Started on my still rack

Fittings, parrots, packing, tooling and so on.

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Hawke
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Started on my still rack

Post by Hawke »

Started building my still rack today.

Here's the bones of the beast. The uprights are for the boiler. A steel shelf goes down on the frame for the column, or up on the supports for pot mode.
Image

In pot mode mock up. Fitting a swing arm to support the condenser. The arm will also support a transfer tube when I have the column mounted. There will be a second one on the collection table for the parrot's beak.
Image

A closer look at the support head.
Image
It is the very things that we think we know, that keep us from learning what we should know.
Valved Reflux, 3"x54" Bok 'mini', 2 liebig based pots and the 'Blockhead' 60K btu propane heat
trthskr4
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by trthskr4 »

Looks good and safe, do you stand it up for column mode and use your milk can there for the column?

Look at you and your fancy welder and me in the stone ages with a stick. :(

That's a good looking burner under that keg too.
15 gallon pot still, 2"x18" column with liebeg condensor on propane.
Modified Charles 803 w/ 50gal boiler, never ran so far.
Hawke
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by Hawke »

The milk can is for my Valved reflux, mostly gets used to transfer backset now. For the Boka column, the burner shelf drops down 12 inches and the column takes the place of the potstill on the keg.
I can run a stick way better than that wirefeed, but with the amount of body work I do it's a matter of practicality.
It is the very things that we think we know, that keep us from learning what we should know.
Valved Reflux, 3"x54" Bok 'mini', 2 liebig based pots and the 'Blockhead' 60K btu propane heat
Hawke
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by Hawke »

Almost done with the build, just need to get the casters and add a bottle storage shelf under the table.
The table top is a piece of .040 aluminium, rolled over 1/2" square tubing.
Here it is in potstill mode:
Image

And here it is with the 3" column:
Image
It is the very things that we think we know, that keep us from learning what we should know.
Valved Reflux, 3"x54" Bok 'mini', 2 liebig based pots and the 'Blockhead' 60K btu propane heat
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Husker
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by Husker »

VERY nice. Thanks for sharing the pix. I am sure this will spark ideas in many other ppls minds.

The only thing I can say about it, is you might want just a wee more space between your burner and that bottle (I would try to move them as far apart as possible).

H.
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As-Ol-Joe
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by As-Ol-Joe »

Very nice job. I'll be taking measurments in the morning.
You WILL get addicted to this forum.

The Parent site is REQUIRED READING!!!
Hawke
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by Hawke »

Husker, need a longer hose for the burner to move the tank. I'm going to add a piece of aluminum to that side of the rack for a heat shield. (Actually 2 layers with a 1/2" airgap)
It is the very things that we think we know, that keep us from learning what we should know.
Valved Reflux, 3"x54" Bok 'mini', 2 liebig based pots and the 'Blockhead' 60K btu propane heat
HookLine
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by HookLine »

Sweet. 8)
Be safe.
Be discreet.
And have fun.
jdonly1
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by jdonly1 »

Very nice mate,top job
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Husker
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by Husker »

Hawke wrote:Husker, need a longer hose for the burner to move the tank. I'm going to add a piece of aluminum to that side of the rack for a heat shield. (Actually 2 layers with a 1/2" airgap)
Heat shield will do the same thing. Keep that hose, connector and bottle cooler.

Again, I will state, like everyone else: Job WELL done!!!

H
Hillbilly Rebel: Unless you are one of the people on this site who are legalling distilling, keep a low profile, don't tell, don't sell.
HookLine
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by HookLine »

Hawke

One little suggestion. Might be worth somehow anchoring the boiler to the two top cross bars that it sits in between. Make it that bit more stable.

And I am still real impressed by that parrot's beak.
Be safe.
Be discreet.
And have fun.
Hawke
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by Hawke »

Thanks all,
Best part is, not a penny out of pocket so far. Every thing on it was either free, or left over from other projects. (Wish I could say the same for the stills :? )
It is the very things that we think we know, that keep us from learning what we should know.
Valved Reflux, 3"x54" Bok 'mini', 2 liebig based pots and the 'Blockhead' 60K btu propane heat
punkin
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by punkin »

I like it. All you need now is a little chinese fella to pull it round for ya. :lol:












GottaBeTheRickshawStillPunkin
theholymackerel
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by theholymackerel »

Good job, Hawke.
punkin
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by punkin »

If ya paint it red your runs will speed up too :lol:
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Tater
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by Tater »

Very nice still on wheels.Great job deserves a sticky so it will be there for all to see. :)
I use a pot still.Sometimes with a thumper
Hawke
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by Hawke »

punkin wrote:If ya paint it red your runs will speed up too :lol:
Here in the States, red is a cop magnet. :? (Paid for many a troopers wages over the years while driving a red rig.) :oops: :twisted:

If we do a sticky, I'll clean up my drawing and scan it. Although, every one would need to match the design to thier particular setup.
It is the very things that we think we know, that keep us from learning what we should know.
Valved Reflux, 3"x54" Bok 'mini', 2 liebig based pots and the 'Blockhead' 60K btu propane heat
Uncle Jesse
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by Uncle Jesse »

Is that a Caprice tail light?
If only the best birds sang, the woods would be silent.
Hawke
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by Hawke »

Uncle Jesse wrote:Is that a Caprice tail light?
'72 Impalla. I'm supposed to be putting an engine in it for a friend. Only problem is he doesn't have the money.
It is the very things that we think we know, that keep us from learning what we should know.
Valved Reflux, 3"x54" Bok 'mini', 2 liebig based pots and the 'Blockhead' 60K btu propane heat
trthskr4
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by trthskr4 »

You could take payment in grain. :roll: :D
15 gallon pot still, 2"x18" column with liebeg condensor on propane.
Modified Charles 803 w/ 50gal boiler, never ran so far.
Trid
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by Trid »

Very nice looking setup!
If you haven't already thought of it, a little cloth or rubber on the support bracket that holds the copper pipe might help prevent any potential galvanic corrosion where they contact.

Oh...and if there's a spot to post an intro (as this is my first post in this forum) I didn't see it. Then again, it's 3:30 am and my powers of observation are not what they should be.

Trid
-as in "Silly Rabbi, kicks are for..."
Hawke
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by Hawke »

Trid,
Welcome aboard.
It doesn't stay together long enough for much galvanic action to start. Although I will probably hit those areas with some plasti-dip one of these days.
It is the very things that we think we know, that keep us from learning what we should know.
Valved Reflux, 3"x54" Bok 'mini', 2 liebig based pots and the 'Blockhead' 60K btu propane heat
duds2u
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by duds2u »

Welcome Trid
Was wondering when you would drop in here as well.
Cheers
Mal T
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frikz
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by frikz »

Very nice job indeed! Might build something similar when I have the time, always have the still lying around in pieces.
Hawke
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Re: Started on my still rack

Post by Hawke »

Has been working out great. It took the place of a couple small tables, a tripod and 2 buckets. Still need to add a shelf or two under the collection table to hold jars and such, but has sure made it easy to set up for a run.
It is the very things that we think we know, that keep us from learning what we should know.
Valved Reflux, 3"x54" Bok 'mini', 2 liebig based pots and the 'Blockhead' 60K btu propane heat
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