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

[ProChargedHarley03]

Oh yes just waiting on my glass from mcmaster-Carr
Thanks guy for the good words

[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.

[Prairiepiss]

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.

[ProChargedHarley03]

I thinks that was a oooppps post by Infinitebrainspace

[ProChargedHarley03]

I love it when things go smooth!!!!!!

[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.

[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!

[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!!!
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% so numbers should go up after and hour of reflux!!!!

[ProChargedHarley03]

Hi Richard7, no ferrules on the valves! 3/8 NPT SS close fittings. I drilled and tapped and solder

[ProChargedHarley03]

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

http://youtu.be/coo6MsBknSg

[devotus]

excellent! great job.

[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!!!!