My First Still....So I went Big!!!!

[NcHooch]

If you do the math, 100 of the 1/16" holes will give you about the equivalent of a 5/8" tube. 60 of the 1/16" holes is the equivalent of a 1/2" tube....which would normally be more than enough ...but it seems the liquid on the plate really changes the equation. My guess is, 100 is minimum for a 3" column.

[ProChargedHarley03]

Ok Thanks NcHooch I have lots of room on the plates
I will shoot for 100! I should be getting this thing together
Next week, I just got 15 gallons of UJSSM going today!!!

[bentstick]

Hooch, the min area of holes to suface is 8 to 12% is this right? I am asking trying to get some plates drilled for a 3 plate 4" column I will be taking to my son after I get it built.

[ProChargedHarley03]

Well its was time to add some holes to my plate tree!!! Thanks for the help NcHooch, so this is what i did since i had already soldered the plates
made a jig out of some old wood. It took some time but i "got her done"

[ProChargedHarley03]

So my SS fitting are starting to show up!!!! I want to get all the brass off my still!!! its not cheap, but dont want to deal with the soaking the brass
I'm going to stick with the 3/8 fitting they worked great with my still my Blichmann SS ball valves should be here this friday!!!!! I have a 15 gallon batch of
UJSSM to run this weekend

[Richard7]

Will your construction be done this weekend?

[ProChargedHarley03]

Well, stubby will be ready,"The name i gave my still after i cut it in half", but will be finishing up on the plate tree section next week!! My trap fittings will be here on thursday!! I need to order the glass, at mcmaster-carr!!!
I will do 2 or 3 Gens of UJSSM!! With Studdy, then with all the saved up heads and tails, Add the plate tree section to studdy, with the tri-clamps, and see what i can get!!!
I think im going to name my still "Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde....One still,Two way different personalities!!!!

[ProChargedHarley03]

So, this is what i am up too!!!! need my ball valves, but they are on the way!!!

[ProChargedHarley03]

I got some work done today

[ProChargedHarley03]

I'm so close i cant stop!!!!

[ProChargedHarley03]

few more pix's

[seaguy]

Real nice work PCH . You're like a bulldog with a rag doll on this project You better make sure the mrs ain't looking for a hitman

[ProChargedHarley03]

Thanks Seaguy!!!! No wife here!!! But if I did, I would have to wear
A bullet proof vest!!!!! This project has been great, it's amazing what
You can build with all the info., On this site!!!

[rad14701]

Considering how there ain't no Still Builders Anonymous program you're just gonna have to suffer through and get that rig done...

Looking good...

[Prairiepiss]

Yes that monster is looking good. Nice work. Now hurry up and get it done. So we can hear the results already.

[ProChargedHarley03]

Oh yes just waiting on my glass from mcmaster-Carr
Thanks guy for the good words

[Infinitebrainspace]

I have a 20gal ss still but I only fill it to 15gal... electric using the biggest 110v element Home Depot had (2000w I think) need a 20Amp circuit to run it, and not less than 10 guage wire. BE SURE NOT TO HAVE ANY SOLIDS in your pot!!!!
if you do, the element will burn out fast. (this from experience btw) . Strain your beer thouroughly before putting it into the pot. It will take about 2 - 2.5 hours to heat if not insulated, and about half that time if you inslulate the crap
out of it. Mine is insulated sides and top with r12 water heater insulation. I'm using a boiler thermostat to control the temp, but unless you can find a used one, they are very expensive. I mounted thermometers at the element level,
10 gallon level, and one at the base of the column (since I am new at this, I want to see what the temps are at the different points for future reference).

You can use 2 of these elements if you run 220v (one on each leg of the 220) and still use 10 gua wire with 20A,
or you could use a 4000w 220 element, but I dont know what the wire size / amp rating would have to be.

I think the 4000w element would get too hot, and may burn your beer.

[Prairiepiss]

I have a 20gal ss still but I only fill it to 15gal... electric using the biggest 110v element Home Depot had (2000w I think) need a 20Amp circuit to run it, and not less than 10 guage wire. BE SURE NOT TO HAVE ANY SOLIDS in your pot!!!!
if you do, the element will burn out fast. (this from experience btw) . Strain your beer thouroughly before putting it into the pot. It will take about 2 - 2.5 hours to heat if not insulated, and about half that time if you inslulate the crap
out of it. Mine is insulated sides and top with r12 water heater insulation. I'm using a boiler thermostat to control the temp, but unless you can find a used one, they are very expensive. I mounted thermometers at the element level,
10 gallon level, and one at the base of the column (since I am new at this, I want to see what the temps are at the different points for future reference).

You can use 2 of these elements if you run 220v (one on each leg of the 220) and still use 10 gua wire with 20A,
or you could use a 4000w 220 element, but I dont know what the wire size / amp rating would have to be.

I think the 4000w element would get too hot, and may burn your beer.

Did you intend to post this here? And why? Not real sure how it applys to this thread?
And you can't control a still with a thermostat. You may want to do some research on that.

[ProChargedHarley03]

I thinks that was a oooppps post by Infinitebrainspace

[ProChargedHarley03]

I love it when things go smooth!!!!!!

[seaguy]

Is there going to be a bottom section of column to house the packing/plates? Oops... i see that section of pics on page 7 now.

[Richard7]

I like the SS valves. What kind of ferrules do they have? I can't wait to hear about how the plates perform under a Nixon Stone. I want to go up to three inch as well, but if this works out good for you, I will be adding the flute build as you have done! I am in no hurry 'cause I have plenty from my 2" Lm at the moment. I have also had some Ideas that I will through out there to see if they have any ground to stand on. It really looks like your build is coming along nicely and looking forward to more post!

[ProChargedHarley03]

Well i am excited to say Jeckyll & Hyde was finished today!!!! So a good cleaning run was in order!!! I saved up 6 gallons of 30% of UJSSM Tails and let her rip!!!
The reflux thing is new to me, so i farted around with it for about an hour before i shut it down!! after about 15 min of full reflux, i got a reading of about 85% so numbers should go up after and hour of reflux!!!!

[ProChargedHarley03]

Hi Richard7, no ferrules on the valves! 3/8 NPT SS close fittings. I drilled and tapped and solder

[ProChargedHarley03]

Well It's just that time to show a quick peek at my still bubbling away!!!!!! so here you go!!!!

http://youtu.be/coo6MsBknSg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[devotus]

excellent! great job.

[ProChargedHarley03]

Thanks, Devotus!!

This being my first build, has been an amazing
Experience!!! It is a great feeling to build something
With you're own hands and then watch it make something
You will never have to buy again!!!!

[devotus]

Well it seems you bolted out of the gates with style mate.

How does it run?

Nice and stable? How is the product? Or are you still cleaning it?

[ProChargedHarley03]

It runs great!!! I have only ran UJSSM, but It is a awesome set up!!!

[bentstick]

Kudos to procharged, you are now an official addict!!