IS IT BETTER TO BUILD OR BUY

[BLUEPRINTSHINE]

BESIDES THE PRIDE OF SAYING YOU BUILT IT !if your not real handy and dont have a machine shop can you build a better still than you can buy ? and is it cost defective?

[Usge]

You can build just as an "effective" still as you can readily buy (for reasonable cost). And you'll further know how it was built, how to fix it, and how to modify it. Further, with a little knowledge and planning up front, you can build out on a platform that is "modular" such that you can readily change it as simple as changing out the heads/column....unclamp one, clamp on the other.

Having said that...there are several options if you are looking to buy. A very popular and cost effective one is the basic CM still (cooling management reflux) ...ie., it has tubes that run thru the top of the column that can be cooled separately to provide more reflux. These can also be run without running water to the tubes..more like a straight up potstill. It's a common design that most commercial retailers use. They also make straight up potstills of various configs, sizes, etc. As well as custom work. You can also buy traditional handmade alembic type stills from Portugal (although they are somewhat expensive).

Having started out buying all my stills ....I can honestly say...the most I learned about distilling was after building a few of my own. It really teaches you a lot. But, if you are just wanting to get started, and aren't into learning how to make one...sure..there's commercial ones. And you can personalize them to 'some" degree. But, nothing like building out your own. I highly recommend it...even if you "Think" you don't have any skills. I had never soldered anything before in my life till I came here. I'm not expert at anything...but I'm pretty comfortable now with my soldering and even some minor metal forming/working. All that from just doing a few builds. IT's well worth the investment in time...whenever you get around to it.

[BLUEPRINTSHINE]

thanks im going to start looking for designs i can build and i really thank everyone for their imput just have to be pacient i guess