Type of Boiler?

[brian41527]

Ok, so I finally decided on making my own still, I do heating and cooling work so the soldering will be no problem. I am however having trouble trying to decide what to use as the boiler. What do you guys recommend? All help is welcome!

[As-Ol-Joe]

16 quart or larger stainless steel stock pot or an old s/s beer keg.

[new_moonshiner]

s/s beer keg.

[CoopsOz]

Keg, they are cheap and indestructible.

[HookLine]

Another vote for the keg.

[birdwatcher]

Can someone in Ontario tell me where I can buy a ss beer keg in Ontario.

Otherwise it's a ss pot for me in the Spring.

G

[stoker]

I don't have a keb, but if I had to choose again, or for a next still, it would be a keg

I might look for one to brew beer in, a nice cheep 50 l stainless pot

[defcon4]

keg preferable but if you can't get one use a pressure cooker and modify it (just make sure you keep the emergency pressure release valve intact for safety reasons)

[Still_Crazy]

hi brian41527,

I started one year ago with a 22qt SS stock pot from Walmart. I used a 12" copper bowl for the lid and a 1.5 inch column attached to it. The heat source is a 1440W halogen hotplate. It's ok but takes about 2.5 hours to bring it up to vapor.

I still have all that setup but now use 2 sankey SS kegs.
They are the straight side variety, 15.5 gallons I believe. I can use them for either fermenters or boilers. I have not cut anything from them but use an adapter to mate the 2 inch column (valved reflux mode) or the 1.5 inch stripping condensor. Search the site for member photos and you will get some good ideas. When I get some time I'll post new photos of my equipment, maybe this weekend if I get to run a batch or two.

[pintoshine]

If you weld or have a friend, or can get decent rates at a welding shop, there is practically no limit to the possibilities of a ss beer keg. But like Still_crazy said, All you really need is a tri-clamp.
I get mine through http://www.stpats.com/oakbarrels.htm#SankeTCGasket" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
this is a good source for kegs also if you have the cash and don't prescribe to getting a used one for the deposit.

[frikz]

I'd also buy a stainless keg. I got mine at a beer brewery, but perhaps a local pub is also willing to sell you one for the deposit money?

[pintoshine]

How large are you wanting to go. I have lots of different plans for ones made from sheet. I just ordered a 3'x4'sheet of 0.031" copper sheet to make a 6 gallon pot for a person. It will be made in the fashion as the in the book "more Mountain Spirits", except for the condenser.

[birdwatcher]

How large are you wanting to go. I have lots of different plans for ones made from sheet. I just ordered a 3'x4'sheet of 0.031" copper sheet to make a 6 gallon pot for a person. It will be made in the fashion as the in the book "more Mountain Spirits", except for the condenser.

Hi Pinto,

I would love to have a copper pot.

Give me a rough idea, how much I could expect to pay a welder to build me a 40 liter copper pot with say fittings for a 2" column, thermometer and tap at base.

Thanks,

G

[stoker]

I would love to have a copper pot.
Give me a rough idea, how much I could expect to pay a welder to build me a 40 liter copper pot with say fittings for a 2" column, thermometer and tap at base.

and to keep his mouth shut


is "more Mountain Spirits" good to read?

[Rudi]

Hi Pinto,

I would love to have a copper pot.

Give me a rough idea, how much I could expect to pay a welder to build me a 40 liter copper pot with say fittings for a 2" column, thermometer and tap at base.

Thanks,

G

You took the mouth right outa my words

I"d like to build one but dont think I'd do all that copper sheet justice

Rudi

[grainhopper]

I'm just glad that 31 hundreths of an inch is thick enuff to make a pot.