attempt with first run..

Many like to post about a first successful ferment (or first all grain mash), or first still built/bought or first good run of the still. Tell us about all of these great times here.
Pics are VERY welcome, we drool over pretty copper 8)

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nightrider01
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Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 7:37 pm

attempt with first run..

Post by nightrider01 »

Hello everyone, I'm brand new to this forum (obviously) and need some help. I've been doing Alto of research and made a still out of a stock pot. I also used 10 feet of 5/8 copper for my worm. I heated my mash to 177 degrees ferenheight like I was supposed to and waited. Nothing has happened. How long does it typically take for alcohol to start dripping because I'm beginning to thing I've done. Something wrong..
TheRevDr
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Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2011 5:58 pm

Re: attempt with first run..

Post by TheRevDr »

I'll try to save the very patient Master Distillers some time. Don't worry about the temp on your still. Please read: http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 46&t=13294

I hope I did the link right.
nightrider01
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Posts: 9
Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 7:37 pm

Re: attempt with first run..

Post by nightrider01 »

That's good info but I've played with the temps raising and lowering and didn't get anything out of my copper tubing. I'm most curious as to how long it takes to start seeing alcohol.
Last edited by nightrider01 on Thu Nov 29, 2012 8:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Mud Mechanik
Distiller
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Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2010 12:12 pm
Location: Deep South

Re: attempt with first run..

Post by Mud Mechanik »

You have not provided enough information to get the proper help....we need;
1. either a picture of your setup or a better description.
2. the recipe you used along with gravity measurements.
3. a proper introduction in the welcome center.
Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway----John Wayne
nightrider01
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Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 7:37 pm

Re: attempt with first run..

Post by nightrider01 »

I tried the photo anf it wouldn't work so here's a detailed description. 12 quart stainless steel stock pot, 5/8 OD soft copper tubing, exactly 10 feet from stock pot lid to end of worm. The worm is in a 3 gallon bucket filled with cold water. I have my stock pot lid completely sealed with weather stripping and vice grips to hold It in place. The mash I used was 4 inches of sweet feed in a five gallon bucket, 5 pounds of sugar, 1tablespoon of distillers yeast.
Mud Mechanik
Distiller
Posts: 1087
Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2010 12:12 pm
Location: Deep South

Re: attempt with first run..

Post by Mud Mechanik »

I think you need to stop where you are at and do a little more homework before you hurt yourself or end up on the front page....in your 3 posts we can determine that you have not studied up on distilling or distilling safety, do yourself a huge favor and spend some time in the new distillers reading lounge.
Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway----John Wayne
Durace11
Distiller
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Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2012 2:22 pm

Re: attempt with first run..

Post by Durace11 »

weather stripping is not safe to drink, you need to use something safer than this for your sealer, a tortilla or flour paste or readymade pie crust or everlasting PTFE gasket.

As far as your orignial question, don't look at what heat you are running on your pot, just keep turning up the heat until product comes out, THEN adjust your heat to the amount of product flow you want(higher = more product, lower = less product) & what you want for a spirit run is a pencil lead thin stream or a really fast drip for a stripping run turn it up until you start to get a little vapor then back it up just a bit until you get only liquid, that is as fast as your condensor can handle.

BUT FIRST, make it safe to run so it's safe to drink and do your cleaning runs IMO.
Current Evolution:
MrDistiller > 2" potstill > copper 4" perf 4 plate flute

"I seal the lid with Silly Putty, that's OK ain't it ?"
~ kekedog13

"Attach a vibrator to it and hang it upside down. Let it work"
~Mr. P
Sniper911
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Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2011 5:21 pm
Location: Over Yonder

Re: attempt with first run..

Post by Sniper911 »

Trust these guys on what theyre telling you....A year or so ago I was in what seems to be your position...impatient and anxious to get that first batch through the still. Take it from experience...

1. Read this forum
2. Ask questions when you cant find your answer in these pages.
3. Read this forum
4. Ask questions about what you dont understand.
5. Read this forum

Once you have the needed information, some of it may not make sense at first but, once you do start distilling, the missing pieces will fall in place. You'll wind up with a better product or at least something that you'll know how to improve. BUT..If you move forward without as much info as you can get...If your product doesn't make you sick or possibly kill 'ya...It certainly won't be worth drinking.

Just my two quarts worth.

Did I mention to read this forum??!!!
There are no stupid questions...However, there are a lot of inquisitive idiots !!
nightrider01
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Posts: 9
Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 7:37 pm

Re: attempt with first run..

Post by nightrider01 »

Sounds good to me fellas, that's why I joined this forum thanks Alto!
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