New to Distallation

[Bobrm2]

I'm from the Arkansas Ozarks. retired. I study herbalism, learning to care for myself and the chronic illnesses one accumulates as we get older.
I wish to learn how to distill potato vodka, that I can have and afford a quality ethanol for the herbal tinctures I work up. I've nothing in the way of equipment, but am skilled in the use of hand tools from my years in the construction trades, ND an a education in cartography.
All information will be of help. I'm currently thinking of building a refractory still, but have no knowledge as to why or why not. And have purchased e-books by a Stone, John., who has written "Making Gin and Vodka". The text provides me my sum of knowledge.
Small amounts of alcohol are all that is required, and the consideration of cost to make a still are now of interest. Since I won't be drinking nor wishing to produce alcohol for the normal use of it. Help with a small still, ideas and how to build it would be most helpful. I'm a do-it-yourself person, and realize that I can buy, cheaper than I can construct the still, very little satisfaction in that.

Thanks

Bob