Home Distiller

I notice that some folks manufacture a still the can be used both as a pot still and a reflux still.
Does anyone know if they work well in both applications or is there a sacrifice in building them that way?
Appreciate it.
CB

I do use a single pot still, when I pot still, I remove the pot scrubbers in the column and when I reflux I put the pot scrubbers in. Its not the perfect solution for I still get quite a high alcohol percentage without pot scrubbers, although I turn up the heat. so I would prefer to have a pot still and a reflux still rather.

It depends. It is a pretty good setup, if you get a nice boiler (like a keg), and then simply make 2 still heads. If you make the 'easy flange' (described on the site), then it is very easy to make 2 different special purpose still heads that attach right to that keg.

Then you have to good, proper running stills, even though it is only 2 still heads.

H.

+1 to Husker

Nice thing about building your own still it the ability to create multi functionality into the same still. I have built different heads for the same still with the idea that one head is just perfect for Scotch, Bourbon, Brandy & Rum and the other head favors the production of low flavor neutrals. Both heads attach to the pot and flake stand coil the same way. This way the hobbyist has the ability to create a nice gin by first creating an impeccable neutral then switch back to pot still mode to still a maceration for a big London Dry Gin.

S&S

cigarBum wrote:Does anyone know if they work well in both applications or is there a sacrifice in building them that way?

Depends on what you mean by sacrifice too I suppose.
Lots of variables.
Speed and/or purity on the quality control side.

Boiler size, plumbing diameter, heat sourse on the equipment side.

Its almost like part of the question should be "does a pot still do a better job at making a nuetural than a column still does at making a flavored spirit?"

While I would truly love to build my own, there are restrictions on my side. Tools: about the extent of my tools are a pair of pylers and a screw driver. I could go out and spend a $1000 in tools to save a hundred. I have a good idea of what necessary tools would be required. Nice shop or garage, don't have that either. I can get a keg, the only thing to cut a hole in the top would be my electric can opener. I hope you can appreciate my situation, hence my need to purchase, in the long run it will save me money, unless is a properly equipped person who want to build one for me. Don't have a problem paying for one.
Any solutions to getting me going on the proper track.
By the way, I spoke to the Col. the other day, he is backed up 6 months, that won't do
Thanks

CigarBum

Bum,

I have built a 7' tall VM reflux still, a simple efficient pot still and parrot using only a hack saw, tubing cutter,
2 metal files and a propane torch all totaling about $75.

I do have a fully equipped shop (welders, drill press, band saws, compressor etc) that I spend most of my time in these days on dozens of diverse project but copper distilling equipment pretty simple and fun.
Copper has been to material of artisans for thousands of years it is very forgiving. It can produce a beautiful product.
For me the fun is coming up with an original design and executing the build no matter what the project.

I suspect if you give this hands on approach a chance you might discover something about yourself that could grow into a wonderful new hobby.

A keg can be utilized in it's original design with proper adapters
http://www.milehidistilling.com/Moonsh ... ="nofollow

Give it a shot Cigar man you might surprise yourself. There are many very skilled craftsmen here that will help you through any bumps in your path.

Doc

The link that Stock has provided, is certainly a workable connector for a 2" tube. What you get with a setup like that, is you do NOT and should not cut the top of the keg. All you do it remove the ball and spear from the valve body (part of the keg). Then that valve body makes a nice connector for that sanitary (tri) clamp.

We also have a very nice project on the site, called the 'easy' flange. There is a long thread about how to go about making that.

http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 0&start=75

I have a couple easy flanges. I made mine using 2" coupler copper. That way, I can simply leave the bottom of my 2" tube cut (and chamfered a little). Then I can clamp on that coupler, carefully put either a column, or pot still 2" tube into the easy clamp coupler side up, and stick a little flour paste around it, and I have a quick and perfectly working connector, and it cost about 2 bucks, vs the 80+ it would cost to get 2 threaded 2" and the keg to 2" NPT stainless adapter, shown on the mile high site.

But like stock said, a tube cutter, a propane or mapp torch, some lead free solder and flux, and you are pretty much in business to make a still head out of copper.

One other comment about that mile high connector, is that it is 'upside down'. It should be female on the bottom, and male up. When it is female on the bottom, it is more prone to leaking.

H.

cigarBum wrote:While I would truly love to build my own, there are restrictions on my side. Tools: about the extent of my tools are a pair of pylers and a screw driver. I could go out and spend a $1000 in tools to save a hundred. I have a good idea of what necessary tools would be required. Nice shop or garage, don't have that either. I can get a keg, the only thing to cut a hole in the top would be my electric can opener. I hope you can appreciate my situation, hence my need to purchase, in the long run it will save me money, unless is a properly equipped person who want to build one for me. Don't have a problem paying for one.
Any solutions to getting me going on the proper track.
By the way, I spoke to the Col. the other day, he is backed up 6 months, that won't do
Thanks

CigarBum

Pick a still or design one send me the plan and I will price it out and build it for ya.
Can ya tell I have too much time on my hands.

Hey Crazy, you have a PM

CB