What still to built or buy?

[grunthor777]

I make some pretty fine hooch with a pot still and double or triple running it I can make some tasty, almost neutral, and considering flavorless hooch does nothing for me I am quite happy.
stilly

I run a reflux and love the neutral spirits I get for mixing and making "sambuca", spd, and whatever else I can come up with. Lately, though I have been getting the itch to try a pot still for some delightful sipping whisky, and maybe some high quality schnapps (the real stuff, not the sweetened flavoured stuff that can be bought here). I have tried neutrals from a pot still and enjoyed them also. For myself if when I make my pot still I'll still keep my reflux for neutral runs, it just makes sense to me, but I started with a reflux and maybe I'll change my mind after dabbling with the pot still. Guess I'll find out when I get there.

[yankeeclear]

I've recently purchased Ian Smiley's text and see that he recommends the use of a reflux still over the use of a pot still. Moreover, he bases his construction on a 12gal water heater (which is godawful ugly, IMO) and apparently in the US, that is not a good idea. My questions, therefore, are: can I not simply use a common boiler and swap out the columns to go between a reflux still and a pot still? Also, will I get as inferior results as Smiley claims using a pot still to make bourbon, scotch-style, and corn whiskeys? Finally, for simplicity's sake, I was thinking of just buying the pot-distilling rig from Brewhaus, thoughts?

I have the Smiley book in my reference library as well (as long as people buy it, the publisher will keep it on the shelves!), but agree with Stilly that there is a lot of questionable content. I don't recall the claim of inferior whiskey using a pot still, but if so that would be a fine example - pot stilling is the preferred method of producing whiskey, rum and other "flavorful" distilled products.

As to your questions, a single boiler with interchangeable heads is a solid strategy and if you can source the materials and can get your hands on the tools, build your own still!

[adanac58]

I have a friend who is a millwright , he is a fabrication freak . I'm getting him to build my next rig... I'll probly be paying way more than I would from brewhaus or something but it's gonna be built good! And custom!! My idea is to have a still you just need to plug in ( immersion heater ) and have everything insulated for winter distilling

[cornsqueezin]

I guess that you could call me a pot still distiller at heart. I live in the area where most of the stuff (I would say 99.5%) that the old timers make comes from a pot still. I have always liked the original "corn" liquor that they made. I made me a pot still after research on this site and it has served me well. After experimenting with different designs I have found a winner in my book and after that is the only one that I am trying to please. A pot still would be my choice...JMHO but to each his own.

[new moon]

what is ya'lls opinions of the bruwhus Essential Extractor PSII- Column with Connector that can be ran as a pot steel an there 8 gallon milk can? thinking of ordering this steel in a few weeks an would really like some feed back!!

[Prairiepiss]

what is ya'lls opinions of the bruwhus Essential Extractor PSII- Column with Connector that can be ran as a pot steel an there 8 gallon milk can? thinking of ordering this steel in a few weeks an would really like some feed back!!

Read the link cm mods in my signature.

[new moon]

what is ya'lls opinions of the bruwhus Essential Extractor PSII- Column with Connector that can be ran as a pot steel an there 8 gallon milk can? thinking of ordering this steel in a few weeks an would really like some feed back!!

Read the link cm mods in my signature.

read the whole 3 pages,..now,..is this a good still for a beginner or no?

[LWTCS]

..now,..is this a good still for a beginner or no?

If you are clear on how to run it then it's likely as good as any still with no prior experience...Think them condensers are a bit smallish for a balls to the wall strip run.

Seems Brewhaus has a good product as I've not heard and complaints beyond shipping issues since they moved to a new warehouse location or some such thing....But one assumes those kinks are worked out.

[still livin]

Been doing lotsa research on here,last month or so,I'm sure I haven't covered half the info on here yet but I've decided to purchase a still from Hillbilly that way I'll be starting with something safe that has some versatility and once I learn with that I'll see where I wanna go from their.Hillbilly was very friendly on the phone & they answered all my questions,took a while to get through,they are very busy but I felt good about my purchase when I got off the phone,hopefully everything else goes as smooth,it'll be a couple weeks,everythings on backorder but I'll let everybody know how their service and quality is.

[new moon]

would like some thoughts on this still i found on flebay....an was woundering if anybody was familer with this saler?? http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-Gallon-Copper ... 3cc110ca8b" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[still livin]

their's reply's on here about that still,I had inquired about it in a previous post,I thought that looked like a nice set up,but it is thin copper if you look into the gauges

[rad14701]

would like some thoughts on this still i found on flebay....an was woundering if anybody was familer with this saler?? http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-Gallon-Copper ... 3cc110ca8b" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Far too expensive for what is offered... And as noted, this still/seller has already been discussed... You can do better...

[new moon]

found this still on local craigs list,..turns out its a buddy of mine,.he bought it from some one in michagain....might can get this set up horse tradeing,..any body reconize type of design??

http://greensboro.craigslist.org/for/2807846674.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[MerriamAL]

I am very new to this and have set a goal of making my own still this summer to start making my own Rum. However I have one question...How well is the offset still for making Rum? I have designed a setup that uses the offset still but started second guessing its effectiveness for making rum after reading some of the other posts.

[yamastill]

Nice simple idea but since I am new to this would'nt the water vapor come down off the condenser and get caught in the product pipe by the last baffle?

The Bokakob still:

This still built is the most easy, lowest cost and effective way to start your hobby distillers carrier.

It needs only three solder joints (beside the boiler fitting) and can be made in very short time depending on your tools and skills but I needed only 2 hours to get it done.
The most popular design is the double slanted plate column, here a drawing:

bokakob%20column%20w%20text.jpg

And here how it works, thanks to decoy for this great illustration (click on it to enlarge):

reflux_col_Bok_anim.gif

Most folks use 2” tube to built their Bok and it’s a good size for boiler of no more than 50 Ltr capacity, bigger boilers will produce more vapor stream that the 2"can handle, this can cause a small desaster.

Here my Apollo rig in Bok mode:

Apollo Bok.jpg

Take in account that the product will come out of the still pretty hot and many like to add a small product condenser. I use my “egg condenser", a two 2” cap built with ¼ “ tube windings inside and in and outlet of cooling water. It’s just like a small worm condenser.

The Bok usually is filled till the plates with copper or SS scrubbers which gives her the reflux function.

Take care that you use REAL copper scrubbers, if they are only plated you will have a real mess in your boiler and product.

Last but not least I add a template for 1 ½ and 2 “ columns for cutting the plates (I don’t take credit on that)

And here a good topic with pics how to built a bok: http://homedistiller.org/forum/view ... 46&t=13598

[astronomical]

the plate/baffle is constantly overflowing and the overflow (reflux) get redistilled in the copper packing below. Its helpful to understand theory before trying to build a still. It'll all make sense soon enough.

[Prairiepiss]

That's really the point of the still. It's a alcohol and water mixture vapor. And that's what you collect with any still.

[yamastill]

Ok well just waiting for some parts. Where do I find a pump for to recircualte the water for the condensor and output. I am using an old trash can for my water. WHat pressure and GPM do I need?

[MeanGreen]

on the keg still could you go in to more detail about how you did it? like got past the valve, and all that junk, and where you got the copper fixtures at?

[Coaster]

@ MeanGreen,

Copper fittings can be purchased ‘On Line’ from Pexsuppy dot Com.

Not fully understanding your question. Are you asking for a Forum link to plans for a building a Still that can be attached to a stainless steel beer keg? If so are you asking for Pot Still or Reflux Column Still plans?

Regards,
Coaster

[Muddydisco]

Right I'm loving this site and have spent hours reading info so far as to which way to go.
So I have choosen to go down the Reflux route with a removeable head so I can go to pot still as and when I want. Now I'm stuck as to which way from there, VM or Boka, Taking into account expertise in building or costs are NOT issues, so Basically which system is the better In an unbiased way for a learner wanting to know the Pros and cons of each system. I will be using Electric elements and pot size of 10-15ltr and a coloum of 54mm OD & 1m Packing. If that has any bearing on the above question.

[Coaster]

@ Muddydisco,

Suggest considering a Boka LM/VM Combination Reflux Column. Suggest visiting the Research and Theory sub-forum and review the Some Still Drawings thread which contains Boka LM/VM Reflux Column diagrams drawings.

Also since cost is not an issue then suggest a 3-inch diameter column and a 15.5-gallon stainless steel beer keg boiler.

Regards,
Coaster

[Prairiepiss]

I would suggest you reconsider the size of your boiler for a reflux still. 2.5 to 4 gallons is quite small for a reflux still. I suggest in the 5 to 7 gallon range minimum. For multiple reasons. More return from your efforts. Easier to make cuts. And it will hold the charge from a ferment in a 5 gallon bucket. Without making multiple runs.

[Muddydisco]

Ok rethink considered and yes see your point 5 gal is a better way to go. I take it your refering to US gallon here 5 gal = 18.92 Ltr? Is a 2" coloum still going to be ok? If not I'm then moving up into Stainless as I can't find any sources for bigger than 2" copper over here.
Now i'm more confused Why would you have two take offs? As in LM and VM on the same still or are you just using 1 at a time? Is there a thread for the how's and whys anywhere?

[Prairiepiss]

Yes I was referring to US gallons. For future reference more then likely if you see a reference to gallons. It will be US gallons. If imperial gallons it will be more then likely stated as such.

But anything around that size would be best. Depending on what is available to you. 5 gallon buckets are plentiful around the US for fermenters. What's available to you like a 25 lt or so would be what I would go by.

2" would be a good size for that boiler size. And even a bigger size boiler. Many use it on 15 gal kegs.

The LM/VM combo will give you the best if both. LM for separating the heads and not contaminating the hearts takeoff using the VM. The LM will takeoff tails better also.

Yes there is a bunch of threads that go over this. So start digging in and read as much as you can. The more you read. The more answers to questions you don't know you have yet will be answered.

[Coaster]

@ Muddydisco,

The Some Still Drawings thread in the Research And Theory sub-forum contains 9 LM/VM Combination Reflux Column diagrams drawings ->

http://homedistiller.org/forum/download ... hp?id=7370

There are numerous LM/VM Combination Still Forum threads. There is a LM/VM Combination Still Forum thread that provides a link to YouTube video showing a LM/VM Combination Still in operation ->

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElRYo_Z0 ... e=youtu.be

Regards,
Coaster

[yamastill]

I purchased the keg connection kit at Mile High. The rest of the stuff was on hand. 1/4 OD tubing at Lowes. 16 and change for 20 Ft.

on the keg still could you go in to more detail about how you did it? like got past the valve, and all that junk, and where you got the copper fixtures at?

[whitewolfrun]

im looking to get something small for my place i got to much free time you can say i pour cement we been without work for over a month so what more to say .

GOING NUTS .

but ive been looking around online for the past months more heavy for a good still i dont need much but i dont wont something thats not going to work.

would anyone give they opions about this one im been looking at. http://www.ebay.com/itm/180819801763?ss ... l2649#shId" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow . thanks yall

[Prairiepiss]

Is a nice looking still. But I wouldn't buy it. It's small over priced and you could build something much better. Just my opinion.

[whitewolfrun]

thanks im in a spot hard to buy or find one. i keep looking at the copper albemic but not sure about import fees and such so seach on i will lol