StillSmart

Hi all, my very first post. Been lurking a while though

So I spotted a post saying some copper in the still is needed and the coins can also stop super heated bubbles forming and burping the lid off.

I've got some 2p and 1p coins I plan to use. I know the older ones are brass and the new are steel core coated in copper. I guess both are ok for the job?

Do I need to cover the base with them?

Thanks

I don't think the steel core ones are suitable.

You're looking for pre 1992 coins (97 percent copper). They will of course be very dark brown. Soak them in citric acid overnight and they'll shine up like new (I used lemon juice, seemed to work ok).

Just toss them in the still. I've got about half a wine glass full, I think I need more BUT there's more material in there than there would have been if I'd used the bag of ceramic saddles supplied with the Air Still. I decided to throw those in as well, guess it can't hurt.

They will rattle once the boil starts, don't be alarmed!

Bang one - the rattle also tells you 'tis coming to the boil. 10 mins (ish) to first drops.

Ideal for use with a webcam with the sound UP

The steel is on the inside, it's copper outer.

Sent the early ones bronze?

I know bronze is mostly copper but it's chemically different.

It's like saying my upvc windows are mainly oil. Don't think the car will run on them very well

Copper according to this:

http://www.compoundchem.com/2014/03/27/ ... -uk-coins/

I wouldn't overthink it too much - there'd be reports of puking or bad smells/taste all over the place if they didn't work!

(Looks from that page 20p coins would do the job, but much more expensive of course!)

The_blue wrote:Hi all, my very first post. Been lurking a while though

So I spotted a post saying some copper in the still is needed and the coins can also stop super heated bubbles forming and burping the lid off.

I've got some 2p and 1p coins I plan to use. I know the older ones are brass and the new are steel core coated in copper. I guess both are ok for the job?

Do I need to cover the base with them?

Thanks

I would suggest that if they stick to a magnet then you don't use them.
You do not have to cover the bottom of the boiler.
Any copper pieces in there are better than none.

Robert.

Just cut some small pieces off a length of copper pipe......or get the boil enhancers from still spirits

If you cut some small pieces off a length of copper pipe, flatten a few.

IMO don't bother with the boil enhancers from still spirits. They will not have the same effect.

Surge boiling is an age old problem in the catering industry.

This little device is all you'll need in an AS.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pyrex-450B0005 ... lk+watcher

It'll rattle when it starts to boil and is much easier than mucking about with or sourcing dozens
of old copper coins.

I have four of these in my bigger still but one would be fine in an AS.

Regards Marc.

Thanks Marc. I remember when I first suggested these &how they work, there were disbelievers

For those with a 'ooo shiney' habit these also now come in stainless !!

Yes but some claim the steel ones aren't heavy enough.

The ones I bought were the much cheaper glass Metaltex ones.

ITMA wrote:Copper according to this:

http://www.compoundchem.com/2014/03/27/ ... -uk-coins/

I wouldn't overthink it too much - there'd be reports of puking or bad smells/taste all over the place if they didn't work!

(Looks from that page 20p coins would do the job, but much more expensive of course!)

It's an alloy though not pure copper. It changes the properties of the metals. Like steel is iron and carbon.

Composition Bronze (1971–1991)
Copper-plated steel (1992–)

The only one with pure copper on the outside is the new one.. copper isn't porous, the inner core won't leak out.

The_blue wrote:

The only one with pure copper on the outside is the new one.. copper isn't porous, the inner core won't leak out.

I have been doing this for a while and I think I can speak with experience and certainty - if they are the newer magnetic coins (1p & 2p) they blister and then the inner will/is exposed.
I have some to hand if you need photographic evidence.

It is also worth noting that 'old fashioned' copper stills were copper for a reason and it wasn't convenience. Copper has beneficial effects on the spirit.

Try things for yourself if you like, but the recommendation for future readers of this post is copper.....or something inert such as the glass or stainless milk savers.

I dived down the wifes coin jar, used a magnet
and found a dozen or so 2p pieces.
Have read that marbles are ok.

There is a reason that copper has been universally used in stills and condensers for many years, not just it's easy workability.
Go your own way, but I do recommend using copper somewhere.

Robert.