StillSmart

I'm happy enough with the boiler, it's not an exposed kettle element like the older ones and the blurb says the T/stat doesn't operate when it's set to MAX. So a quick 3kw heatup and wind down with the (yet to be built) power controller.

Has a locking system I don't need, means that the handles might get in the way if using flour paste as a seal but they can be unscrewed.

A couple of steam vents in the lid that can be dealt with easy enough.

Main problem is the lid. It looks and feels like stainless but it attracts a magnet every bit as much as mild steel. Can it be trusted?

Also, there is a hefty dink in the middle of the lid that could either be hammered flat or Dremelled off and a flat SS disc (that I already have) be bolted to it.

3rd option would be a new lid,ie. have a SS disc laser cut to my specs, that way I wouldn't have to make the hole for the tank connector.

Any thoughts?

What you planning on putting on top of it?

A condensor controlled still, as designed by Manu but in copper like this one by Heffers:

http://forum.moderndistiller.com/viewto ... f=43&t=447

After posting it occurred to me that I don't need to have the column in the middle of the lid. The lid is sturdy and I was planning on a supporting stand anyway.

So as long as the metal used for the lid is deemed ok I've got something to work with.

Fired her up with 25L of water last night and it took just over an hour to come to boiling point.

I believe you can get chemical test kits, to grade SS. I'm not sure of the cost of them, so it might not be a viable option.
How are you going mechanically secure the lid to the boiler? Putting a column on top, especially one like your planning that's centre of gravity is off the vertical axis, will act like a big lever.

You said it has a locking mechanism, is it pretty sturdy? Flour paste is only good for vapour, you'll still need a way of securing the lid.

The lid attracting a magnet did throw me but after some thought, I'm going to take my chances with the lid. Have never heard the folks at HD slag off any kind of stainless steel and the product is made for the catering industry.

The lid rotates to lock. Can pick the boiler up by it's (locked) lid but enough play for it to rattle.

I'm thinking that with a stand, all the weight goes downward onto the lid, no leverage. Might need a weight on the other side for balance.

Only highest grade 316 is non-magnetic - I think.

I have some 304 fittings and they do attract magnets.

AM

So ok to use then?

The boiler itself is non magnetic.

Looks like a genuine Burco Cygnet boiler in which case it is definitely OK to use.

Two concerns, +1 what Capt C said about the lid and second the rivets/bolts of the handles - you'll need to check they actually seal as high strength ethanol vapour is much lighter and thinner than water vapour.

AM

Hi..

From my findings doing my first build over the last month...i brought a 295mm flat lip stainless bowl and turned it upside down....
I got it from the range and used a ring clamp from the hb shop for 7quid..it clamps the bowl to the boiler lip solid.
I use ptfe tape run round the boiler lip 4 or 5 times to create a vapourless gasket.
The proper bowl lid from hb megastore online fits but is 27quid..
The ss bowl from the range was 3.99 :-)
I cut a template out of the original lid in paper and kept it in my wallet as its easier than carrying a tape measure around !!!
Hope this helps or helps someone else in future reading this...
Ps...for cutting...use a dremmel freehand ..mark the hole on the bowl and use a chip breaker or twoflute router bit of 2.40mm or bigger...keep speed fairly quick...bowl clamped to workbench and be confident!

Rich

Heres some pics of the bowl on my burco. It looks the part...its stable and holds the weight of the column without need for support unlike the flatlid...
Its cheap!

Rich


**** edited many times cos i cant spell and the pics were rotated and im new!!

Ingenuity at work. Nice one Rich.

Search the web for a company in your neck of the globe that makes EPDM gaskets and get them to make an exact fit. It will only cost you a few bob and it's well worth it for the peace mind and security.

Am