Boiler Thickness

[Rodan]

Hey,

I'm looking to make/buy a still. I'm leaning towards the 5 gallon still kit from Clawhammer Supply. My only concern is thickness of the bottom of the boiler. It is 16oz copper. I'm planning to use a hot plate as heat source, is 16oz thick enough?

Also do you think if I ran this still with out any packing material would it be the same as running a pot still. I'd like to make rum and have read that pot stills make the best rum. I would occasionally like to make a neutral spirit as well so that's why I'm looking at a column still.