, was working great but my fitting appears to be a subpar grade of stainless, it looks like this:
Re: Nothing Fancy
Could it be that the stainless is reacting with the aluminum? Have you considered a rubber grommet?
- copperheadrd
- Novice
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- Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:16 pm
Re: Nothing Fancy
it's rusting inside, the vapor path goes through that fitting so that's why i went with stainless, after researching the composite of the fitting it is a very low grade stainless, i found a higher quality one at only 5 times the price haha, gonna give that a shot before i change my design
- copperheadrd
- Novice
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- Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:16 pm
Re: Nothing Fancy
Figured I'd provide an update, I've done two batches of DWWG with pretty similar results, single run gave me about what i thought it would (as far as taste / quantity / proof), turned 10 cups into 2 gallons of excellent apple pie, put up a pint to open on the fourth of july and have been sipping on the rest, got a batch of sweetfeed whiskey that's clearing as i type and should be good to go this weekend, anxious to see how that turns out, big thanks to all the contributors on this forum, i could not have done this (as soon, safely, and as successfully) without you