Got to get me a T500

[vino-tinto]

After just spending about 30 hours to get 8 bottles of 40% with my Air Still, I think its time to get a T500. It's not that I haven't got the time but SWMBO wants her kitchen back.
I have asked on this forum for advice on the pros & cons of the T500 and read many posts, but have finally made up my mind to get one, now all I have to do is decide where to get it from.
There are lots of suppliers, but only one in Norfolk, but I'm not really interested getting one from there, who gives the best service, YOU decide !!

[YHB]

I presumed you tried here???

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=2704

[vino-tinto]

Thanks YHB, yep I did see it, but Vespa hasn't replied to Termite with which model it is, and I would prefer to buy one with a warranty, just in case.
I did look at Love Brewing, they advertise that their's are the new modified ones with a single monitor, but I don't know how long the single monitor model has been out and what mods were made and when.
The only mod Still Spirits show is the one to the tap fixing screw, even their videos are old hat.

[billmcc]

What about this Ellie Claire is a member here

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Still-Spirits ... 3386636d72

[vino-tinto]

Billmcc, just looked at Ellie Claire, but the one advertised is the old model

[vespa]

My T500 has gone to its new owner but thanks for the shout out. It was the earlier model but if I'm not mistaken the only difference is the removal of one thermometer as it was found there was no need to monitor both temperatures. Therefor if you were to buy an earlier model then you would just ignore one of the gauges (and remove the battery to use in the other one). However its good practice I'm assuming to actually understand the different temperatures involved in our beloved hobby ( obviously you guys are very welcome to correct me if I'm wrong). Out of curiosity as for warranty , if you bought a second hand unit surely Still Spirits themselves would honour any product failure as they would know by the units code number of its manufacture etc.

[billmcc]

I actually prefer the old model that permits you to monitor the vapour temp as well as the cooling outlet temp because the t 500 can be run with a water outlet temp at 50 to 65 with varying abv strengths i think its important to check the vapour temp is between 78c and 82c so if i was after one it would be the old model
Cheers

[Superslim007]

I bought my new model T500 from Love Brewing, where ever you get one from it will have come through Love Brewing as Richard there imports them direct from SS in New Zealand so in my opinion your better off getting it direct from him as if there are any warranty issues they go to him, Mine is the one with the single water temp monitor, I don't really know why you would want the vapour temp as you can only monitor the vap temp, any adjustments are really balanced out by the water temp control.

The only thing I would recommend is get a water pressure reducing valve to control the flow unless you want to either a. only run when no one else is in the house or b. get very frustrated every time SWMBO starts running the dishwasher or washing machine or flushes the toilet good luck with trying to keep the temp constant. I got this one offov fleebay 280917244423 cheap enough and has been a god send

Happy stilling

[vino-tinto]

Thanks for the info Superslim, I did send an email to Richard on Sunday with some questions, he replied back on Sunday. I thought then this is the guy to do business with.
Anyway just placed the order so should be up and running by the weekend. I also took your advice and ordered that regulator as well, so at the moment I'm a happy bunny, that is, until SWMBO finds out.

[vino-tinto]

When packing the column with ceramic saddles, I notice you can add a few more through the vented column-lid nut. So, when you turn it right way up again and give it a tap to clear the copper saddles from the coil, why don't some of the ceramic saddles fall out into the wash.

[YHB]

Once you have turned the column the correct way up, the weight of the rings above will tend to hold the lower ones in place.

But I am sure that some of them do sometimes fall out.

To reduce surge boiling, people have been known to put the ceramic rings in the boiler deliberately. One or two more wont be a problem.

[Admiral Toad]

Aye VT gentle load up tap now and then last few slot through the nut

as we have found out once right way up give a damn good tapping up and down the column but particularly at the top to drop the copper and ceramic saddles down and cler the top coil I use an old wooden spoon as the 'hammer'

This space seems to make a huge difference to the speed and efficiency of the spirit production

Although many don't bother a parrot and hydrometer is usefull as to when to cut at the end of the run I find when you hit 90% youre into the tails but Taste and experience will confirm this