Idea for a Pot still head
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head
Yes you can. If your solder is too thin you might not get enough, but give it a try. If you are going to feed it by hand, make a bend in your solder wire about 2" from the end. That is how much you want to use.
Did we talk about cleaning yet? Your parts need to be shiny clean. Use emery cloth, a file, or sandpaper. That will expose the raw copper for the solder to adhere to. But an oxide film starts to form immediately. The oxide film won't let the solder get to the copper. That is where the flux comes in. The flux prevents the oxide layer. Sometimes you will find you have to scratch with the tip of your solder wire to get through the oxide before the solder will stick.
Good luck, man. You'll get 'er this time for sure.
Did we talk about cleaning yet? Your parts need to be shiny clean. Use emery cloth, a file, or sandpaper. That will expose the raw copper for the solder to adhere to. But an oxide film starts to form immediately. The oxide film won't let the solder get to the copper. That is where the flux comes in. The flux prevents the oxide layer. Sometimes you will find you have to scratch with the tip of your solder wire to get through the oxide before the solder will stick.
Good luck, man. You'll get 'er this time for sure.
Distilling at 110f and 75 torr.
I'm not an absinthe snob, I'm The Absinthe Nazi. "NO ABSINTHE FOR YOU!"
I'm not an absinthe snob, I'm The Absinthe Nazi. "NO ABSINTHE FOR YOU!"
Re: Idea for a Pot still head
Solder is about 1/8 thick
Thought I cleaned pretty well. Used 400 grit sandpaper inside and out of both parts
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Thought I cleaned pretty well. Used 400 grit sandpaper inside and out of both parts
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head
Sounds good. Go for it.
Distilling at 110f and 75 torr.
I'm not an absinthe snob, I'm The Absinthe Nazi. "NO ABSINTHE FOR YOU!"
I'm not an absinthe snob, I'm The Absinthe Nazi. "NO ABSINTHE FOR YOU!"
Re: Idea for a Pot still head
This is getting done today.
Going to clean it as I go wit a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar then make the last joint
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Going to clean it as I go wit a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar then make the last joint
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head
So, she aint pretty, and there are some solder overflows I need to clean up, but she is done, and she is MINE!!!!!!
13 and change rise
44 inch 3/4 total condenser length
30 inch 1" water jacket
13 and change rise
44 inch 3/4 total condenser length
30 inch 1" water jacket
Re: Idea for a Pot still head
Looking good,Tx. All ready for a test drive. Give 'er hell, man.
Distilling at 110f and 75 torr.
I'm not an absinthe snob, I'm The Absinthe Nazi. "NO ABSINTHE FOR YOU!"
I'm not an absinthe snob, I'm The Absinthe Nazi. "NO ABSINTHE FOR YOU!"
Re: Idea for a Pot still head
thanks for the help and moral support...LOLskow69 wrote:Looking good,Tx. All ready for a test drive. Give 'er hell, man.
Re: Idea for a Pot still head
One of the best feelings in the worldTxBrewing wrote:So, she aint pretty, and there are some solder overflows I need to clean up, but she is done, and she is MINE!!!!!
Treat her nicely and she'll put out a good drop for you.
Good job!
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- still_stirrin
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head
Looks good TxB.
ICU have an "upside down" keg...you're going to use the Sanke opening for a drain. Smart. Do you have the fittings necessary to make that up, including a valve? I'd suppose a 2" TC valve is expensive, isn't it? Or, are you going to plumb it down to 1" copper?
ss
p.s. - Got plans to insulate it?
ICU have an "upside down" keg...you're going to use the Sanke opening for a drain. Smart. Do you have the fittings necessary to make that up, including a valve? I'd suppose a 2" TC valve is expensive, isn't it? Or, are you going to plumb it down to 1" copper?
ss
p.s. - Got plans to insulate it?
My LM/VM & Potstill: My build thread
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
Re: Idea for a Pot still head
I do have the bottom drain already...bought as a kit from Brewhardware ( I have 3 piece valves for days because of the brewery)
And insulate what the still or the keg...I can do both if needed.
will be heated by a 5500w element, working some issues out with he SCR build in a different thread.
TXB
And insulate what the still or the keg...I can do both if needed.
will be heated by a 5500w element, working some issues out with he SCR build in a different thread.
TXB
- still_stirrin
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head
Insulate the boiler. And be sure to insulate the top and bottom dish too.
Potstill doesn't need insulation.
Reflux columns do.
ss
Potstill doesn't need insulation.
Reflux columns do.
ss
My LM/VM & Potstill: My build thread
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
- still_stirrin
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head
I curious about this...can you post a link?TxBrewing wrote:I do have the bottom drain already...bought as a kit from Brewhardware ( I have 3 piece valves for days because of the brewery)...
My LM/VM & Potstill: My build thread
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
Re: Idea for a Pot still head
https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/sankebdrain5.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
I also use his element enclosure called the hot pod
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I also use his element enclosure called the hot pod
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- still_stirrin
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head
Thanks TxB.
I see it's a 2" TC x 1/2" MIP adapter and elbow + pipe. All parts stainless. Good deal/price. I just hope the 1/2" ID doesn't have a tendency to plug if you have any solids or heavy matter in the boiler. Just be sure to strain your wash good before running into the boiler so the drain won't plug on you. Probably not much of a problem otherwise.
I have a 3/4" drain on mine and if I was using the 2" Sanke fitting, I probably would stay with 1"ID minimum...just to keep the drain flowing under all conditions. Even now with the 3/4", sometimes it drains slowly....but I hook a garden hose up to the fitting so the hose probably slows things down too.
ss
I see it's a 2" TC x 1/2" MIP adapter and elbow + pipe. All parts stainless. Good deal/price. I just hope the 1/2" ID doesn't have a tendency to plug if you have any solids or heavy matter in the boiler. Just be sure to strain your wash good before running into the boiler so the drain won't plug on you. Probably not much of a problem otherwise.
I have a 3/4" drain on mine and if I was using the 2" Sanke fitting, I probably would stay with 1"ID minimum...just to keep the drain flowing under all conditions. Even now with the 3/4", sometimes it drains slowly....but I hook a garden hose up to the fitting so the hose probably slows things down too.
ss
My LM/VM & Potstill: My build thread
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
Re: Idea for a Pot still head
The plan is to run clean. It's a brewing thing. LOL
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head
TxB your rig looks just right .
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head
Looks perfect.now fill it with water and let it blow steam for a hour or two then vinegar and water. Then sacrificial and then a lifetime of hangover free liquor will start dripping! Congratulations on a job well done.
Jbt
Jbt
Remember not to blow yourself up,you only get to forget once!
Deo Vendice
Never eat Mexican food north or east of Dallas tx!
Deo Vendice
Never eat Mexican food north or east of Dallas tx!
Re: Idea for a Pot still head
Only if you make the right cutsjb-texshine wrote:Looks perfect.now fill it with water and let it blow steam for a hour or two then vinegar and water. Then sacrificial and then a lifetime of hangover free liquor will start dripping! Congratulations on a job well done.
Jbt
Best place to start for newbies - click here - Courtesy of Cranky :-)
If you have used this site to save money by making your own top quality booze at home then please consider donating a couple of dollars to help keep this site running. Cheers!
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- ShineonCrazyDiamond
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head
I know your point, SS, performance would be the same. But I will say, i have insulated both my pot still columns for safety. Takes one time to lean over it and leave a mark on your neck or arm to realize some reflectix is a smart move.still_stirrin wrote:
Potstill doesn't need insulation.
Reflux columns do.
ss
Also, I would think it should still help conserve some energy. But not the main motivation.
"Come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!
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Shine on you crazy diamond."
You reached for the secret too soon, you cried for the moon.
Shine on you crazy diamond."
Re: Idea for a Pot still head
I read this post because well, I was supposed toooooo.
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15489
Have a few questions
1. I thought water --> vinegar --> sac run was the order, the water run seems to be omitted
2. How long after the vinegar run can I wait to do the sac run?
3. 5lb of sugar in 5 gal of water good enough for the sac run?
4. if I can't do the sac run the same day, should I re-steam to make sure the vinegar does not do anything bad to the copper?
Thanks
TXB
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15489
Have a few questions
1. I thought water --> vinegar --> sac run was the order, the water run seems to be omitted
2. How long after the vinegar run can I wait to do the sac run?
3. 5lb of sugar in 5 gal of water good enough for the sac run?
4. if I can't do the sac run the same day, should I re-steam to make sure the vinegar does not do anything bad to the copper?
Thanks
TXB
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head
1. Water vinegar sac,yes.
2.id do it the same day
3. As long as it finishes fermenting its good enough to throw away. Try sugar ,water ,yeast,and tomato paste. The yeast needs nutrients to ferment out fully.
4.rinse the hell out of it with hot water or re steam either one. If the vinegar is left for long itll cause bluegreen funk to form.
2.id do it the same day
3. As long as it finishes fermenting its good enough to throw away. Try sugar ,water ,yeast,and tomato paste. The yeast needs nutrients to ferment out fully.
4.rinse the hell out of it with hot water or re steam either one. If the vinegar is left for long itll cause bluegreen funk to form.
Remember not to blow yourself up,you only get to forget once!
Deo Vendice
Never eat Mexican food north or east of Dallas tx!
Deo Vendice
Never eat Mexican food north or east of Dallas tx!
Re: Idea for a Pot still head
Thanks
Will start the fermentation tomorrow
Next weekend get her cleaned
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Will start the fermentation tomorrow
Next weekend get her cleaned
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head
So 5.5 gallons of water
10 pounds of sugar
1 6oz can tomato paste
2 tsp lemon juice
Warming up the fermentation chamber to 75f
This will be for the sac run
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10 pounds of sugar
1 6oz can tomato paste
2 tsp lemon juice
Warming up the fermentation chamber to 75f
This will be for the sac run
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
- still_stirrin
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head
I'm gettin' thirsty already.TxBrewing wrote:So....this will be for the sac run:
5.5 gallons of water
10 pounds of sugar
1 6oz can tomato paste
2 tsp lemon juice
ss
My LM/VM & Potstill: My build thread
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
Re: Idea for a Pot still head
Whoa SS that's his cleaning sac run, lets turn him over to the t&t topics to find a yummy flavor to cook up for sippin
BTW SS thanx for the google search fu link in your siggy box
TxB good job dude! betcha can't wait to run some product
have a blast (metiforicly) stay safe
bronctoad
BTW SS thanx for the google search fu link in your siggy box
TxB good job dude! betcha can't wait to run some product
have a blast (metiforicly) stay safe
bronctoad
Re: Idea for a Pot still head
indeed, just wanted to make sure I hit close to the right numbers...you have no idea how the beer brew geek in me is tripping on such a easy ferment...lol
I am about to order my Distillers yeast, and this week will pick up some cracked corn.
UJSSM will be the first 10 or 12 runs.
I have 2 13 gallon fermentors, will start one, then after the 1st run, will have both going at the same time.
10 gallons water
14 pounds corn
14 pounds sugar
2 tbsp yeast
per ferment
TXB
I am about to order my Distillers yeast, and this week will pick up some cracked corn.
UJSSM will be the first 10 or 12 runs.
I have 2 13 gallon fermentors, will start one, then after the 1st run, will have both going at the same time.
10 gallons water
14 pounds corn
14 pounds sugar
2 tbsp yeast
per ferment
TXB
Re: Idea for a Pot still head
So this evening will be 48 hours and no visible activity in the TPW.
I did run into a snag, I sprinkled my yeast (US-05) on to the top of the wash, like I do my beer....
because it was only 5.5 gallons I was using my bottling bucket with a spigot on the bottom, and knock the spigot loos so it started leaking.
I quickly transferred to on of my 8 gallon fermenters, and waited 24 hours with no activity.
So at that point (last night) I proofed another packet of yeast (US-05) and pitched it, when I poured it into the fermentor it made a fizzing sound....
Tonight will be 48 hours, and I hope to see some activity, if not I will just make up a new wash and start again but I will use bakers yeast, while I am waiting for my DADY to get in .
TXB
I did run into a snag, I sprinkled my yeast (US-05) on to the top of the wash, like I do my beer....
because it was only 5.5 gallons I was using my bottling bucket with a spigot on the bottom, and knock the spigot loos so it started leaking.
I quickly transferred to on of my 8 gallon fermenters, and waited 24 hours with no activity.
So at that point (last night) I proofed another packet of yeast (US-05) and pitched it, when I poured it into the fermentor it made a fizzing sound....
Tonight will be 48 hours, and I hope to see some activity, if not I will just make up a new wash and start again but I will use bakers yeast, while I am waiting for my DADY to get in .
TXB
Re: Idea for a Pot still head
The yeast fizzed when you poured it in? What is your pH? And temperature?
Distilling at 110f and 75 torr.
I'm not an absinthe snob, I'm The Absinthe Nazi. "NO ABSINTHE FOR YOU!"
I'm not an absinthe snob, I'm The Absinthe Nazi. "NO ABSINTHE FOR YOU!"
Re: Idea for a Pot still head
PH not sure. Can check when I get home in about 30 min
Temp 75f
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Temp 75f
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Re: Idea for a Pot still head
EDIT TO ADD: Birdwatcher calculator says I need 5 TABLE SPOONS and I only used 2 TEA Spoons.......
can't find my brewing PH test strips...because I have not used them in YEARS
I have ones for my pool, but they only go down to 6.4, and I think I am much lower than that
I also started raising the temp to 80, and it is there now, but no activity.
Do you know how embarrassing this is...I have been brewing for 10 years and I can't get sugar water to ferment....
Run down:
5.5 gal water
10 pounds sugar
6 oz tomato paste
2 tsp lemon juice.
I have everything i need to dump and re-make, might be what I do.
Also picked up a jar of Baker's yeast while at the store just now.
TXB
can't find my brewing PH test strips...because I have not used them in YEARS
I have ones for my pool, but they only go down to 6.4, and I think I am much lower than that
I also started raising the temp to 80, and it is there now, but no activity.
Do you know how embarrassing this is...I have been brewing for 10 years and I can't get sugar water to ferment....
Run down:
5.5 gal water
10 pounds sugar
6 oz tomato paste
2 tsp lemon juice.
I have everything i need to dump and re-make, might be what I do.
Also picked up a jar of Baker's yeast while at the store just now.
TXB