Home Distiller

I'm reading till my eyes bleed as recommended by most folks, But As I try to wind my way through some of the design threads I've notices that some of the info is quite old. Is there a cut off point in age or relevance? I know there's a lot of tried and true designs, but I don't want to build something that's obsolete and someone found a better / smarter way to do it. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

I'm quite sure there are many older posts that are now considered obsolete by their originators.

Also, there are subjects that are seldom discussed so are easily missed.

Once you're in the specific topic board use the advanced search and it will pull anything with relevance and your key words will be highlighted.
scroll through them until you see something that sparks an interest and jump on the post.

It's alot of reading and although it might not be exactly what I'm looking for it can have information directly related to what you seek.
Once you have some ideas pondering in the skull, start a thread, ask questions as though you've done your research but still have a few more for "clarification" 99% of the people are more than willing to share their experiences.
DON'T just ask "what's a reflux colum" or how does a pot still work.
There are some who just like to be rude, and for the rest of us we will gladly help as long as it's a viable question.
we WILL know if you've done your own research so if you havent... be prepared for the ROAST!!! JK

Shine0n

WallyGator wrote: ....... I've notices that some of the info is quite old. Is there a cut off point in age or relevance? I know there's a lot of tried and true designs, but I don't want to build something that's obsolete and someone found a better / smarter way to do it. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Well if you feel like that about it, you don't want to be listening to the likes of NZChris then - Hell he's been doing it 30 years !

Here's a thread instigated by my reading of a 1907 book, which Chris was active in and revealed he'd made what I aspired to, some 30 years ago from his research in BOOKS ! Pre-internet.

Shame all that effort and research is now obsolete !

http://w.homedistiller.org/forum/viewto ... 87&t=66230

Wally,

All though some older ideas/concepts discussed and developed here may have been improved upon over the years I have found the older discussions to be invaluable not only in understanding the basic principles applied and advanced concept but also in some very ingenious build techniques and special tooling. Every time I delve back into the past I am amazed at the work that has been done here and shared for all to see. YMMV

thanks guys, guess I was looking at it wrong.

WallyGator wrote:thanks guys, guess I was looking at it wrong.

The only outdated information was sprinkled throughout the Parent Site.
Stuff like using plastics or pressure cookers.
That was where the only "wrong" postings could be found.
That may have been cleaned up by now as I know the effort was in progress.

[Honestly, the idea of a pressure cooker still I made came from the Parent Site before I knew better.]

The most important outdated information I can think of is the false hope that methanol is distilled in the first part of a run because of its low boiling point. In fact it is distilled throughout the whole run because it forms some kind of azeotrope with water and/or ethanol.
Than there are some beliefs that persist, like the bans on iron or glass.
Or discussions that come back time and time again.

And no, not all older posts are still good. Just like in normal life. Even not all posts of today are good: people make mistakes or lie.

Also older negative information on CM reflux stills is outdated as the newer designs really changed performance.

WallyGator wrote:thanks guys, guess I was looking at it wrong.

I guess you've been brought up in an age where computers and phones etc are obsolete and virtually useless after a few years. Whereas we are doing something which has been done in similar ways for Hundreds of years. Yes there are a few "tweaks" - for example we used to think that getting rid of "Fores" got rid of the "Methanol" - now we know it doesn't, but that the "Methanol" is really not important in realistic terms.

The Bokakob LM still has virtually replaced the "Offset head" - seemingly for just a site preference. Either will do the job and personally I think the "Offset" is a nicer looking piece of kit. Any differences are marginal IMO.

The biggest "new advances" come from some of the commercial boys, in the form of CM stills and "Turbo Accessories" which we basically do not like very much and would generally advise against.

PTFE is now acceptable in construction and more effort is being put in to delibeately infecting washes it seems - whether that is a fad or continues we don't know yet.

There are few "Hard and fast" answers in this hobby - indefinite numbers of variables and we all run different kit our own way.

Your question was reasonable - and your response to our posts very constructive - I think we're going to be talking to you for a good while.

Any ideas what you want to make in the way of either drink or a still yet ? The one depends a bit on the other.

Bushman wrote:Also older negative information on CM reflux stills is outdated as the newer designs really changed performance.

Are you talking about plated stills which some of our members run BM - or the commercial versions ?

When researching on a subject by literature (or google or hearsay), one starts with the most recent sources. And than gradually one goes back in time.
And with every step ask yourself very stern: "How reliable is this source?".
About half of the information you get is flawed. By mistake or on purpose, but it is flawed or incomplete. Check it! And again!

I feel your pain, Wally.
If you're just starting out it's very difficult to pick a still design.

I'd say to look at a keg boiler with a short riser and Liebig condenser for whiskey or rum.
Get a second leg and then take a look at BoisieBlancBoy or TruckinButch for thumper ideas.

If your after vodka look at something like DAD300's CCVM still.

Or check out ShineOnCrazyDiamond's Tee thread about having both at the same time.

Think modular.

Good luck, keep us posted.

+1 MCH!
I concentrated on the first part of the title. I failed to see that TS jus wanted advice on his first build.

Everybody advices to start with a pot still: a boiler and a condenser. And for good reason: it is easy, understandable and reliable.
There is no doubt about that.
And when you are used to its behaviour, you can try other designs.
Just distill and see what you want.

Mr. Gator first decide what you want to make.

you have already made the second step in reading about

how many ways you can achieve any distilling goal.

as you have discovered ANY post can be good, bad, or otherwise.

your post indicates you are understanding this and learning to sort them out

what you want to make will determine what kind of a still head you will need,

but a keg is a good solid boiler-base to support any still head

distilling has been around for hundreds of years,

but this internet thing seams to be a passing fad

get it while you can.

As to what I like to drink....as long as its wet, tastes good, and has a healthy kick, I'm all in...lol. I don't discriminate when it comes to giving different types of spirits the chance to "shine". I crack me up...lol.
After a bunch of reading, I think where I'd like to start is building a condenser first. Then I can see how much column I'll need for it. Was thinking a crossflow or a shotgun? Was also planning on a half keg boiler, inverted with bottom drain. Boiler will be electrically heated, gonna need to do some calcs, but I'm roughly guessing it will a 5500w element with a controller on a 220/30a circuit. I'm pretty handy with the tools, and patient. I'm not in any hurry since I'm fully retired now, and I want to do it right. thanks for keeping this old mule on the right path!

Why invert it?

Mount it high enough to fit a drain valve for a hose or bucket, then use the existing connector for mounting swan necks and columns.

WallyGator wrote:....as long as its wet, tastes good, and has a healthy kick, I'm all in...lol.

Hmm.

I've received a healthy kick before chasing the first 2 requirements...