Cleanest neutral

[Seagull]

I'm still learning and experimenting with my new hobby and find this forum to be a rich source of information.

I first bought an airstill. My first run on the airstill, following the instructions was exciting but the results were rough. At the time, I hadn't read the wealth of information on here about how to use the airstill properly and so I assumed it just wasn't up to the job.

So I decided to go for the T500. After a few problems controlling the temperature, I discovered the water flow regulator and using this fabulous device, I am able to keep the temperature in the sweet spot for slow and controlled results.

So, after boring anybody who is still reading with all that, I have discovered from this forum that the T500 instructions which suggest that you only need to discard the first 50ml and then collect the rest still don't give best results. Seems I need to make cuts. - there's nothing in the instructions about that!

To get the best neutral, would I be advised to get the copper alembic dome and condenser for the stripping run, and then use the reflux column for the spirit run?

I'm no connoisseur so not looking for the finest, but would it be advisable to make heads, hearts and tails cuts for a nice neutral?

I mainly want to use the neutral either as vodka with a mixer or to mix with different essences.

Thank you for your indulgence and sorry for the boring, rambling diatribe!!

[Icefever]

Firstly I saved this snippet to my scrapbook...

" the manufacturer states quite clearly that the T500 should not be run in pot still mode due to those synthetic components... Vapor temperatures above 185F/85C should not be exceeded due to potential damage to the synthetic components and contamination of your spirits... You are endangering yourself as well as shortening the lifespan of the T500 by disregarding the warnings given here as well as by the manufacturer..."

If I were you I would build Vino's pothead...it's great for doing the strip runs then you swap back to the reflux column for the spirit run.

That you will gain a lot of insight into what happens in the different columns...I would not buy the copper lid....you'll build the pothead for a fraction of the cost..

[Seagull]

Thanks Ice, but I'm totally useless when it comes to DIY and building stuff myself. Paying over the odds is the only option for me!

I'd run the copper dome and condenser on the Grainfather boiler body. Since it's designed for that, I assume it should be up to the job?

[Icefever]

Ahhh you called it a T500 in your first post, now you say Grainfather??.
The pothead is very straight forward to build...if you can solder? there's about 5/6 joints for the column...and about the same for the liebig arm...don't hold me to that number tho..

If I can find the time and you buy the copper....I may find time to build it for you...that way you use the same lid....save you spondulicks.

[Seagull]

I've done things all upside down! I got the T500 but have also just got hold of a Grainfather too. I'm a bit impetuous!! Will take a look at the instructions but am sure it'll be way beyond my skill level.

Thanks for your advice

[Anavrin]

That T500 pot heads liebig looks a bit small for my liking, you would definately be better off making a bigger one for a fraction of the cost.

When stripping you can really push a still with power but not if the coolers not up to it.

I've bought the T500 standard lid to use on my Grainfather, I wouldn't dream of forking out for the copper one.

[Mr Four Square]

Have I have understood you correctly Seagull you have

A Grainfather
A T500 boiler
A pot head
A reflux column

Can you control and measure the input power with the Grainfather or does it just switch between 500 and 2000 watts ?

[Mash]

.. and an airstill :-)

[Seagull]

Have I have understood you correctly Seagull you have

A Grainfather
A T500 boiler
A pot head
A reflux column

Can you control and measure the input power with the Grainfather or does it just switch between 500 and 2000 watts ?

As far as I know, you can only switch between the two elements but you also can control the temperature. I haven't used the Grainfather yet - only got it last week and haven't had the time to set it up yet.

The only pot head I have is the lid that comes with the T500 for the reflux column. From what I understand, although I can use this lid with the condenser, the copper alembic dome would be a much better bet.

[Anavrin]

The grainfather only has two gears 500w and 2000w but if you have your own power controller, you can easily unplug the lead from the GF controller and conector your power controller directly to it.

I bet with a bit of electrical butchery you could add another switch and use both heating elements at the same time for a 2500w 3rd gear!

I might just bypass the thermal cutout in mine as it tripped last time I used it, half way through my corn mash!!!

[Spirits4BB]

If I can find the time and you buy the copper....I may find time to build it for you...that way you use the same lid....save you spondulicks.

Nice gesture that IM....

[Seagull]

If I can find the time and you buy the copper....I may find time to build it for you...that way you use the same lid....save you spondulicks.

Nice gesture that IM....

Proper nice gesture! Seem to be a good friendly bunch on here

[Mr Four Square]

From what I read the Grainfather has a temperature controller ( thermostatic control) is that correct?

If you get a pot still head you can strip and then swap over to reflux and make a clean tasting neutral. Run it at 2Kw in pot mode with plenty of cooling. Run it slowly in reflux mode with a cooling water temperature of 50-55.

I used the small still spirits pot head for a couple of years. It's adequate. But my success, my output and my enjoyment really took off when I helped make a large pot head.

If im correct about the Grainfather Seagull it won't lower the voltage. For that you'll need a voltage controller. There's one being discussed a couple of threads back. PM me if you want some advice on home build. Some helpful member here may build and sell you one if you don't feel up to the task.

The good news about building a controller is that it will open up the wonderful worlds of whiskey rum and fruit vodka making.