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build a boka or a t-500 column ?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 9:02 am
by chubby_78
ok im just bout to embrk on making new still iv'e ordered

1.5mtr 54mm copper tube
3mtr 8mm soft copper
2 stop ends
needle valve .

i was going to make a boka column but i got thinking about the t-500's column and how simple it looks .

i was just wondering what peoples thoughts are on this as i now there are problems with the t-500 like rubber and plastic parts but i would be changing them for solidered copper

many thanks chubbs

Re: build a boka or a t-500 column ?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 9:25 am
by chubby_78
ok this is the way i think the t-500 works on the inside .but dont tke me on this s iv never had one in my hands .

Image

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Re: build a boka or a t-500 column ?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 12:15 pm
by chubby_78
ok iv recived the copper pipe and i dont think iv'e got enough 8mm copper pipe .

i ordered 3mtrs does anyone know how much it takes to wind a double coil ?

Re: build a boka or a t-500 column ?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 5:52 pm
by YHB
I have never managed to make a double coil with 8mm pipe that will fit in a 54mm column.

The rule of thumb is that the smallest mandrell you can use is three times the diameter of the tube.

Have a think about a single coil and a cold finger, you will definatly have enough tube for that.

Re: build a boka or a t-500 column ?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 6:43 pm
by chubby_78
thanks for that i may well just do a cold finger as i tryed to wind it earlyer but i was rushing and it seem to be a bit harder then i first thought .

im using 15mm copper pipe to wind it round but i think it maybe to small
.m

Re: build a boka or a t-500 column ?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 7:10 pm
by Capt-Cudellez
A double coil has a lot of knock down power in a small package. I'd only consider it if you opt for the boka.
If you go down the CM route, that would be overkill and I doubt you would be able to run it slow enough with any level of control to let the vapour get past the coil and reach the condenser.

Re: build a boka or a t-500 column ?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 7:21 pm
by chubby_78
ok a little more info

boka would be built as per the wiki page
24" pipe
5" double coil
on 1lltr 0r 19ltr stock pot

if i try to copy the t-500
i would hve a 3ft pipe
12" single coil
19ltr stock pot

im looking for a local supplyer that sells these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271121341264? ... 1423.l2649

anyone know of one as i wanted to start the coil again and iv tryed with salt and im having trouble .

i may even do both columns as iv got 1.5mt pieace of pipe .m

when i say local i mean screwfix or toolsation that i could work in to rather than order off line

Re: build a boka or a t-500 column ?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 7:31 pm
by Capt-Cudellez
The coil inside the T500 is 5 winds 6mm, nothing like 12" long, more like 4-5".

Re: build a boka or a t-500 column ?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 7:50 pm
by chubby_78
arh right i was on the under standing that the more u could knock the
vapor down the better .

and im taking it you can over do it .

i may keep it simple and do a single coil .m

Re: build a boka or a t-500 column ?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 8:23 pm
by Almanac
This might help...
Winding a Coil.pdf


After reading this I found it quite easy to make this coil...
Image

AM 8)

Re: build a boka or a t-500 column ?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 8:28 pm
by YHB
The coil on the BOK has to knock everything down or the vapour will escape into the atmosphere - not a good idea as it is very inflamable.

The T500 and other CM stills have to let some of the vapour past to reach the product condenser.

This link will take you to a thread about my "Cold Finger" coils viewtopic.php?f=15&t=733&start=30#p6438

Edit
Oops - AidanMac and I posted at the same time.

Re: build a boka or a t-500 column ?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 8:46 pm
by Almanac
Forgot to add, when winding a coil the copper tubing will become work hardened unless you anneal it as you go. I found it very useful to anneal the copper several times during the wind especially at the point of turning from the inner coil to the outer one ;)

There's no limit to how often you can anneal to make the copper more workable.

Also, I found the use of gardening gloves with rubber grips very useful - better grip on the narrow tubing ;)

AM 8)

Re: build a boka or a t-500 column ?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 9:27 pm
by Keystone
There is an excellent thread on HD showing how to make a Boka. It may be in the novice must read section. I made mine per the plan in that thread using a double coil condenser.

Re: build a boka or a t-500 column ?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 9:36 pm
by YHB
I think Keystone is refering to this one.

http://wiki.homedistiller.org/index.php ... w_To_Build

Re: build a boka or a t-500 column ?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 11:20 pm
by chubby_78
wow first of all thanks for all the help guys .

i think im starting to think single condenser and adding abit more to the still rather than a boka im going to try again in the morning with it .


yhb this is the wiki plans i was going to follow ,


aidanmic
this is the one i tryed to follow

http://www.artisan-distiller.net/phpBB3 ... =11&t=1689