Hello Everyone

[mt_redbeard]

Hi, I am new to distilling and have been reading as much as I can get my hands on about the subject but still don't know much. I am planning my first still right now and have some questions. The design I have been looking at is a reflux still with a 45 degree tilted column. I am mostly interested in making moonshine/whiskey but will probably make some of the neutral spirits as well. I have read that a pot still is better than a reflux still for that. If I go with my reflux plan, what are the disadvantages of making whiskey with it?
I was also wondering if a thumper is worth putting on my still.
What is the best type of condenser to use? The plan I came up with uses a water jacket type because I have heard that worms are not as good. I don't know if that's true, just what I heard.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

[theholymackerel]

Howdy, and welcome!

[Prairiepiss]

Welcome aboard.

Where did you hear this information? Where have you been doing your research? From what you have said it doesn't sound like you have been doing it here? There is a ton of info that would cover your questions. And answer the ones you haven't asked yet. Here in the threads.

Good luck be safe take your time.

[mt_redbeard]

No, I didn't hear that here, I just joined this forum today. Most of that info was from bootleggerstills.com. Like I said, I'm very new and still trying to figure out what type of still to build, that's why I'm here. Other than that I have gotten info from books that I've been able to find at homebrew stores.

[Prairiepiss]

Eww good thing you have found HD. I would put what you learned from bootleggerstills.com. on the back burner. And start in fresh here and the parent site. Some of the info on the parent site is out dated. But its still good info and that's where the forums come in. The new distillers reading lounge is a good place to start. Lots of good info in there for you. And to familiarize you with how the boards operate. Reed the first link in my signature. It's good advice.

Have fun.

[mt_redbeard]

Thanks Mr. Piss! I've already read that. I figured I couldn't trust everything I heard from a site that is trying to sell something to me so I'm glad I found this forum. I will keep reading and asking until I at least have some idea of what I'm doing. I haven't even built my still yet and I'm hooked, looks like a I have a long addiction to moonshining ahead of me!

[OlympicMtDoo]

Welcome redbeard, you have come to the right place, start checking out the different still designs on this site and you may decide to build a still that you can run in pot still mode or reflux, there are many designs that can do both jobs. Have fun and keep us posted.

[BigPa]

You would be definitely better of to get your research info here. Like you said, they are just trying to sell you something. Here you will find the right info, these guys will tell it straight. Welcome aboard...