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Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 8:43 am
by axle1960
W.S.C.beachman wrote:I'm getting gitty!!! I will be starting my Bok in the next couple weeks....hopefully!!! I was looking for needle valves and this is what I came across at Lows.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_73313-104-LFA14 ... le%2Bvalve" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Do you think this will work? My issue is that it says "Polyethelene" I really like the needle valve Xoltri bought, but it looks like it is no longer available and the next one up is like $60 plus. LOL
The polyethelene they are talking about would be the "plastic" line that this valve was designed to hook up to. You can just see the little piece that slips in the tube to stop it from being crushed by the ferrel went the nut is tightened down. As long as the ferrel will slip over your copper tube, it will work and you don't need the little insert.
Axle
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 2:24 pm
by Kiwi-lembic
beautiful work ..lovely still ...well done ..it seams a legend this unit
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2011 8:28 am
by W.S.C.beachman
Thanks Axle,
Yah that's what I will use then, looks like I better get started on the rest of the condenser. I have 3/8 copper tubing that needs coiled and put in the slats to direct my condensation to the needle valve and back down the center of the packing.
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 11:00 am
by HeadCase
Hey All, I was looking at the templates that Pikluk posted in the OP and found them to be a little too small for the 2" or 1.5" that was shown. Doing research I found the Wiki had another template for the 2" that had a few other details listed. The templates are pretty much the same but I found the Wiki provided ones to be a bit more informative.
So with the 2" I rescaled and resaved the pdf as a resize. So there is the original (for 2") and the resize (for now 1.5"). The Resize still has 2" written in the text but is printable to be at the size of 1.5".
I had to pull the original into Acrobat and print scale to 77% to make the dimensions work. There is a major difference though, the gap between the slant plates has also shrunk by 77% so you may need to fidget with it a bit, however is is still between 0.25" and 0.75" which is the typical range that people are putting their gaps at.
Original:
Resized (Rescaled to 77% of original):
My reasons for this? I simply needed a 1.5" template and the one provided didn't fit properly. And I liked the other template vs the OP templates.
Re:
Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 1:15 am
by stilly_bugger
duds2u wrote:Every time I see those copper threaded unions I get jealous. Just can't find them here in Oz
I know this was mentioned ages ago, and I'm not sure if someone has already replied with this answer or not (from memory they haven't), but here's a 2" brass equivalent that is readily available in Australia:
From memory the male adaptor cost $11AUD retail and the female $15AUD (Aug '11).
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:34 pm
by knightt
I live with the consequences of using these threadings. Using 2 stainless ferrules, a triclamp and a tefflon gasket is a much slicker way to go. Faster to undo, no tools required for tightening and releasing, better chance of making a positive seal, position the pipes in any of the 360degrees (rather than the two needing to stop where the threading does). No repacing tape when re-threading. Parts become interchangeable. Make a 2' or 8' column, or have a separate column un-packed and ready to interchange. or split the pipe into 2 sections and only use half of it sometimes. Or pack them with different items. The cost is also comparable (I think a little cheaper in my case).
You can also solder it all together. No welding or brazing needed. They are harder to find, but can be ordered of ebay. I get mine from
http://www.stainlessprocess.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow which is a local company but do ship. Surely every area in the world hads a need for food processing, so there is bound to be one in your area as well.
First time I did it I ordered "short" ferrules, which turned out to be a mistake as there was a very small amount of play which when I soldered it all together was slightly noticeable over the 5' of pipe. The "long" ferrule would have made for a much straighter connection, so I order long from now on.
Stainless is harder to solder than say copper to copper. I found that its a breeze if you get it very clean (no finger prints) and make sure your flux does not ignite before you are established flow. This for me meant using propane rather than mapp gas, so the high temps of mapp do not ignite the flux.
Just got myself outfitted with brazing gear (mapp gas, brazing rods and brazing flux) It costs much more to outfit yourself with brazing ($200 for the brazing rods alone, compared with $20 for high quality silver solder) but the rods are 15% silver which is much more silver and the final product is stronger. Not that I have had any issues with my soldered joints.
For me, ferrules over threading.
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 5:36 pm
by troubadeer
Do you have any idea what purity you're getting? It's the primary factor that is holding me back from trying it
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 10:52 am
by troubadeer
Hey,
Congrats on the still. On your collector plates, why did you have that piece sticking out? It looks like some sort of drip edge?
Any idea on the purity you get out? I'm going to attempt mine
Thanks
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 11:21 am
by Prairiepiss
You mite go check out the wiki page for the boka. It covers the build pretty good.
http://homedistiller.org/wiki/index.php/Boka_Refl ... w_To_Build" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 2:19 pm
by Braz
troubadeer wrote:Do you have any idea what purity you're getting? It's the primary factor that is holding me back from trying it
Depending on how you run it, a Boka slant plate will give you 93-95%.
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 4:52 pm
by wolfpak382usa
i've been reading this post and it is probably one of the best for somebody that's about to build a boka. I just had some copper given to me today and am about to attempt my own boka. My question is, what about a 3" boka ? I haven't heard any comments on a 3" build. Are there any advantages or disadvantages? Should the dimensions be up sized ? (distance between the plates, output tubing size, etc.) I was given pieces of 3" and 2" in various lengths. Here's what I have, any suggesttions? (2" or 3" build ?) I have enough that I thought about making 1 column 46" for reflux and 1 column 16" for pot mode.
3" copper I have----- a piece 30" long, 2 pieces 16" long, 1 piece about 10" long. I also have the same in 2".
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 6:21 pm
by Coaster
@ wolfpak382usa,
Suggest reviewing the ‘Some Still Drawings’ thread located in the Research and Theory sub-forum. That thread provides diagrams and dimension information for Boka Reflux Still builds.
Regards,
Coaster
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 6:39 pm
by wolfpak382usa
Already read it. I have read through many threads and so far haven't found anything on any of them about a 3" boka. I've even done many searches but it brings up all kinds of subjects that don't even pertain to 3" boka. Maybe I'm just not using the search engine right. Just thought maybe somebody on here might remember seeing a thread on the subject.
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 6:58 pm
by rad14701
wolfpak382usa wrote:Already read it. I have read through many threads and so far haven't found anything on any of them about a 3" boka.
I know for a fact that they exist...
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 7:27 pm
by wolfpak382usa
I did finally find one that hawke had on here. It did answer a couple of my questions but i still have one more. I'll keep looking though, i'll eventually find it. That has to be one of the worst search engines though, really.
I was waiting on your response also rad, new you would, i know how you like to see the newbies struggle on here...lol
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 8:35 pm
by rad14701
wolfpak382usa wrote:I did finally find one that hawke had on here. It did answer a couple of my questions but i still have one more. I'll keep looking though, i'll eventually find it. That has to be one of the worst search engines though, really.
I was waiting on your response also rad, new you would, i know how you like to see the newbies struggle on here...lol
So you figure I, or someone, should just do the searching and spoonfeed you the links...??? That doesn't generally happen here unless someone has a pretty good feeling they know where to look and have the time to burn...
Here's how I can help... Up in the header there is a
Forum Google Search feature... It works better than the search engine that comes with phpBB... And I even gave you the link...
See, here you thought I was just a smartass but I still helped you just the same...
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 8:36 pm
by Coaster
@ wolfpak382usa,
Sorry to have to disagree with you but if you CLOSELY look at those drawings in the ‘Some Still Drawings’ thread that I referenced in my Thu Dec 15, 2011 8:21PM posting in this thread you will notice that the drawings do in fact have diagrams and dimensional information for both 2” and 3” Boka Reflux Still builds. I used those drawings when I built my 3” LM/VM Boka Reflux Still and did not have any problems with those drawings.
Regards,
Coaster
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:56 pm
by Lynx_Gen
hey all, i'd just like to point out, not sure if its the same here, as the stickied version of this build over in the new distillers reading lounge
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 46&t=13598" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
That one,
But Im not sure the link to the template is right..? is it supposed to be a 1/4" gap between plates or wasnt it made bigger?
I remember when i made mine i found out after that the gap shoulda been bigger than what i had, cuz I'd had an old template or something???
I was just browsing around and such and came across that thread and the link to the templates and figured id should get the up-2-date ones since i stumbled across em, for future referances.. lol
anyways,
L8rs, and happy hobbying!
(And im jealous.. guess im just gona have to keep practicing till i make one all nice n smexy like yours!
)
EDIT: and yes I know this is kinda reviving a dead thread that hasnt been posted in for a long while, but I thought it was important enough to warrent.. *Cringe*
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 8:49 am
by rad14701
Lynx_Gen, you are correct... The new specifications for air gaps between plates are a 3/4" for 2" columns and 1" for 3" columns... This helps eliminate a drastic increase in vapor speed as well as helping eliminate choking and flooding...
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 9:43 am
by Lynx_Gen
is it possible to get the link changed to the updated template? or at least have a note put in there kinda thing?
lol..
I mean I know now, live n learn, but it would just kinda be not good to let ppl keep downloading the bad template with the wrong dimensions on it.. lol
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 1:05 pm
by rad14701
Lynx_Gen wrote:is it possible to get the link changed to the updated template? or at least have a note put in there kinda thing?
Well, he did state to go larger in the first post of that topic...
Pikluk wrote:I didn't follow the 1/4" between plates, I gave it more like 3/4".
However, once I track down the location of the newer templates here in the forums I'll change the download link accordingly - or at least add it as an alternate with a note...
EDIT: To say that there is a revised template,
HERE, in this very topic for 2"...
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 10:58 pm
by Lynx_Gen
Purfect
when i built mine, i just didnt know that there was an alternate template.. I had read through so many different builds and stuff..
i didnt find out till after..
anyways, she works okay, just cleaned her out tonight!
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 7:18 am
by whitey71
Great work you may have inspired me to build instead of buy.For me soldering fittings to pipe is no big deal but soldering those slanted plates and small tubing is confusing me. Any help is appreciated. If its already been covered please point me there. Thanks
Re:
Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 5:13 pm
by yamastill
Nice unit. The baffle with the notch in it, its that the upper or the lower one?
Pikluk wrote:just received my packing today.got one pound of copper mesh , only made
32" of packing with it, will need more
.
i want to fill it to about 2" below the bottom plate.
playing with that right now steady at 94% about 400ml/h from low wine ~50%.
test cap are about 10$ cheaper then a regular end cap lot thiner too,it fits over a 2" I.D. copper pipe,
but since it was only to hold the coil at the right height.
the 1/4" hole its for safety its a vent hole to prevent pressure built up.
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2012 8:39 am
by yamastill
So have parts and pieces gathering up. One question I have is the plates inside, what is the correct spacing and how much opening do I need to leave at the end for a 2" column?
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2012 12:57 pm
by Old MacDonald
Yamastill,
Try this link...
Diagrams & Plans Thread
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 5:30 am
by yamastill
Ok so I am full steam ahead on building,, still looking for a 1/2 keg but until then I will be working on my column. I am looking for some parts and found a website on here for buying the fermenter kit. But now that I am ready having a hard time finding it. I know there is some out there just don't want to get ripped off as it is easy to do thanks.
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 5:50 am
by yamastill
found it, ,much help thank you.
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 7:43 am
by yamastill
Pikluk wrote:heres my results after of a ton of reading, asking question and research.
My question is on the coil.. is it 1/4 ID or OD. I just tried to bend it and this is not easy. Read some post about salt, water, HELP... it looks so simple.
first ill give a huge thanks to the people of this forum.
special thanks to Uncle Jesse for this wonderful forum and Bokakob for the design and to all the others who takes time to help others.
this is the way i builded my reflux still.
head
1/4" copper pipes
copper plate(used a piece of the 2" pipe cuted open and hammered flat)
2" copper pipe
2" copper treaded adapter male
1/4" inline brass needle valve
used this template for the cuts.the file name say 1.5" but it include one for 2" too.
http://www.mediafire.com/?61di0xcx3z1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
i didn't follow the 1/4" between plates, i gave it more like 3/4".
made the cuts with one blade on the saw then used sand paper folded with sand on both side, made a nice tight fit took me about 5min with #180 paper,easier to solder like this.
DSCF001.jpg
DSCF004.jpg
DSCF0039.jpg
fullhead.jpg
column
2" copper pipe
2" treaded copper adapter female
fullcolum.jpg
condenser
2" copper test cap(lot cheaper then a regular one)
2x 1/4" 90°brass compression fitting
1/4" copper pipe
3/8" copper pipe
can't take any credit for rolling the coil,a really nice guy made it for me.
DSCF0043.jpg
boiler connection
2" copper end cap
8x 6-32 stainless bolts/nuts
cardboard(no ink or gloss)
didn't had the right tool so i made a bunch of little holes and finished with a dremel.
i don't think its the best way to do it but i don't think i will use this boiler for long but the price was right(free), i want something bigger.
DSCF0031.jpg
DSCF0027.jpg
DSCF0030.jpg
edit:fixed pictures size
Re: Bokakob 2" mini-still column
Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 7:55 am
by yamastill
Braz wrote:Samohon wrote:EDIT: Salt also works but I dont know how you would get it into 3-4 mtrs of 1/4 inch>>>
Should i use 1/4ID or OD tubing? first attempt with not filing it Failed miserable.
HOW TO FILL TUBING WITH SALT
Get a pipe cap (you will recycle this later and use it as the condenser cap).
Drill a 1/4" hole in the center and solder a 1" section of tubing in the hole to make a funnel.
(You will notice that the tube and the funnel are the same size and one won't fit inside the other)
Get a 2" long piece of 1/4" ID something - copper tube, plastic hose - and slip it half way over the end of your tubing. Then slip the funnel end into the other half of the sleeve.
Pinch the other end of the tubing flat.
Hang the tube out of your second story window, or climb up on your roof. Gravity is your friend here (Unless you fall off the roof. Don't do that.)
Pour away.
Find a way to vibrate the tube occasionally. It helps settle the salt. I used a palm sander (with the sandpaper removed, of course). I think an electric razor might also work or your wife might have some sort of tool that vibrates. Mine claimed she didn't.
Once the tube is full pinch the end closed and you are ready to roll your coil.
Some pictures of the process are here
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 5#p6820759
Braz