Noob here

[quirkmeister]

First off I suppose I ought to introduce myself, I'm a student looking to save money, and get into a hobby with this. Not to mention other people enjoy a drink too. So anyway I live in Southern Indiana, near Louisville, so if there's anybody in the are who could point me in the right directions around town that would be great.

I have attempted to build a pot still but my outcome is far from what I consider to be successful. As you would all agree my first mistake was to rush in. Essentially what I have is a large pot with copper tubing coming out the lid. It doesnt seal well, theres nothing to specifically cool the tubing, and the tubing isn't particularly long.

I understand all of the principals very well, however when it comes to the actual actions I find myself lacking in the skills. I would love to build a still using the Nixon-Stone Head, but I just don't feel quite comfortable with the implementation of the design, especially as it requires soldering.

All in all I enjoy the site thus far and I hope to learn more, and naturally produce some noteworthy vodka.

[rubber duck]

Welcome aboard.

If you want to produce a good vodka your going to need a good reflux still. The Nixon still is a good rig but you can get the same results with a Boka for about half the price. You can buy one from one of the builders here on the forum or you can build one. Soldering is not that hard, many of us on the forum learned to solder building out rigs.

I assume your a student of legal drinking age but be careful who you tell about or share your liquor with. This is a rewarding hobby but it's one that can get you into a hell of a lot of trouble.

[quirkmeister]

The only people who know aren't people I would worry about, but otherwise i keep it pretty quiet. I looked at Boka's a lot more today and I have decided that would be the way to go. One thing I'm not entirely sure on is the use of a centering collar. i would plan to use 2" copper pipe with ss scrubbies. Any other recommendations? I plan to draw up some diagrams, do some scouting, and make a list of projected expenditures throughout this week.

[MuleKicker]

Welcome dude. Take RD's advice, pride will get ya caught. I was yer age not that long ago. Get alittle likker in ya and the mouth starts movin. Especially when yer so proud of that first likker. Im lucky i didnt make it then . If yer lookin for a good boka, talk to Kentuckyshinner. He builds em right nice, wont steer ya wrong. Welcome man.

[rubber duck]

I used cut down 2"to 1" reducers that slip inside the pipe. You slip one in half way down the pipe and leave it there or because it's not soldered in you can remove it latter if you need to.

[Braz]

Another Hoosier checks in. Welcome.

I'm going to add my recommendation for a Boka twin plate. Once you get your spurs it will make that notable vodka you are seeking.

I'd not be concerned about needing any centering rings. I don't have any in mine and I consistently pull 95.5% out of it.

[quirkmeister]

Thanks guys, so I'm now on the search for all of my materials. Most are easy enough to find. I'm going to use a turkey cooker for the heat source and boiling chamber. The issue I ran into is finding 2" copper pipe. According to the friendly guys at ACE Hardware I will not be able to find that size in a local store, supposedly I will have to go to a commercial retailer which will also mean a higher price. Any recommendations on acquiring the pipe and/or other materials?

[Braz]

You got a Menard's store there? The one in my town has 2" copper pipe at about 60% of the price at Lowe's or at the plumbing supply houses.

On the turkey cooker: make sure it is stainless, not aluminum. Here is the one I use.
http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-104 ... B000VXHKMC" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[madmonk]

Welcome QM. For 2" copper, also check at a scrap yard/recycling center if you are within reasonable distance of one. The one I go to sells beautiful 2" at scrap price.