Insulation and stuff

[phoenix]

Hi All,
I just found a used 58ltr, 15.5 US gal keg, my stillhead is finished, other than needle valves and I have a couple of ideas how I'm going to put it all together. I think I'm going to use a copper mixing bowl instead of SS as it should be easier to solder the copper fittings to. Is that a good or bad idea and why? I am going to use a propane burner to heat the boiler and I'm wondering about what type of insulation to get for the boiler and reflux column. Will that "reflectix" stuff stand up to the heat spillover from the propane burner if I use it on the boiler itself or will it just melt? What are other people using? I can find lots of references to using it with electric heat but none on using it with propane. I'm up here in the cold white north and want to run the still in the garage with the overhead door cracked open for ventilation but I do have a covered area outside I could use and be able to use a slightly higher, about 8" more, 36" vs 44",column. Either way I think some insulation would help speed up the process.
Thanks,
Kim