Got my own still :)

[shawry99]

Ok, friend wanted/needed his own back,

So I ordered the starter set from Wineworks and it got delivered yesterday

It was well packaged, and the offer of support that was included was a nice touch I felt.

Theres a couple things that I should of paid more attention to though.

I didnt get a trial case, I am assuming its expected that I use the case the hydrometer came in?

The jug I got doesnt seem to have Ltr measurements, its fluid ounces and cups (I think, at work) and isnt 4Ltr like the one I borrowed, thats a disappointment, I dont know its capacity, but I am hoping its over 2.25 Ltrs as otherwise I need a different mixing container. (The pic shows the same type of jug my friend got, but obviously not sure on the cpaacity)

I didnt get a mixing paddle, its a spoon, I would of preferred a paddle (like the picture) can I degass with the spoon?

[Admiral Toad]

Hi mate

Here's one of many conversion websites

http://www.unit-conversion.info/volume.html

Don't use the case as a trial jar too narrow and cheap plastic. Food grade trial jars are on many HBS sites or get a glass one so you can use it for an alcohol hydrometer too.you could even just float in your fermenting bin if you're not fussy

Spoon fine but paddle better again plenty cheap ones out there.

[shawry99]

Hi mate

Here's one of many conversion websites

http://www.unit-conversion.info/volume.html

Don't use the case as a trial jar too narrow and cheap plastic. Food grade trial jars are on many HBS sites or get a glass one so you can use it for an alcohol hydrometer too.you could even just float in your fermenting bin if you're not fussy

Spoon fine but paddle better again plenty cheap ones out there.

Thanks, I was disappointed not to get a paddle tbh, as it served its purpose, i could see me struggling with the spoon, however I guess its about cutting costs for the supplier, and making the start up as cheap as possible for the consumer.

Cheers for the info

[shawry99]

Ok, got a reply from Richard, and yup, supposed to use the case, and the jug is only 1 Ltr (I forgot to mention the spoon)

So I guess Trial jar, paddle and bigger jug are on the shopping list now, as I need at least 2.5 Ltr to be able to mix a lot of the drinks.

[Almanac]

When you say mixing drinks I'm assuming you're talking about using essences to flavour neutral. Can I recommend mixing those in a DJ rather than a jug. Two reasons, first, when mixing you really need to be able to give the mixture a good shaking to mix really well and you can't do that with a jug, second, neutral spirit with essences added really needs to be left for a while to allow the flavours to develop and a DJ is the perfect place to let that happen.

Not to mention the old Plastics Vs Glass/Stainless Steel thingy. HDPE Plastics are fine for fermenting but once you start collecting distillate from the output, from whatever kind of still you have, you must use glass, Stainless Steel or Copper.

Sellers are notorious for including the cheapest materials in starter packs and you invariably end up having to go back and buy the proper bits. So, anyone else reading this, don't buy starter kits - get the proper equipment, it'll save you money and frustration.

Don't use the Hydrometer Case as a trial jar - get a glass one 100ml. If the wooden spoon is the height of the fermenter just drill a few holes in the bowl of the spoon and it'll do the same job.

AM

[shawry99]

Mate had a glass jug, it was 4 Ltr (possibly a bit more)

So it was ideal for mixing, I have tended to mix it with my little electric mixer thingie, and then bottle, shake and leave.

I'll have a think on how to progress, as I want to get more storage options too as I do want to start double distilling etc.

I dont have a drill, but it looks like a paddle is cheap as chips anyway, so I'll be able to get trial jar and paddle for about a fiver it seems