Hey all,
Slowly progressing in my build of a basic pot still. I have easy access to gas and burners, etc. but have been considering electric from the beginning. Still torn, I guess.
My question is this. Does anyone use the double element & plug box setup detailed in the Compleat Distiller? It looks like a fairly simple solution (albeit one with less control than either gas or a fancy controller). I am very familiar with electrical wiring, but I am not familiar with electronics.
Lost my job recently and I'm working again, but for a lot less pay, so my budget is tight. One reason the build is happening slowly. So I don't feel like I can afford a nice controller right now. I'm looking for opinions from you knowledgable folks.
If you wanted to run double elements, you could use both for heat up, and just run on 1 110v 15-1800w element with a simple router speed controller. Not sure what kind of size your boiler is, or what kind of juice you have available in your shed.
I hadn't really thought about using just one element with a router speed control once up to temp. Great idea MK. I have 220V available as well as 110V. That's one reason I was thinking about using the plug box setup from that book. I am using a 15 gal SS keg as a boiler. Taking pictures as it progresses. Once I figure out a safe way to post them (and I finish) I'll do so in the proper forum. Pretty basic though. Thanks for the input guys.
I have a 15.5 beer keg with two heaters in it. One 5500w 220v and one 2000w 110v. Both have controllers on them. Takes only 30 mins. to heat up then I can shut down one heater to run her out!
