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I recently acquired 24 inch of 2 inch copper so I finally decided to build my pot still. Well build is overstating it a little. I had an eight gallon milehi milk can for the boiler as a starting point. I was never happy with the condenser that came with it. Plus I wanted everything to be modular for flexibility and future modifications. Here's what I came up with:

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Looking good! I like that boiler. I'm thinking about building an electric boiler this winter.

I was stretching the limits of my building with the stainless to copper welds and I had already conceded by buying the boiler but now I know a little of the satisfaction you get when you "build" your own set up. Cleaning and sac runs to go now.


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By welds I mean't solder...


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a tip on soldering for next time...heat the whole joint, then heat one side with the torch, apply the solder to the other side. The heat will pull the solder by capillary action into the whole joint.

(i see that torch tip pointed right at the solder in a couple photos)

Yeah...it took me about 4-5 joints to realize that. Works good and you make the join cleaner.

What's the story behind that wild looking stainless tri-clamp reducer you're using? Did that come with the purchased keg?

pope wrote:What's the story behind that wild looking stainless tri-clamp reducer you're using? Did that come with the purchased keg?

Potstill head. Its just shown mounted in a different location.
ss

Mind = blown. Much more graceful than anything I've come up with.

What ss said. Repurpose existing parts. Best part of this build is that I can cap off where the reducer goes with a triclamp cap (or even a sight glass) and add some more pipe and build a reflux column. Looking forward to running this.


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Very nice work! It reminds me that my build up is waiting for me for too long in the garage.

Finally finished the Liebig to reducer connection. Had a heck of a time getting the 1/2 inch ss ferrule soldered on. Finally ended up using MAPP gas and silver solder. Pretty sure it is solid now. I guess I will see if there are any leaks tonight. Doing a water then water/vinegar cleaning runs tonight and a 10% feints sac run tomorrow. Have a DWWG wheat germ sugar head waiting for the inaugural run on the weekend. Here's a few pics of it up and running. [img]http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016111 ... 72d297.jpg[/img][img]http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016111 ... 30ac0a.jpg[/img][img]http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016111 ... 2b5511.jpg[/img][img]http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016111 ... db22ea.jpg[/img][img]http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016111 ... c76093.jpg[/img]


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piperdave wrote:What ss said. Repurpose existing parts. Best part of this build is that I can cap off where the reducer goes with a triclamp cap (or even a sight glass) and add some more pipe and build a reflux column. Looking forward to running this.


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A sightglass adds a certain ..... je ne sais quoi..... plus it gives you something to look at and obsess over! Nice job piperdave!

Still dragon Europe has a 2 inch triclamp sight glass...mmmmmmm.

First cleaning runs went like a charm, no leaks, liebig knocked down every thing I threw at it. Pretty stoked.


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Is it weird that I spent last night polishing my pipe?[img]http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016111 ... 60e2ed.jpg[/img]

Old guy next door introduced me to crocus paper. Never heard of it.


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piperdave wrote:Is it weird that I spent last night polishing my pipe?

We are a pretty non-judgemental group, and on top of that we are mostly dudes. I think you have a sympathetic audience here. Carry on.

piperdave wrote:What ss said. Repurpose existing parts. Best part of this build is that I can cap off where the reducer goes with a triclamp cap (or even a sight glass) and add some more pipe and build a reflux column. Looking forward to running this.


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Just a thought, it would be better to just get 2 more ferrules and a 2' or so copper pipe use it as the bottom section and that piece for the top of your reflux still. I'm looking order a 2" sight glass for my double helix reflux condenser to set in for some eye candy. Anyways, just an idea for ya.

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