StillSmart

I have read over and over, posts suggesting running the lowest temp to get the best quality, not to over pack the column, refluxing, etc etc.

Well I've tried the lot and kept a log of everything and have come to the conclusion that not every T500 runs the same, there are too many variables, (amount of packing,type of packing,water pressure,voltage ,the list goes on.

Last night I ran with the column packed as tight as I could with the copper and ceramic saddles that came with the T500, my controller indicated the mains voltage was down to 228V as everyone and his dog was using leccy to keep warm, so my boiler was running at about 1700W, I ran the temp as near as to 60c instead of my normal 50c and got the fastest and best tasting quality I have got so far, and lots of lovely hot water for a bath.

I worked out that I should get about 3.8 litres of spirit from my wash which had some strip added to it, I binned the first 100ml then took everything else until the until the alcometer readings started to drop, I recovered 3 litres at around 92% then switched off.

So my overall conclusion is that you have to try all combinations first to find the one that works best for your equipment or the way you use it, which is not necessarily the same settings as Joe Bloggs down the road.

Yup, concur with that....

I just make my vodka star wash using tap water. I don't bother clearing it, just mix it up, let it go and it's usually clear enough after about 2 weeks anyway.

I haven't meddled with my T500 column packing since I first assembled it (only bothered rinsing it through once). It was tight when first done, but using and moving the still means its probably a little loose now.

Yet I still manage to get about 3.6 litres of about 94% spirit every time.

Once I've got the water for the shed sorted, I'm intending sending off for some SSSP to replace the ceramic saddles to see how that performs as it would be excellent if I could squeeze 95.6 out of it.....

Running the T500 at between 55 and 60C, by letting down the first run to less than 40% with RO water, re-running it, then letting down with RO a second time before carbon filtering gives me a nice clean neutral.......

One thing I found helps and posted about last year is when you reassemble the column and turn right way up give the top of the column a god few sharp taps with a wooden spoon or suchlike which drops the copper and ceramic saddles off the condensor coil

It seems to work better when this area is kept clear for the vapour to circulate IMHO

Admiral Toad wrote:One thing I found helps and posted about last year is when you reassemble the column and turn right way up give the top of the column a god few sharp taps with a wooden spoon or suchlike which drops the copper and ceramic saddles off the condensor coil

It seems to work better when this area is kept clear for the vapour to circulate IMHO

Yeah, I "think" I did that originally anyway, so maybe that's why my one works well - not that I give a f**k, it's working fine so I'll run with it for the moment.........

Interesting.

I wonder if it being about 1700w had something to do with the good quality?

I've got a power controller that can easily handle 2Kw so will have to try a 60'C run at 1500w or so.

what make of power controller is that, John51, please?

brilliant thread, by the way.

One like this, it's 4Kw:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M028N-Kemo-El ... 1e7cddd7a6

It was for a 3Kw boiler but they are available at 2.6Kw quite a bit cheaper:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KEMO-M028-Pow ... 3a76118e7a

Thank you, John51; I'll look into that right now.

Thanks again.

e2a:
It couldn't be easier, could it? I'm amazed.




What current rating would you have the pot at, please?

Then I'll go and order it and make it.

You guys are just the best.

Don't rush in there are lots of choices, that may be a good one, but there may be others a lot cheaper.

Have a look at this thread.

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1001

The SSR that I used is only a quarter of the price.

There are other threads in the forum with other varieties that are even cheaper.

That's super, Brian.

I've read your thread-link, thanks, before posting my reply here. When I do this mini-project in January, I'll be sure to post up a picture here.

Thanks for the support, guys.