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Never finished 2-CUPS

Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:28 pm
by bokakob
Here are some pictures of my "Never Finished 2CUPS Design." Not that it did not work, but I already had two stills which worked pretty good. So, just trying to post some information for those interested.

Re: Never finished 2-CUPS

Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 10:15 pm
by Hawke
Thanks Alex,
Got around 8 feet of 3" from a scrap yard, (was still spendy but about 30% less than new). Trying to decide between this one and the eliptical for my next build.

Re: Never finished 2-CUPS

Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 10:54 pm
by arizona moon
I have also been trying to decide between the elliptical and two cups designs.
Hawke, which did you decide to build?
The two-cups looks like it would be easier to clean.
I also notice that here, the thermometer is close to the take-off, rather than farther down in the packing. I thought the reason for placing it lower was to give the operator time to recognize a temperature incease and be able to adjust the take-off before some of the tails made it to the collection jar.
Also, the connection to the sink strainer isn't clear. Is it just a 2" FPT soldered onto the bottom of the column?
Finally, what would make a good seal for the strainer to the boiler (or salad bowl), cork, or is rubber ok since the proof isn't high at that point?

Re: Never finished 2-CUPS

Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 11:10 pm
by Hawke
I ended up doing the plate version. 3"x48" column with a removeable head that adds another 16". I used an end cap to mount it to the boiler. Flour paste or PTFE tape to seal it. I can also use just the head as a potstill.
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Right around 8 ft tall when fully assymbled.
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Re: Never finished 2-CUPS

Posted: Sat May 24, 2008 5:13 am
by Husker
Hawke,

I just have to giggle each time I see that 2nd pic in your post below. That huge 3" probably 5-6' tall column, and that weee itty bitty little collection jar. ROTFLMAO

H

Re: Never finished 2-CUPS

Posted: Sat May 24, 2008 5:38 am
by new_moonshiner
The Tee Idea is very clever and works superb.
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Re: Never finished 2-CUPS

Posted: Sat May 24, 2008 8:49 am
by Hawke
Husker,
That's my foreshots jar, but it does look a little odd...don't it :mrgreen:

Re: Never finished 2-CUPS

Posted: Sat May 24, 2008 8:14 pm
by arizona moon
New_moonshiner:
Thanks for the photo's. If that's a 1" tee, it looks like you have a 3" to 1" reducer to hold the tee in the first two shots.
I like the idea of bringing the take-off tube into the bottom of the bowl.
The third shot puzzles me though, because it looks like your reducer is at the bottom, inside.
Could you post a side view or maybe describe how this goes together?

Re: Never finished 2-CUPS

Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 7:46 am
by absinthe
my 'upturned reducer and joiner' still head

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Re: Never finished 2-CUPS

Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 10:56 am
by new_moonshiner
the last picture is the same as the others it was the flash that made it look different, the Tee actually is a 3/4 " I know show it as 1' but 3/4 id actually 7/8 od which is what i normally work with , the reducer is a 2x3/4 I have a very short piece of pipe on the bottom of the Tee and I cut out the stop in the reducer to let it pass through just a bit. I used a reducer instead of a cap reason being it gave me the lowest point in the well so i could remove everything when dumping fores least that is the idea behind it...here is a few more pics.
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3822" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Re: Never finished 2-CUPS

Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 12:47 pm
by arizona moon
Thanks for the link new_moonshiner!!!
That's just what I've been looking for! Good photo's too!
That answered several questions, but raised others ;-).
What did you use to insulate your column? I've seen some high-temp materials advertised, but I wonder if plain ol' fiberglass (without the paper backing) wouldn't work fine. The wrap looks a bit like electrical tape. Is it?

Re: Never finished 2-CUPS

Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 1:14 pm
by arizona moon
Absinthe, it looks like you use a friction fit - teflon tape, or flour paste or ... ?

Re: Never finished 2-CUPS

Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 3:45 pm
by minime
I use this tape occasionally. Don't know if PFTE tape is the common name I see other distillers using but it is silicone self sealing tape available at home depot for about 3 times the price you can buy it on Ebay for. It does have a limited shelf life so you can't buy too much bulk. I mostly use flour paste on slip joints but I like this stuff if I am repeatedly dis-assembling something because it comes off clean without ANY residue left behind.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Self-fusing-Silicon ... 18Q2el1247" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Re: Never finished 2-CUPS

Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 7:31 pm
by new_moonshiner
The insulation is the type commonly used in the HVAC field, sometimes refered to as Rubatex, and Armourflex very close to the type used to insulate water lines .. but its made with a little elastic .. little better insulation value too i think.and yes its elec tape to seal the insulation.