copper thickness

Simple pot still distillation and construction with or without a thumper.

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nedscreekkennels
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copper thickness

Post by nedscreekkennels »

Thinking about building a all copper pot still and wondering about the thickness if copper sheet I need looking to build about a 25 gal pot. I want to build a traditional potstill all copper. have two now made out of 15gal beer kegs but want a all copper for tradition. If tater would be nice and let me have the one in his pic I won't have to build one. Any good places to find copper sheet at a reasonable price in south east US? Scrap yards around here only have 1/2 and 3/4 water pipe.

thanks
Hawke
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Re: copper thickness

Post by Hawke »

I used Online Metals, they are based in Seattle, Washington though, shipping would probably be a killer.
For a pot that size, I would guess a thickness of .035 at least for the bottom half of the pot. Could use lighter for the head and lynearm.
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
nedscreekkennels
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Re: copper thickness

Post by nedscreekkennels »

Hawke thanks for the info. Just checked out the site only problem shipping to e is almost as much as the copper
rad14701
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Re: copper thickness

Post by rad14701 »

Check around for rolls of copper roof flashing... They are relatively inexpensive compared to copper tube and it can usually be found in 10 - 14 inch widths... The bigger the better for a 25 gallon boiler... I'd go with extra seams if it would save me money... I'm cheap...
nedscreekkennels
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Re: copper thickness

Post by nedscreekkennels »

rad14701 wrote:Check around for rolls of copper roof flashing... They are relatively inexpensive compared to copper tube and it can usually be found in 10 - 14 inch widths... The bigger the better for a 25 gallon boiler... I'd go with extra seams if it would save me money... I'm cheap...
did not think about that I am not cheap I just like to keep my money
pumpman
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Re: copper thickness

Post by pumpman »

We used to get copper sheet from an outfit in Georgia but cant remember the name. I'll try to find tomorow and get back to you.
Where are you in the southeast I see some sheet in my local surplus from time to time. Also check surplus metal suplies.
Likker in the front and poker in the rear
olddog
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Re: copper thickness

Post by olddog »

I made the thumper on my Frankenstill out of 1mm sheet, its a bit hard to roll but it makes a solid job.
OLD DOG LEARNING NEW TRICKS ......
Hillbilly Rebel
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Re: copper thickness

Post by Hillbilly Rebel »

Nedscreekkennel wrote, [quote]Any good places to find copper sheet at a reasonable price in south east US?[/quote] What region of what state in Southeastern U.S.?
nedscreekkennels
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Re: copper thickness

Post by nedscreekkennels »

I am in eastern nc with all the military bases around one would think more would show up at the scrap yards. the 1mm thick would be fun on the english wheel in the shop.can find all the fittings and pipe for column stills but hard to come by sheet copper. I guess not enough industry around mostly farming.
nedscreekkennels
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Re: copper thickness

Post by nedscreekkennels »

has anyone dealt with Nimrod Hall Copper Foil Company in virginia thinking of doing a road trip
goose eye
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Re: copper thickness

Post by goose eye »

call roofin supply house an get some sheets. nb handy best abc so on an so forth.

let your fingers do the walkin

so im tole
pumpman
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Re: copper thickness

Post by pumpman »

http://www.copperandbrass.com/cnb/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Likker in the front and poker in the rear
Woody_Woodchuck
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Re: copper thickness

Post by Woody_Woodchuck »

Howdy Nedscreekkennels

Not sure exactly what you are looking for, as far as sizes but here are a couple tips. I went through this about a year ago and bought from two places, McMaster-Carr and Ebay.

Mcmaster has C110 sheets from $11.50 to $15.00 a sq ft, depending on size. Shipping was kind of expensive but I got the size and thickness I needed. First delivery came in damaged (BIG forklift dent in it) and they replaced it no problems and replaced it fast! Excellent customer service.

Ebay I bought some thicker stock (.097” x 24” x 24”) for the pot bottom from Shapiro Supply. As I remember the sheet was about $88.00 and it was in my hands for less than $100.00. Excellent packaging and I would happily deal with them again. I am actually thinking of making a 5 or 6 gallon version of what I have now so shopping around for materials again. Attached is a link to their Ebay store, check out the .032” sheets. .032” x 24” x 36” for $72.00, $86.20 including shipping. They have other sizes also, just find what you need. If the link does not work… Go to Ebay, search for “Copper sheet” then choose Online Stores way at the bottom. Shapiro’s name is right under the description, click it and search for what you need. They also have lighter gauge pieces for your cap and all.

Never bought from Online Metals so can not give a first hand rating.

I almost went the piece together route for my new pot, using 4 pieces for the pot itself and riveting/soldering together. I still have the rivets and tools so might go that route for this one just for the look! Good luck and let us know how you make out.

- Woody

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Shapiro-Sup ... mit=Search" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Hawke
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Re: copper thickness

Post by Hawke »

Only used Online metals the one time. I do live within the same state. Had a question, so called them. Got a real person straight off, and she knew the answers without hesitation.
Within 1 hour of submitting the order, I got a shipping confermation, and the material was at the door within 24 hours. The sheets were packaged to survive a bomb blast.
Definately recomend them for thier service, although shipping cost is a killer for the oversize packages.
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
nedscreekkennels
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Re: copper thickness

Post by nedscreekkennels »

I have found two sheets of copper roofing that I think I am going to use now just need the time to cut it out and fit it all together prob gonna be a winter project. Thanks to all.
glassman
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Re: copper thickness

Post by glassman »

quickshipmetals.com is in TN so shipping won't be bad. good prices too. gman
meangene
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Re: copper thickness

Post by meangene »

Check out these guys. Free Shipping in the CONUS.
http://store.electrical-insulators-and- ... index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Dimestorecowboy
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Re: copper thickness

Post by Dimestorecowboy »

Thank You Hawke! I was hoping I was going to find someone in our state that had purchased from onlineMetals.com. I live down south a few miles but this place is "local". I like keeping my money local and "some what" non corporate. Gotta keep those Ma an Pop businesses open.
"I don't insult, I diagnose."
varocketry
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Re: copper thickness

Post by varocketry »

So, what's the consensus on COPPER THICKNESS to buy to construct a 15 -20 gal still?

That seems to have been lost in the discussion above. Or, I missed it.
-Just need something else to build. -
southern traditions
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Re: copper thickness

Post by southern traditions »

Another source if you have one in your area is Hinkle Metals. Their a HVAC supply house that specialize in sheet metal goods, my local one carries 3x10 and 4x10 sheets of 20 guage/16 oz Copper. Copper prices are down right now so buy while the prices are lower..


Martin

PS, 16oz copper is pretty common for what your wanting to do..
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