So, a few years ago I started watching, what came to be, one of my favorite TV shows. I'm a pretty logical guy so fact from fiction is pretty easy to determine. But the basis of the show, and the lore surrounding it, is great! A true inspiration really, to what can possibly be accomplished with some basic backwoods science.
After 3 years of watching I decided it was time. I needed a still. I knew the design I wanted. Full Copper pot with a doubler and a worm. I searched and searched, and although I could build one with less copper, I had no intention of anything else, and I was too uncomfortable sourcing copper sheeting then possibly goofing up. As with a lot of you, I decided to turn to Ebay. . . and I started sifting through the garbage. I knew what I wanted, but this was still a month long process of comparing my 3 favorites and stalking the seller a bit!
Finally I made my purchase, which had shipping, and an additional charge for customs clearance because I'm far in Eastern Canada... on an island... This was within my first still budget. I received it 8 months ago, and waited. . . . A month ago, I decided to craft a worm box out of a 6 or 8 qt stainless pot with stainless strainer. I reversed the 2 units so that the pot sat in the strainer, because I wanted the height for my worm spout to clear the top of a 500ml Mason Jar and I needed more height for my worm to come off the doubler... I then added my hookups for water. I'm adding a picture so you can see my personal hobbyist setup.
If anyone seems interested in my first 4 runs, or info on the O.C.B slash UJSSM I've experimented with I'll post the details.
For all you experienced guys, yes I have read the all the newbie info, and what not to do. I've read hundreds of posts over the last 6 months... It is a continual learning process, and I'm with ya!
You guys were a great help believe me!!Quick FYI, I do not do ph testing, or any initial mash testing. I do not use carbon. I like to use my senses. It's only natural, so please don't hold it against me. Honestly, If you stick to Tried and True Recipes with minor modifications, and you know your equipment, and you work clean, you have the possibility of few errors. My first 2 mashes, and 3 out of 4 runs were successful, the fourth got me mostly tails... but it was my own fault adding way too much back-set.
My equipment consists of a 20Gal loose top fermenter, and two 5Gal with mason jar vapor locks. My still, Proof and trails hydrometer, long stem thermometer
Here's a kicker for ya.. I don't even drink. I won't confirm I do now... but I'm like a proud father!
lol I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't! The last thing I wanted after reading the site and posts was to post and be told to go read up on something before posting!
