yipee I just payed for and ordered my kit

[Merlot]

Yesterday while searching for copper pipe prices I found this site. I been planning to build a pot still head for a ss drum I have but have been worried about what to say to the plumbing supply guys. Anyway I found the co-op shop and saw the diy pot still kit and now I have one on order to be shipped early next week :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Now I have a few questions...
Soldering
Where is the best place to get lead free solder? Bunnings didn't have much.
I beleive I will need a torch. What size do people recommend? Its a 2 in column.
Heat
I don't fancy drilling the ss for an element nor do I like the idea of gas. I was thinking a bench top plug in electric hob thing. I have seen them around. Anyone use these? What wattage do you think would suit a 25L boiler? I spose it will hold about 20L of wash... I hope
I understand its a good idea to put an old bbq plate on top to counteract the cycling.

Any input would be much appreciated
Cheers

[zwagerman9]

This is what I've used and other members on the forum use this too.
Both available at bunnings and masters.
:handgestures-thumbupleft:
http://www.masters.com.au/product/90000 ... dering-kit
http://www.masters.com.au/product/90000 ... ropane-kit

Welcome aboard!

Rae

[MacStill]

Yep those two bernzo items will do just fine :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Merlot]

Hey thanks Rae. That link shows $30 for the torch. How much at Bunnings?
Cheers

[zwagerman9]

From memory I think I got my torch for around $22?? I was having a blind moment in the tools section, its in a black box.

http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_pro ... _1755.aspx

I got the solder kit from masters cause it was a few dollars cheaper than bunnings, and vice versa for the torch.
Lol.

Rae

[NotBenStiller]

i started with that bernzo stuff - but now i use CA's Aquasafe 100 solder - it's $37 for 500g roll instead of $20 for 85g for the bernzo
The aquasafe is in the plumbing fittings section at bunnings near the sinks and taps etc
Be careful not to get the 60/40 or 50/50 lead stuff - sometimes the labels are really messed up and hard to tell apart.
(i didn't see it at bunnings - but if you do don't get Aquasafe 95A - i've read it contains antimony)


2000 or 24000W should be fine for 25L

[zwagerman9]

Another positive being that around 2000watt, you can run a bok without a controller without flooding. We will want some pics once you solder it all together.

[Merlot]

For sure Rae... I can't wait to get into it. :)

[googe]

Around $26 at bunnings mate, its lasted me ages!!. I'd gop the aquasafe solder too, seems to slide into the grove better than the berzomatic stuff, but everyone has different tastes. The kit is good value though. Good luck, oh and nice kit ;).

[bt1]

Butane for soft solder no probs....well suit a 2" head.

+1 Ben +others the Aquasafe is the go it just seems to wick in and flow better and far better value.

Enjoy!

bt1

[Merlot]

Just saw this on oo.com says its 2000W. Do you guys reckon it would be up to the task? only $50.
http://m.oo.com.au/#/_P112188.cfm

Cheers

[mullamulla]

That is an intriguing idea!

I'd imagine its too small/fragile and not powerful enough but Induction sounds like a cool idea for flat boilers

[Merlot]

Thanks Mulla, I hadn't thought about the bottom of my boiler :think:... there is a 5mm lip around the top and the bottom. I spose I'll need to use gas or an internal element then hey?

Cheers

[Kaneriley227]

Wher did you say you found this DIY kit? I've been looking a making one from a 50lt beer keg, running into a thumper then into a worm,