My First Build

[Negan]

Hey All

After order a bunch of parts and impatiently waiting, I am finally ready to start my build. Still is going to be a 2" modular CCVM which will mainly be used in Pot mode but i will be making some neutral's as well.

First I ordered 2 x 2" copper pipes (one was 860mm long and the other was 810mm long). The longer of the two will be used as the column and the other will cut for condenser and "extention" bits etc

I gave both pipes a clean with some 3m scotchbrite pads so that i have a clean base to start with.

Before

Pipe.PNG

After

Pipe2.png

The 2" pipe and the Ferrules that i ordered had the same diameter which was a bit of a bugger...but easily fixable with some joiners

size.png

Joiner

joiner.png

Both pipes mocked up with joiners and ferrules. The joiners added about 60mm to the total length which is a bit of a bonus

Mock up.png

[Negan]

Started working on the internals of the shotgun condenser, so I got 3m of 1/2" copper from bunning's and cut them down to size and ended up with 6 x 500mm lengths

I'll only be using 5 in the shotgun condenser so there is a high water volume

condenser pipes.png

I got a whole bunch of 2" copper disc's and tried a trial run with drill bits that I had on hand. None really worked so ill be heading to bunnings to get a imperial step down drill bit

discs.png

disc2.png

Unfortunately I have had to put the build on pause as have the Rona and feel like i'm about as useful as a bucket of hairy assholes.
Once im feeling better will be getting the drill bit and some brazing flux and finishing the build.

In the mean time, here are some of the other bits and pieces I got my hands on that will be going on the still.

Copper T piece

T.png

Copper 90 bend

bend.png

Mini extender

extender.png

2" to 3" copper adapters for a 3" bubble plate column i have ordered for when running in reflux mode

reducer.png

[RuddyCrazy]

WOW :scared-eek: Copper Porn in the making on a Saturday arvo :happy-partydance:

nice build happening mate :handgestures-thumbupleft: noticed you went the way of fittings which aint a bad way to go where with the reducer a bit of 4" pipe flattened out then mark out the frustum and cut it out then slowly form it, a couple of easy flanges and one hand made reducer done.

Keep the pic's coming mate and fire away on any questions you may have you should know by now there are heap of us to help you find that rabbit hole where the addiction starts.

Cheers Bryan

[Negan]

Cheers RuddyCrazy for the encouraging words

TBH, im not sure what you meant by the middle bit, but im guessing its to do with the last four pics, haha. I purchased these online, i am no where near that competent to produce that sort of copper product, but it will be a skill that i'll definitely be keen to learn.

[Negan]

So after a while of being a bit lazy i finall got off my ass and finished the build

This was my first time soldering with copper and SS so please excuse the excessive amounts of solder. I used aquasafe 100 solder and some bakers flux from bunnings, seemed to do the trick!!!

This was my first attempt at soldering, little bit too much but it worked, so i was happy with that

First solder.png

Added the joiner and Ferrule to the main Column, Started getting the hang of using the heat to pull the solder using the blowtorch

Column Ferrule.png

Done the same thing at the other end of the column and was happy with the amount of solder

Getting better.png

Completed Column, very happy!!!

Completed Column.png

[Negan]

Moved onto the Condenser....this is when things got a bit harder, but i pulled through....

Mistake number one, I decided to put the outlet/input hose connector on first which worked fine, but when i was soldering the end cap and inner tubes onto the condenser the temp got to high and melted the plastic bits inside the hose fitting

Melted blobs.png

I finished the end cap and inner tubes and then put the other hose fitting on and its all good.

Condenser end.png

Another angle

Condenser end2.png

Condenser minus the inlet water hose fitting

Condensor.png

[Negan]

Here is a Mock up of my first still

Mock up.png

Another mock up of when ill be using still in reflux

Mock up 2.png

[iOnaBender]

Good job Negan,

The satisfaction that a self made still will bring is endless, especially when producing the right drop for your taste buds!

Cheers

[Negan]

Super pumped to finally get my vinegar cleaning running right now(i know most of you dont give an ass but i am super happy). First thing tomorrow is the sacrificial run and then hopefully onto some sweet sweet nectar. I have 125L of TFFV that ill be running in 25L batches to strip for low wines, then the next day I will do a final run to get the final product. Already second guessing the digiboil as i thinks too small for the sort of runs i plan too do. Just a learning curve i guess.

I cant wait to try and put everything i've read into practice. Thanks for all of the helpful information AD, such a great help

[Birdman85]

I dont know why you'd think that none of us "give an ass"???

You've hand created something that you're passionate about, to make something that you're obviously passionate about, to share with those you're passionate about.

Youre on this forum who have all the same passions and addictions who come on here willingly to learn and develop and share.

We GIVE AN ASS.

I hope your sac run goes off with a hitch...otherwise how else do you learn and overcome? Otherwise...happy brewing brother, hope your TFFV is as smooth as my toddlers skin.