It is not pretty, but seems to work as a first...

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)

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Kola
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It is not pretty, but seems to work as a first...

Post by Kola »

As per subject, it is not pretty, but seems functional.

Did one stripping run and one slow spirit run after a sacrificial run.

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Saltbush Bill
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Re: It is not pretty, but seems to work as a first...

Post by Saltbush Bill »

Welcome aboard Kola....pretty or not its always good to see people build there own.
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HDNB
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Re: It is not pretty, but seems to work as a first...

Post by HDNB »

function is the important factor. the rest is just accoutrements. I like the spill tray. good idea!
I finally quit drinking for good.

now i drink for evil.
Kola
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Re: It is not pretty, but seems to work as a first...

Post by Kola »

HDNB wrote: Fri Aug 14, 2020 5:18 am function is the important factor. the rest is just accoutrements. I like the spill tray. good idea!
Spill tray was me thinking it might be a good idea, maybe it is :mrgreen:
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corene1
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Re: It is not pretty, but seems to work as a first...

Post by corene1 »

I always like to see folks starting from scratch and building their own still, learning from the ground up so to speak. Your still is simple and well thought out, it should work well for you. Well done. Make sure those brass fittings are lead free though.
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Saltbush Bill
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Re: It is not pretty, but seems to work as a first...

Post by Saltbush Bill »

corene1 wrote: Fri Aug 14, 2020 1:31 pm . Make sure those brass fittings are lead free though.
That or read up on pickling them.
WithOrWithoutU2
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Re: It is not pretty, but seems to work as a first...

Post by WithOrWithoutU2 »

Welcome aboard. Be sure to post about your first drinkable run. What do you plan to make first?
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Yummyrum
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Re: It is not pretty, but seems to work as a first...

Post by Yummyrum »

Looks like a perfect tool to cut your teeth on .

Glad to see you threw the thermometer readout behind the shelf... best place for it . :ebiggrin:

Edit : oh now I see it :oops:
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jonnys_spirit
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Re: It is not pretty, but seems to work as a first...

Post by jonnys_spirit »

Nice DIY! That’s going to lead you down the rabbit hole so looking forward to seeing you on the other side. It’ll still work great as a small batch gin still for many years if (when) you move up to a larger boiler and you probably be very familiar with it too.

Cheers,
Jonny
————
i prefer my mash shaken, not stirred
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TDick
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Re: It is not pretty, but seems to work as a first...

Post by TDick »

I appreciate seeing the big garbage can for your water.
I've been using a 5 gallon orange bucket.
Changes will be made.
Kola
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Re: It is not pretty, but seems to work as a first...

Post by Kola »

Thanks :)

Everything is lead free but I will do research on the brass, thanks.
Thermometer was installed but realized I do not need it, so it is only there for something to look at occasionally. Eventually the battery will die :mrgreen:
The water bin is about half full. Running a fish tank pump with flow control that is enough water for a run but will have to add more in summer.

Made an acceptable naartjie and fennel gin as a first, have sugar washes and molasses with sugar wash fermenting.

Never realized how involved and how much fun this can be.
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