Howdy!

[Hoochrunner]

Hello to everyone here, I've finally decided to take a break from just reading all your words of wisdom and build myself a still! I'm new to the "liquor" side of distilling as I brewed beer for a short while a few years back but never really got into it. I've read these forums for a while now as well as other sites but I would really appreciate some advice. After taking a lot into consideration I'm leaning more towards a valved reflux system but especially one that can be easily converted to a pot still. I want to be able to distill different kinds of liquor (vodka, whiskey, bourbon, rum, etc.) and flavored ones too! So long story short, would a valved reflux "modular" design model be a good starting still for me to build? The plans seem pretty clear and easy plus the fact that I can use it both ways is a bonus. I already started on this project and soldered a few of the joints but only "dry fit" the column and still head. Please give me you opinions and thank you all in advance for any input and look forward to getting my first still up and running, cheers!
I will try to post pics soon! :text-coolphotos:

[Hoochrunner]

Wasn't sure on the picture posting :think: but here is what I have so far, condenser coil isn't completed yet, valve is only for picture purpose ( 1" needed) but will be situated there, originally it was on the vertical tube under the elbow near the coupler. The condenser coil tube is threaded to the column for easy replacement for the shorter still head (pictured beside) The column is 48" high but is not cut yet as it will have a tri-clamp at 36" so it can be removed to have a one foot section left below the "T" for the pot still setup. I have a 15 gallon keg which I haven't figured out what to do with yet, gas or electric? I'm eager to finish up the soldering and complete the project so any feedback (good or bad) is greatly appreciated, keep in mind I'm new to this whole process but really want to learn! :angry-banghead:

[Smbjk]

Looking good mate :handgestures-thumbupleft: couple of suggestions. At the top of the column make sure you have a flange and triclamp so you can inter change your 2 heads and also to ensure you have no vopor leaks. You may also want to have another flange and triclamp 40 -50cm from your take off area so that when you change to pot mode you wont have to pull out all the packing as it can be a pain in the ass.

Also make sure that when you switch to pot mode keep your valve open at all time if you leave it closed :scared-eek:

Like you concept and work mate, zac has a similar style rig think it works well for him. He might have a few ideas to give you, but he might be too busy building his bubblerr :teasing-neener:

My gues is in 6mths after your hybrid is built you'll be thinking about a bubbler :D :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Smbjk]

Also 1more thing are your fitting brass caus brass in the vapor path is not very safe due to the contact with lead. Go a stainles ball valve just to be sure :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Zak Griffin]

Mine isn't a hybrid, I've just got a Boka head and a pot head that can be changed onto the same column...

I haven't actually finished the Bok head though... Been too busy running the pot and building the bubbler haha

[Crankyyankee]

Go electric not gas. Safety first. There is alot of information here about electric heating elements in kegs. With a controller you cant beat it. Gas plus vapour equals disaster.

[Hoochrunner]

Looking good mate :handgestures-thumbupleft: couple of suggestions. At the top of the column make sure you have a flange and triclamp so you can inter change your 2 heads and also to ensure you have no vopor leaks. You may also want to have another flange and triclamp 40 -50cm from your take off area so that when you change to pot mode you wont have to pull out all the packing as it can be a pain in the ass.

Also make sure that when you switch to pot mode keep your valve open at all time if you leave it closed :scared-eek:

Like you concept and work mate, zac has a similar style rig think it works well for him. He might have a few ideas to give you, but he might be too busy building his bubblerr :teasing-neener:

My gues is in 6mths after your hybrid is built you'll be thinking about a bubbler :D :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Thanks Smbjk,appreciate the advice :handgestures-thumbupleft: as for the column head its a threaded fitting on both to interchange which I already had so I used them (prefer flange & clamp though) and there will be a flange 12" below the "T" to remove the lower section with the packing, I just haven't cut the pipe off yet. As for the valve I will be picking up a stainless one but just put that one there as an example for the picture. Only thing left is regarding the thermostat, where is the best placement and is it better to have a fitting screwed in place? Thanks!

[Gas on]

G'day hoochrunner :handgestures-thumbupleft:
my advice is keep ya fingers outa the tails mate coz fuc it smelly stuff :handgestures-thumbupleft: :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Hoochrunner]

Well I made some good progress and am soon ready to get 'er all together! :handgestures-thumbupleft: I've made a few changes since these pics (used the larger valve & added a piece to the liebig) and will hopefully get some new pics posted shortly.

[7evan]

Looks great mate!

Very much like mine, but modular!

Awesome idea

[Smbjk]

Nice mate. Looking good :handgestures-thumbupleft: condenser looks great. Not long now by the looks of it, hope you got some washes on

[Hoochrunner]

Thanks for your imput guys :handgestures-thumbupleft: appreciate the kind words! Did some more soldering today and am at the point of drilling into the take off "T" for the thermometer port.... could I get your opinion before I drill into this? :think:
Thanks again

[7evan]

Thanks for your imput guys :handgestures-thumbupleft: appreciate the kind words! Did some more soldering today and am at the point of drilling into the take off "T" for the thermometer port.... could I get your opinion before I drill into this? :think:
Thanks again

I used some of the 6mm as a sleave for the thermo.

Solder it on then just thread tape the thermo at the top but mine was digital and I could read it vertically. Are you attached to that one?

[Hoochrunner]

I was going to do that with a short piece of tubing, attached to what?

[7evan]

I was going to do that with a short piece of tubing, attached to what?

Put it where you have what I assume is the dial thermo in the pic. That way it won't have distillate dripping over it. Just vapour. :handgestures-thumbupleft: