Well...I've gone and done it.

[Icefever]

As it states...I've gone and bought a T500... I'm so pi**ed off with running a airstill I got talked into it yesterday by members of this forum while in the chat room..

I've realised that it's going to take the rest of this year to build my own, time is the boss here, what with the allotment and loads of other things that have to be done.

So we had a little win on the euro lottery and the Swmbo said if you want one order it...so I have today... bless her cotton socks...

It should arrive tomorrow from Love brewing...and I have 25lts of lentil wash just waiting for it.

[John51]

Congratulations. Stalk the bay for a water pressure control valve, it makes running the T500 a doddle. No fiddling with the needle valve every time the bog gets flushed etc.

Most plumb it in but I used a couple of 15mm/8mm compression reducers and 2 stubs of 8mm pipe to fit it inline with the cooling tube.

[Icefever]

Cheers John....I have read about you guys fitting a control valve inline, will have to get hold of one..It's going to be a learning curve but I'll get there

[Luckyshot]

You luck boy! its a great still, I got a PRV from toolstaition about £20. I will take a pic of how its fitted under the sink it makes a big difference to running the t500. Don't try overightning the big nut on the end of the column hand tight is good enough, if you over tighten using water pump pliers it will leak. Have fun!

Luckyshot.

[fuf]

Nice one BJ You will not regret it.

[Easydrinker]

Good for you Ice,the economy needs re-investment!
Seriously,I wish you lots of happiness with your new toy.
Robert.

[Icefever]

Thanks guys

Well as I said building my own will take most of this year...now't I can do about that. So I talked it over with the swmbo and it was her suggestion that I order one...seeing as she likes a tipple or two as well..

So it'll be like an apprenticeship this year...so standby for a load of what may look like daft Q's...

ps...it should arrive today.

[John51]

It's going to be a learning curve but I'll get there

Once you've got one run correct, it is a simple case of rinse and repeat. Up to you how much attention you pay to the cuts. I prefer to be lazy and err on the wasteful side.

First timer problems seem limited to 1) cooling water input wrong way round and 2) column packed too tight. Problems with the wash not being clear or degassed can apply to any still.

They're generous with the ceramics for the column, no harm in using some of the leftovers as extra boil enhancers.

Where you might have a problem is the logistics of when and where you do the run. An airstill can be happily whirring away in the kitchen while preparing meals, not so the T500 if you run the cooling water from the kitchen tap. Obviously no naked flames so if it's a gas hob, it shouldn't be used during the run.

I do my runs on a Sunday, no workies or posties calling etc.

Have fun and let us know how you get on.

[Icefever]

10-rog John...

All taken on board..can't wait to have my first run with it. Will have a go on Sat morning early, no problem with the water then.

[Phantom]

Talked into it ? My arse.......

All you need to do is follow the instructions.....

I've never bothered putting anything other than sugar wash through mine....... I double distill, letting down to 40% in between and for drinking strength, with RO water and yes I do carbon filter.

That gets me nice clean spirit, for drinking or essences.....

[Easydrinker]

We can rely on Phantom to tell it as it is..............
Robert.

[Phantom]

Well as you know ED, if he was "talked into it" when we were chatting the other day, he must have the breaking strain of a warm KitKat........

[Icefever]

That's my story....and I'm sticking to it.

I've got to start reading all the T500 threads now so that I can pickup all the hints & tips..