First still build/run (Pics)

[irish_moonshiner]

I am getting close to completing my first still so i thought id post some pics of my build and my first attempt at running it. After hours of reading through this website and many others I decided that the Bok mini style still would be a good first still, my budget for the still is very limited because i am a student but im an engineering student so i have access to a good workshop and some useful materials. My other limitation was space, so the still must fit on top of my stove and be easily taken apart for storage.

My plan was to use a SS stock pot as a boiler with a 54/1000mm copper tube for the column
The first thing i purchased was a 15ltr SS stock pot from ebay for £12, I know this is on the small side but it will have to do for now and if the coulmn works well and I decide to take this hobby further i'l only have to fit the column on a new boiler.

The first thing i done was remove the handle off the stock pot lid by grinding the rivets of with a dremel. To hold and seal the lid to the pot I decided to rivet 4 small SS L plates to the inside of the pot which i could attach bolts too and locate through holes in the lid then use wing nuts to hold the lid down and for quick removal.

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I made the L plates by butchering one of my mums old SS food platters into small rectangular pieces the drilling holes in each of them, i then riveted them to the pot.

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I placed a SS washer between the wing nut and the lid to help seal the boiler but if it does leek il just use some flour paste. Il also put a layer of flour paste around the rim of the pot to act as a gasket.


I'l post pics of the rest of the build later
As I am a complete noob any constructive criticism is welcome.