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stringman wrote:As I don't drink "brown" spirits and the pot still I have is too small would you recommend making a reflux still.

stringman wrote:what I want to make is vodka and gin

stringman wrote:what I want to make is vodka and gin

NZChris wrote:Build a Leggo still.

Short swan neck for fast stripping.
Gin basket that can be inserted under the swan neck for making gin.
Bokakob column (or whatever takes your fancy) for vodka and clean neutral.

NZChris wrote:Leggo is a Danish kids building block toy system.

My reference to it, was to suggest a set of multi purpose components that can easily be configured to various distilling tasks using tri-clamps as the joints.

stringman wrote:Thanks for all the advice guys

I now have about 5.5L of 40% neutral, still smells far from neutral though.
I will have to wait a while before I can do a spirit run. hopefully this weekend will be free.

I like the sound of these stills.
I think I like the CCVM still.
I will do a search for some proper plans etc.

My problem at the moment is I do my stilling on the cooker. there is only about 50cm above the pot befor I hit the cupboard, if I offset it slightly then I will have about 90cm before I hit the ceiling, is this going to mess me up.

I would love to a have a one still fits all, I am happy I cant "hot swap" as I would make a neutral and then use odins recipe so there would be at least a 24 hour break.

so if you have any recommendations of a simple small still (10-15l) please flag them up

Danespirit wrote:Could have been me, Chris..
Lego is one of our export hits here in Denmark.
All my equipment is made modular, that opens up a whole bunch of new opportunities, without the need for a new build.
Btw Stringman..You've already got some very good advice from the guys in here, so I've not much more to add.
Except for a few things, about your equipment:
I saw that still you've bought "DIY 2 Gal 10 Liters Home Distiller Moonshine Alcohol Still Stainless Boiler Copper Thumper Keg". https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XFXN2EU/re ... TybGDVGTRJ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Well, truth to be told, the folks that sell it, don't know a shit about distilling.

That is true- I didn't buy this actual still- I bought mine at an auction but it is very similar


The so-called "thumper" is a flake stand mounted on the possibly worst place it could be...over the boiler where all the heat ascents.
It's tiny enough already, so no need for additional secondary heat radiating from the boiler. Fabricate a support for it and let it stand beside the boiler....not on it.

that is what I have done, the pot has been rotated and sits at the same height but not on the still

What's more of an issue though, is the fact that it has probably a silicone (or even worse some other synthetic) gasket to seal the lid to the boiler. Also, the gasket under that ferrule is likely to be synthetic.
It HAS to go..!
It seems to me, they intended to make the customer ferment AND distil in the same contraption, hence the airlock in the lid (plastic too).
If they deliver some kind of end cap to replace that ferrule while fermenting, I can only hope you are aware of that ball valve beneath the airlock, ain't locked. Or you'll seriously experience how much pressure a fermentation can produce.

I don't use it to ferment in just for runs. the airlock has been removed and the valve switched off no steam escapes from it

As i have no idea what that valve contains, my guess is..it's a cheap brass valve with rubber gasket in it. The moment you distill something in that contraption, the rubber WILL leach into your product..!
Get rid of that valve and don't replace it with a new one.
You should rip that airlock out and find another suitable container for fermentation. While you are at it, seal the hole with appropriate sealant ( PTFE tape, copper or even flour dough).

All gaskets have been triple wrapped in PTFE tape

Everything you have had running through that contraption, has to be discarded, due to the above mentioned safety issues.
DO NOT distill a drop in that dangerously made thing, before you have corrected each and everyone of these issues.
Seriously, I'm not trying to be an asshole, just trying to keep you from harming yourself with that thing.

school wrote: I used to think that when people said they ran a stripping run down to, for example, 30% they meant until what was coming off was 30%. But I have recently realized that they mean until the abv of the mixture is 30%.

school wrote:I used to think that when people said they ran a stripping run down to, for example, 30% they meant until what was coming off was 30%. But I have recently realized that they mean until the abv of the mixture is 30%.