Aussiedistiller, Home Distilling, Moonshine, Home Brew

Hi All ,
So I have decided to start an ongoing thread for my first still/Build. I must state it's not a true full build as I am buying the pot still head from 5 star :handgestures-thumbupleft: ( 4" modular pot). So really the only thing I'm building is the boiler. I thought I would put it on here because I plan to post all the way from start to my first few washes for feed back from the experienced distillers here.

Feedback and input most welcome and will probably be lots questions along the way but I must say I have got a lot of info from this forum so god work all very informative forum and glad to be a part of it :-D

So what you're saying is it's "Potable's first boiler build" :teasing-neener: :teasing-tease:

Great to see others having a go.

Don't forget to talk lots of photos. :handgestures-thumbupleft:

DBV

So I have bought my self a stainless 50ltr keg and started cleaning up and cutting. Have already realised I should of cut holes first before polishing :angry-banghead: oh well just more work for me :laughing-rolling: . So I plan on putting in 2 x2400watt elements with one on controller, 3" filler port/sight glass try clamp style as I think they sit a bit neater ', boiler thermo kit and drain kit all from 5 star ( haven't purshased yet Mac )

Some things not to sure on ;
1. Do I cut the holes now or wait for the parts to arrive not to sure on hole diameter ?
2.Placement of elements side or back, and how far apart ( some info in electrical/elements in this forum but not to answer my question .
3.where is the optimum spot for my boiler gauge

All input welcome guys. This is a first for me and a big learning experience and lots of research but also like to know your guys opinions.

Thanks in advance :happy-partydance:

Good luck mate. Good to see people giving the unknown a go, like me 8-} My next goal after my T500 upgrade will be the boiler but that is in the distant future. Ill watch your progress and maybe learn a thing or two as well :handgestures-thumbupleft:

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WTDist wrote:Good luck mate. Good to see people giving the unknown a go, like me 8-} My next goal after my T500 upgrade will be the boiler but that is in the distant future. Ill watch your progress and maybe learn a thing or two as well :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Thnx WTDist :handgestures-thumbupleft: I'm sure I'll make plenty mistakes for u to learn from :laughing-rolling:

Shiny!

Sounds like you've got it sussed mate. I'd put the thermo in the top of the boiler...

Are you going to leave the standard 2" ferrule, or add a 4" one?

Zak Griffin wrote:Shiny!

Sounds like you've got it sussed mate. I'd put the thermo in the top of the boiler...

Are you going to leave the standard 2" ferrule, or add a 4" one?

Thnx Zak
Half Sussed and half winging it ( what im good at) :laughing-rolling:

Thermo right in top where filler port is going or top of boiler on the side ?

Thinking of leaving to inch ferrule as the 4 " modular from Mac fits straight on. Or do I fit a 4" ferrule and go 4"all the way ?? :think:

I'd go 4" all the way :handgestures-thumbupleft: talk to Mac, I'm sure you can get a 4" section (maybe an unpacked packed section module?) instead of a 2"-4" reducer. Puts you closer to your bubbler, and it'll be more stable.

Thermo port right in the top, next to the fill port... That way it'll be looking straight at you, you won't have to bend down to look at it.

Zak Griffin wrote:I'd go 4" all the way :handgestures-thumbupleft: talk to Mac, I'm sure you can get a 4" section (maybe an unpacked packed section module?) instead of a 2"-4" reducer. Puts you closer to your bubbler, and it'll be more stable.

Thermo port right in the top, next to the fill port... That way it'll be looking straight at you, you won't have to bend down to look at it.

Thnx Zak I might just do that :handgestures-thumbupleft:

What will that mean performance wise (with 4" straight through)

Also makes sense for thermo to thnx

I'm curious Potable. Your avatar pic, is that the dominoes with all the notches cut into them with high end grain? :think: or chocolate :laughing-rolling:

Also how much does a keg go for these days. i was having a look around on gumtree and saw one in nice condition in Logan brissy for $50

WTDist wrote:I'm curious Potable. Your avatar pic, is that the dominoes with all the notches cut into them with high end grain? :think: or chocolate :laughing-rolling:

Also how much does a keg go for these days. i was having a look around on gumtree and saw one in nice condition in Logan brissy for $50

:laughing-rolling: :))

Kinda look like chocolate fingers don't they..... Can't take credit for the pic but I'm thinking its chared oak sticks :think: :))

About $50 is the going price anymore than that you getting ripped off

Zak Griffin wrote:Are you going to leave the standard 2" ferrule, or add a 4" one?

Slightly :text-offtopic: but...
I havent looked into kegs but i have seen a couple of vids on youtube about removing the middle thing but forgot all about it because that was in the distant future but... If i add a furrule to the bottom of my T500 can it be tri-clamped to the 2" keg as is? meaning no cutting or welding?

WTDist wrote:

Zak Griffin wrote:Are you going to leave the standard 2" ferrule, or add a 4" one?

Slightly :text-offtopic: but...
I havent looked into kegs but i have seen a couple of vids on youtube about removing the middle thing but forgot all about it because that was in the distant future but... If i add a furrule to the bottom of my T500 can it be tri-clamped to the 2" keg as is? meaning no cutting or welding?

Yep talk to the main man Mac he does a adapter with Tri clamp just for that :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Yes the 2" ferrule. I was wondering if this would be all i need to solder to the bottom of the T500 column and then Tri calmp it onto the keg as is with a seal :handgestures-thumbupleft:
I know theres a T500 adapter but that is to add to the boiler. :D

I guess you could but the kit comes with both threaded ends into the column and into the boiler then clamps in the middle I believe. So no welding or soldering at all. At least I think that's how it is just briefly looking at it. Talk to Mac though he will fill you in :handgestures-thumbupleft:

$16.95 from FSD. Just need the original nut from T500 and then clamp away (clamp not included)
http://www.5stardistilling.net/adapter-t500/

HillsJester wrote:$16.95 from FSD. Just need the original nut from T500 and then clamp away (clamp not included)
http://www.5stardistilling.net/adapter-t500/

Thats to attach a different still to a t500 boiler, Hes trying to attach a T500 to a keg boiler

You might be able to triclamp a blank to the keg port and make the right size hole for the T500 screw clamp :think:
It's just a weld less fitting after all :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Edit, would be a LONG day running 40l through a T500 though!