G'day from Oz

[pt49]

Just joined, been researching on building a still and found this forum.

After 45 years paying retail for my booze I figured I'd brew my own beer... and here I am 6 weeks later with an all grain beer brewing setup, and in the process of building a Boka still.

It's only based on a 6 litre pressure cooker I got for $5, but I'm about to assemble a 40" long 2" diameter 3 piece column on it. The only part bought retail is the kitchen sink fitting for the still column to seat in. I got all of the copper for $10 a kilo at a scrap metal yard.

I lied... also paid retail for a ¼" needle valve ($12 plus $20 postage).

[Da Yooper]

Hi and welcome to HD,If you haven't already done so, there is a lot of helpful readings in the must read new distillers reading lounge, also the parent site offers some very valuable information as well. The tried and true recipes are very good if followed to the original recipe. Remember keep it simple till you get a full understanding on how everything works and what is going on during the distillation processes. Have fun and be safe.

[googe]

Welcome mate, sounds like your right into the brewing quickly that will come in handy with this hobby. +1 on keeping it simple, there's so.much info here it's easy to get side tracked, just work out what you want to drink, and stick to making a still that suits. I'm predicting you'll get tired of a 6L boiler very quickly . Alot of people use kegs for boiler cause there cheap and plentiful, plenty around Melbourne, I'm guessing that's where your from cause you mentioned paken ham . Good luck.with it all mate.

[thecroweater]

+ 1 on the kegs , that pressure cooker will do the best corned ox tongue you ever had but as far as a still boiler goes there's an issue with that small capacity . Basically its very hard to get you cuts right when doing 5 or so ltrs at a time , Guess how I know . most fermenters are around 25 ltrs and upwards so a beer keg is ideal for running these washes

[pt49]

Thanks for the input guys... as for my 6 litre pot, it is a pain it being small. I put 20 litres of shitty tasting beer through it and got 1 litre of what smells like metho. I've got no idea the ABV as I don't have an alcometer.

The beer was about 5% so I think 1 litre of high proof spirit is about right. I ditched the 1st 20 to 30 mls from each 5 litre boil and saved the balance (includes tails)

This was my 1st run so do I just throw this lot away, or can I dilute it and run it through again and see if its drinkable?

[maheel]

throw it away and start a fresh

it's likley to be laced with flux and other muck.....

start looking for a keg as well...