Flat out - the 3" semi modular plate build

[Goanna]

So after deciding what type of still I was going to build about 100 times I finally stop deciding and have settled on the following. For better or worse, in sickness and in health etc. etc.

Fundamentals
3" x 700mm with 4 perforated plates 150mm between plates. (with 4 x 2" spy glasses) - 3 "flanges
3" x 100mm shotgun RC - with a mid way take off - 3" flanges
2.5" x 500mm shotgun PC with 4 x 3/4" tubes - reducers and then 2" flanges either end.
2" flanged to 3" flanged reducer x 2. 1 coming off my boiler to the 3" section and one on the other end to take it back to 2"
2 x 2" 90 degree bends with 2" flanges on either end
2" flange to parrot and jars :D

Additionally - Latter on
3" rock section, gin bucket, more plates, extension
2" gin bucket/extension

What I want to use it for
Everything! I would at least like to try most recipes that I keep hearing about on this site and also invent a few of my own. Most importantly I wont to stop buying expensive cordial from the HBS. High volume isn't that important to me and if I can get a run done in 4 to 5 hours while shed pottering ill be happy. I tend to learn more by doing, so I want to use this build to teach me more of the skills that I might need if I wanted to make something bigger and better. I like building stuff and know that I will get as much pleasure and pain out of this as the end results it makes.

Reasoning
I figure that this will provide me with a happy medium between price, availability of materials, and functionality. While I would love to have a 4" this is my first real build and I figure it is cheaper and easier to learn (read fix my f#$% ups) when they are 3" rather than 4". I have found it easier to get 3" rather than 4", plumbing stores tend to hold up garlic and a crucifix if you say you want to by 4" by the meter. i got some 2.5" from the scrapo's so thats why im using that for the PC.

I like the complete modular idea but after a lot of internet, soul and wallet searching I figure that most people use a fairly standard 4 plate set up most of the the time. I have this idea that I will be able to add more plates into the 3" section hence starting with slightly wider spaces between plates. Also if needed I can add another module on later. By using easy flanges between each section I hope this will give me the ability to mix, match and add components as needed. I love the way Mac's SS still easily converts into a stripper pot set up. I also know that I wont get things right the first time so this will also give me the option of upgrading individual components as needs be.

A big nod to
This site and others continues to be a great wealth of information and inspiration to me. I have to thank all those who have given up their time to help people like me. There is nothing new in these ideas but just another way of putting all this great info together. A special thanks to:
MacStill ^:)^ http://www.aussiedistiller.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=637
WineGlass
Brendan http://www.aussiedistiller.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=3001
BT1 http://www.aussiedistiller.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=3015
Petulance http://www.aussiedistiller.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=3454
Googe http://www.aussiedistiller.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=2769
Linny http://www.aussiedistiller.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=2890
Rustee http://www.aussiedistiller.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=3249
tdog http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=33151
NcHootch http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=22981
Saltbushbill http://artisan-distiller.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=5803
and everyone else who has added to these and others.

Please feel free to comment, criticizer, laugh and pinch ideas at any point.

[Linny]

im just glad my name is there :handgestures-thumbupleft: even though i made extra plates an a rock basket ,,, ive never used them :laughing-rolling: still doing rums and MM bourbon

[googe]

Sounds like you have it sorted mate, good build plan :handgestures-thumbupleft: . Great idea sharing ideas mate good work :D . Poor ol empty is linkless :crying-blue: , you can share mine mate :teasing-neener: .

[MacStill]

:happy-cheerleaderkid: Go anna go anna go anna :happy-cheerleaderkid:

:laughing-rolling:

[Brendan]

Sounds like a good plan Goanna :handgestures-thumbupleft:

I don't reckon you'll need 100mm RC on that rig, but you'll be right with the midway take off ;-)

Thanks for the mention!

[crow]

good stuff goanna BTW guessing ya didn't realize saltbushbills original build thread is here ;-)
viewtopic.php?f=36&t=653

[Goanna]

You're a funny bugger Mac.

What size do you recon Brendan for the RC? I've got some 1" from the srappy so i was looking at 4 x 1"

[Goanna]

Ready for a sacrificial run tomorrow night. I missed the full moon and I can't find any willing virgins. I'm guessing the TPW will just have to do.

[Goanna]

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1369658522.146969.jpg

[MacStill]

Go anna :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Bloody nice mate, very cool :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[emptyglass]

The trouble with you is you just drag it out forever.
I find your thread and you've got it made.
I got a feeling you made this in six "Brendan" weeks. Looks the goods mate.

You didn't mention what sort of plate design you used, unless I missed it.

Good to know of another plate stiller close by. Even if all you do is lie on a rock sunning yourself :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Goanna]

thanks mac, ill post the in between pics, tips, woes and other shenanigans when its all done :))

[Goanna]

I went for a perf plate. 2mm holes on a 5mm square grid. I ended up going for 3/4" down comers with 1" caps on the end and 20mm above the plate. I figure if I got it wrong, knocking up 4 more plates will be the least of my worries.

[Kimbo]

Great work Goanna :clap: :clap: :clap:

[emptyglass]

I went for a perf plate. 2mm holes on a 5mm square grid. I ended up going for 3/4" down comers with 1" caps on the end and 20mm above the plate. I figure if I got it wrong, knocking up 4 more plates will be the least of my worries.

I don't think you'll go far wrong there.

the increased vapor speed in a 3 inch will apreciate the bigger distance betwen plates and holes on the larger side.

I'm sure it will come together well :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Linno]

Go anna :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Bloody nice mate, very cool :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Yeah great set up dude. Gotta be proud of that. Well done
On the build

[bt1]

very nice!

It's a new world speed record..geez you don't much about much.

Like the plumbing...look forward to hear how it goes

bt1

[JayD]

nice build... :handgestures-thumbupleft: so how long did it take from start to finish?

[Goanna]

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1369817379.158182.jpg

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1369817396.478449.jpg

[Goanna]

Bloody hell it worked