LM still frustration

[humbledore]

Hello all. I've done 6 or 7 runs on a semi-boka (more like Rad's apartment build where reducers are used to create a capture cup below the condenser). It is 1.25"D and about 36" of packed column on a quarter barrel keg/propane burner. Many posts have been read to prepare including some great ones about running a reflux still, how it is best to do strip runs and collect them for a spirit run even on a reflux, etc. The concern here is that the still just seems unstable by design. It requires constant tinkering and balancing of heat input, cooling level, and distillate drip rate to remain stable. I can only really get it stabilized on a spirit run, and even then it is deathly slow. Is there a solution? Bigger diameter for faster run? Switch to a pot still or a VM? Any input is welcome.

[maheel]

you cannot stablise temps on a strip run as it pretty much running like a pot still

next

have you insulated the column ?

and yes going to 2" is better.... and a KEG

i dont bother controlling "cooling" run enough water to knock down all vapour + some and then focus on the output
adjust your heat so it's sitting steady on the temp at 78.6 then eqilise and open you valve

if temp goes up slow the valve (and maybe reduce a little heat)

i avoid adjusting water at all....

[humbledore]

Thanks for the input. I did insulate the column. part of what is frustrating is the idea of doing strip runs...if I wanted to do strip runs, I'd have built a pot still. But it seems there is just not enough good stuff in 6 gallons of wort to run my still stable in reflux. So strip runs it is.