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Attaching copper pipe to SS lid

Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 9:08 am
by carolina moonshiner
I have decided to build a pot still for starters. I was wondering which method of attaching my copper pipe to my SS lid has been working the best for yall folks ? Going to running at least 5 gal if that matters .

Re: Attaching copper pipe to SS lid

Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 9:31 am
by LWTCS
Bet you could get a pro to do it with some nickle bronze rod and a tig in bout 5 minutes. Gonna take longer to check for any pin hole leaks after he welds it up. 20 bucks.

Re: Attaching copper pipe to SS lid

Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 10:55 am
by NcHooch
I recon the stainless steel sink drain might be an option as well.
NChooch

Re: Attaching copper pipe to SS lid

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 1:37 pm
by carolina moonshiner
Somenoe told me today they think you can do it with silver solder . Has anyone heard of this?

Re: Attaching copper pipe to SS lid

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 2:08 pm
by Braz
Here's one method. It is a 2" end cap drilled out and attached with very small stainless steel nuts 'n bolts.
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Tried various gaskets between the cap and lid but everything leaked.
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So I silver soldered the cap to the lid and all is now right with the world. What you see here is actually my gin basket set into the cap with the pot still column above. I use a couple wraps of PTFE tape around the pipe before I insert it into the cap.
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Silver solder absolutely works as long as you have enough heat and the right flux. I used an oxy/aceteline torch and applied all the heat to the inside of the cap and let the stainless lid heat up just from contact with the cap.

Re: Attaching copper pipe to SS lid

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 3:49 pm
by Samohon
I used a similar method for my big ol pot still Braz... Works a damn treat... :D