WARNING! AMAZING STILL CAN KILL.

[TCNZ]

I feel morally obliged to warn people who are using or planning to build a Amazing Still: it can electro-execute you.

This is my personal experience.

I assembled my first lethal weapon in May, 2005. I ordered from Gert Strand (Sweden) a heater (Eden 425 100W, made in Italy) and it was really easy and took little time to come out with a working still.

The result was acceptable (if you are not too critical) after carbon treatment. Usually I got 2L <40% ABV first, collected it and carried on to get further 3L <20% with a 10L inner pail (I used turbo yeast to achieve 20% wash).

However, after several distillations the heater leaked, the whole heating element was burnt black and the glass tube was flooded with mash.

Had I been careless enough as not to switch off and unplugged before collecting the distillate, I might have been killed - electrically.

I then duly reported the case to Gert Strand - my aim was to warn other users - and was told that the manufacturer admitted there was a moulding problem with plastic parts.

I got a replacement by August, 2005 while I had to pay for the postage of US$10.

I then proceeded to assemble the second lethal weapon.

It seemed everything went fine until May, 2006. At first I noticed a small molten metal ball the size of the tip of a ball-point pen stuck to the inside wall of the glass tube 1/3 away from the bottom, there was also sight of a little bit burnt out to the adjacent heating element.

As I carried on using it, not long later, I noticed water condensation in the top chamber of the glass tube and the paper label inside was all wet.

I according reported the case to Gert Strand, on June 27, 2006....but until now I didn't hear anything from them except a junk email advertising Easystill this time.

The Amazing Still might sound like a wise and affordable alternative to conventional stills, but if it takes - within less then one year - 2 burnt heaters, US$60 in total, one unanswered complaint and a definite life hazard, it is definitely another case of false economics.

So my warning friends, always switch off and unplug, warn you family members not to get close, and put warning labels around the Amazing thing to remind yourself.

Goodbye Amazing Still.