Drawbacks of a shorter column?

[MegaSchwiller]

**pre-warning: I am working though noob status and might throw out some rediculos questions in this post.

I'm looking into ordering one of Mile Hi's reflux/pot/whatever columns — this one in particular: http://www.milehidistilling.com/New_ref ... /16156.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

I had initially considered constructing my own, but I'm going to try and recognize my less than stellar past build record for various diy projects (mostly homebrew related), and skip the exorbitant material cost that typically results from my muffing up the first attempt and having to completely rebuild. Plus.. I'm feeling kinda lazy and don't know that I want to spend the time without getting a better (visual) understanding of how these things work.

Back to the question... is a 21" column such as this ?Mighty Mini Dual Purpose" that Mile Hi sells going to really limit me in any way? Are there any significant drawbacks other than it's CM design (from what i'm understanding a vm design is preferable for consistency). My intentions initially are to run this thing as a pot still and attempt some whiskey(s), but if it's really not a suitable design for that sort of thing, than please let me know. Also, at some point I'd like to give it a shot in a quasi-reflux state to try some neutral spirits. If a 21" column is indeed to short to properly distill a neutral spirit, can i remedy this by clamping on an extension of 20 or so inches to the bottom of this column? If so, I could see trying to fabricate my own extension piece down the road, so long as I could initially get going with the unit as is..

I guess i'm hoping that I can get into this hobby on the low dollar side (trying to keep it below $200) with the potential of making some well crafted spirits. What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance.

[vicrider]

Those types of designs (CM) usually don't work very well but it would be really unfair to say without firsthand knowledge. However, I can say that the rubber plug the thermo is sticking in is a no no with high % alcohol. Replace the plug and it might OK for a pot still. You can easily add a section for extra length but you still won't get a lot of reflux because of the design. I could also be wrong.

[MegaSchwiller]

Those types of designs (CM) usually don't work very well but it would be really unfair to say without firsthand knowledge. However, I can say that the rubber plug the thermo is sticking in is a no no with high % alcohol. Replace the plug and it might OK for a pot still. You can easily add a section for extra length but you still won't get a lot of reflux because of the design. I could also be wrong.

Thanks for the input.

Is the prevailing sentiment that this type of cm design usually doesn't work very well as a *reflux* still -- but potentially could work out if used with less packing as a pot still? I guess I might be reaching a bit because this seems like an easy way to get started -at least to be used as a pot still- but if it's bunk then I'll figure something else out.

[WalkingWolf]

**pre-warning: I am working though noob status and might throw out some rediculos questions in this post.

I like that. Will they become just "warnings" once you are through the noob status??

ww

[vicrider]

[quote="MegaSchwiller

Is the prevailing sentiment that this type of cm design usually doesn't work very well as a *reflux* still -- but potentially could work out if used with less packing as a pot still? I guess I might be reaching a bit because this seems like an easy way to get started -at least to be used as a pot still- but if it's bunk then I'll figure something else out.[/quote]

Yes it could be used as a pot still, it could even be used as a reflux still although not as easily as one would want, and it would be an easy way to get started. You also said you would like to get started for under $200. They want $160 for that unit (plus shipping probably) . You are still going to need a boiler unless you already have one. You could build a simple worm in a bucket for probably less than $100 boiler included. Just sayin.

[MegaSchwiller]

Thanks, vlcrider. That clarification helps a lot.

As for the boiler - I've got a half barrel keg that was acquired fairly legitimately that I plan to use.

Mile Hi (the makers of that column in question) happens to be just down the hill from me, in Denver, so shipping won't be much of an issue — I'm actually kinda interested in heading down there to talk to the guy that place and seeing what he's got going on. I think I'll give this thing a go and see where it takes me. Maybe an extension will be in my future (wait...that sounds totally wrong), or maybe I'll figure out exactly what system might better suit my efforts and construct my own. I've been all-grain homebrewing for quite some time and have found that over the years the massive amount of brewing equipment I've acquired and gone though to dial in a system that works perfectly for me made for an interesting journey - I'm looking forward to the same with all of this.

[cluey]

Read more. Not long ago I was in the same position as you. Didnt have enough information to make a good decision. I too thought buying something on the market would be a better/easier choice. I had almost convinced myself to buy the same unit.

People on here soon encouraged (browbeat?) me to make my own. First time I had soldered and worked with copper. Much easier then I ever thought and actually ended up with 3 different still heads which i can work with varying column lengths. I am still leartning but for the cost of 130 bucks worth of copper pipe of varying sizes, a hacksaw, propane torch, soldering accessories you would end up with lots more still. And I learned an awful lot while making them I would never have learned just from buying one.

If you must buy i highly suggest you forget the combo head, as the cm design is not a good one, and save yourself 50 bucks and go with the potstill head only.

http://www.milehidistilling.com/Pot_Sti ... /16150.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow