New still, build complete

Many like to post about a first successful ferment (or first all grain mash), or first still built/bought or first good run of the still. Tell us about all of these great times here.
Pics are VERY welcome, we drool over pretty copper 8)

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SnowJeeper
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New still, build complete

Post by SnowJeeper »

Hey guys and gals,

Good evening (or morning for our Aussie and NZ friends)!

I built a 2” Boka this week using the wisdom shared here. The build was an interesting process. I previously have struggled with sweating copper. I watched a few YT videos and refined my skills. I will say that this build went smoothly and better than expected.

I started with the coil winding. I bought a roll of 1/4” refrigeration copper and built a winding jig. I filled the tube with water and it rolled up fairly easily.

The rest of the still went together and it was straightforward with all the info here. I’m running a 5’ column packed with copper mesh. I already have an electric HERMS brewing system so I’m using my 20 gal brew kettle with the 5500W element for power.

I ran a vinegar cleaning run today. Thankfully all my joints held and there were no leaks.

Can’t wait to run my sacrificial run and then my first product.
Jstroke
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Re: New still, build complete

Post by Jstroke »

Ah the sweet smell of success. Congrats. Enjoy and keep us posted.

J
If in doubt leave it out.
SnowJeeper
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Re: New still, build complete

Post by SnowJeeper »

Thanks JS!
Justinthunder
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Re: New still, build complete

Post by Justinthunder »

Congrats man, do you have any pics to share?
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Oldvine Zin
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Re: New still, build complete

Post by Oldvine Zin »

Sweet ! there is nothing like doing your first run on a still that you built yourself.
Congrats and stay safe
OVZ
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TimothyChurch
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Re: New still, build complete

Post by TimothyChurch »

The first system is the best! I always love the progression of the soldered joint on mine. The first one is thick and dripping and by the last, it was perfect and smooth. I still have that pot still arm hanging on the wall with my first proofing parrot in my pool room!

Have fun and congratulations!
SnowJeeper
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Re: New still, build complete

Post by SnowJeeper »

Justinthunder wrote: Fri Jan 08, 2021 6:31 pm Congrats man, do you have any pics to share?
I have a couple photos but I’m not able to attach them from my iPad. I need to resize them first. I’ll work on that today. :D
SnowJeeper
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Re: New still, build complete

Post by SnowJeeper »

Thanks for all the kind words.
SnowJeeper
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Re: New still, build complete

Post by SnowJeeper »

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image.png (202.87 KiB) Viewed 997 times
Seanjohn19
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Re: New still, build complete

Post by Seanjohn19 »

Wow that's tall
SnowJeeper
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Re: New still, build complete

Post by SnowJeeper »

To 48” of packed column with the boka plates and condenser above (adds just over a foot).
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