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I posted this over in the stills forum, but I figured that since I'm a novice, I'd post it here too.

Here's my first pot still construction:






8 Qt. ressure cooker form wallmart: $29.99

Copper tube and fittings: $20.00

Thermometer: $5.00

Bucket from dollar store: A predictable $1.00

Assorted copper and brass fittings: Stuff I had in my tool box.

It took me a few hours to figure out the best way to put it all together and I think I did ok. My outlet tube is about 3 ft long, 1/2" and the condenser coil is 10', 3/8". I intend to use it for whisky, brandy, absinthe, etc. Please let me know if I need to improve anything.

That's just about what I started with a long time ago. You'll definitely want to upgrade your still in the future after you've used it for a few months. Looks like you've got a good learner still set up

Good job. If your bucket condenser leaks where the worm comes out try tying a peice of string to it just before the jar, so the water will drip off of it, instead of in your jar.

really nice.....good job....


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Looks very good. This style still makes a very good starter still. Pot stills are great to learn from.

shadylane wrote:Good job. If your bucket condenser leaks where the worm comes out try tying a peice of string to it just before the jar, so the water will drip off of it, instead of in your jar.

JB weld works GREAT for sealing jobs like that.

H.

When I built my first still, I stuck the copper in some 1/4" rubber fuel line and sealed the union to the bucket with silicone. Still works, never leaked through the seam and water has never got through the rubber fuel line since it fit so tightly to the copper.