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Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 10:57 am
by MacStill
It's alive :D

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Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 11:07 am
by MacStill
drawing off heads

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Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 1:00 pm
by Cane Toad
So the Beast has taken its 1st breath hey :D and I see that it is a finely tuned machine as well....not there would have been any doubt,just on my way out to the shed for a bit of a clean up before the big day!

Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 3:57 pm
by MacStill
3.35 turn off reflux condenser once output changes to erratic, swap jars to start collecting tails.

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3.40 and ABV dropping fast.

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3.45 turn gas off and pour a rum :mrgreen:

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Run completed, everything as it should be :mrgreen:

Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 4:04 pm
by MacStill
Tails collected from 3.35 to 3.45

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Cutting bench reveals the run, first 3 jars are what I call heads & the last jar is tails.

You know what the rest is :mrgreen:

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From a boiler charge of 30L molasses wash and 10L tails.

Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Wed Aug 17, 2011 3:11 pm
by 8-ball
looks good McStill

where is a good place to get copper sheet from and how thick should it be

Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Wed Aug 17, 2011 3:17 pm
by MacStill
I just cut pipe off cuts down the length, anneal and flatten ;)

The thickness doesnt really matter much at all, you'll get away with the wall thickness of 2" pipe no worries at all.

Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Wed Aug 17, 2011 6:47 pm
by 8-ball
cool ima going to give building one of these beauties ago ......... :D so how much 4" pipe would i need 8-)

Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Wed Aug 17, 2011 6:53 pm
by MacStill
You'll need under 1m for the column depending on the number of plates it will house ;)

Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Wed Aug 17, 2011 7:14 pm
by 8-ball
sweet now to get me some 4" any idea on what price to expect to pay

Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Wed Aug 17, 2011 7:41 pm
by MacStill
$250 a meter for 4" :shock:

Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Wed Aug 17, 2011 8:03 pm
by 8-ball
bugger ill have to see some people about some stuff i aint gonna pay that

Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 6:21 am
by R-sole
Give me a PM, i have some left over from another job.

Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 7:39 am
by MacStill
I'm chasing a short bit ;)

Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 8:57 am
by R-sole
Got plenty.

Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 10:43 am
by MacStill
8-ball wrote:bugger ill have to see some people about some stuff i aint gonna pay that


If your going to worry about cost build a pot still head, there's over $200 dollars on this one just in the sight glasses :lol:

Then your going to want a good valve, and a few copper fittings..... A 4x2 reducer and socket will set you back $60

Start pricing the stuff up, you'll see ;)

Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 4:30 pm
by 8-ball
i know that it wont be to cheap but i dont think i would have to upgrade in a long time if i build one.

are they trade or retail prices on the reducer and socket?

i going to try get way without spending to much :D im good at being a bit of a tight ass with money

but sight glasses whats the best way to do them and what glass should i use?

i can get 2in tri clamp furrels and gaskets for relitivly cheap would that be the way to go?

Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 5:52 pm
by MacStill
8-ball wrote:i know that it wont be to cheap but i dont think i would have to upgrade in a long time if i build one.

are they trade or retail prices on the reducer and socket?

i going to try get way without spending to much :D im good at being a bit of a tight ass with money

but sight glasses whats the best way to do them and what glass should i use?

i can get 2in tri clamp furrels and gaskets for relitivly cheap would that be the way to go?


My Trade price from a local supplier, you might be able to do better being in the city.

Broscolite (sp?)$$$$)) is what most recommend.

I'm opposite, if I want something I'll just go get it.... if it's for quality and long term it's worth the $$$ ;)

Tri clamps and ferrules are good... yes

You'll need a very accurate thermometer too, and a good quality valve for the reflux condenser... you can get away with cheap shit but you wont have the fine control of your reflux and temps. The valve on this build retails for $150ish but worth every cent.

You'll need at least 4 rolls of solder ($100) and some 45% silver brazing rods ($$$$) mapp gas or oxy...the right flux, grinding discs, drill bits, files, hole saws etc etc etc... hmmmm starting to get up in price hey :lol: :lol: :lol:

Plus your time researching all the build aspects before the many hours your going to need free to do this......

Good luck 8-)

Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 7:07 pm
by 8-ball
got most of the solder flux and welding gear in the shed got all the tools if i don't ill just buy them on the work account

valve i can get thought my brother at suppliers cost i think ???

where do you get the glass from ???

sounds like your trying to sway me away from building one 8-) :lol:

'and the thermometer would you recommend a digital or analogue and where do you get good ones from ?????

i can see getting all the gear will take me a little while

so many questions done so much research and still so many questions

Re: New Plated column build.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 8:13 pm
by MacStill
Not trying to sway you away from it at all mate, just saying it's not a cheap project, and if you want it right be prepared to open your wallet ;)

Get the best valve you can, I used a 1/2" BSP SS needle valve on this one, soooo much easier to control reflux and temps than cheap shit.... done the cheap valve thing and wont ever go back. Suppliers cost is a privilege, make sure you give him a bottle of your finest :lol:

I get my glass from a glazier :lol:

Thermometer is upto you, just get a good one.... kitchen ware shops is a good place to start.

Keep researching every aspect, ignore all the hype on glorifying these stills & keep it simple like I do and you wont go wrong, it's not a reinvention of the wheel some would have you believe but there are certain aspects of the build your going to have to pay very close attention too, most of what you need to know is pictured in this thread ;)

Some questions I might avoid, but wont hold back via PM :mrgreen:

Good luck, hope you build a ball tearer 8-)