Before I solder, any thoughts on set up?

[Matilda]

Hi all,

I'm about to solder my pot still but before I do, I wondered if anyone could offer their thoughts on my options...

First up, the right angle,

^very simple, easy to solder.

Then...
^again, easy to solder, but has a low take off point.

Lastly, the twist.

Easy to solder, has a higher take off point (only a few inches below the first version) but has a good gradient allowing smoother take off. It's essentially the same as the second pic, but with a slight twist in the 90degree elbow. The only question is how the twist will effect the likker?

Can anyone offer me their 2 cents?

Thanks,

Matilda

[corene1]

My opinion would be to make sure the takeoff is in a workable position and to make sure there are no low spots in the vapor path where puddling could occur. I found that out on mine, I made a reduction from 3/4 to 1/2 on a horizontal connection and I get a little burble from it , from time to time. I changed it and no more burble.

[Brendan]

Go the twist, that design has been used time and time again

You don't want the right angle, you need a downward path through the condenser, and the low take off point will be both annoying and a possible hazard...go the twist, and set the angle for a reasonable takeoff height

[S-Cackalacky]

Another design that will give you a little more flexibility in raising and lowering the take off point would be to come off the riser with a 90 degree elbow, reduce to 3/4" or 1/2" for a few inches with a union fitting somewhere within that few inches, and then do another 90 degree elbow to put your liebig in a vertical position. You could then use the union fitting to adjust the liebig to any angle you want and thus adjust your take off point.

[billybones]

Check out my build post... Went with what s-cacklacky said and am very pleased with it.

[Mr.Brown]

yup, use a union. You will be glad you did

[S-Cackalacky]

Check out my build post... Went with what s-cacklacky said and am very pleased with it.

That second set of pics in your build thread is an excellent example of using the union fitting for adjusting the liebig. Your build looks very much like the direction Matilda is taking.

[Matilda]

I'm going to go with the twist and not include a union. (Against your advice) just because I'm now scrimping on some parts.
I understand what you're saying though.
I don't use my shed anyway, so storage ain't a problem

Thanks everyone

[S-Cackalacky]

Regardless of whether you use the union, it looks like it will be an excellent build and should serve you well.

[Matilda]

Thanks SC

[billybones]

I almost didn't use the union but since I don't have a still room and will be changing my run location from time to time the union made sense. Looks badass without it though and using the twist as you've shown. It will still work great!

[Tap]

I'm going to go with the twist and not include a union. (Against your advice) just because I'm now scrimping on some parts.
I understand what you're saying though.
I don't use my shed anyway, so storage ain't a problem

Thanks everyone

Things can always be un-soldered and changed in the future...