First build progress...hopefully strip some wire this week to finish the copper to copper welds. Was going to use gas but am now considering the outlay for a heating element. Unsure on temp gauge type or were to locate...being a novice i'd like to include one.
Not sure what the thoughts are on the lengths which are just mok up atm...300mm H with 1m of 1/2" with 500mm of 1" as condenser. Any advice appreciated. Cheers.
Well its been a slow process...copper welding being the hard part for me, but have got there in the end. Still some cleaning of the welds etc before I start with a good internal scrub...then citric wash and vinegar run. Been reading from the start which is interesting but slow going at the same time. Still a lot to read before attempting my first run.
Have decided on 2 x heating elements instead of a burner, one will need a controller I believe which I haven't purchased yet.
I did weld in a nipple to allow a temp gauge...reading more this really could be a hole I didn't need.. , might get a plug yet and save on the $30 purchase. 1-1/2 valve to bottom plus 4" port added for easier filling and draining.
Looks like your having a win there.....you will need some sort of "prop" under the end of that liebig before use.
The wieght of hoses and water will more than likely bend it otherwise.
Haven't decided on exact location yet but most likely back shed...Plenty of bits in there to sort it, not sure on angle yet.
Going to use a 30l fermentation tub with a small fish pump...plenty of block ice in the front fishing freezer so should be all good there.
I've done some partial grain brews with my beer over the last 6 months but haven't figured out which mash or the exact process to follow yet, completely new at the all grain idea.
Brock O wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 4:04 am
Well its been a slow process...copper welding being the hard part for me, but have got there in the end. Still some cleaning of the welds etc before I start with a good internal scrub...then citric wash and vinegar run. Been reading from the start which is interesting but slow going at the same time. Still a lot to read before attempting my first run.
Have decided on 2 x heating elements instead of a burner, one will need a controller I believe which I haven't purchased yet.
I did weld in a nipple to allow a temp gauge...reading more this really could be a hole I didn't need.. , might get a plug yet and save on the $30 purchase. 1-1/2 valve to bottom plus 4" port added for easier filling and draining.
Looking good! I'd rethink your cooling setup though. I use 2-3× the amount of cooling water compared to boiler charge, so if you fill her up to 40l I'd use 80 to 120l of water in my recirc setup.
Cheers Gents, yes the welding has helped as I have the gear... although the eyes and patience isn't what it use to be. Its like stilling..a slow process that takes learning and preparation.
Will see how I go with the first stripping run regarding the water as I don't have a bigger tub as this stage...can add water / replace water easy enough with plenty of block ice as mentioned.
Brock O wrote: ↑Fri Oct 16, 2020 2:37 pm
Will see how I go with the first stripping run regarding the water as I don't have a bigger tub as this stage...can add water / replace water easy enough with plenty of block ice as mentioned.
If you can replace water to a tub, you can just run tapwater to waste with at least equal efficiency and skip the tub altogether. Or just have the tub collect the hot "waste" water for whatever you might want hotwater for. Save yourself the pump too if you don't already have it, save you the heartache if it fails even if you do have it. All you need is a valve on a hose to throttle to the flow to the point that everything is condensed and as cool as you want it, and the exit temp is as hot as possible. There's no free lunch with a tub and a pump, you just waste water by the tub full rather than a trickle from a hose.
But of course it'll work the way you're planning, and using ice isn't technically efficient but is unlikely to hurt any feelings.
Your boiler is looking very practical. Having the ability to weld stainless would be very nice.
Using the 2" sanke as a drain on the bottom is another very nice to have as a cleanout ( I am torn on this for my own - The 2" sanke port is already
nice and level so I can't screw it up and I can use a 2-3" adapter but... sigh ).
The legs seem a little tall if you are thinking of modifying for a reflux column in the basement but for the outdoors
or the barn that is kick ass ( I wish I had a barn ).
If you leave the legs that tall, I would brace them by joining them together near the bottom.
The last thing you want is for your still to do the splits.
Cheers for the reply's.....I'm away with work atm so am still to run this up...
Good call with the legs...can trim these if required, and yes a brace between each is easy enough...Safety First!
, might get a plug yet and save on the $30 purchase. 1-1/2 valve to bottom plus 4" port added for easier filling and draining. 
