using a hot water heater

[tampabay26jamis33]

hey i have recently developed an interest in making my own moonshine. I have tried to learn as much as possible from a friend who is heavily involved in it. I want to make my own still and I think i have an idea of where to start. I was cleaning out my barn and found a small hot water heater that was used at my cottage. It still works and it has a capacity of maybe 20gallons. possibly smaller. I was thinking this would be perfect to start. I was wondering if it would be safe to use. I dont really want to cut it all apart since its the perfect size right now. How can i tell if it is safe enough to use? I know the next step is to make a condenser. I also was thinking about building a fractioning column just to purify the stuff out. just wondering what all you experienced guys think about my current design idea. Im familiar with forums in general and how people love to tell noobs to use the search and i wasnt able to find what i was looking for when i searched. thanks

[violentblue]

if its copper then it would work nicely.
I'm a pot stiller so I cant comment on columns.

[Dnderhead]

If your in NA then yes ---But--- every one Iv seen only had a 3/4 in. opening . so I do not thank it whould be affective.
I thinking that whould be a bottle neck . first you whould need to step up to 2in. disable the thermostats, and make or
acquire a controller. even so I thank it whould be slow with a small opening.

[goinbroke2]

Ian Smiley's book shows the exact way to do this. (including the removal of the rod in the middle) How to wire,etc.
Buy the book, follow the directions, can't go wrong. "How to make pure corn whiskey"