New to the whole thing

[sed8ted]

I've been wanting a project to do in the spring time, and well I've already got idea's what to do out in the shop for working on the blacksmithing aspect, and well thought I would try my hand at making shine. My father, was also interested, so I got looking around the internet for more information. I found tons of books, etc on the subject, but not too in the where to turn to for help or guidance. Then I found this haven.


After the past month of reading different books, I'm going to be going with a simple spirt still that will be a 45L electric hot water heater with a 3000w/240v. water heater element inside it. I got the plans for it from the book "making pure corn whiskey". It even covers the section on getting the mash ready.

Now I'm going to try and go by what the book has as far as a the still and guide lines. I hope it works, but the book doesn't mention anything about what part is the head and what part is the middle and the tails, so I'm at a loss there.


Thank you in advance to any advice, and I do enjoy a good whisky, so we'll see what kinda stuff I can turn out.


Andy

[rubber duck]

Welcome to he forum. I'm happy to hear of your interest in distilling and your plan to build out a stilling rig.

To briefly answerer your question, there is guide on making pot still cuts in the novice section. It's pretty strait forward, well written, and easy to understand.

[rad14701]

Welcome, sed8ted...

Not sure where you're located but here in the US water heater tanks do not make good boilers for potable spirits... The tanks are glass lined and have zinc plated fittings to resist rust... Unfortunately, high %ABV high temperature alcohol leaches the zinc and other substances into the alcohol which makes it hazardous to drink... It also causes premature deterioration of the tank...

Take adequate time to do your research here in the forums as well as on the parent site before making any decisions on what still to build and what materials you intend to use... We're here to help you along the way so feel free to ask questions if you can't find the answers through diligent research...

Good luck...

[scarecrow]

As you get into this hobby you will find that things change as you gain a greater understanding of what it is you are doing.

Readin' is a good start, but nuthin' beats a good hands on experiment.

Welcome, have fun and above all be safe.

scarecrow