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I always wear a mask with carbon filters when welding galvanized stock. Works great.

Bluedog, I ended up ordering the SEBStar HTL which is a high temp amylase. They say good to 190 degrees F. Just to be sure, the SEBStar HTL will break down the starch to dextrins and then the grain malt enzymes can break this down into sugars, correct? Johnny, I used a round Igloo cooler for beer an...

Thanks for the reply and kind offer SS. I will take you up on that. I was hoping you would chime in as when searching "lauter" on HD your name comes up. I guess not many lauter. While I will shoot you a PM, I figure we might as well have some conversation here just in case any there are any other nu...

Hi All, I am getting set up to do my first all grain. I'll be doing a Honey Bear Bourbon. My plan is to lauter, mostly because that is what I used to do back when I brewed all grain and a professional distiller I know recommends it. That and dealing with mop buckets and such seems messy. I know that...

Cristof wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 27, 2020 8:26 am

Chauncey wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 26, 2020 5:29 am

I may be wrong but arent some alcohometers and hydrometers made to use a specific sized cylinder?

The amount of liquid doesn't matter, because they work on the principle of buoyancy, and that is same in 100ml or 100l.

Surface tension can come into play. So too narrow can throw results off.

If the paper hasn't moved then most likely one was off to start with. Get some store bought and find out.

I use Listerine mouthwash. If it got sucked in I don't care, you can wash your mouth with it!

LB Miles wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 21, 2020 9:57 am

That's why I plan on distilling that wheat tea (with a small still unfit for alcohol) to have a clear concentrated flavor to add in small quantities.

Miles.

He said he wasn't distilling alcohol, just wheat tea to make a flavoring agent.

If you can't stand to just toss it, sure. Make a less than 10% sugar wash and it should do just fine.

Nice! Did you you use Pintoshine's plans? I made a 12 gallon using his plans and yours looks like my still's little brother. Nice job, you didn’t use a CNC cutter on the worm. Would be interested in how you made it as it looks very professional. Stillanoob do you still have these plans? I had them ...

Nice! Did you you use Pintoshine's plans? I made a 12 gallon using his plans and yours looks like my still's little brother.

Vita, the introduction post is supposed to be just for that, to introduce yourself. As to your latest doings, you should start another thread for that. Ditch the turbo yeast and shoot for 10% or less ABV washes. Then you won't need the carbon because it will actually taste good. High ABV washes are ...

Bushman, what was it about the hard cider you didn't like? Good cider is the nectar of the gods... :crazy: Also, where did you get that apple quartering device in a picture above? I need one. I racked the cider we made last week using a pump I got a while back. Worked great. I pumped it into a Spied...

Throwing away fruit in a sac run would be sac! Sacrilegious that is! Make a sugar wash to get your fermenting chops up, sac that and then make some brandy!

Well, at least you have (not so) common sense and shut her down. As noted, an intro thread is not where to discuss details. Start another thread and we'll get your condenser sorted out.

Good progress though, you are well on your way!

Welcome! It is the house rule to keep your first post as just an introduction. But we would love to hear about your efforts, so go start another thread and tell us all about it.

Hasn't bothered my yeast. I've had quick, no problem ferments with mine.

Welcome. Now that you have done your howdy, start a thread telling us about your plans.

Cranky, the apples weren't under ripe. The aggregate juice came in at a potential of 6.5% ABV and the apples had been sweated for a week. The starch might have been more from the tart apples. I am glad to hear that you find it settles out and is not a problem. It seemed to be settling out in the gla...

I'm glad I read that. I have had a passing thought in that direction. That thought has now left the building. I'll stick with a method that travels around 3000 feet/second.

Welp, we got around to dealing with the apples yesterday. We used the HF wood chipper unmodified so the apples had to be halved and big ones quartered. It worked pretty well but I do have concerns about how fine the output is. There is a slightly starchy or chalky quality to the juice and if you let...

Happy birthday to MtI! Enjoy these times with him, a special one for sure. I had one cat that lived beyond 20, somewhere around 23. His name was Mars because not only was he orange but he was a god of war. His mother died when he was a few days old and nursed on a dog that had just had a litter. So ...

You are breathing argon right now. No problem welding with it. Your buddy should shoot for a sanitary weld but there is no real health issue anyway.

So far I have only bought masa too. But I am growing corn next year and have a packet of Cal Mexicana which is definitely lime. Maybe sodium hydroxide is used too, I don't know. Naturally, I will also have to try malting some of the corn!

HomerD wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 26, 2020 10:10 am

Yes. Masa for tortillas is made in the same way.

I believe it is calcium hydroxide for masa harina.

Stuff some cotton balls into the spout of the funnel and use the coffee filters too. I haven't done that with spirits but it worked with extracts (like a spearmint extract I made).

I wouldn't boil them. Pick them, let them sit for a week, grind and press. I have a nylon mesh bag that I use inside the press, keeps more chunks out of the juice.

We are getting ready for the final press of the season: 20201022_143847.jpg In the picture are 24 regular milk crates and 3 large ones. I also have another 4 milk crates of Breaburn apples. Man, if I ever get busted at $1500 a crate... :lol: We have a great mix this year of Golden Delicious, Jonatha...

Another Ottawan joined just a month or so ago. I lived there 35 years ago and worked at the Royal Oak on Bank St.. Welcome and have fun!

I guess if a coupler won't fit that a swaging tool wouldn't help although it would be a little less than a coupler. But a soldered butt joint should work.