New still build on the way

[LWTCS]

I am compelled to direct you back on topic. But before I do, I would would say I wish I had 3 years worth of drinking stock

Back on topic:
And so how bout OD's build eh? What with the copper and solder and so forth

[kiwistiller]

back off topic: It helps not to drink much. You just need a bank of four fermenters of UJSM to try and keep up with for a few months. then you walk into the shed one day, realise what you've made, and just start laughing, maniacally. I imagine olddog here gets that a lot, looking at what he builds (see what I did there? off topic and back on again without sounding forced). I wish I was as legendry as olddog.

[olddog]

D'jew use a (US) pound of solder OD?

3 rolls so far. those 4" joints really suck it up.

[kiwistiller]

at least you aren't using mesh - I think my 4" column will take 6 pounds

[Barney Fife]

How's "Periscope" for a name? Sure 'nuff fits..

def: "A periscope is an instrument for observation from a concealed position" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periscope" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[Grumpy]

bloody beauty of a build olddog , I can vision this in stainless for some reason . .

[olddog]

Well here is the finished item, all clean and ready to go, I only have to fit the lenses in the sight glasses, then a vinegar run to clean out all of the build crap. then I can put a wash through and see what it will produce.

001.JPG

[kiwistiller]

looking awesome!

[LWTCS]

WTF,,,,that thing is clean. Did you put the final buff on by hand?

If so, your arms must be falling off.

Really nice turn out. Spray it yet?

That worm in a jacket (condencer) would look nice on your new rig too. Is that a 1/2 at the reducer?

Think a 1/2" soft copper can be coiled into the 4"?

[rad14701]

Great work, olddog... I sure hope it works every bit as great as it looks...

[olddog]

that thing is clean. Did you put the final buff on by hand?

No not by hand, I have a buffing wheel on my bench grinder, makes your arms ache though with the wait of the thing.

Really nice turn out. Spray it yet?

Yes I gave it a coat of clear laquer, I do this to allof my stills, they just need a wipe down after stilling to keep looking clean, and it stope oxidisation.

I sure hope it works every bit as great as it looks...

I hope so too, it was a lot of work.


OD

[rednose]

See some ferments in the background, when you give it a run?

Looks great OD, hope that you keep it a while without that someone buy it, it's a jewel.

Well, you can built a new one at any time, that's called evolution.
Joe

[rubber duck]

I think OD has that rabbit problem. That's a great build, I enjoy reading these build threads it gets my gears grinding.

[LWTCS]

Like to know how many man hours U got into it.

Recon I had 16 to 20 in mine. But you really put a nice clean up on yours.

Wonder what would you do different (if anything)?

[olddog]

Like to know how many man hours U got into it.Recon I had 16 to 20 in mine.

I would say 35-40 with all of the running around for parts, plus fabricating the sight glasses.

OD

[LWTCS]

I didn't even think about the time it takes to completely source all of the materials.

[HookLine]

Beautiful work. You are a master craftsman, sir.

[myerfire]

All I can say is "What an incredible piece of art." I've always been fascinated by sight glasses, I always wonder what is going on inside.
Thanks for sharing,
myerfire

[olddog]

Time for the cleaning run. I had a batch of UJSSM ready to distill, and did not want to use the new column as it had not been cleaned after the build. I decided to use the Frankenstill, and after completing the run down to 40ABV and using some backset for the next batch, I removed the still from the column and added 6litres of vinegar and a litre of heads and tails from a previous run, I thought this would be a good mix to clean the new column.
I mounted the new column onto the boiler, attached my leibig and fired up the boiler again,it took a little while to heat up the new column and apart from a small leak from one of the sight glass mounts all was well. I had not attached the cooling lines to the dephlagmater as this was only intended as a cleaning run, the output ABV on the parrot was 65ABV and remained there long enough for me to take 2 litres. I am pretty happy with that considering what I was using for a wash.
I can't wait for another wash to finish, so I can connect the dephlagmater and see what sort of result I get from a proper wash, and running the column as it was intended.


OD

[hstuurman]

OD,

Congratulations with this beautifull piece of art, I'm turning green!!!

[maker]

OD,
congrats on yet another beautiful build

i have one question

whats to stop the liquid falling between the plate with holes on it and the side of the column?
did you solder it and i just missed it

or is it a toght fit and the liquid would be a minimum

sorry for the stupid question
hope it makes sence

[olddog]

The plates are a tight fit, and the upward pressure of the vapour holds the liquid on the plate, running this type of still too slow will cause the liquid to colapse the plate, so keeping the still with sufficient steam to hold the plate structure is essential.


OD

[maker]

that makes sence now thanks

how did you work out how many holes to drill in the plate
and what size would they be

[olddog]

Have a read of this link, it might make sense to you then. http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel_lib ... 7.html#7-4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow


OD

[pumpman]

Thats damn sweet Mike. I'm kicking myself in the ass for never buying a welder and setting up a propper workshop allthough I see it happening in the future.

[LWTCS]

It's all mapp Eric

[pumpman]

Yeah Larry I have a torch but I have many good ideas in my twisted head and I always need a welder for somthing, and my small work place just isn't cuttin it.

[olddog]

and my small work place just isn't cuttin it.

My workshop is only 10' by 8', and has to store my wife's gardening stuff, my tools, and my distilling equipment.
When I take any pics of my gear, I am standing in the doorway.

OD

[pumpman]

I tried to upload a pic of my work place from my new cam but it sayes the file is invalid. Anyway I turned my garage into a bedroom when we had my baby girl so all I have to work with is a table about 4' by 5'.

[olddog]

My workbench is only 6' by 2' so you have got more work area than me.