Some final questions re: building a still

[NGICA]

so I think I'm going to go either the stovetop route, or if I can find a cheap enough keg, ill do the tri-clover clamp route since that looks really easy to break down. A few questions:

1. What kind of thermometer do I need, and where/how do I place it, so I know what temperature I am heating up to. I had read that if you boil at too high a temp, everything boils off too quickly and you can't cut out the heads and tails.
2. If using a keg, other than fitting a column/condenser, are there any other modifications necessary that need to be made?
3. Related to #1, is there a preferred/ideal method of setting heat source? I have an electric stove and access to a turkey fry burner

thanks all

[MuleKicker]

What kind of thermometer do I need, and where/how do I place it, so I know what temperature I am heating up to.

digital or analog, what ever is your preference. just should have a stainless probe to insert into the vapor path. where liquid cant drip on it.

I had read that if you boil at too high a temp, everything boils off too quickly and you can't cut out the heads and tails.

it will boil at the same temp, but you will smear cuts if too much heat is applied. just enough to get a drip a sec w/ a pot. reflux collumn is different cause you need to make enough liquid to take a little but leave enough for reflux.

Related to #1, is there a preferred/ideal method of setting heat source? I have an electric stove and access to a turkey fry burner

an electric stove will cycle the element and cause boiler surging. you need to control phase angle of elec current to heat effectively. turkey burner will work, but not to sturdy.

[NGICA]

Okay thanks

[Mr.Spooky]

some would say that a thermo is not needed in a pot still.
spooky

[MuleKicker]

Yer right spooky. If yer new at the whole process, it might not be a bad idea to use one to get the hang of whats going on. Some would argue.

[Kentucky shinner]

It was usefull to me when I was starting out... for sure

[Mr.Spooky]

i had one, but i guess im impatient or something,,,, the temp would go up, id turn the heat down,,,, the temp would go too far down, id turn the heat up. i was chasing the thermo all over the place and wasent paying attention to what was coming out the barrel..... one thing is if you dont like it,,, you can always plug the hole. try it for a while with,,, then try it for a while without and see what suites you best.
spooky

[blanikdog]

Getting to a point where I almost hate to suggest that reading will help as some folk seem to get pissed off about it, but here goes. Try here http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 1#p6816241 and if you are contemplating a pot it may help.

[NGICA]

doesn't look like I really need one, good to know, thanks.