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Ok started to do a coil condenser for the main column. Building a CM. coil was a Paine in the but and not what I think I want so no I'm looking at a dephlegmator. I was going to use 3 1/2" lines inside. Attached are pics. Do u think solder will be strong enough to hold the end caps on the the weight of the still. Also is a pic of what I have so far. I was going to crop it into the main column, a few inches below the T. Total height will be about 58". Will it be strong enough?

You should be OK, whats your pot made out of? How is it going to be attached? When you do your final fit-together, before your cleaning run, you'll see how stable it is. If you have any doubts at all, construct a stand to support the whole column, it could even be something that comes down from the ceiling. By the way...good pics. kiwi

My pot is a 13.5 gal keg.

My intention was to get my column about 6" below the T. I was going to use the 8" piece of 2" pictured, flip the caps upside down as pictured solder them two the 8" piece, drill my holes for three 1/2" pieces to run along the inside for the vapor to travel and drill two holes into the side, upper and lower for the inlet exit. I'm just worried abot the strength of an essentially two flat pieces soldered together.

Or I can try to find some copper flat stock and cut circles then just use two couplings. What do I think?

it would work like kiwi said, but ive done a few joins like that and with weight on them they can produce a weak point. A normal build like you mention with the couplings would be strongest. Cold fingers work OK too, tpee did a good one http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 17&t=47020. Good luck mate.

Well I ended up ordering two pieces of flat plate to build the condenser properly. Would rather not risk it being unstable.

If you are going to drop the dephlagmater in through the top you should check out my dephlagmater build of how to fit the pipe inside another pipe. I have a 4" column and cut and shortened the diameter of another 4" copper pipe by cutting the length and bringing it together so it slides into the main column. Below is a link to my build.
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 50&t=28241

Bushman that is an awesome build and some great craftsmanship.

My intent is to build the shotgun condenser and solder it in the column with two couplings. My pipe is 2" so I'm gonna use 4- 1/2" piping inside, and drill into the side f the pipe for my inlet outlet. How far below the T should I crop it in. I was thinking about 6 inches?

Ok just got my couplings former my in column shotgun cooler. Do you think I will have to solder these in? It says the o rings are rated for 250 Fahrenheit. Plus I think they will make a tight enough seal. I like the idea of it being removable. What do you all think?

Pretty close to rule#8 don't you think?

Here is the tech data on that seal I think.

http://www.viega.us/cps/rde/xbcr/en-us/ ... tions).pdf


[attachment=0]ImageUploadedByTapatalk1457611228.3161

I will give it whirl during my vinegar clean and see if I get any vapor by

Those O-Rings are EPDM. Probably safe for pure ethanol. Probably not safe for foreshots. According to the data we have. Perhaps in a few years we have different data...

Maybe find direct replacement PTFE orings? Is all Teflon hard white or is there a softer variation?

UnSub wrote:Maybe find direct replacement PTFE orings? Is all Teflon hard white or is there a softer variation?

That would be something new. Teflon is always hard and mostly white. There are teflon coated o-rings. I don't know, if with the right measurement.

Then I suppose it would be nearly impossible to contort Teflon orings into the press fitting.

Perhaps the coated ones? But I don't think he will find.
The best method (besides triclamps) to couple copper pipes is in my opinion:
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 16&t=28791
You only need normal solder fittings and teflon tape and it's stable and makes a good seal. That's what I use. That's what I recommend lostnalaska.

Well they also came with solder o rings that replace the EPDM. Stick them on then heat is all you do.

That's an awesome idea der woo. And we all now the Teflon will take the heat