Steam engine parts mean distillation possibilities

[AltonFilmGuy]

I've been piecing together parts from local auctions for quite some time to build a steam engine, and it came to my attention that a large amount of the parts could be used to make a still....so here I am!

I've read through the main site a few times, watched a number of hours of youtube videos, and I feel I'm ready to dive in and build a reflux still with a jacketed core(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNW7j4Shi9c). It seams to me that Raschig rings are the solution I'm looking for to fill her up in the column, along with a radiator based water cooling system....I'd like to make the whole thing wood fired, but it appears that is a more advanced topic, so I'll start with gas and work my way up to that. I have a number of large pressure cookers due to my steam engine builds, so that's what I'll start with.

I have the needed skills to solder, basic knowledge of plumbing, thermodynamics, electronics, and some skills programming in BASIC that I could dust off to attempt some BASIC Stamp stuff if needed.....I'm excited to do my first batch, which I think I'll start small with a 5 gallon bucket of sugar mash. Just a few hours ago I ordered an Airlock, so once that shows up I'll head to the store for a few staples(just gonna follow the "Wineos Plain Ol Sugar Wash", as I seem to have almost all of the ingredients on hand).

Thanks for all the info guys, and I hope that somewhere along the way I can contribute something useful myself.

[SuburbanStiller]

Welcome!

If you've got a boiler for a steam engine you might want to think about doing a steam fired pot. Never used one, but I hear they are pretty sweet. Plus with a steam engine around you have a built in excuse for a lot of the gear you'll use for stillin.

[Ayay]

Hehe, welcome AFG. Hereabouts the boiler part is easy in the metalworkin dept because of near-zero pressure. Copper is so good-lookin except for leaks.

An engine...maybe a small paddle wheel, or a japanese tilting bamboo spout driven by falling drips will count as an engine an also pure art.

Art is what you say or taste. If yer an engineer then your art will have more oomph provided you can spiel it that way.

[LWTCS]

Welcome AFG

Looking forward to some progress pics of your project.

Hope you make some good choices as your forthcomming build sounds interresting.

Don't forget to be a good listener

Cheers
LT

[Kentucky shinner]

I second that LWTCS... I look forward to watching this take off

[AltonFilmGuy]

Here's a video of my steam engine build so far....it's not pieced together yet, and I have far more tubes, connectors, and just misc. stuff out in my garage. I just received an airlock in the mail today, so I'll start myself a mash real soon, and a still shouldn't be too far behind.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BieUXvdpqq4

[Ayay]

That's how I look when piecin together various experimentals Gather a selection of possible artifacts real cheap, select the best from many angles and go for it. I have a hard time throwing the leftovers and managing my junk pile is another art and another science!

This craft needs to be learned hands-on. Adhere to the tried and true route as close as possible for starters. As an art, stillin baffles scientists. As a science it baffles the artists.

Stillin is all here on digital paper for the takin. Adjust and manipulate your found bits and chosen design conservatily. Take care with the safety thing because stillin has the most sneaky ways of causing disaster.

[AltonFilmGuy]

Thanks for the advice....after lookin at my budget I realized I can't afford to build the reflux still yet(Most of my money comes from buying and sellin auction stuff, so I need what little cash I have to invest), so I'm gonna start with a pot still. I have alot of spare mason jars(auction buy on the cheap of course) so I may go for a thumper.

I'll prolly pick up a coil at the hardware store today. Here's my steam engine build so far.....or still: