StillSmart

Re: Copper Sputnik

2016-09-19T13:59:24+00:00

inspector gadget wrote:
I'm on it... I have a sheet of copper somewhere I could solder a 'washer' on to make sure the vapour can only go through it, how close to the still lid is yours?

1mm maybe 2mm. Snug but not touching.

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Mon Sep 19, 2016 1:59 pm

Re: Copper Sputnik

2016-09-19T12:31:15+00:00

Easydrinker wrote:
My take here,is that we all approach life from a different angle.
Some of us maybe from a more time saved is an efficient one.
And some from a more "Green" and recycled one.
I will not say either is better.,it is surely a personal choice.

Robert.

Absolutely spot on ED - of course it is. Be very interesting to learn how this turns out..

Statistics: Posted by hampk — Mon Sep 19, 2016 12:31 pm

Re: Copper Sputnik

2016-09-19T06:22:15+00:00

I'm on it... I have a sheet of copper somewhere I could solder a 'washer' on to make sure the vapour can only go through it, how close to the still lid is yours?

Mash wrote:

and mini sputnik will have about one inch clearance all round so i'm hoping that it can do its best...

'Around' measurement is not as important as 'height'

You need to make sure it's a tight ish fit once the top is on.
Else the vapour will take the easiest path and go around it, not through it.

I used threaded rod for legs intentionally so that I could adjust to fit.

It will be worth the work

Statistics: Posted by inspector gadget — Mon Sep 19, 2016 6:22 am

Re: Copper Sputnik

2016-09-19T06:01:28+00:00

and mini sputnik will have about one inch clearance all round so i'm hoping that it can do its best...

'Around' measurement is not as important as 'height'

You need to make sure it's a tight ish fit once the top is on.
Else the vapour will take the easiest path and go around it, not through it.

I used threaded rod for legs intentionally so that I could adjust to fit.

It will be worth the work

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Mon Sep 19, 2016 6:01 am

Re: Copper Sputnik

2016-09-19T03:59:48+00:00

My take here,is that we all approach life from a different angle.
Some of us maybe from a more time saved is an efficient one.
And some from a more "Green" and recycled one.
I will not say either is better.,it is surely a personal choice.

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Mon Sep 19, 2016 3:59 am

Re: Copper Sputnik

2016-09-18T22:34:39+00:00

hampk wrote:
Two things strike me about this. The first is that this is going to be a mini-Sputnik, as it's not going to occupy much of the vacant space in the Airstill above your neutral. The second thing is it seems a lot of work when you can pick up a stainless colander from any supermarket for about £3. Pre-drilled holes and everything. But then, as an engineer, I always look for an easy solution! Good luck with it..

I did pick one up yesterday but if I can use something that I have hung on to for years in the hope that one day I find a use for it then that has to be the way forward surely?

and mini sputnik will have about one inch clearance all round so i'm hoping that it can do its best...

Statistics: Posted by inspector gadget — Sun Sep 18, 2016 10:34 pm

Re: Copper Sputnik

2016-09-18T21:39:02+00:00

Two things strike me about this. The first is that this is going to be a mini-Sputnik, as it's not going to occupy much of the vacant space in the Airstill above your neutral. The second thing is it seems a lot of work when you can pick up a stainless colander from any supermarket for about £3. Pre-drilled holes and everything. But then, as an engineer, I always look for an easy solution! Good luck with it..

Statistics: Posted by hampk — Sun Sep 18, 2016 9:39 pm

Re: Copper Sputnik

2016-09-18T21:33:17+00:00

Excellent!
Re-working pre-shaped metal should be fairly simple.

Robert

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Sun Sep 18, 2016 9:33 pm

Re: Copper Sputnik

2016-09-18T21:29:02+00:00

The top burner fitting has been unsoldered I will remove all traces of solder left behind, the two halves have a rolled joint which I will heat and see if any solder was used there, if so then it will come apart, be cleaned and resoldered, which would make cleaning the inside a whole lot easier. ..

Statistics: Posted by inspector gadget — Sun Sep 18, 2016 9:29 pm

Re: Copper Sputnik

2016-09-18T21:09:25+00:00

If it has any soldered joints, you just know that they will contain lead.
More soluble from there than any brass components in a modern set up.
This may not bother you, but has made me not entertain the idea of using a couple of really wicked bits of old copper work that I found.
I don't care too much for the effect upon my own health these days, but I share my good products with people that I care about.
I am not as cautious as the State of California, but I do feel a responsiblity to my friends and family.

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Sun Sep 18, 2016 9:09 pm

Re: Copper Sputnik

2016-09-18T20:52:11+00:00

Seem to recall seeing some of those with some sort of coating material on the inside as some of the suggested fuels are corrosive.

Dunno if the one you've found is like that or whether it's just some sort of verdigris......

Statistics: Posted by Phantom — Sun Sep 18, 2016 8:52 pm

Re: Copper Sputnik

2016-09-18T19:34:01+00:00

Icefever wrote:
I use 2 teaspoons in about 1 litre of water...you could double that I think...then hit it with a scrubber.

Will try that thanks...

Statistics: Posted by inspector gadget — Sun Sep 18, 2016 7:34 pm

Re: Copper Sputnik

2016-09-18T19:16:28+00:00

I use 2 teaspoons in about 1 litre of water...you could double that I think...then hit it with a scrubber.

Statistics: Posted by Icefever — Sun Sep 18, 2016 7:16 pm

Re: Copper Sputnik

2016-09-18T19:03:39+00:00

Which bits going to be the sputnik?

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Sun Sep 18, 2016 7:03 pm

Re: Copper Sputnik

2016-09-18T13:00:12+00:00

The hole is 2 1/4'' so yes I can put a scrubber on a stick in there, the heavy stuff is like baked on bitumen which is taking some shifting. What would you say is a 'strong' solution of citric? sorry for the q's but google is not that helpful today

Icefever wrote:
I would have thought that a very strong citric would do the trick. Is the hole big enough to get a stainless scrubber in?? even wrapped on say a wooden spoon??

Statistics: Posted by inspector gadget — Sun Sep 18, 2016 1:00 pm