My New Pot Still

[npstephe]

You only think your done

haha, already thinking about a thumper

[ltrmoore]

Nice build. I went with a 3 inch column and I pack it with copper mesh on my spirit runs.

[StillLearning1]

Nice build. I went with a 3 inch column and I pack it with copper mesh on my spirit runs.

Have you noticed a difference with or without the packing? Most here will say it won't help anything on a pot still. I'm just curious if you have noticed otherwise. I've never tried it.

[chris_zx2]

I heard 1-2 abv increase while the still warms up, you get natural reflux until the column gets to temp then you have nothing cooling it so it stays steam till it reaches your condenser.

[npstephe]

An update on my build:

I decided I wanted to add a drain in the keg since I am also using it for an HLT for the all grain recipes. So I added a 1" Stainless ball valve and high temp silicon tubing to it so I could get the liquid out fast, and boy does it!

I also installed a 240V dryer outlet in my garage so I could move it out there. I bought a new 5500W element from brewhardware that is all stainless, as my current one is already rusting.

Thats it for now, I have my second keg that will become my thumper, or a brew kettle, cutting out the top. I want to also start brewing all grain beer, so the kettle would help with that too. Havent decided yet. opinions?

[Swedish Pride]

you little beauty!!
I have procured a keg and have all parts on order to make the leap myself, this post will deffo come in handy.
Cheers lad

[npstephe]

Cheers! Do it! You won't regret it!

[npstephe]

I recently got my hands on three 12" pieces of 2" copper pipe. Since my current pot still column is 1.5", I was thinking to build a 2" to replace it. I have no issues with my 1.5", but I figure bigger is better right? My condenser is a liebig 1/2" inside 3/4" about 36" long. I haven't had issues with it with the 1.5" either so i figure it'll handle a 2" no problem. Any real benefits of 2" over 1.5"?

My main reason wanting to build a new column is I want to make it able to connect right into my liebig, into a thumper I haven't built yet, or into a steam cooking wand I haven't built yet. Instead of just modifying my 1.5" I figured since I have 2" laying around Ill build with that.