Brand new with a startup question

[tacomaguy20]

Hi guys I've been doing a lot of reading so far and I'm ready to get myself started. I already have an idea of how to build a still and am about to start working on that soon. One question I have is I need the rest of the equipment. Meaning the pot, fermentor(s) hydrometers and the works. Just wondering if anyone knows a good site that I could order these from...Maybe as a good startup package all inclusive. I know some homebrew sites have sets but wondering about a good set with most of what I would need for fairly inexpensive. I live in the states by the way and do have a homebrew place nearby that I'm gonna check out and see what they offer. Also, Could someone suggest a list of equipment that I would need? I think I got most of it from the main site, but what would be some recommendations that you would have that would not be in a set or perhaps just make life easier. Stuff such as multiple parts, carboys vs buckets, ect? Thanks in advance for the help.

[rad14701]

Hi guys I've been doing a lot of reading so far and I'm ready to get myself started. I already have an idea of how to build a still and am about to start working on that soon. One question I have is I need the rest of the equipment. Meaning the pot, fermentor(s) hydrometers and the works. Just wondering if anyone knows a good site that I could order these from...Maybe as a good startup package all inclusive. I know some homebrew sites have sets but wondering about a good set with most of what I would need for fairly inexpensive. I live in the states by the way and do have a homebrew place nearby that I'm gonna check out and see what they offer. Also, Could someone suggest a list of equipment that I would need? I think I got most of it from the main site, but what would be some recommendations that you would have that would not be in a set or perhaps just make life easier. Stuff such as multiple parts, carboys vs buckets, ect? Thanks in advance for the help.

First, welcome to the forums, tacomaguy20... Second, I apologize for your initial post not being acknowledged before now...

As for your questions, I think many of them can be answered by doing a bit more research both here and on the parent site... Whether to buy or build is a personal preference based on research, understanding, finances, resources on hand, and personal skills... I, personally, would never buy a still because I possess the skills to build my own far less expensively than purchasing... I also like the rewarding feeling that using something I have had a hand in building provides... All of the answers are here on this site and searching for those answers will likely answer several others that you haven't even thought of yet...

We're here to help answer specific questions that may/will arise along your journey... Good luck and good reading... You may need a pot or three of coffee...

[LWTCS]

I recycle all store bought jelly jars, pasta sause jars and especially any thing that is sized or flask shaped.

Free glass is good for informal gifting.

I stilled a bunch of 3 liter jugs of cheapo wine and now use all those for collecting.

[tacomaguy20]

Thanks for the answers guys. I guess I was just looking for tips mostly. I am buying some equipment now. So far I bought a

hydrometer
alcoholmeter
cylinder for the meters
syphon
fermenter
Airlock
stick on thermometer for fermenter
floating thermometer for mash

Have already 2 Kegs, one is getting cut for a pot, one i'm gonna use for a boiler.
I am getting a 2" tri clamp for my keg
Have 2 corny kegs as well... maybe for beer
Have a keg fridge too

I still need a propane stove not sure If I should get that local or online
Copper tubing and parts -- looks like the head is the hard part so gonna get that done last
Thermometer for the head. not sure what to get depending on design I figure.
Cooling hoses and underwater pump
and of course yeast and sugar.

I figure that should get me started. Anybody else have any ideas or something I forgot.

[olddog]

Looks like you are well on your way, which continent are you on, its a bit difficult advising where to get stuff without knowing

[tacomaguy20]

In the states.

[Hawke]

Looks to be NW Washington State. (about 200 miles nw of me)
Whether you are looking to make flavored stuff, like whiskey, rum or brandy, or are after Vodka/neutral, you should have a potstill head. You use this for the flavors, or for stripping a sugar wash, before running through the reflux unit. Often, after building the reflux unit, there is enough pipe left to build the potstill, with just a few extra fittings.

I use a Camp Chef, 60,000 btu propane burner for my rig. It works well.

[Dnderhead]

yes your on your way , after a wile you will have a collection of buckets, spoons. scales, jars and you will learn to watch "roadside" wondering what can I do or make with that.

[tacomaguy20]

cool this looks like fun and its right up my alley cause I love to drink and cook too