Easy, Rigid Copper Condenser

[DevilInDale]

Hello All, new here and been lurking - gathering information and simultaneously gathering materials to build my first still. I’ll be building a simple, Pot Still from a keg (2” Column to a 1/2 copper coil for a worm) I’m bartering/up-cycling my materials as I’m on a tight budget.

My question: I’ve happened upon a 20’ length of rigid copper 1/2” Type L. I’d love to be able to use this on my build but not sure if I can coil it. Any ideas on using this for an easy condenser? Without having to buy a lot of extra fittings and/or sweat a lot of connections? Maybe I should just scrap it and use that money to purchase a coil of copper? I don’t have much experience working copper but am handy in general. I’ve searched the discussions and couldn’t really find anything that covered this. Thanks in advance and happy to be soon joining all you folks in stilling.

Best, The Devil in Dale TX.

[stillanoob]

Coiling type L will be difficult. You might try annealing it with an oxy-acetylene torch but I don't think it will be easy. I wouldn't scrap it, you won't get anything like what it is worth as pipe and I bet you will find uses for it as you go along.

So, I would get some 5/8" OD / 1/2" ID tubing and coil that for your worm. That is what I did. One thing that is handy is that since it comes on a coil already I found it very easy to coil it to the desired diameter around my form. I put mine in a keg for a flake stand. I did use two pieces of type L pipe, at the top and the bottom. It provided the coil with support and works quite well.

[The Baker]

Listen to stillanoob.

Geoff

[DevilInDale]

Will do! Thanks!

[jonnys_spirit]

1/2" inside 3/4" makes an excellent leibig. I made a 48" one and it knocks down 5k5W easily. I personally prefer a leibig condenser over a worm.

Cheers,
jonny

[NZChris]

I have four Liebigs that are 1/2" inside 1". One was knocked up out of clear plastic tube with an insulated electrical cable wound around the inner for a spacer and to force circulation, pipe fittings, tees and drilled out compression fittings on each end. Use what ever you have lying around or can get cheap.