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thermometer placement when using a thumper

Posted: Sat May 20, 2006 5:30 pm
by sploke
I'm working on the design for my first pot still. I have a 20qt stainless stockpot, and I want to use a 1gal thumper. First of all, its a 1gal glass wine jug. How should I seal this? I was originally going to use a rubber cork with some holes drilled in it, but it seems like maybe the rubber isn't a good idea. Other ideas?

Next, I'm a bit confused about the thermometer placement. Since I should stop collecting at a given temp, should that temp be in the still or in the thumper? I feel like if I stop when the still hits X degrees, there will still be a fair amount of usable alcohol left in the thumper. Should I put the thermometer in the thumper, use a second one, or at whatever temp just use another container and use it as tails?

Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 4:30 pm
by DixieBanjo
my advise is to forget about the thermometers,and if you must use a jug for the thumper use a real cork for the seal.But a better idea would be to use a one gallon mason jar as the thumper.

Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 4:50 pm
by Longhairedcountryboy
I used a thumper for a while when I first started. My thermometer was in the thumper. I got rid of it and haven't missed it at all. I would recommend not using one. It is more of a pain than its worth. It didn't really make that much difference in proof or quality and it took a lot longer to get up to temp. A fast stripping run and a slow spirit run works much better.

Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 5:18 pm
by TRANSPLANTED HILLBILLY
If you wanna use a thumper,you could use an alcometer and your taste buds to determine your cuts. temp isnt as important with a thumper rig.
But LHCB has the experience with them.

Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 5:43 pm
by Longhairedcountryboy
I liked having a thermometer when I was first learning. I agree that they are not necessary in a pot still. I have one on mine so I can stop the stripping run at a certan temp at a glance, but that can be done by other methods (taste, smell, alcoholometer, ect.).