Rainier Alchemist vs PDA-1

[Busdriverfella]

Greetings,

I searched the forum pretty well and really didn't find out too much regarding these two devices. I found out that basically some members own one of these and like/dislike it. But the people that responded in those threads didn't have one and/or didn't know that much about them. Some of the other threads that looked really promising on one or the other of these quickly denegraded to a 'just build one' thread and left the original topic in the dust.

So let me start with this .. I'm not going to build one. There are several reasons .. I don't really have the inclination to do so, when there are fine products available for purchase. The cost of copper is not what it was. The cost of silver solder is not what it was. Finding copper pipe is next to impossible unless you want to refi your house to cover shipping. The prices on these two still heads are reasonable all things considered.

So .. between the Rainier distillers 2" Alchemist and the Amphora PDA-1, who really knows one of these and can relate their experience with it?

I'm not sure about the PDA-1, but Rainier will do custom work if requested, so the first question would be, after you've used yours for a while, is there anything you'd change?

One change for certain, SS needle valve. He told me he uses 'Brass' and that it's lead-free and 9 dollars each. When I asked how he knows it's lead free I didn't get a really convincing response, so SS for sure.

I want to be able to use the column for 'pot stilling' and for reflux, as well as for water. Anybody with first hand knowledge or experience with either of these still heads please let me know what you think of the design, the flaws, strengths, weaknesses, modifications, quality, ease of operation, etc. It would really be appreciated, and I'm sure there are others in my area that would like to get the same information. Both of these are local to me so I can avoid shipping and pay cash, which is also important to me. I don't want my name on any suppliers list.

I already have a half and a pony SS keg to use, and plan to use propane. I've read a lot here about the arguments for and against propane, and for my uses, propane is the way to go. I have a 15 gallon propane tank already and don't want to spike my electric bill. I also plan to use a 10 or 15 gallon sump for cooling water and just use a pond pump and a radiator. I don't want to just 'leave the hose running'. Rainier told me his double helix condensor is 3/8" and therefor has little backpressure so that would not be a problem. Anyone know this for sure?

So thank you for your time, I do appreciate it. Please though, if all you plan to say is 'Just build one', I've read that already and am looking for information from folks that have experience with one of these particular units.

You ever see that commercial where a doctor is operating a jack-hammer and the tag line is 'You wouldn't want your doctor doing your job, why are you doing his?' .. that's kind of how I feel about this. There are experienced people that can build what I want far better, and cheaper than I can. ( I count the tools and other equipment I would have to obtain in order to build one as part of the cost. ) So why should I do their job?

Thanks again, I've learned a lot from the forum. Enough to know that I'd rather buy than build!

[Prairiepiss]

Just build a boka slant plate.

Surprisingly you won't find many members on HD that use either one. Not saying there aren't any. Just that they don't come up very often. Usually a new member like yourself asking the same question.

They are both LM stills. They will pretty much both give you the same thing. Minor differences that you would never know without setting them up side by side.

So with that information. Take the time to research around here. Whether a LM still is right for you. Yes both these manufactures have some big claims. And all they are trying to do is sell you something. Here you will get a more accurate idea of how an LM still works. And if its right for you.

If you find it is the right still for you. Just pick one and get it ordered. If not there are many other options there. Just stay away from the ones that use mason jars as thumpers and cheap stock pots as boilers. They are the crooks.

[blind drunk]

From the Member Kifi -

I've used the Ozark head and the PDA 1 for brandy, and the scotch head for Cherry Brandy. All were excellent, but my preference was the brandy that came from a single distillation on the PDA 1, with the valve wide open and the packing in. Very smooth taste, lots of flavor.

I remember him loving his PDA, both in public and in private emails.

[Busdriverfella]

Thank you! That's the kind of information I'm looking for. Thumbs up or thumbs down from owners. The PDA get a point!

And I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Thanks again.

[leo86]

yes it is really nice source of material.

[bellybuster]

3 pages of advice from some of the highest regarded folks in the hobby on another forum last year. Still haven't decided???