I got an idea .....but i have no idea

[SBB]

A normal thermostat wont work on the boiler of a still. You cant have it cycling on and off. if you are going to go down the electrically powered path your going to need to build or buy some sort of voltage controller, you will find posts about them in the boilers and burners section. As for temperature , you cant control the temperature of you wash or should I say the temp it boils at, You can however control the amount of heat you put into it. The amount of heat you put in is going to vary from still to still and depend on what you are trying to achieve at the time. Ive always threaded the copper pipe then soldered it to the union, Ive seen others bash it into the threaded section and then solder, I think some just solder it.

[Kimbo]

+1 on what SBB said,
If you want to keep it simple, you can go without any voltage controller on a potstill.
I used a 2400W element for ages (without a controller) and it worked just fine mate :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[skelty]

OK thanks for the input guys...so for my 18 gallon boiler would a 3000 watt element be better than a 2400 watt element..just wondering cause from USA i can get elements stainless from about $25.00..and i would need no thermostat
...am i correct?
CHEERS ALL AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME....SKELTY :greetings-waveyellow:

[Kimbo]

Hi Skelty,
a 3kw element would work great on a potstill :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[skelty]

THANKS FOR YA TIME KIMBO I APPRECIATE IT :text-thankyoublue: :text-thankyoublue:

[skelty]

OK i ordered my barrel union and a couple 1 inch hex nuts stainless to connect the element.they tell me the people at midway metals that edpm gasket can take 150 celsius and is food grade interesting any thoughts out there,its for the ferrule fittings.
I will post some photos of the rig etc this weekend for all to suz.
Lol im even getting excited about a vineger run :laughing-rolling:
Got a 1000 litre tank to put down me cellar for cooling so hoping it handles the 60 llitre wash ok!! :teasing-blah:
ok cheers all

[MacStill]

Been using EPDM seals for years and my testicles havnt dropped off yet :text-lol:

[skelty]

OK I have been a bit slack but have got me still together and done a quick boil run.
Time to liquid flowing out of condenser was two and a half hours with a 3000 watt element,no leaks in silver soldering hooray!
Flow was 50 mill a minute,mind you the pump needs a lot of calibrating head height etc will be a 1000 litre tank;
I will post a few more pics soon
CHEERS SKELTY

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[skelty]

Few more pics of setup

[skelty]

OK last pics ,
could had polished the copper to make look pretty but fuck it,its just gotta do the job...vinegar run is next!!

[1 2many]

Nice pics and great work. Your lid holding device has given me the idea of resurecting my modded 3 ring keg. :D

[Dominator]

W

Edit: sorry, 1yo son grabbed my phone and posted for me. ;)

[Linny]

starting them young hey :))