DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Fittings, parrots, packing, tooling and so on.

Moderator: Site Moderator

Post Reply
misterl
Novice
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:59 am

DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by misterl »

Hi everyone!

I've got a 15 gal keg that I'd like to turn into a still. My plan is to buy this particular DIY kit and thought I'd check and see if anyone had any thoughts before I placed my order.

Here it is:

https://www.olympicdistillers.com/shop- ... ll-diy-kit

Thanks!
User avatar
Bushman
Admin
Posts: 17988
Joined: Tue Mar 30, 2010 5:29 am
Location: Pacific Northwest

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by Bushman »

It looks like a complete set for a pot still but there is nothing there that you can’t buy at a Home Depot or Lowes for a lot less except maybe the tri clamp. Especially since you still have to do all the soldering.
Jack C
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 196
Joined: Tue Apr 28, 2020 2:26 pm

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by Jack C »

I really think I would read up on some of the builds here on this site and buy the parts needed. You will save some bucks, learn a lot and have fun.
User avatar
Windy City
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 1177
Joined: Fri Jan 25, 2013 10:52 pm
Location: Chicagoland

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by Windy City »

Bushman wrote: Mon Aug 03, 2020 9:42 am It looks like a complete set for a pot still but there is nothing there that you can’t buy at a Home Depot or Lowes for a lot less except maybe the tri clamp. Especially since you still have to do all the soldering.
Totally agree with Bushman and you can get the ferrule here

https://stilldragon.com/2-copper-ez-flange.html
The liver is evil and must be punished
Cranky"s spoon feeding for new and novice distillers
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 15&t=52975
StillerBoy
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3387
Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2016 6:27 pm
Location: Ontario

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by StillerBoy »

misterl wrote: Mon Aug 03, 2020 9:22 am My plan is to buy this particular DIY kit and thought I'd check and see if anyone had any thoughts before I placed my order.
Go ahead and place the order, but you will still have to solder it.. so.. if you take the time to rethink the idea base on what has been recommended, the purchase will still have an inferior column setup at double the cost of purchasing the required parts yourself..

It has been recommended that you research first, and that is a wise recommendation..

Further recommendation is to research how to operate the unit once built, what are the option for power, what are the required other tools to operate the unit, etc..

Mars
" I know quite certainly that I myself have no special talent. Curiosity, Obsession and dogged endurance, combined with self-criticism, have brought me to my knowledge and understanding "

– Albert Einstein
User avatar
Twisted Brick
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3770
Joined: Sat Mar 09, 2013 4:54 pm
Location: Craigh Na Dun

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by Twisted Brick »

StillerBoy wrote: Mon Aug 03, 2020 10:33 am
It has been recommended that you research first, and that is a wise recommendation..

Mars
+1

Kudos for starting out with the keg for a boiler and skipping a smaller boiler that may need upsizing before long.

One of the things you will learn is speed limitations of a liebig 30" short. Take a look at the liebig length most use on kegs here.

Also note that +90% of builders don't install a copper ferrule at 4-5x the cost of a stainless steel ferrule. I find it curious that Olympic Distillers polished up the riser in the kit photo to make the stainless ferrule look like it might be copper. Hmmm.

Just a thought, but you could get the 2" pipe from a scrap yard along with a 2" elbow. (Both of these are common sizes and plentiful at my scrap yard). The benefit of doing this is the ease of upgrading the liebig down the road to a faster condenser. All of the liebig fittings should be available at the scrap yard for cents on the dollar. Not counting the cost of solder/flux/torch, one could put this kit still together for less than half of the price quoted.

https://www.glaciertanks.com/tri-clamp- ... -g200.html

https://www.glaciertanks.com/tri-clamp- ... m-200.html

https://www.plumbingsupply.com/copper.h ... ngcoupling
“Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of snakebite, and furthermore, always carry a small snake.”

- W.C. Fields

My EZ Solder Shotgun
My Steam Rig and Manometer
User avatar
Truckinbutch
Angel's Share
Angel's Share
Posts: 8107
Joined: Sun Feb 03, 2013 12:49 pm

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by Truckinbutch »

Good advice all way round . If you got to DIY then DIY from start to finish .
If you ain't the lead dog in the team , the scenery never changes . Ga Flatwoods made my avatar and I want to thank him for that .
Don't drink water , fish fornicate in it .
misterl
Novice
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:59 am

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by misterl »

Thanks for all the helpful replies.

My apologies for not mentioning this already, but because of my current situation, I'm limited to only being able to order supplies online (I can't leave the house, go to stores, etc.).

I had originally thought about doing a complete DIY build when I still had access to the local stores, etc., but without being able to shop for supplies in person, I've found I'm pretty limited in what I can source online. That's why I figured the DIY kit might be a better option.
misterl
Novice
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:59 am

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by misterl »

In terms of power, I was planning on going with a 4500w 240v heating element and controller. I was considering getting this one (again, an online purchase out of necessity):

https://moonshinedistiller.com/distilla ... oller-kit/
seabass
Rumrunner
Posts: 626
Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2013 1:08 am

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by seabass »

I'd get the element housing and controller kit from still dragon. If you do that, you can just get a standard camco 5500w element for cheap. Getting a housing kit or element that comes with a wiring enclosure makes things much easier. Also look at the dernord elements on Amazon. Many have the screw on enclosure.
misterl
Novice
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:59 am

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by misterl »

Hi Seabass - thanks for the reply. I'll check out that controller option instead. If I can manage to find a column that makes sense to order online, that is!
seabass
Rumrunner
Posts: 626
Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2013 1:08 am

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by seabass »

You could also go the sanitary spool route. No soldering required for the column, only for the condenser. A 12in spool with 2 90deg spools connected to a liebig condenser will give you all you need.
misterl
Novice
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:59 am

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by misterl »

Interesting... I haven't come across anything about sanitary spools in my research. Would you happen to know a good place online to get something like that?
User avatar
Tummydoc
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 967
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2014 1:05 pm
Location: attack ship off the shoulder of Orion

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by Tummydoc »

The element enclosures are nice, but a bit of a hassle and if you're moving your keg to empty, the electrical cord is a pain. If i could start over, i would have gone with the Dernord elements with 3 prong L30-6P lock connection and put the female end on my line out from the controller. Look at Dernord part#DNCA150123
StillerBoy
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3387
Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2016 6:27 pm
Location: Ontario

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by StillerBoy »

Tummydoc wrote: Tue Aug 04, 2020 8:55 am The element enclosures are nice, but a bit of a hassle and if you're moving your keg to empty, the electrical cord is a pain. If i could start over, i would have gone with the Dernord elements with 3 prong L30-6P lock connection and put the female end on my line out from the controller.
Having worked with both, each have their own inconvenience..

The element enclosure is the better of the two, cause it only a few second to remove the element out and install a cap to close the opening, if one needs to clean the boiler..

As the Demord element, one has to be very careful not to hit or bend any of the prongs, as they are easy to damaged..

Mars
" I know quite certainly that I myself have no special talent. Curiosity, Obsession and dogged endurance, combined with self-criticism, have brought me to my knowledge and understanding "

– Albert Einstein
seabass
Rumrunner
Posts: 626
Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2013 1:08 am

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by seabass »

StillerBoy wrote: Tue Aug 04, 2020 9:11 am
Tummydoc wrote: Tue Aug 04, 2020 8:55 am The element enclosures are nice, but a bit of a hassle and if you're moving your keg to empty, the electrical cord is a pain. If i could start over, i would have gone with the Dernord elements with 3 prong L30-6P lock connection and put the female end on my line out from the controller.
Having worked with both, each have their own inconvenience..

The element enclosure is the better of the two, cause it only a few second to remove the element out and install a cap to close the opening, if one needs to clean the boiler..

As the Demord element, one has to be very careful not to hit or bend any of the prongs, as they are easy to damaged..

Mars
There are a few different models. The one I'm referring to doesn't have the male 3 prong attached. It has a screw on wiring cover with a wire gland. My current setup is one of those with a male locking plug attached. Best of both worlds. It connects to the keg with a triclamp, has the wires covered, and has less than a foot of cord sticking out.
seabass
Rumrunner
Posts: 626
Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2013 1:08 am

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by seabass »

misterl wrote: Tue Aug 04, 2020 8:53 am Interesting... I haven't come across anything about sanitary spools in my research. Would you happen to know a good place online to get something like that?
Check out glacier tanks site. They have a lot of different sizes. A spool is just a pipe with triclamp ferrules already attached to both ends.
misterl
Novice
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:59 am

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by misterl »

seabass wrote: Tue Aug 04, 2020 9:37 am Check out glacier tanks site. They have a lot of different sizes. A spool is just a pipe with triclamp ferrules already attached to both ends.
Looks like a good resource! Thanks!
misterl
Novice
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:59 am

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by misterl »

So, it sounds like, while perhaps not ideal due to the short column height, I could make the DIY kit posted above work?

I'd definitely be open to other options that might be a better fit, but kind of seems like I'm pretty limited with DIY options only ordering online.
User avatar
Tummydoc
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 967
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2014 1:05 pm
Location: attack ship off the shoulder of Orion

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by Tummydoc »

Yes it will work and get you going.
misterl
Novice
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:59 am

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by misterl »

Tummydoc wrote: Tue Aug 04, 2020 10:16 am Yes it will work and get you going.
Thank you.
NineInchNails

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by NineInchNails »

I have a good amount of experience soldering stainless ferrules to 2" copper pipe (building a shotgun condenser) and had persistent issues with leaks. I highly recommend getting copper ferrules instead of using stainless ferrules. Once I thought I had the leaks fixed, I would blow steam through it to clean it and it would 'ping' and start leaking again. I spent more in solder than copper ferrules trying to fix it. Once I swapped out stainless with copper ferrules, it soldered up 100% on the first go and no leaks ever since. I have had no issues soldering stainless to stainless. I built a stainless dephlegmator with copper pipes, had slight leak issues, but puddling the solder over the joints solved that quick.

I use this Dernord element with guard. It's the best bang for your buck. I haven't found anything better for the price.
Last edited by NineInchNails on Wed Aug 12, 2020 11:58 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Expat
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 2245
Joined: Fri Feb 24, 2012 3:58 pm

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by Expat »

NineInchNails wrote: Wed Aug 12, 2020 8:20 am Once I thought I had the leaks fixed, I would blow steam through it to clean it and it would 'ping' and start leaking again. I spent more in solder than copper ferrules trying to fix it.
I believe your issue is with technique. I've done dozens of stainless copper connections without a single leak. You need to ensure that the stainless connection surface is wetted with solder before even looking at the copper. Once you've done that, the connection is to the solder surface and no different to doing any copper connection.
_____________________
EXPAT

Current boiler and pot head
Cross flow condenser
Modular 3" Boka - pics tbd
___________________
NineInchNails

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by NineInchNails »

Expat wrote: Wed Aug 12, 2020 9:33 am
NineInchNails wrote: Wed Aug 12, 2020 8:20 am Once I thought I had the leaks fixed, I would blow steam through it to clean it and it would 'ping' and start leaking again. I spent more in solder than copper ferrules trying to fix it.
I believe your issue is with technique. I've done dozens of stainless copper connections without a single leak. You need to ensure that the stainless connection surface is wetted with solder before even looking at the copper. Once you've done that, the connection is to the solder surface and no different to doing any copper connection.
Interesting. I never heard that before. I always thought it just had to be sanded, clean and had to be fluxed well for solder to flow. So tin it first. That makes perfect sense, thanks! I'll remember that next time.
seabass
Rumrunner
Posts: 626
Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2013 1:08 am

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by seabass »

Interesting. I've never tinned it. Also haven't had much trouble with leaks. It always leaks the first time, then I reflux and slowly reflow it heating mostly the stainless without overheating it and it holds.
User avatar
Twisted Brick
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3770
Joined: Sat Mar 09, 2013 4:54 pm
Location: Craigh Na Dun

Re: DIY Keg kit - will this work for me?

Post by Twisted Brick »

Expat wrote: Wed Aug 12, 2020 9:33 am
NineInchNails wrote: Wed Aug 12, 2020 8:20 am Once I thought I had the leaks fixed, I would blow steam through it to clean it and it would 'ping' and start leaking again. I spent more in solder than copper ferrules trying to fix it.
I believe your issue is with technique. I've done dozens of stainless copper connections without a single leak. You need to ensure that the stainless connection surface is wetted with solder before even looking at the copper. Once you've done that, the connection is to the solder surface and no different to doing any copper connection.
Same here. I've soldered dozens of stainless ferrules to copper pipe without a leak. Yes, I am anal about my process: I sand both mating surfaces deeply and clean with alcohol before applying flux. The critical part (IMO) is heating the whole joint gradually, and when the flux gets hot enough to burn and turn black, apply more flux. I use Harris Stay-Brite 4% silver solder and Sta-Clean liquid flux and haven't had to pre-tin any surfaces.
“Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of snakebite, and furthermore, always carry a small snake.”

- W.C. Fields

My EZ Solder Shotgun
My Steam Rig and Manometer
Post Reply