Home Distiller

Posted: **Mon May 19, 2014 1:55 am**

if its deemed unusable as a boiler then its going to be a fermentation tank. ill do some tests on it to try decide what its lined with. it has a threaded cap so it would be really easy to attach column.

eck

Posted: **Mon May 19, 2014 6:56 am**

Just looking at the pic, it looks like any of 100 million other carbon steel drums used in industry. If it was stainless, it wouldn't be painted. That'd be an unnecessary added expense, and industry is cheap.

So not a good boiler unless I'm wrong here, but I like the idea of using it as a water reservoir for recirculation.

Posted: **Mon May 19, 2014 8:37 am**

Yea it looks like carbon steel. And the coating on the inside is more than Likely polyethylene. We have quite a few of those drums at work that we get chemicals in.

Posted: **Mon May 19, 2014 5:05 pm**

WooTeck wrote:i have been looking at this controller i would appreciate it if some one can advise me on it. would it work in the uk i believe that we use 220/240v. if its good ill put the order in today

http://www.eachbuyer.com/4000w-high-pow ... m_content=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow[Consumer+Electronics]&utm_campaign=[PLA]England%28EN%29&gclid=CjkKEQjwy9GbBRC5uNDVx7q0nv4BEiQAFOb6eDANs7ow4-KSZQlW3UGkoPDccUUm8rGdbtFBpZ1XJ9rw_wcB

eck

If your running a 3kw heater the 4kw controller will work if you put a small fan on it.
I'd recommend not using the controller during the heat up part of the run.
It wont be needed and you don't want to torture it unnecessarily.

Edited:
The OP said he was going to buy a bigger controller.
Good Idea, I'd suggest putting a fan on it too.

Posted: **Tue May 20, 2014 12:04 am**

BigSwede & Tokoroa_Shiner I fear your probably right. still haven't been home to test it but every thing you guys have said fits its hazy description. I large fermenter it will be. (I know everyone on here hates plastics but it must safe as it previously contained high% ethanol.

shadylane wrote: If your running a 3kw heater the 4kw controller will work if you put a small fan on it.
I'd recommend not using the controller during the heat up part of the run.
It wont be needed and you don't want to torture it unnecessarily.

Edited:
The OP said he was going to buy a bigger controller.
Good Idea, I'd suggest putting a fan on it too.

yeah, ive got a 9,500 watt job that BigSwede suggested. was thinking it have one heater on a switch and one on controller. I do like the idea of adding a fan my flatmate has loads laying about. he has continues projects on his computer.

eck

Posted: **Tue May 20, 2014 8:43 am**

got home from work to good news and bad news. bad news is it is in deed magnetic

although naked flame seems to have no effect on the lining but further testing will have to be done.
here is some photos of the lining and the label its self

[

good news all my lovely copper has arrived

just had to take a photo.

other bad news i was stupid enough to forget to add flux to my cart and my bank account is now too low for me to buy some until pay day

stupidity strikes again. so the build is on hold until next week.

eck

Posted: **Tue May 20, 2014 3:03 pm**

Welcome to the build club... watch your bank account drain like the Titanic going down. You've only just begun...

Posted: **Tue May 20, 2014 5:13 pm**

BigSwede wrote:Welcome to the build club... watch your bank account drain like the Titanic going down. You've only just begun...

+1 on that one.

Posted: **Wed May 21, 2014 1:05 am**

Exciting, isn't it Woo? Can't wait to see pics of your build! And I'll agree on watching the bank account drain...it seems there is always something more you want to do or improve. My wife has now put a stop on my copper purchases temporarily. Came home with another 5 gallon fermentation bucket, another airlock and some other goodies (I also make beer, but my excuse was I needed this specifically for my distilling). Now all I am allowed to buy is ingredients. Gonna have to find a place to hide new copper I guess. And explain my spending. Maybe I'll just fake a drug addiction lol. Enjoy Woo! It's great seeing another at the same place I am to share the excitement!

Posted: **Wed May 21, 2014 1:46 am**

yeah, I’m well aware I spent 3 weeks pricing and looking for the best deals. Another shit thing that I’ve realized is that because I went for a 2 tear reducer I now need to get 35mm copper pipe to connect them together. may not work out cheaper like I had planed.

next step is getting the keg, heaters and flanges. Basically anything to do with the boiler. Whilst twiddling my thumbs waiting for the tri clamp and controller.

moosemilk wrote:Gonna have to find a place to hide new copper I guess. And explain my spending.

Say the money disappeared on cocaine and hookers. all of a sudden the copper wont be a problem. on a serious note I have had to hide my spending from my girlfriend she just doesn’t appreciate the beauty of copper and after the hours I spent with my micro still she is SOOOO exited that im building a bigger better mistress.

eck
edit* also moosemilk I’ve been trying to follow you progress but for some reason your thread clashes with my works filter

Posted: **Mon May 26, 2014 3:12 am**

so payday is quickly approaching. by the end of this week ill have or will have ordered every thing ill need to complete the build. as it turns out im going to be in need of a short length of 35mm copper pipe for a join. anyone have any tips getting this with out having to order a 1 meter length?.
will post photos of the copper once its been placed together.

on a side note im going to fire up some ale on Thursday what im thinking is, how soon is to soon to start up my first mash?
some of the parts may not arrive until the 23rd of June

so there it may be sitting around for a while. (going to go for a take on odins cornflake whiskey- http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 14&t=31371)

eck

edit* i am aware that it sitting around wont do any damage, just interested on peoples opinions

Posted: **Mon May 26, 2014 4:24 am**

WooTeck wrote: in need of a short length of 35mm copper pipe for a join. anyone have any tips getting this with out having to order a 1 meter length?.
A lot of local hardware stores cut and sell by the foot (usually not big box stores). I have also picked up a lot of my copper at garage sales.

on a side note im going to fire up some ale on Thursday what im thinking is, how soon is to soon to start up my first mash?
some of the parts may not arrive until the 23rd of June so there it may be sitting around for a while. (going to go for a take on odins cornflake whiskey- http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 14&t=31371)
Look at the recipe usually says how long it takes to ferment. You can leave it for some time but why start it and let it sit for a month after it is done?

edit* i am aware that it sitting around wont do any damage, just interested on peoples opinions

Posted: **Mon May 26, 2014 4:37 am**

good points Bushman. will head around my local plumbers/car boots before ordering some as my last resort.

I see your point on the sitting about. ill hold off until I have all my parts.

Posted: **Mon May 26, 2014 6:34 am**

Have fun, Woo. I've been building since February and haven't started a ferment yet. Probably won't for a month or more.

Posted: **Thu May 29, 2014 5:40 pm**

a little off topic.. today i started my first all grain home brew (usually make turbo cider). a mix of grain recommended by my local brew shop and citra hops. smells awesome. should be good in a few weeks.

back on topic... pay day has come, going to solder all the copper tomorrow and get all the parts still required. build will be complected in the next 10 days

thought i should keep ya'all updated.

eck

Posted: **Sat Jun 07, 2014 12:02 pm**

today i finished off the copper potion of the build. happy and excited for the keg to be completed. will post some pics latter.

Posted: **Mon Jun 09, 2014 8:39 am**

pictures of my copper

Posted: **Mon Jun 09, 2014 8:54 am**

That'll work. Nice!

tp

Posted: **Mon Jun 09, 2014 9:26 am**

Looking fabulous!

Posted: **Wed Jun 11, 2014 8:32 am**

Nice clean work lets see her sittin on her throne.

Posted: **Fri Jun 13, 2014 2:58 am**

thanks guys.
kegs still not arrived yet. was hoping for it to come this week because I fired up 10 imperial gallons of Cornflakes whiskeyhttp://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 14&t=31371 last Sunday, a bit prematurely as it turns out

.
was hopping to do the cleaning runs tonight and tomorrow and drinking run on Sunday. seems ill just have to wait and hope I can do cleaning runs through out the week.

eck

Posted: **Fri Jun 27, 2014 12:31 am**

keg arrived yesterday have soldered on the immersion heater flange. will be testing and cleaning over the next day or so with hopes to have ran a batch for drinking before Sunday(my birthday).

a few questions have come to mind.
a)for peace of mind id like some input on if it will be safe to attach the earth wires that are next to the controller or is there a better way to earth it?
b) how long should the cleaning runs take? i was thinking caping the runs to maximum 2 hours

eck

Posted: **Fri Jun 27, 2014 6:50 am**

I missed your finished build until now, looking sweet, nicely executed. It's not all just polish, it's obvious you did a very nice job of it, got a still now that will do good work for you, forever.

On the earth connection... If I understand UK electricity, you guys have 220 standard. But does it come with a "neutral" line, as well as an earth line? Regardless, the entire system, from still to the male plug that goes into the wall, should have a continuous earthing connection. If you attach one end of an ohm meter to your boiler shell, the other ohm meter probe should find continuity (low ohm, like 1 to 3 or so) at appropriate points in your power box, and ultimately, you should see continuity between the boiler shell and the EARTH pin on the male plug that goes into the wall socket. Of course when you plug it in, your system is properly grounded. Does this make sense, answer your question?

Posted: **Thu Jul 17, 2014 1:33 pm**

after a long awaited time and lots of issues with soldering the immersion flange on i have a batch of water heating up in the boiler.

long over due. id like to thank every one on this site for the input, help and trail and error that has come before me. hopefully will be sipping on my first batch as of next week if not sooner.

fingers crossed there will be no more hills to struggle up other than producing some delicious mashes.

eck

Posted: **Fri Jul 18, 2014 1:50 am**

Well done friend what is gonna be your first keeper run thru her?

Posted: **Fri Jul 18, 2014 2:52 am**

ether tonight, tomorrow or Monday. depending on how long my cleaning runs take.

Posted: **Fri Jul 18, 2014 6:09 am**

Why would anyone paint a stainless barrel blue?

Posted: **Fri Jul 18, 2014 1:06 pm**

skow69 wrote:Why would anyone paint a stainless barrel blue?

blue is a fetching colour, at least i believe so.

Posted: **Sun Jul 20, 2014 6:32 am**

Good answer.

Congratulations! Your copper porn is top shelf. Enjoy the hell out of it.

On grounding, make sure that everything made of metal has a connection to earth.

Posted: **Tue Jul 29, 2014 12:23 am**

After extensive cleaning runs and a 4 hour vinegar soak there is still a funky(bad) smell on the inside of my copper. Dose anyone have an incite as to why? Can anyone give me advice on further cleaning or point me in the right direction. Its almost painful to be at the final hurdle and failing.

eck

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