Newbie

New to distillation, or simply new to the HD forums.
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ironworker75
Novice
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Nov 10, 2013 7:48 am

Newbie

Post by ironworker75 »

Hi to everyone.

I am new at this and bought my first reflux still. I am having a problem I can't get it too start producing until around 199 deg or a little high. Then the proof comes out really low. Not sure what I am doing wrong. The people I bought it from won't answer the phone or return calls or emails.

One thing I am wondering do I need to let the mash totally settle until the liquid is clear? maybe that is what I am doing wrong?
stillin
Swill Maker
Posts: 201
Joined: Fri Jun 25, 2010 6:04 pm
Location: South La "Down da buya"

Re: Newbie

Post by stillin »

Post some pics of your setup or give us some more info. and we'll be able to help u a lot better. What is the recipe your using? Some washes I dont bother clearing if theres no solids suspended such as BW but if theres solids i usually rack and let settle.. I'm not a reflux runner but I know the reflux guys are gonna want more info. Welcome have fun be safe!
"If your gonna be stupid, you better be tough"--My dad
OlympicMtDoo
Master of Distillation
Posts: 2544
Joined: Tue Feb 01, 2011 10:48 am
Location: Olympic Mountains USA

Re: Newbie

Post by OlympicMtDoo »

First welcome to HD ironworker75, I'm getting bad vibes from your still maker, sounds very familiar. Please do tell us where you bought it and send a pic. It also sounds like your wash has a very low ABV if it takes that much heat to get anything moving and have low ABV. I run my reflux at 173-175 for the most of the run, when it hits 185 or 190 I'm done. This also depends on where you are taking the temp? Before you go any further please get us some more info so we can help because what you have described doesn't sound very safe.
Sometimes I wonder why is that Frisbee getting bigger......and then it hits me.
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