new guy here, worm question

[scooter-1]

I found an old still in my attic, scrubbed and cleaned it, I made the worm, I used 1/4" soft copper, ............. from browsing here I get the feeling that 1/4" may not be large enough

My question is will it work?

[rad14701]

Greetings, scooter-1...

Two major flaws at this point...

First, you should have gotten a lead paint test kit to check for lead based solder... If it tests positive then set it on a shelf as an heirloom conversation piece...

Second, 1/4" is too small for use as a worm due to surface wetting which causes huffing and surging... We consider 3/8" the absolute minimum for a worm, with 1/2" being a more preferred minimum...

Please take the time to do ample research before continuing... We consider research mandatory... You would have found both issues adequately covered had you done enough research here in these forums, as well as reading the parent site a good three times...

Good luck and, above all else, stay safe...

[scooter-1]

Just found this forum, what is the parent site?

[Ghost]

http://homedistiller.org/


at the top of the page you will see "parent site"

click on it or the link I posted.

[scooter-1]

can you suggest how to test the solder on this still I have? will a lead paint test kit work?

[rad14701]

can you suggest how to test the solder on this still I have? will a lead paint test kit work?

Yes, that's what you want...

[scooter-1]

another question, on top of my still there is a fitting for a 1/4" copper compressopn fitting, can I neck that up to a 1/2" or do I have to have a full 1/2" coming through the top of the still?

[rad14701]

1/4" is too small for anywhere in the vapor path... 1/4" is only suitable for liquid alcohol at very low flow rates, like in the product take off of a LM reflux still where it comes through in drips...

[scooter-1]

Thanks, So first i test for lead, If I pass that test then I'll have to drill out the 1/4" nipple (my still cap is brass) maybe I can drill the brass to accept a pc. of 1/2" copper and solder that pc. of pipe right into the brass cap. does that sound ok?

[scooter-1]

I wish I found this site a month ago!!!!!

[Ghost]

Have you pickled the brass?

[scooter-1]

no idea what that means, and no i did not. I'll google it!