Thumper questions

[boda65]

Hello all,
I am a newer member. Everything about distilling is new to me so I have
read extensively on this site, I am wearing out YouTube watching Still It
and Barley and Hops channels. I have also read two books on the subject. I
do not have equipment yet, I am still in the learning phase (I must say I
am enchanted by the Mile Hi copper milk can still). My first question
concerns thumpers. My goal is to get a pot still as I generally prefer
bourbon and rum and not much into neutral spirits. Can I get a satisfactory
whiskey in a single run with no thumper? Or is stripping runs followed by
spirit run always required without a thumper?
My thoughts are since ageing should be done at around 120 proof and the
final product will be cut to 80-90 proof do I really care if the output is
140, 150, or 160 proof? Does a thumper just give a smaller amount of higher
proof alcohol?
Thanks in advance for straightening out my addled newb mind.
Jim