Super Sad , In returning my liebig and calling it quits.

[planohog]

Texas,
The liebig did not even get here yet.
There is really no way I can distill anything. Im to old to take the chance, the item that really did it to me was,
if something were to happen, fire for example, the insurance would cancel , if they discovered any distilling equipment.
I really was excited and have been reading and learning for weeks. I just cant take the chance, to experiment and learn
something new. I am very envious of those that can with light risk.I had many ideas of spirits I wanted to create.
I have a new ideas for some, create a legal spirit summer camp. Take the students through the entire process from end to end.
I hate defeat, and I hate that in order to protect my home and wife, I have to stand down.
Thanks again..

[Bolverk]

You could probably still do it with something like an air still. They about as safe as a coffee maker.

[Salt Must Flow]

I don't understand. Did you order a Liebig condenser then change your mind about distilling before it arrived?

Where is this fear of fire coming from? Do you intend to heat over flame? If so, why not heat with electricity instead?

By the way, anyone can make a MUCH better Liebig condenser than any that I've ever seen for sale online. That's assuming you're looking at stainless steel Liebig condensers. It just takes some copper pipe and a few fittings.

[fiery creations]

There are a lot of things your insurance would do to get out of paying out. FWIW I lost a home in a fire (not due to distilling) and nothing was discovered. At all. Full payout. A smaller room and contents fire may put you in a one trouble but then you haven’t lost everything anyway.

If you start small, and never leave it unattended, I think you’re far less likely to have a fire than majority of airheads living their daily lives. The fact that you’re this worried makes me believe you will have little to no risk because you’ll be paying attention.


I’ll also add a long time ago I flooded a boka while heating with propane and had a small fire. Dumb ass mistake that put the fear of god in me. It was in a safe area and easy to handle with a small extinguisher. And that was a 15 gal boil and a pretty big column.

Get something small and enjoy learning the process. Then go bigger if you build the confidence. .

[planohog]

Thank, you I might try air, and small batch. then I can still use my thermometers and stainless funnel

[shadylane]

Everything in life is about mitigating risk vs fun.

Use your judgment, who can be endangered. Is it only you out in the barn or is the still in an apartment building? I figure my right to wave my arms around ends well before I get close enough to bother or endanger my neighbor.

[planohog]

Live in home I’m neighborhood

We are all close together

[Salt Must Flow]

I agree with what fiery creations said.

If you start small, and never leave it unattended, I think you’re far less likely to have a fire than majority of airheads living their daily lives. The fact that you’re this worried makes me believe you will have little to no risk because you’ll be paying attention.

I did NOT start small. I heat with electricity, but I won't lie ... I had a close call once, but I caught it before I had an issue. I left my still thinking I shut it down, but I only turned off my water (not my controller). Long story sort ... something told me to check the still, I did and caught I it before anything could happen (the furnace turning on). Will you or will you not make such a mistake? LEARN from other's mistakes and take them to heart. Every minute my still is running I am present. Shut it down before you leave it and you're golden. I will NEVER make the same mistake again. Again as fiery creations said, you sound like you will not make such a stupid mistake.

If you don't think you want to have that responsibility then quit. I will never drive a semi truck because I DO NOT want that responsibility. That's the best way I can rationalize it.

[fiery creations]

I agree with what fiery creations said.

If you start small, and never leave it unattended, I think you’re far less likely to have a fire than majority of airheads living their daily lives. The fact that you’re this worried makes me believe you will have little to no risk because you’ll be paying attention.

I did NOT start small. I heat with electricity, but I won't lie ... I had a close call once, but I caught it before I had an issue. I left my still thinking I shut it down, but I only turned off my water (not my controller). Long story sort ... something told me to check the still, I did and caught I it before anything could happen (the furnace turning on). Will you or will you not make such a mistake? LEARN from other's mistakes and take them to heart. Every minute my still is running I am present. Shut it down before you leave it and you're golden. I will NEVER make the same mistake again. Again as fiery creations said, you sound like you will not make such a stupid mistake.

If you don't think you want to have that responsibility then quit. I will never drive a semi truck because I DO NOT want that responsibility. That's the best way I can rationalize it.

That gave me chills. A few times in the last couple weeks I’ve woken up worried I forgot to shut down power. I now have a rule that if I’m not running, controllers get stowed away. Even if it’s a quick shutdown to run to the store.

[shadylane]

Live in home I’m neighborhood

We are all close together

Sounds like a small electric counter top sized still would be an option.
Something that is no more dangerous than the average home appliance.

[MooseMan]

I agree, get one of the air stills and start with that to build your confidence.

I think you have the right mindset for this, just need to build the confidence up to start.

[NZChris]

If the risk outweighs the reward, don't do it. Most of my distilling is done in out buildings that are not attached to the main dwelling.

That said, I also do small runs, like gin, anywhere, like on the kitchen table in front of guests.

[Steve Broady]

I went back and looked through some of your other posts to get an idea what sort of setup you’re looking at. In my opinion, there is minimal risk of fire with an electric still. You’re more likely to start a fire from dodgy electrical work than anything to do with alcohol. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, always stay well within the electrical code and manufacturer’s current and voltage ratings, and I would feel totally safe letting my kid play in the house while you’re running that setup.

There is risk in everything, and we all have to know ourselves and our limits. I respect you for considering yours, and especially for putting your wife’s safety above your hobby. I respectfully submit two items for consideration, though.

First, notice the number of people here who are offering well reasoned and well explained counterpoints to your fears. These are people with many years of experience in this hobby, and they’re consistently telling you that even when shit hits the fan it’s not catastrophic, and that a little bit of care and common sense drastically reduces the chance of that happening in the first place.

Second, and this is more on a personal note, it might serve you well to learn to take a step back, breathe, and pause to think. I don’t know you, obviously, but your post here comes across as a bit panicked. You got excited, jumped the gun, and then let your fears run wild while waiting on stuff to arrive. Again, I’m not saying that I can read your mind, just that’s what I’m inferring from what I read. If that’s true, you could probably save yourself some stress by simply slowing down. It’s great advice for making booze as well, by the way. When you rush, you make mistakes. That’s true in driving a car, making booze, and making decisions.

Whatever you choose to do, I hope that you do well with it. If you stick around here, I look forward to seeing what you get into over the years to come.

[planohog]

copy and thank you