Altering a t500?

[John51]

How hard will it be to fit a 54mm copper column to a t500?

[YHB]

Piece of Cake.

These pictures are how I make connectors for the 1.1/2" connection that is supplied with the T500.

If you add a 1.1/2" to 2" (54mm) reducer that should give you what you need, without having to modify the boiler at all.

If you need any further explanations please give me a shout.

[MrCat]

YHB - as part of my VM project I found a stainless steel 1.5" BSPP to 2" BSPP converter. A 54mm coupler is a good fit into the 2" BSPP end and I'm just about to silver solder it together

Photos would be a good idea I guess.

[MrCat]

[YHB]

Mr Cat,

Good Find, Is it stainless?

John51,

There you go two ways to skin the cat and I am sure that there are lots more.

How high are you thinking of making the column? from memory the T500 lid does not seem all that strong.

[John51]

Nice to know it's an easy job to change the change the column.

I've been on the other site that says cm is the worst design but I've just done some rough costings for bits and I'm close to £300 for a 54mm copper vm with no guarantee as to how well it will work.

So I'm thinking, buy the t500 and start making spirit with it, then add my own columns later. I'm thinking of a purpose built stand so that the lid doesn't take the weight of the column.

[Runningman]

Hey John where are you getting your quotes for copper. You can put a VM together for a lot less than that.
Regards
Runningman

[MrCat]

I've been on the other site that says cm is the worst design
(snip)
I'm thinking of a purpose built stand so that the lid doesn't take the weight of the column.

Then only real issue with CM is that potentially water control can be fiddly - there are some very good pros (such as heads and tails compression) that seem to get overlooked. the bottom line is you shouldn't walk away from anything whilst it's running and if you have to be there then it's not a difficult task to keep an eye on the temp and adjust the water flow...

I computer controlled my CM Super Reflux and even with the stubby column that had was getting 94% with no hassle...

CM is a good starter

I'm going to see how heavy my VM column works out at and if it's too heavy then I'll just get a section of 2" pipe, split it, make a clamp out of it and solder some legs to support the column from the edge of the boiler lid and not the centre.

[MrCat]

Mr Cat,
Good Find, Is it stainless?

Yep - 316 grade

http://www.zx55.com/shopexd.asp?id=2470

They also have these 2" ferrules

http://www.zx55.com/shopexd.asp?id=4229

and these 2" tri clamps

http://www.zx55.com/shopexd.asp?id=4232

and these 1" BSPT nipples

http://www.zx55.com/shopexd.asp?id=2593

which will fit this 1" gate valve

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221076466733

[YHB]

I've been on the other site that says cm is the worst design but I've just done some rough costings for bits and I'm close to £300 for a 54mm copper vm with no guarantee as to how well it will work.

John51,


The 54mm copper VM will work fine if you drive it properly, there may be a leearning curve but there is lots of help and advice out there. Similarly the T500 is good at what it does.

Only you can chose what is right for you and what you feel comfortable with.

Do not forget that at some stage you will need to factor in some form of power controller. The t500 does not need one, a VM and LM does. I can't remember where but Admiral Toad had a thread about buying one off the shelf for around £50

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1080&p=8917#p8917

and I have one here about building one from bits for around the same price, but mine is a really pretty shade of blue, so I like it more than the Admirals.

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1001

[chill]

Regarding CM stills: The Compleate Distiller by Nixon and McCaw describes them as having some very desirable characteristics. You may also find these Home Distiller links / alternate points of view educational:

Why I'm Tired of the CM Hating

CM Still Output Improvement Mods Mile High / Brewhaus PSII

I am in the market for a new still and will likely end up with a CM.

Chuck

[Admiral Toad]

That's a good thread YHB has picked up about cooling management stills like I've said before with a pressure regulator they are a piece of piss to run
That said gonna try a VM in due course
Enjoying the pothead for now though >:D

[John51]

These prices seemed the cheapest on ebay: (all 54mm)

1500mm copper pipe £54.99
brass tank connector £18.69
end feed 45 degree elbow £13.20

It soon adds up.

I've already got a power controller, needed for my 450w airstill and it's good for 2.6kw. I also have a water pressure regulator waiting to be fitted.

This hobby is so cheap wrt to what we consume that I'm not objecting to the equipment being spendy. The t500 will be working the day I get it home and if I then spend a couple of hundred quid a year trying out diy columns, it is still an inexpensive hobby.

[MrCat]

John - try your local plumbers merchant. I paid £54 for 1.5 metres of 54mm copper pipe on ebay (and it came in two 75 cm lengths). Subsequently I found that my local plumbers merchant does 3.5 metres for £37+ vat. 25 metres of 6mm for the coil was £22 + vat. And if I can get those prices here then it will be cheaper wherever you are...

Oh - avoid brass if possible. Typically it contains 5% lead to make it easier to machine.

Once I'm into the swing of brazing them would you be interested in a connector for the T500 boiler? Fits the existing nut and ends in a 2" ferrule for a triclamp ?? (for easy disassembly)

[John51]

would you be interested in a connector for the T500 boiler?

More than likely but not this year as getting the t500 will be challenge enough.