stilldrinkin realmccoymoonshinestills rkhelp bluegrassmoonsh

[rollendos]

I bought a still from still drinkin.....Piece of crap! It was my first still and almost made me quite the hobby all together! I did receive the still but, it was incomplete and did not come with all of the "one on one help", the recipes or instructions. Luckly I am an mechanically inclined person and am resourceful...I do not recommend these to anyone!

[Pill]

I bought a still from still drinkin.....Piece of crap! It was my first still and almost made me quite the hobby all together! I did receive the still but, it was incomplete and did not come with all of the "one on one help", the recipes or instructions. Luckly I am an mechanically inclined person and am resourceful...I do not recommend these to anyone!

I ordered one from Paul Cavalloro at his "new" site. TurboStomper.com. There, he distances himself from Stilldrinkin.com. I ordered a product in September from Paul. Now I wish I had come across this site before ordering. I was very hesitant in ordering anything like this online, but I kept coming back to the Stilldrinkin and then the Turbostomper site for over a year before I pulled the trigger and ordered a product. I felt Paul's explanation of why he started over from Still drinkin was honest enough. He was polite and patient on the telephone.

I have just contacted my credit card fraud department for a reversal of all charges. Over 8 weeks and I have not received a thing. My card was billed for the full amount at once. I was told it would be charged half at order and half at the time of shipping. Now the "fun number to call" goes straight to a generic voice mail and calls go unreturned. Their email contact information has been removed from the site. So has their "LIVE" customer support feature.

Anyone have anymore information on Paul Cavalloro and the "new" turbo stomper website? He sure seemed like a nice guy on the telephone and the live customer support (when available). He answered all my questions, etc, took the time to explain in detail anything I asked. Why not just deliver the product as described and promised?

All I want is to be able to try my luck at distilling, now I feel ripped off and frustrated. I was so anxious to get my product and start a run...Now I am relying on my CC to get my money back, I have no product and have to return money to my friend that went in on this with me. GREAAAAAAT!

[docdave]

Pill,

Don't get discouraged, your CC company will get your money back in time. This is a lifelong hobby just like making beer. I was in a rush and made a few mistakes. The mentors here answer your questions and several of them will build you a rig at a reasonable cost if you ask them. However, a basic rig can be built with simple tools, patience and the tutorials on this forum. Also, when you do your first wash, don't listen to the guys at the brew shop as they will try to sell you additional crap you don't need for distilling like turbo yeast. Everything you need is right here! Plan to do alot of reading before you start and things will go well. Good luck!

DocDave

[mammatried]

DO NOT ORDER A STILL ONLINE! Take a second and think about it. first everything you could ever need you can read and find your answers on the mother site. and if you cant find it there some of the best distillers out there are here on the forum. anyone can make a still it just takes some patience and heavy reading. makin shine is part of what we are doing here but the hobby is the process. its starting with raw materials and creating amazing hooch. take the time to build your own, this way you can better understand what you can do to perfect your product. also these guys are spam artists, i took a look at there sites and its alot of bullshit. theyre charging 60 bucks for a ferment bucket and airlock? come on guys. take your time get into it slow but give it all you got! DONT BUY STILLS OFFLINE!!!
-not to mention if you buy a still offline and the pigs get involved they are forced to give up all their clients! although it is not illegal to own a still its like buying a glass pipe from a smoke shop..... they know what your going to do with it

[likkerluvver]

DO NOT ORDER A STILL ONLINE! Take a second and think about it. first everything you could ever need you can read and find your answers on the mother site. and if you cant find it there some of the best distillers out there are here on the forum. anyone can make a still it just takes some patience and heavy reading. makin shine is part of what we are doing here but the hobby is the process. its starting with raw materials and creating amazing hooch. take the time to build your own, this way you can better understand what you can do to perfect your product. also these guys are spam artists, i took a look at there sites and its alot of bullshit. theyre charging 60 bucks for a ferment bucket and airlock? come on guys. take your time get into it slow but give it all you got! DONT BUY STILLS OFFLINE!!!
-not to mention if you buy a still offline and the pigs get involved they are forced to give up all their clients! although it is not illegal to own a still its like buying a glass pipe from a smoke shop..... they know what your going to do with it

For those who cannot build their own, there are reputable sites on line. Three I think of immediately (There are others):
http://www.brewhaus.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
http://www.milehidistilling.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
http://www.amphora-society.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Their products look far more professional and perform much better than most of the items offered online and at ebay (and the "Stilldrinkin........" sites in particular) whose adds shout "amateur" or "sheister" to me.

Of course, after much research you may very well want to build your own to suit your needs. This is a great site to do your research.

[Bayou-Ruler]

DO NOT ORDER A STILL ONLINE! Take a second and think about it. first everything you could ever need you can read and find your answers on the mother site. and if you cant find it there some of the best distillers out there are here on the forum. anyone can make a still it just takes some patience and heavy reading. makin shine is part of what we are doing here but the hobby is the process. its starting with raw materials and creating amazing hooch. take the time to build your own, this way you can better understand what you can do to perfect your product. also these guys are spam artists, i took a look at there sites and its alot of bullshit. theyre charging 60 bucks for a ferment bucket and airlock? come on guys. take your time get into it slow but give it all you got! DONT BUY STILLS OFFLINE!!!
-not to mention if you buy a still offline and the pigs get involved they are forced to give up all their clients! although it is not illegal to own a still its like buying a glass pipe from a smoke shop..... they know what your going to do with it

[telecaster55]

So here is my review of Stilldrinkin.com

I ordered a still, a micro-venum to be specific, from them in December. It actually came within 3 weeks of ordering. I set it up, which took about 30 minutes despite the horrible directions. The directions were very vague with grammatical errors. I called Rocky the next day to make sure that it was setup properly. He answered all my questions and everything appeared correct. I had to buy a burner, fountain pump and some tubing to cool the condenser. Last week I finally got it up and running and distilled some tap water. Everything seemed to be fine except that the distilled water has a funky smell to it. Which leaves me with two questions.

Does the distilled water smell funny because my tap water has contaminants in it?
Is this still safe to use? Does it have lead soldering?

Thanks for your help guys. I'm glad that I don't feel completely ripped off.

[rad14701]

Does the distilled water smell funny because my tap water has contaminants in it?

No, something else is causing the smell...

Is this still safe to use?

No...

Does it have lead soldering?

Do a lead test...

The Micro Venom Combo

[telecaster55]

Thanks for the response. What do you suppose would cause the distilled water to smell funny? It smells sweet and has a metallic hint to it. After reading this forum I tore the still down and put it back in the box. I'm kind of scared to actually use it. I just don't know if it's safe due to the fact that everyone is saying that these people are crooks. I should have done more research before I got into this. I think that I will just start over from scratch and do it the right way. However, I'm probably screwed now because Rocky and the folks at Stilldrinkin are eventually going to get busted for selling illegal stills and frauding people. If there is any paper work on past sales, which there probably isn't because they seem pretty unorganized, the people that purchased stills from Stilldrinkin could be reported to the ATF. It's a lot of bad karma that these folks have created.

[Bayou-Ruler]

What do you suppose would cause the distilled water to smell funny? It smells sweet and has a metallic hint to it.

LEAD

[rad14701]

telecaster55, here is a short list of what I would be concerned with from what I can see in the picture...

• Galvanized column to boiler flange
• Composition cork gasket between flange and boiler lid
• Glass thumper jar
• Unknown thumper jar seal, perhaps rubber
• Possible use of lead based solder

Now, if you were going to run this rig you would need to do the following first...

• Do a lead test on all solder joints
• Get rid of the galvanized flange
• Get rid of the composition cork flange gasket
• Get rid of the glass thumper jar
• Get rid of any and all rubber and/or plastic that would be in contact with alcohol vapor or liquid

And even then I would be concerned that the liebig condenser may not belong enough to adequately cool the distillate produced back into liquid...

[telecaster55]

Thanks Rad for your suggestions. I'm a noobie when it comes to this craft. I think that I will probably just trash it or keep it in a box until I know what I'm doing. I think that I will do some research and try my own hand at making one. I'm sure that someone has posted their plans for a similar simple still that is much better than this still. Does anyone have a link to some good plans other than what is on the parent site? Thanks

[rad14701]

Sound plan of action, telecaster55... Feel free to pass any ideas past the membership for review and critique prior to proceeding... Take full advantage of the countless years of collective experience and expertise that the membership has to offer...

Good luck...

[The Baker]

Thanks for the response. What do you suppose would cause the distilled water to smell funny? It smells sweet and has a metallic hint to it. After reading this forum I tore the still down and put it back in the box. I'm kind of scared to actually use it. I just don't know if it's safe due to the fact that everyone is saying that these people are crooks. I should have done more research before I got into this. I think that I will just start over from scratch and do it the right way. However, I'm probably screwed now because Rocky and the folks at Stilldrinkin are eventually going to get busted for selling illegal stills and frauding people. If there is any paper work on past sales, which there probably isn't because they seem pretty unorganized, the people that purchased stills from Stilldrinkin could be reported to the ATF. It's a lot of bad karma that these folks have created.

I've made distilled water and it DOES taste funny. It's not what you might think, PURE and tasteful (is that a contradiction? Tasteless but enjoyable....) water.

[exon]

I know nothing

From reading history of ancient Rome I saw where water pipes were made of lead which imparted a sweet taste to the water.
That quality was considered a bonus, at that time.

Distilled water should NOT be sweet.
IMO it should be downright FLAT, with zero flavor.
exon

[telecaster55]

I think that the smell could have came from several things. After looking at pictures of the stills people built on this forum and comparing them to my still I see that mine is a thrown together joke. There are several things that could be coming into contact with vapor that could cause that smell as Rad pointed out.

It could be caused by...

the rubber gasket on the thumper jar
the jar itself
something in the condenser, who knows what considering it came from Rocky
lead soldering

l can't believe the lies I believed from Stilldrinkin. Anyway, I'm over it. I'm determined to do a lot of research and build my own. I want to make a small still ,like a 2 gallon one.

[exon]

Wow!
a '55 tele !

I know nothing

Before you make an investment of any sort in a 2gal pot, consider the return possible from a vessel of that size.
The information is all here on site to calculate how much you can expect to get from a (12%) wash...
IMO it's just not worth the time spent, not to mention production cost.

I've got the 4gal cheapo stockpot, which is ok for cookin up 1 carboy of sugar wash, (boil 2, cool w/2 more), but I'm reluctant to use it for a kettle.
Almost gotta have something larger, like the 7 1/2gal brazier pot mentioned elsewhere, or a pony keg.

It's kinda like buying a 1/2pint in the likker store, taking a couple snorts while walking to the truck, then having to turn around and go back in to get something for the drive...

IMO, the rad mini-still is probably the smallest advisable rig to build, and certainly a simple and efficient design for it's base capacity.
exon

edit: I just found this 24qt ss stockpot which would accept a full load from a standard 5gal carboy. I'd like opinions from the seniors here.
http://www.acitydiscount.com/CrestWare- ... 09.1.1.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[blanikdog]

I agree that distilled water has a strange taste, baker. IMHO, it has NO taste and as you are no doubt acustomed to drinking water straight from the sky we are lucky enough to do we notice the piss that is supposed to be water. When we go Smelbourne or any other provential city we allus take four gallons of real drinking water with us.



Exon, no doubt that you have read about lead water pipe in Ancient Rome. They liked the workability of this metal, but knew nothing of the poisionous nature of the metal. We owe a lot to the ancient Romans but this is not one of thoe instances. We can also read that Dioxin in Agent Orange was harmless in the US war in Nam, but we now know that it wasn't true. Similarly with the Atomic tests in Australia during the British development and testing of nuclear bombs using Australian troops as guinea pigs. Another failure!! Depleted uranium will no doubt be another instance in the future and maybe even climate change. What I'm saying is that all you read may not always be true. Even this post will have its skeptiks - even if it's just because it's mine

To spend another $60 on a kettle to suit a shit still is just wasting money. You could make your own for 25% or less than what you have spent so far.

DON'T use your still unless you want to go mad. Lead is an insidious poison.

Stay Safe


.

[telecaster55]

Thanks Exon,

I will look into the rad mini-still. I agree with you about the size. I will probably feel let down by a 2 gallon still and want something bigger. I guess that my real concern is that I've never done something like this before. I don't know how to solder/weld so I'm a little intimidated by that. Especially since I've never used a welder before. I will have to either pay someone to weld the condenser together or I'm going to have to rent or buy a welder and learn. Is there a way to make a condenser without welding? Where can I find a picture of a rad mini-still?

[WalkingWolf]

telecaster55 -- don't let lack of skills stop you from diving in the deep end. Trust your survival instinct. 95% of folks learn to swim before they drown.

Seriously, folks get here all the time without the basic skill set for putting together a still. I was one. In spite of being raised on a farm I had never soldered anything in my life. There are good tutorials here that will tell you exactly what you need to do. I learned to solder with this hobby and that's just the tip of the iceburg. Best advice I got: go down to Lowe's/Home Depot and get you a MAPP gas hand held torch. Go by the plumbing section and pick up $20 worth of copper connections and pipe and go home and learn how to solder. You'll have ironed out pretty quick.

[exon]

Tele55...
Gosh, what an opportunity !
Following rad's great advice you can learn how to solder and build a useful device which will be a joy for many years to come!
It's a win-win, all around! (well, except for them federales)
The liebig (I think) he described, and pictured with one length of 1/4" tube run through a piece of 1/2" tube, with a couple pieces of additional 1/4" stuck out each end has GOT to be the easiest thing in the world to build, and effective !

OD has built magnificent pieces of art using a minimum of tools...

Basics are all that is needed. A $30 propane torch, a $5 hacksaw, a file, and some lead free solder and flux... and a scrap of sandpaper!

...There's a quote somewhere on this board.. This ain't rocket science, but it ain't tiddly-winks, either...

Do it!
exon

[Coyote]

As a former plumber and current rancher/farmer I would tell you to start with a propane torch not Mapp
Mapp burns a LOT hotter than propane and when you in the learning phase you can get fittings too hot really
quick and this WILL create hate and discontent

Get some 3/4" copper pipe about a dozen couplings, cut some short pieces of pipe clean sand them, flux them and
solder them you will get the feel for it in short order

Good luck

Coyote

[rad14701]

Where can I find a picture of a rad mini-still?

See the link in my signature... Still hoping to try a 1.5" version at some point...

Small Scale 1.25" Two Reducer LM Head For Stripping Plus Reflux Column Extension. (Apartment Still)

[telecaster55]

Thanks a lot guys! I'm going to dive in. I got married a year ago and have a crap load of home depot gift cards. The wife doesn't know it but they have been slowly disappearing. I have to head over there today to buy a few things. I'm going to take a look at propane torches and get some help from somebody that works there. I'll keep you updated.

[telecaster55]

Does this torch look adequate?

http://www.amazon.com/Bernzomatic-BZ825 ... 106&sr=1-1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Thanks

[rad14701]

Does this torch look adequate?

http://www.amazon.com/Bernzomatic-BZ825 ... 106&sr=1-1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Thanks

That's fancier than what I use... I just buy the cheapo manual light propane torch head... I have three, ranging in age from a couple years to older than me...

[telecaster55]

I just picked up a basic torch for like 20 bucks that connects right to the propane tank. Actually it looks quite simple to use. Maybe I'll re-plum my house when I get done with this still project. I'm going to practice on that paper weight that Stilldrinkin sold me.

[exon]

...
Good practice would be to build a parrot.
exon

[telecaster55]

I'm not sure if I need another one. I already have a cockatoo and he's a handful. I'm sure that you aren't referring that him or any bird though. What is a parrot?

[still crazy]

thanks fro the heads up for that torch
just bought (5) for the service trucks
like the belt style carrier
will be nice when going up 20+ feet to do a repair