First Still Build

[Maynard Rowley]

Thought I'd post pics of progress on my first still. It's based on Samohon's pot still, with a few minor changes to use some fittings that I already had. The column will be 2" pipe (not sure of length yet but I plan to keep it on the short side). The 2" necks down to 1-1/2", then to 1" and finally 1/2". The reason for this is that I couldn't find a 2" to 1" reducer locally but I found a 2" to 1-1/2" and a 1-1/2" to 1". I also had some 1-1/2" pipe in the garage, so the cost difference was negligible, just a couple extra solder joints. The liebig is 1" over 1/2" and is 30" long. The white quick disconnects on the liebig match the hoses and pumps that I use for home brewing. Anyway, I'd love to hear what people think and any advice they can give on finishing off the rest.

Oh, this will be mounted on the top of a Sanke keg.

[Xnerd]

nice job..

I don't really like the idea for the brass union just before the condenser though..

I dont know how much brass is being exposed to the hit distillate but I am told any at all is bad news.
I dont know first hand, I just dont use any to be save.
Ill leave the confirmation to someone else that might know the particulars.

[Xnerd]

Or is it copper with a brass nut???

I cant tell now that i look close.

[Maynard Rowley]

The union is all brass. It slips over the 1/2" copper pipe so there really isn't much that is exposed to the distillate; maybe 1/16"-1/8". Still, maybe I should think about ordering an all copper one and replacing it.

[Xnerd]

Some people pickel brass with vinegar.
I just dont use it at all to be sure.

What I did is use one copper to male and a copper to female at that spot and just screw my condensor on.

Again it might be find I would wait for another response as I am not an expert on the leaching of lead from brass.
I will leave that up to others.

[GuyFawkes]

You could always tin the brass too with solder, if you have good flux (like the Harris stuff most use for SS soldering) it shouldn't be too difficult. Or just use enough PTFE tape to cover it if it's the threads.

[ErnieV]

Looking good mate enjoy.

[Highrisen]

There is such a thing as lead-free brass too...

[DistillIT]

Hey Maynard,

I like your design,I am actually going to copy it I like it so much.

Have you made a stripping and spirit run yet? How well did it work?

[bellybuster]

the whole brass debate has gone off the deep end kinda like the lead in window blinds. If you're concerned at all tin it like Guy said.

nice job on the still. I love those QD's, would love to get them for my brew rig.