StillSmart

That video is scary.

50-60 runs must have be roughly where I replaced my first one.
I don't think thats tooo bad really. Is it ?

inspector gadget wrote:

Mash wrote:Good news.

I have had to replaced one after a lot of work. But it never fell off. Just didn't seal well.

We are lead to believe silicone is heat proof, but I think perhaps it is over exaggerated. The prolonged heat and alcohol exposure must be what causes the degradation. How many runs had it done?

More than 50, around half of that just distilling water, it was always possible to squeeze it in but when it fell off it was time to go. I wonder if there is a lubricant that is safe and would stop any absorption into the silicone?

For me HA6 ticks the boxes.

Robert.

HA6 is brilliant. Thanks for introducing me to it Robert. Worked a treat in my tin spa project.


But not for an air still... Buy the seal the shape is more complex than a simple butt joint.

Mash wrote:HA6 is brilliant. Thanks for introducing me to it Robert. Worked a treat in my tin spa project.


But not for an air still... Buy the seal the shape is more complex than a simple butt joint.

I'm guessing HA6 is an adhesive that would hold the seal tight to the neck, would it be difficult to remove later should the seal need replacing again?

I just put the old seal in a pan of boiling water let it cool and it is now back to its old size...

HA6 is similar to silicone sealant.

If you can buy a seal that fits, go that route.
I had to make the seal for my larger air still, do-able ,but some effort needed to make it re-useable.
Time V Cost.

Robert.

Hi everyone,

Finally had the chance to use my airstill again. As suggested by several of you, I changed the seal. That seems to have fixed it. It's stripping right now and I can hear it bubbling very strongly, yet the lid doesn't move at all.

I will try some more copper in my spirit runs as well.

Thanks everyone for the help.

Game on mate happy stilling

eiscaer wrote:Hi everyone,

Finally had the chance to use my airstill again. As suggested by several of you, I changed the seal. That seems to have fixed it. It's stripping right now and I can hear it bubbling very strongly, yet the lid doesn't move at all.

I will try some more copper in my spirit runs as well.

Thanks everyone for the help.

I have missed your presence, You have a distinctive user name, welcome back!
Have some fun and share if you care to.

Robert

My airstill seal has finally had enough use that I don't need to be an octopus to get the lid off between runs.

I use about 20 "copper" coins. I don't think all are true copper, but at least they aren't lead.

Is www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201690546240 sat in the bottom of a still going to do anything useful?

Yarp.

Iffin yer still is big enough.

Robert.

Easydrinker wrote:Yarp.

Iffin yer still is big enough.

Robert.

LOL. It'd be a hell of a trick to fit it in an airstill.

It'd do the sulphur bit fine, but the anti surge boiling bit not so much.

(don't shout at me and say the copper needs to be above the wash and not in it)

I know, but just imagine, instead of hearing those rattling noises.
Boom,boom boom shake the room!

Robert.

Easydrinker wrote:I know, but just imagine, instead of hearing those rattling noises.
Boom,boom boom shake the room!

Robert.

Robert.... Get down and shake the room....

easy....