Howdy haze,
its great but im realising some of its limitations
A lot of us have been through this phase bloke. Trouble is once you see it for what it is, you won't be happy and must move on.
Bubbler? yep cos currently its the best solution we have to a variety of needs, conditions, washes and drink prefs. On plates consider 4/5 base plates and made the additional plates and rock filtering section modular, maintaining max flexibility for drink prefs.
Two of the best reads, the complete distiller cos its nice and light, covers most concepts of a variety of stills.
http://aussiedistiller.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1841This one, inside a column cos it gets right into the mechanics of a bubbler, won't drown you in maths, there is a bit but worth the time understanding it not just reading it...you know what I mean.
It covers vast territory from entrainment principals, to optimal design. I reckon for a cluey ppl going down the bubbler track it should be required reading.
http://aussiedistiller.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1845combine build threads to get a practical insight, final design for building and your done.
$500, yeh around the mark given what you already have. here's just one of many link for a personal build that suits your budget.
http://aussiedistiller.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=4102bt1