Still upgrade

[Ushibaosensei]

Hello,

Just thought I'd post my rebuild of my old still components. I decided to upgrade to a triclamp modular system, so parts are interchangeable for rum, whiskey, vodka and gin if I'm feeling so inclined. The alembic onion was made a few years ago from an old copper vase I found in a charity shop, it worked great but will be even better now im hoping. The middle column doesn't need to be there but I thought, more copper contact and passive reflux etc. Thumper question...I'm fitting one but could do 2. How much difference would 2 make to the setup and outcomes? The thumper is a 9 litre corney keg, I've got another one lying around too if I want to add it. Boiler isn't in photos but its a 30litre burco boiler, just awaiting a new lid for it. Let me know what you think and any tips will be great. Thanks

[Deplorable]

That is one sexy onion. Personally Id have put a TC on the top rather than soldering the 90 to it but that's just me.

[tiramisu]

Copper is definitely prettier than steel.

[Ushibaosensei]

That is one sexy onion. Personally Id have put a TC on the top rather than soldering the 90 to it but that's just me.

Thanks Deplorable, I was in 2 minds to do that, but thought, sod it ill save some coin and have less to seal up! Those copper ferrules are expensive here in England, if bought from a supplier and not China. I like the smoothness of it. Still debating if to do a second thumper?? But should probably wait to see how 1 runs on my still?

[Yummyrum]

I like the smoothness of it.

Me too . Live your work

[30xs]

I have to agree with Yummy. I think the lines without ferrule look clean. Nice work, sir.

[Ushibaosensei]

Thanks peeps, I'll update when its in action, bloody still lid takes about a month from China, I was debating on making a copper lid, but couldn't be arsed with that much messing on, was cheap enough to order a new stainless jobby with ferrule built in. I'm chomping at the bit, got 2 strip runs to do with my black treacle and organic dark molasses sugar washes, then I can see how that thumper affects flavour. I've got 2 stripped already from before I redid the still, so should be a good yield.

[Bushman]

There is a thread on making your own copper ferrules if you do a google search.

[SmokyMtn]

Can't go wrong copper. It sure is purty

[Ushibaosensei]

There is a thread on making your own copper ferrules if you do a google search.

Ooohh, I'll have a look

[Ushibaosensei]

I'm debating on making a boiler from a copper water cylinder, there's a few vintage jobbies on ebay. I reckon, cut one down to say 60 litre size and add a 6 inch ferrule with a blanking plate for access and a 4 inch ferrule on top and reduce to 2" with a 3kw element and a drain tap. (4 inch to keep my options open)Then I'll be a proper copper hillbilly. Any thoughts on second thumper peeps?

[SmokyMtn]

I'm debating on making a boiler from a copper water cylinder, there's a few vintage jobbies on ebay.

Copper + vintage, usually = lead

[Ushibaosensei]

I could de-lead the boiler? Re solder the joints etc.

[SmokyMtn]

I could de-lead the boiler? Re solder the joints etc.

Why take the chance? When you can get clean unused copper. It might delay your project but what's your life worth? Lead poisoning is a real possibility. Your choice your life

[Ushibaosensei]

I could de-lead the boiler? Re solder the joints etc.

Why take the chance? When you can get clean unused copper. It might delay your project but what's your life worth? Lead poisoning is a real possibility. Your choice your life

I'll have a look at some copper still plans and price up the copper sheet I think. Is there any real difference in just immersing a copper sheet in the stainless boiler, like an inner skin . After all, I've always chucked clean copper offcuts in the boiler to help agitate and add copper to the boil??...............
Just read more on this and copper in the vapor path is more beneficial than in the pot apparently. So I think I've got the copper contact thing sussed on my design. Probably just need a bigger pot at some time.