Howdy

New to distillation, or simply new to the HD forums.
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thecoalminer
Novice
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Jan 27, 2010 5:27 pm

Howdy

Post by thecoalminer »

Hello everyone, Ive been a lurker now for a couple of weeks and finally decided to join. Glad to be part of the site and hopefully learn how to finally built a still. Looks to be a group of good people here.
kiwistiller
retired
Posts: 3215
Joined: Tue Mar 03, 2009 4:09 pm
Location: Auckland, NZ

Re: Howdy

Post by kiwistiller »

Welcome along. be sure to shout out if you need any help on still choice or such.
Three sheets to the wind!
My stuff
blanikdog
Angel's Share
Angel's Share
Posts: 4545
Joined: Tue Aug 09, 2005 11:55 pm
Location: Bullamakanka, Oztrailya

Re: Howdy

Post by blanikdog »

Welcome coalminer. Have a look at the material in the reading lounge and you'll be of to a really good start.

blanik
Simple potstiller. Slow, single run.
(50 litre, propane heated pot still. Coil in bucket condenser - No thermometer, No carbon)
The Reading Lounge AND the Rules We Live By should be compulsory reading

Cumudgeon and loving it.
olddog
retired
Posts: 3618
Joined: Fri Jan 16, 2009 6:16 pm
Location: WEST OZ

Re: Howdy

Post by olddog »

Welcome coalminer,

OD
OLD DOG LEARNING NEW TRICKS ......
rad14701
retired
Posts: 20865
Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2007 4:46 pm
Location: New York, USA

Re: Howdy

Post by rad14701 »

Greetings, thecoalminer...

Glad you came out of the shadows... One could lurk for months trying to take in all of the information here...

Good luck...
HookLine
retired
Posts: 5628
Joined: Sun May 13, 2007 8:38 am
Location: OzLand

Re: Howdy

Post by HookLine »

One could lurk for months trying to take in all of the information here...
I am still learning new stuff every day. Seems never ending. Which has its good side. 8)
Be safe.
Be discreet.
And have fun.
thecoalminer
Novice
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Jan 27, 2010 5:27 pm

Re: Howdy

Post by thecoalminer »

Thanks for the warm welcome,

For you Master distiller's, would you recommend for my first still to buy or build. I have been looking at some of the MileHi still's as well as the Brewhaus. I have also ordered three books from John Stone (how to make vodka-gin, the carriage still, and moonlight and roses) . Can you give me any advice? I would like to build a Reflux. Thanks for any help.
rubber duck
retired
Posts: 3452
Joined: Tue Feb 10, 2009 9:33 am
Location: brigadoon

Re: Howdy

Post by rubber duck »

Welcome aboard, Building a still is a adventure you really shouldn't miss out on. Even with zero, and I mean zero skills you can build a still that will far outperform any commercial rig you can buy at a reasonable price. There's lot of help to be had hear and we all want you to be successful. So my advice is build it yourself, you won't be sorry.
Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen. John Steinbeck
HookLine
retired
Posts: 5628
Joined: Sun May 13, 2007 8:38 am
Location: OzLand

Re: Howdy

Post by HookLine »

It is pretty easy to build one. If you can measure and use a file, a hand saw, and an electric drill, then you are most of the way there. Main issues are using a good design, any soldering/brazing/welding, and finding parts, mainly the boiler and column tube.

'The Compleat Distiller' is arguably the best single book on hobby distilling.
Be safe.
Be discreet.
And have fun.
thecoalminer
Novice
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Jan 27, 2010 5:27 pm

Re: Howdy

Post by thecoalminer »

Thanks for the responses, Looks like building is the way to go. Also thanks for the link, i'll definately get that book coming.
blanikdog
Angel's Share
Angel's Share
Posts: 4545
Joined: Tue Aug 09, 2005 11:55 pm
Location: Bullamakanka, Oztrailya

Re: Howdy

Post by blanikdog »

There's nothing quite as satisfying as drinking spirits that came from a still made by yourself. 8)

blanik
Simple potstiller. Slow, single run.
(50 litre, propane heated pot still. Coil in bucket condenser - No thermometer, No carbon)
The Reading Lounge AND the Rules We Live By should be compulsory reading

Cumudgeon and loving it.
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