Complete newbie :-(

[Spirits4BB]

What are the added benefits of paying top dollar for a T500 apposed to converting a pressure cooker?? Is it more than extra efficiency?
Am I right in thinking to do a malt whisky type drink I do an AG brew in my shed as normal to 8% un-hopped using with maybe some peat smoked malt then ferment with bread yeast, add finings then distill ?

Which is the best still to buy or make for doing malt based runs drinks? Will it run using sugar based wash?
What are those ceramics for in the boil? Where do I buy them?

Sorry about all the questions.

BB

Are these any good? >>>CLICKY<<<

[Icefever]

BB Hi.

IMHO....I wouldn't touch with a bargepole mate...you have the ability to build your own..

What are the added benefits of paying top dollar for a T500 apposed to converting a pressure cooker?? Is it more than extra efficiency?.

.No.

Am I right in thinking to do a malt whisky type drink I do an AG brew in my shed as normal to 8% un-hopped using with maybe some peat smoked malt then ferment with bread yeast, add finings then distill ?

Yes

Which is the best still to buy or make for doing malt based runs drinks? Will it run using sugar based wash?

A pot still is used for Rums..Whiskey..any flavour based spirit.
A reflux still is mainly neutral (vodka) as it strips all colour/flavour.

What are those ceramics for in the boil? Where do I buy them?

They help to stop a "boil over" (puke) where the wash tries to clime the column. Don't worry about them yet...bits of copper will do the same thing..

Sorry about all the questions.
BB

It's all new BB you'll have many more before you get the hang of it...hey if I can do it you can mate..

Are these any good? >>>CLICKY<<<

[Runningman]

Hi Barnsley Brewer
Like to welcome you aboard this fantastic voyage. If you have any hand skills at all you can build your own still. Better, cheaper and a lot of satisfaction having produced the equipment yourself. £120 would be more than enough to build a cracking still. you get loads of help here any time you ask so feel free. Welcome again and enjoy this fantastic hobby.
regards
Runningman

[Spirits4BB]

Thanks' Lads,
Any pointers in the right direction to purchase stainless clamped top boiler and other bits n bobs would be appreciated.
I'm sure I could knock something together.... I like the look of the copper type tops that remove the alcohol..

[Magnu420]

ive got a 28l burco boiler that i was gonna use for my still,then i ended
buying a 30l burco,so the 28l is surplus to my requirements,as for the 2"
copper look at jtm plumbing very good service from them also a few guys
on here dealt with them,i got my 2" ferrule and tri-clamp for about a fiver
on fleabay (from china)

[Easydrinker]

As Magnu says,cheap SS ferrules and clamps are available from china,via the Bay,and JTM are probably the cheapest mainland UK source of copper pipe and bits and bobs.
Work out your shopping list,and go shopping.
Best of luck,

Robert.

[Spirits4BB]

ive got a 28l burco boiler that i was gonna use for my still,then i ended
buying a 30l burco,so the 28l is surplus to my requirements.

Thanks' for the offer but after looking/scrounging around at work I dropped on some 2mm copper sheet at work to make the pot that should hold around 11L, also got some 2mm brass sheet too.....

Silly question time... Can brass be used anywhere on a still???
I know aluminium is a No,No..

BB

[Anavrin]

Brass often gets frowned upon as it normally contains a small amount of lead, it is possible to get lead free brass (lead <1%) but it's more expensive and harder to find.

Others might have different views but I have a few small brass bits on my setup like a needle valve and 2 brass theads that my main valve screws into, I would say keep it to a minimum and avoid it if possible.

[Spirits4BB]

Thx for the info...
Needle valve? What's that for? Any chance of a pic of your set-up pleas to get a few idea's.

Was looking to buy copper compression fittings for the pot top but can't see any, do you know where I could buy some?

BB

[Icefever]

Thx for the info...
Needle valve? What's that for? Any chance of a pic of your set-up pleas to get a few idea's.

Was looking to buy copper compression fittings for the pot top but can't see any, do you know where I could buy some?
BB

BB..last bit first.."fittings for the pot top" is this the lid onto the boiler?? or the column onto the lid?

VT did a great job with this fitting I did the same, works well. I know it's a T500 lid but the basic fitting would work on any boiler lid.

As for the needle valve...that lets you control the takeoff, a great read here by YHB half way down he also builds a fitting for a column.

ps...J if your building a pothead you won't need a needle valve mate.