Coper or ceramic filling?

[Moby]

http://www.brewhaus.com/Essential-Extra ... P1015.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

I can get either as column packing, but do not know which is better, they cost the same either way.

Howdy fella's,
I'm just getting into this hobby and don't know siht.
I'm told distilling is hard. I should try beer first.
While I am a beer drinker, I'd rather make whiskey and vodka.
This company claims this distiller is both a reflux and pot type distiller.
Please give me your thoughts. I want to get something that can do both if its possible.
By the way....I LOVE some of the rigs you guys have made!!!!!

[ammo man]

I have that rig, and will say it is a good choice. I also have a similar rig from Mile-hi. You might check them out also. I use the detuned tower from Mile-hi for most of my pot distilling only because it is easier to set up.

I use Brewhaus.com a lot. Outstanding service, and almost all of the products they sell are first class. Forget that other stuff. Stay with copper mesh.

Bert

[Moby]

Thanks Ammo Man!

Appreciate the help bro.
I'm fired up about this new hobbie!!!

[LearJet]

Have you considered building your own? You will get a better rig that way.

[Moby]

Howdy LearJet,
Thanks for the post.
Yeah, thought of trying to build one.
I can solder, have access to most everything I'd need
and I am fairly mechanical. But as I look at home made rigs, and
prefab rigs I like the looks of the prefab rigs and assume they've
done the testing and got it dialed in better than I could. When I was
reading the 4 or 5 pages of reviews on this rig EVERYONE said they hit a home run
the first try and absolutely raves about the unit. I'm assuming that means the rig works well, and the true art will be in the process, ingredients, etc. Although I’m sure I’ll build one eventually. But for now, $350 and I’m ready to cook. I absolutely see myself building a pot still for the “man cave art” aspect. Those big brass things just look cool.

This forum has been great already as folks gave me things to think bout like where to cook (I’m thinking garage) and where to store product (making a cabinet for oak barrels and bottles). My bro “Rudi” told me I need a beer making kit for producing wash.

So I am to set up an area of my garage that can take care of everything except storage of product. The spot I’m looking at is right next to my electric hot water heater. This may come in useful as a heat source. I saw some guys in here with electric blankets and such.

My plans are to attempt to build a counter top with selves to try and get everything in one place and organized. It will include a sink and running hot and cold water for clean up.

Any thoughts on set up? If you had to start all over again?

[ammo man]

Nothing like building your own, but I took your approach and would have it no other way. Stay with that rig until you have a good "feel" for what is going on, then make a choice and build your own. I feel that with experience you can make a better choice. As you are probably aware there are many different choices to select from.

I ended up building a VM rig, and really enjoy and am very proud of it.

http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =1&t=12634

But at this moment in time I am more interested in flavors than neutrals so most of my 'stilling is done pot style. This, of course, will change as time goes by.

Bert

[ScottishBoy]

Howdy LearJet,
So I am to set up an area of my garage that can take care of everything except storage of product. The spot I’m looking at is right next to my electric hot water heater. This may come in useful as a heat source. I saw some guys in here with electric blankets and such.
Any thoughts on set up? If you had to start all over again?

Yes, Make sure that the area that you store your various bottles of progress is safe, not prone to disruption and not near any heat or flame source. If you put your bottles on a shelf, make sure you have a retaining rail to keep them from falling off. Its one thing to have a gallon of wine on the floor...its a tragedy and a huge risk to have a gallon of shine on the floor.

Although I have never had to use one, a few fire extinguishers make for a much safer work area. Wife approval factor is good when you put it out quickly and decisively. Wife approval factor would not be good when you are explaining to the fire department why you HAD 20 gallons of accelerant to feed the fire.

[kiwistiller]

Any thoughts on set up? If you had to start all over again?

Keep one bottle of everything you make to track your progress, take notes, and like the others said, make sure stuff can't fall down.
Luck,
Kiwi