My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Many like to post about a first successful ferment (or first all grain mash), or first still built/bought or first good run of the still. Tell us about all of these great times here.
Pics are VERY welcome, we drool over pretty copper 8)

Moderator: Site Moderator

ProChargedHarley03
Bootlegger
Posts: 133
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by ProChargedHarley03 »

Well, stubby will be ready,"The name i gave my still after i cut it in half", but will be finishing up on the plate tree section next week!! My trap fittings will be here on thursday!! I need to order the glass, at mcmaster-carr!!!
I will do 2 or 3 Gens of UJSSM!! With Studdy, then with all the saved up heads and tails, Add the plate tree section to studdy, with the tri-clamps, and see what i can get!!! :esurprised:
I think im going to name my still "Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde....One still,Two way different personalities!!!! :thumbup:
ProChargedHarley03
Bootlegger
Posts: 133
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by ProChargedHarley03 »

So, this is what i am up too!!!! need my ball valves, but they are on the way!!! :clap:
Attachments
Layout-1.JPG
Layout-2.JPG
ProChargedHarley03
Bootlegger
Posts: 133
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by ProChargedHarley03 »

I got some work done today :clap:
Attachments
cut.JPG
fit.JPG
fitting.JPG
tre.JPG
guts.JPG
Dr. Jekyll & Mr.Hyde.JPG
ProChargedHarley03
Bootlegger
Posts: 133
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by ProChargedHarley03 »

I'm so close i cant stop!!!! :esurprised:
Attachments
jig.JPG
press.JPG
holes.JPG
cut.JPG
view.JPG
getting close.JPG
ProChargedHarley03
Bootlegger
Posts: 133
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by ProChargedHarley03 »

few more pix's :thumbup:
Attachments
top.JPG
inside.JPG
seaguy
Swill Maker
Posts: 221
Joined: Tue Oct 11, 2011 7:13 am
Location: Bottoma,AL

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by seaguy »

Real nice work PCH . You're like a bulldog with a rag doll on this project :) You better make sure the mrs ain't looking for a hitman :lol:
2" x 5' Boka, 3/8" coil on 3/4" cold finger, SS 15gal 240v 5.5kw sand element, Tincup's NE555 controller.
ProChargedHarley03
Bootlegger
Posts: 133
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by ProChargedHarley03 »

Thanks Seaguy!!!! No wife here!!! But if I did, I would have to wear
A bullet proof vest!!!!! This project has been great, it's amazing what
You can build with all the info., On this site!!! :clap:
rad14701
retired
Posts: 20865
Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2007 4:46 pm
Location: New York, USA

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by rad14701 »

Considering how there ain't no Still Builders Anonymous program you're just gonna have to suffer through and get that rig done... :twisted:

Looking good... :thumbup:
Prairiepiss
retired
Posts: 16571
Joined: Sat Dec 18, 2010 7:42 am
Location: Somewhere in the Ozarks

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by Prairiepiss »

Yes that monster is looking good. Nice work. :thumbup: Now hurry up and get it done. So we can hear the results already. :lol:
It'snotsocoldnow.

Advice For newbies by a newbie.
CM Still Mods
My Stuffs
Fu Man

Mr. Piss
That's Princess Piss to the haters.
ProChargedHarley03
Bootlegger
Posts: 133
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by ProChargedHarley03 »

Oh yes just waiting on my glass from mcmaster-Carr
Thanks guy for the good words :D
Infinitebrainspace
Novice
Posts: 39
Joined: Fri Mar 09, 2012 2:18 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by Infinitebrainspace »

I have a 20gal ss still but I only fill it to 15gal... electric using the biggest 110v element Home Depot had (2000w I think) need a 20Amp circuit to run it, and not less than 10 guage wire. BE SURE NOT TO HAVE ANY SOLIDS in your pot!!!!
if you do, the element will burn out fast. (this from experience btw) . Strain your beer thouroughly before putting it into the pot. It will take about 2 - 2.5 hours to heat if not insulated, and about half that time if you inslulate the crap
out of it. Mine is insulated sides and top with r12 water heater insulation. I'm using a boiler thermostat to control the temp, but unless you can find a used one, they are very expensive. I mounted thermometers at the element level,
10 gallon level, and one at the base of the column (since I am new at this, I want to see what the temps are at the different points for future reference).

You can use 2 of these elements if you run 220v (one on each leg of the 220) and still use 10 gua wire with 20A,
or you could use a 4000w 220 element, but I dont know what the wire size / amp rating would have to be.

I think the 4000w element would get too hot, and may burn your beer.
My worm is not plugged, kinked, running up hill, or stuck in a cats ass.
although that last one might stop the gurgling noise...
Prairiepiss
retired
Posts: 16571
Joined: Sat Dec 18, 2010 7:42 am
Location: Somewhere in the Ozarks

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by Prairiepiss »

Infinitebrainspace wrote:I have a 20gal ss still but I only fill it to 15gal... electric using the biggest 110v element Home Depot had (2000w I think) need a 20Amp circuit to run it, and not less than 10 guage wire. BE SURE NOT TO HAVE ANY SOLIDS in your pot!!!!
if you do, the element will burn out fast. (this from experience btw) . Strain your beer thouroughly before putting it into the pot. It will take about 2 - 2.5 hours to heat if not insulated, and about half that time if you inslulate the crap
out of it. Mine is insulated sides and top with r12 water heater insulation. I'm using a boiler thermostat to control the temp, but unless you can find a used one, they are very expensive. I mounted thermometers at the element level,
10 gallon level, and one at the base of the column (since I am new at this, I want to see what the temps are at the different points for future reference).

You can use 2 of these elements if you run 220v (one on each leg of the 220) and still use 10 gua wire with 20A,
or you could use a 4000w 220 element, but I dont know what the wire size / amp rating would have to be.

I think the 4000w element would get too hot, and may burn your beer.
Did you intend to post this here? And why? Not real sure how it applys to this thread?
And you can't control a still with a thermostat. You may want to do some research on that.
It'snotsocoldnow.

Advice For newbies by a newbie.
CM Still Mods
My Stuffs
Fu Man

Mr. Piss
That's Princess Piss to the haters.
ProChargedHarley03
Bootlegger
Posts: 133
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by ProChargedHarley03 »

I thinks that was a oooppps post by Infinitebrainspace :!:
ProChargedHarley03
Bootlegger
Posts: 133
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by ProChargedHarley03 »

I love it when things go smooth!!!!!! :shock:
Attachments
Stainless valve.JPG
reflux.JPG
Down.JPG
solder.JPG
twins.JPG
nice.JPG
seaguy
Swill Maker
Posts: 221
Joined: Tue Oct 11, 2011 7:13 am
Location: Bottoma,AL

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by seaguy »

Is there going to be a bottom section of column to house the packing/plates? Oops... i see that section of pics on page 7 now.
2" x 5' Boka, 3/8" coil on 3/4" cold finger, SS 15gal 240v 5.5kw sand element, Tincup's NE555 controller.
Richard7
Distiller
Posts: 1858
Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2012 4:13 pm
Location: Central Alabama, Heart of Dixie!

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by Richard7 »

I like the SS valves. What kind of ferrules do they have? I can't wait to hear about how the plates perform under a Nixon Stone. I want to go up to three inch as well, but if this works out good for you, I will be adding the flute build as you have done! I am in no hurry 'cause I have plenty from my 2" Lm at the moment. I have also had some Ideas that I will through out there to see if they have any ground to stand on. It really looks like your build is coming along nicely and looking forward to more post! :clap:
"yeah? yeah? the maple flavored kind?" A dog on you tube.
ProChargedHarley03
Bootlegger
Posts: 133
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by ProChargedHarley03 »

Well i am excited to say Jeckyll & Hyde was finished today!!!! So a good cleaning run was in order!!! I saved up 6 gallons of 30% of UJSSM Tails and let her rip!!! :thumbup:
The reflux thing is new to me, so i farted around with it for about an hour before i shut it down!! after about 15 min of full reflux, i got a reading of about 85% :thumbup: so numbers should go up after and hour of reflux!!!!
Attachments
glass.JPG
bubble.JPG
sight.JPG
clean run.JPG
ProChargedHarley03
Bootlegger
Posts: 133
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by ProChargedHarley03 »

Hi Richard7, no ferrules on the valves! 3/8 NPT SS close fittings. I drilled and tapped and solder :thumbup:
ProChargedHarley03
Bootlegger
Posts: 133
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by ProChargedHarley03 »

Well It's just that time to show a quick peek at my still bubbling away!!!!!! :D so here you go!!!! :shock:

http://youtu.be/coo6MsBknSg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
devotus
Novice
Posts: 64
Joined: Mon May 24, 2010 1:05 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by devotus »

excellent! great job. :clap:
`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -
Only this, and nothing more.'
ProChargedHarley03
Bootlegger
Posts: 133
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by ProChargedHarley03 »

Thanks, Devotus!!

This being my first build, has been an amazing
Experience!!! It is a great feeling to build something
With you're own hands and then watch it make something
You will never have to buy again!!!! :thumbup:
devotus
Novice
Posts: 64
Joined: Mon May 24, 2010 1:05 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by devotus »

Well it seems you bolted out of the gates with style mate.

How does it run?

Nice and stable? How is the product? Or are you still cleaning it?
`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -
Only this, and nothing more.'
ProChargedHarley03
Bootlegger
Posts: 133
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by ProChargedHarley03 »

It runs great!!! I have only ran UJSSM, but It is a awesome set up!!!
bentstick
Distiller
Posts: 1444
Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2011 5:41 pm
Location: Great Lake State

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by bentstick »

Kudos to procharged, you are now an official addict!!
It is what you make it
MICKoWAR
Novice
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu May 13, 2010 5:42 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by MICKoWAR »

ProChargedHarley03 wrote:Just wanted to hear some feed back on this build. If anyone has built a still like this and have some good tips?????? That would help
that would be great!!!! :thumbup:
Let me just say, that is fucking epic!

My second still will be a converted keg, with a similar column =)
ProChargedHarley03
Bootlegger
Posts: 133
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by ProChargedHarley03 »

Well it has changed a bit from the beginning!!!!
Lol!!! Thanks MICKoWar;) Im very happy with it!!!!!
And god speed on you're next build :thumbup:
JollyMon
Novice
Posts: 71
Joined: Tue Dec 27, 2011 7:22 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by JollyMon »

I have to agree with everyone else. Watching this come together over the months has been a great privileged. That thing looks bad A :clap: and I hope it performs as good as it looks. Im sure that "Jekyll & Hyde" will provide you years and years of quality spirit (that is if you stop modifying it every other run :D ). Keep up the good work and will continue to look forward to hear about your results.
ProChargedHarley03
Bootlegger
Posts: 133
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by ProChargedHarley03 »

Thanks JollyMon!! this is going to be the way it stays!!!!If i have any other mods, I will build something new!!!! :D I ran it as a pot still today!!! worked like a top!!!!
ProChargedHarley03
Bootlegger
Posts: 133
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:03 pm

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by ProChargedHarley03 »

I just wanted to put the link on this page of "Jekyll and Hyde" so you all can see it run!!!!! :wave:

http://youtu.be/coo6MsBknSg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

thanks to all of you on Home Distiller Forum for all the great help on this build!!!! :clap:
Last edited by ProChargedHarley03 on Thu Apr 19, 2012 4:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Prairiepiss
retired
Posts: 16571
Joined: Sat Dec 18, 2010 7:42 am
Location: Somewhere in the Ozarks

Re: My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

Post by Prairiepiss »

That's awesome PCH. Love the table top.
It'snotsocoldnow.

Advice For newbies by a newbie.
CM Still Mods
My Stuffs
Fu Man

Mr. Piss
That's Princess Piss to the haters.
Post Reply