StillSmart

I am going to add a VM take-off to my Bok.

For this modification I need a control valve, the two types that are commonly used are brass and stainless steel.

If I used brass I would probably get messages telling me that I had used a brass valve and I should not be using it.

Stainless steel is to expensive and there are difficulties in getting an adaptor to connect the valves to copper pipe.

Ok - that leaves copper, I can't find a copper valve so I decided to make my own from bits and pieces that I had left over from other builds.

The materials that I used consisted of

8" of 1.1/2" pipe
8" of 1" pipe
4" of 1/2" pipe
8" of 3/4" pipe that I split and flatened for plate.
2 x 1" tees

The only thing I had to buy was 1 x 1" tee

Usual thing, click the pictures for a bigger one.











It is at this point that I managed to get my index finger trapped in the door of my shed. If the swelling and the pain have stopped by tomorrow I will finish the valve bonnet and stem packing then and take some more pictures.

YHB wrote:If I used brass I would probably get messages telling me that I had used a brass valve and I should not be using it.

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Not from me you wouldn't. I used a brass gate valve on the VM for a good while. I had reason to be given a blood test that included checking for heavy metals. Negative. So I really don't believe it is an issue with (modern) brass fittings.

I upgraded to an SS valve, but that was because I had the details on the seals being used, rather than the main material.

Capt'n,

I stand corrected.

You are correct in pointing out that brass is a viable material, my throwaway comments were made as a result of over cautious reply's I have had previously and was not intended to discourage others from using it. Yes I use brass fittings and have them elsewhere on my Bok.

The truth is I like making things, always have always will, and copper is so easy to work with. I am certainly not saying that this is the only way, it is just the way I do it.

Brian, necessity is the mother & father of invention and I love your ability to manufacture practical yet elegant solutions to needs that arise in your build.

Adapt, innovate and overcome - Way to go

AM

I also love the stuff you have fabricated Brian. I'm really looking forward to seeing how it turn out.

My war wounds are playing me up so I still have to - cut the gaskets out of my wife's silicone baking sheet and stuff the stem seal with PTFE. But apart from that it's done!

Click the picture for a bigger version



As it happens it is a lot better seal than I was expecting, probably more good luck than anything else. I will have to have a think about the handles, I fancy wooden ones, I will keep a lookout for something.

In the meantime I have some comittments that will stop me working on the condenser for a few weeks, when I do I will post some more pics.

Toodlepip

Brian

Brian, I reckon you are going to be the first to make a copper airstill.

HD had a thread about product from brass fittings being tested for lead. iirc, the pickled brass gave more lead than the unpickled but both were under the safety limits.

I'm going to be using a brass tank connector on my stockpot lid. Heeding your warning about it being a pita to fit, it will be a one off pita as the lid will only have about 6 inches of pipe and that will take either a pot still or a reflux column.

John51

Once you get to the pipe to pipe joint I will tell you how to seal it without using flour paste and costs 10p.

Toodlepip

That sounds good. Just waiting on my pension credit to come through so I can start spending.