Something to keep me busy

[Hole in the bucket]

I used to be a photographer, old style, with film. When making a photograph, I needed to choose a film (dozens), the developer (dozens), the process (again dozens), the paper to print on (dozens). Lots of variables.

With retirement around the corner I needed something to keep me busy. (not married, don't own a boat)
Moonshine!!
Something with as many variables as photography. I knew the idea. I like to drink. What could go wrong? That was 10 years ago.

I built a column still w/ 15g. kettle w/2" copper column, 36 inches tall. It was too tall, seemed touchy.
Converted it to a pot still, it was better but the seat of my pants said "you need a thumper".
Now it is a 15 g. pot w/4g. thumper running into 12" long triple cold finger condenser. This design allows me to take it apart and scrub every part
I've built 4 versions of this condenser. first one was a 4 finger 36' long monster that could condense everything 10g. boiling hard, over 15,000 btu turkey frier could offer.
With retirement things change, I had to move, so the still was crated. It has morphed into three crates that stand next to each other, connected by copper pipes. A mobile still. Have still, will travel.

I have just did a test run looking for leaks and failures. It passed, ran too hot (overkill with turkey fryer). Condenser surprised me, 3/4" garden hose at 40 psi is overkill, 1/2 gal/minute gives a good drip rate at 65f.
I can't run this thing at my senior apartment building so planning a run at friends.

Just to keep me busy I studying all grain mashing and hope to have some whiskey by fall. I'm going to try Saltbush's rum recipe soon.

[sadie33]

Hello and welcome!! SBBs rum is amazing!! It was the first rum I made, actually the only rum I made. All grain is really fun, I did the Honey Bear Bourbon for my first AG. Sounds like you already got your feet wet, enjoy the ride!!

[Corn Cracker]

Nice, sounds like a good set up. Welcome

[BlackStrap]

Nice Intro Hole in the bucket... Beings that you are at the senior apartment building...What better way to make life friends?
Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have some experience...Care to share?


Be safe & Have Fun
BlackStrap

[MooseMan]

I used to be a photographer, old style, with film. When making a photograph, I needed to choose a film (dozens), the developer (dozens), the process (again dozens), the paper to print on (dozens). Lots of variables.

With retirement around the corner I needed something to keep me busy. (not married, don't own a boat)
Moonshine!!
Something with as many variables as photography. I knew the idea. I like to drink. What could go wrong? That was 10 years ago.

I built a column still w/ 15g. kettle w/2" copper column, 36 inches tall. It was too tall, seemed touchy.
Converted it to a pot still, it was better but the seat of my pants said "you need a thumper".
Now it is a 15 g. pot w/4g. thumper running into 12" long triple cold finger condenser. This design allows me to take it apart and scrub every part
I've built 4 versions of this condenser. first one was a 4 finger 36' long monster that could condense everything 10g. boiling hard, over 15,000 btu turkey frier could offer.
With retirement things change, I had to move, so the still was crated. It has morphed into three crates that stand next to each other, connected by copper pipes. A mobile still. Have still, will travel.

I have just did a test run looking for leaks and failures. It passed, ran too hot (overkill with turkey fryer). Condenser surprised me, 3/4" garden hose at 40 psi is overkill, 1/2 gal/minute gives a good drip rate at 65f.
I can't run this thing at my senior apartment building so planning a run at friends.

Just to keep me busy I studying all grain mashing and hope to have some whiskey by fall. I'm going to try Saltbush's rum recipe soon.

Hey man great intro, and welcome to the forum.

Sounds like you already have the equipment sorted, so I'm sure you'll be spending time looking at the recipe areas and soaking things up.

Enjoy

Moose