jamyd_007 wrote:
Subject: [Distillers] Re: Making a small diameter condenser coil

By the way, with a practice piece I tried filling a piece of 1/4"
flexible copper tube with ice and bending that around a 1/2" form. It
worked reasonably well. It has to be winter to work with it though
before it melts because you can just go outside and have lots of time
to work. It melts quickly at room temperature.
=================
Hi Jamyd,

First of all, let me apologise if "Ed's Journey" on our website led to you havig
problems with using sand to prevent tubing collapsing when making coils.  It is
useful only when the tubing has a fairly large diameter ... as you have found
out to your cost!  Jim Puchai is quite right when he says that "Field's metal"
or "Wood's metal" is the excellent stuff to use, but it is difficult to get hold
of these days as it does, as he also points out, contains cadmium and is
therefore more strictly controlled.

Ice. I'm afraid, is not the way to go.  As any skater will tell you, ice melts
when under pressure, even when kept below normal freezing point.  Some have
tried sealing water in the tubing by closing both ends, for water is practically
incompressible, but I have never heard any glad cries of success from anyone
using that method.

You might try salt, as Suitcase has suggested.  That, at least, will dissolve in
water afterwards ... it will just take a long time for the water to get through
all the coils.  Professionally, you would use a mandrel of the right diameter
that has a helical groove cut into it, and a "pulley wheel" moved by a lever to
"persuade" the tubing into those grooves (have a look at a plumber's pipe
bender).

Good luck with your efforts!

All the best,
Mike N


.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Nixon" <mike@s...> wrote:
> jamyd_007 wrote:

> Hi Jamyd,
<snip>
> Ice. I'm afraid, is not the way to go.  As any skater will tell
you, ice melts when under pressure, even when kept below normal
freezing point.  Some have tried sealing water in the tubing by
closing both ends, for water is practically incompressible, but I
have never heard any glad cries of success from anyone using that
method.
>
> You might try salt, as Suitcase has suggested.  That, at least,
will dissolve in water afterwards ... it will just take a long time
for the water to get through all the coils.  Professionally, you
would use a mandrel of the right diameter that has a helical groove
cut into it, and a "pulley wheel" moved by a lever to "persuade" the
tubing into those grooves (have a look at a plumber's pipe bender).
>
> Good luck with your efforts!
>
> All the best,
> Mike N


The trick is simple, really.  A pair of welder's leather gauntlets,
a pair of pliers, a propane torch and a former and tubing.  Do it
slowly.  Heat a couple inches, bend a couple inches while applying
stretch to the end of the tubing with the pliers.  Heat a bit more,
bend a bit more etc. etc.  Patience, patience.

As you heat each small section, it softens.  Apply stretch to keep
things trim and taut, while using your gloved hands to keep it all
neat.  The small amount of working applied to the tubing rehardens
it as you go, which is why you must do it in small increments.

Slainte!
regards Harry

--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, "Harry" <gnikomson2000@y...>
wrote:
>
>
> The trick is simple, really.  A pair of welder's leather
gauntlets,
> a pair of pliers, a propane torch and a former and tubing.  Do it
> slowly.  Heat a couple inches, bend a couple inches while applying
> stretch to the end of the tubing with the pliers.  Heat a bit
more,
> bend a bit more etc. etc.  Patience, patience.
>
> As you heat each small section, it softens.  Apply stretch to keep
> things trim and taut, while using your gloved hands to keep it all
> neat.  The small amount of working applied to the tubing rehardens
> it as you go, which is why you must do it in small increments.
>
> Slainte!
> regards Harry


Sorry, I must be getting inebriated.  :-)
I forgot the important bit.  The cold wet rag.  Apply to each heated
section as you go.  THIS is what softens the copper tubing.
Apologies for that.  :-/

Slainte!
regards Harry

--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, "pfcslr" <pfcslr@y...> wrote:
>
> As far as personal opion goes I have no problem with aquarium
> sealant. Just make a form (I use layers of cardboard screwed to a
> utility table)and after you have your inner and outer diameters cut
> out coat all surfaces of the resulting channel with dish soap. The
> next is to step is to fill the channel with the sealant and smooth
> the top. And lastly after curing (I usualy leave it for 3-5 days)
> run your new custom gaskes through the dishwasher to make sure that
> all of the dish soap is removed. If this helps you or saves you any
> trouble thank the group, that's where I found it!
>

I've used the same but pet jelly instead of dish soap.
Dave E

I'm a little surprised that it hasn't started fermenting yet.  Being that your
in Australia, it would be summer, so temp. should not be an issue.  Assuming you
crushed and pressed the grapes properly, you really wouldn't need to add sugar
or yeast to start fermentation.  At least, I've never had the need to.  Its not
uncommon for it to take longer than 24 hrs for fermentation to start, so take it
easy.  I'd wager it will start, all on its own, given a bit of time.

Good luck,

KP
Derek Hamlet <derekhamlet@...> wrote:
RELAX and I do mean relax.
For starters, you sprinkled the yeast onto the must.  I'm not surprised
that you don't see any action after 24 hours.  For a fast start, you might
have considered making a starter which consists of:
1. rehydrate the yeast in water at a suitable tempt. 40C.
2. Add a little of your must at 30 degrees C.  You will see action.
Keep adding must every half hour or so, until you get a bubbling frothy
mass happening.  Keep this up for a couple of days until you get about two
litres of frothing starter happening.  Add this to your must.  It will
really take off.  Assumptions about cleanliness etc. are assumed.
For Chrissakes, don't do anything like add turbo or beer yeast or anything
else.  Keep it covered until you can get to your local wine shop.
What is a general purpose wine yeast.  There is no such thing.  Oh a wine
kit company might call their little sachet general purpose wine
yeast.  What that really means is that it is probably Lalvin EC1118 which
is a very forgiving yeast that has a high alcohol tolerance.  It doesn't do
everything well but it's pretty damn forgiving.
Every yeast does different things.  Some are great for pulling out the
fruity aspects of the grapes etc.
BTW muscat grapes are a challenge at the best of times.  They were very
popular here in North America in the first 75 years of the last century
because they adapted well to the climate.  However, they produced fairly
crappy wine called Muscatel that my granny would have served at Christmas.
These days N. America produces some of the very best wines in the world.
We all know about California. They produce great wines in the Napa.
Here in British Columbia we produce world quality reds and whites in the
Okanogan valley.  We still struggle with grapes like Zinfandel that require
incredibly high heats to produce qualithy grapes but, we're working on it.
My guess is that Washington State's wines will be coming on like
gangbusters in the next 10-20 years.  They have a valley just like our
Canadian Okanogan that is virtually untouched.
Anyway, leave that must alone.  It will be allright.
What do you mean you pressed the grapes, did you mean crushed the grapes?
   At 06:14 PM 01/01/2005, you wrote:


>Hi guys,
>Are there any winemakers out there. I'm making my first batch of
>wine  and I,ve got a problem. I would be grateful for any help or
>advice.
>
>I purchased 50 kg of muscat grapes, pressed them & placed them into a
>40litre fermenter. The S.G. was 1.07 and I added 1.5kg of white
>sugar. The temperature of the must was 26C.
>
>I added 2 flat teaspoons of sodium metta mixed with 1liter of water &
>stirred this in. Left it to stand overnight.
>
>I then sprinkled 2 sachets of general purpose wine yeast on to the
>top & stirred it in (I now know that this is NOT how to do it).
>
>It's now 24 hours after adding the yeast & there's no sign of
>fermentation starting.
>
>I do not have any more wine yeast & it's the middle of the new years
>holliday. There are no brew shops open until Tuesday.
>
>My questions :
>
>Should I :
>
>1) Wait until Tuesday to get some more wine yeast. Will the must
>keep until then - I can't refrigerate it.
>
>2) Add a packet od Alcotes Turbo 48 yeast . If I do this, will I
>still end up with a drinkable wine?
>
>3) Add 2 packets of larger(beer) yeast. Will this result in off
>flavours?
>
>4)  Just hit it with the Turbo 48 & settle for making a brandy wash?
>
>Any help would be appreciated.
>
>
>Greg (AuldFardt) Queensland, Australia
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>  Distillers list archives : http://archive.nnytech.net/
>  FAQ and other information at http://homedistiller.org
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

Derek Hamlet
Victoria, B.C.




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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

For those Aussies on the list there is a message on the
rec.crafts.distillers news group titled Australias 1st Legal Home
Still posted by AAA Brewing in Cairns, your area Harry. Does anyone
know much about this? apparently it has something to do with the
amazing still.
Ken.

--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, "kalag02" <kengrady@a...> wrote:
>
> For those Aussies on the list there is a message on the
> rec.crafts.distillers news group titled Australias 1st Legal Home
> Still posted by AAA Brewing in Cairns, your area Harry. Does anyone
> know much about this? apparently it has something to do with the
> amazing still.

          > Ken.

Ken,After much correspondence with the ATO this still was found to be
  illegal and plans for its  production were dropped.
                                             Jon.

--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, "jgamble412000" <jgamble@t...>
>
> Ken,After much correspondence with the ATO this still was found to
be
>  illegal and plans for its  production were dropped.
>                                             Jon.

Gday Jon,
Thanks for the reply I thought it was too good to be true. We should
send them over to New Zealand to learn how they have done it.
Ken.

From NZ.
The only reason we have legalised home stills is that we had a
government 20 yrs or so ago that believed in privatising govt
departments. These depts had to earn income and turn a profit for the
govt. So, the Customs Dept, that previously policed stills and taxed
alcohol production, said, "If we are to make a profit, who is going to
pay us to chase 2,000 small still owners all over the country"? I
guess the answer was, "No one"! so distilling was made legal for
personal use.

Now, children, got to bed quietly, turn off the light, go to sleep and
dream of living in NZ with your still burbling away!!!

In conclusion, we have very many damn stupid regulations here but
stilling isn't one of them. We wish your governments would stop the
nonsense so you could join us.

Cheers,
Lindsay.


--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, "kalag02" <kengrady@a...> wrote:
>
> --- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, "jgamble412000" <jgamble@t...>
> >
> > Ken,After much correspondence with the ATO this still was found to
> be
> >  illegal and plans for its  production were dropped.
> >                                             Jon.
>
> Gday Jon,
> Thanks for the reply I thought it was too good to be true. We should
> send them over to New Zealand to learn how they have done it.
> Ken.

My Government has they just dont know it yet.

Dean.

Lindsay Williams wrote:

>From NZ.
>The only reason we have legalised home stills is that we had a
>government 20 yrs or so ago that believed in privatising govt
>departments. These depts had to earn income and turn a profit for the
>govt. So, the Customs Dept, that previously policed stills and taxed
>alcohol production, said, "If we are to make a profit, who is going to
>pay us to chase 2,000 small still owners all over the country"? I
>guess the answer was, "No one"! so distilling was made legal for
>personal use.
>
>Now, children, got to bed quietly, turn off the light, go to sleep and
>dream of living in NZ with your still burbling away!!!
>
>In conclusion, we have very many damn stupid regulations here but
>stilling isn't one of them. We wish your governments would stop the
>nonsense so you could join us.
>
>Cheers,
>Lindsay.
>
>
>--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, "kalag02" <kengrady@a...> wrote:
>
>
>>--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, "jgamble412000" <jgamble@t...>
>>
>>
>>>
>>>Ken,After much correspondence with the ATO this still was found to
>>>
>>>
>>be
>>
>>
>>> illegal and plans for its  production were dropped.
>>>                                            Jon.
>>>
>>>
>>Gday Jon,
>>Thanks for the reply I thought it was too good to be true. We should
>>send them over to New Zealand to learn how they have done it.
>>Ken.
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
> Distillers list archives : http://archive.nnytech.net/
> FAQ and other information at http://homedistiller.org
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

An observation on my last run (VM, 50mm X 1140mm). In previous runs I
was getting temps of 50 deg C lowering to 35 deg C in the air space in
the top of the reflux coil. In spite of not smelling vapour, I suppose
one has to conclude some was getting past the coil. For my last run I
stuffed a SS scrubber into that space and that made a big difference.
The top was now quite cold, certainly not above ambient.

I know many others do this so I should have done it sooner! But I also
guess it depends on how close the coil is to coping with the load.
Mine is 27 turns of 3/16" and our quite low mains water pressure has
trouble pushing a high rate through it. However, the advantage is I
only use a modest amount of water! The scrubber now has a permanent
home in my coil.

Any comments? (After all, it is a slow news time!!).

Cheers,
Lindsay.

Chortle! Hey, Dean, have you run that darn still of yours yet? Or did
I miss/forget (more likely!) the big event?

Cheers,
Lindsay.

--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, dean <deanlil@p...> wrote:
> My Government has they just dont know it yet.
>
> Dean.
>
> Lindsay Williams wrote:
>
> >From NZ.
> >The only reason we have legalised home stills is that we had a
> >government 20 yrs or so ago that believed in privatising govt
> >departments. These depts had to earn income and turn a profit for the
> >govt. So, the Customs Dept, that previously policed stills and taxed
> >alcohol production, said, "If we are to make a profit, who is going to
> >pay us to chase 2,000 small still owners all over the country"? I
> >guess the answer was, "No one"! so distilling was made legal for
> >personal use.
> >
> >Now, children, got to bed quietly, turn off the light, go to sleep and
> >dream of living in NZ with your still burbling away!!!
> >
> >In conclusion, we have very many damn stupid regulations here but
> >stilling isn't one of them. We wish your governments would stop the
> >nonsense so you could join us.
> >
> >Cheers,
> >Lindsay.
> >
> >
> >--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, "kalag02" <kengrady@a...> wrote:
> >
> >
> >>--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, "jgamble412000" <jgamble@t...>
> >>
> >>
> >>>
> >>>Ken,After much correspondence with the ATO this still was found to
> >>>
> >>>
> >>be
> >>
> >>
> >>> illegal and plans for its  production were dropped.
> >>>                                            Jon.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>Gday Jon,
> >>Thanks for the reply I thought it was too good to be true. We should
> >>send them over to New Zealand to learn how they have done it.
> >>Ken.
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Distillers list archives : http://archive.nnytech.net/
> > FAQ and other information at http://homedistiller.org
> >Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >

Well, I road-tested my rum at our New Year's Eve party and it went
down a treat! I am no expert on rum (or anything else!) but I could
happily drink this stuff with coke. I soak some rum barrel chips on
40% vodka for 7-10 days (or so!) and this produces a nice coloured
brew with a caramel-type smell/flavour. I then just add the normal
amount of rum essence which makes it even darker and beefs up its
flavour.

This may not be 'classic' but it is easy and repeatable and seems to
meet with approval. So, another lot went onto the chips yesterday!

Cheers,
Lindsay.

I've just found a great cheap alternative to the usually expensive water
pump for water recycling during a run.
I purchased a $19.00 AU camping shower from Jaycar (an electronics
retailer in Australia like Dick smiths) it consists of a 12V 5A
submersible pump with an on/off switch and a shower head and a cigarette
lighter male plug.
I purchased  female cigarette lighter socket to connect to my 8A car
battery charger unscrewed the shower head and found a 1/2" poly
irrigation fitting at the hardware store that screwed straight in to
connect to my water plumbing.
I have it on test at the moment it seems to deliver enough flow and we
will see if it will run for a couple of hours without burning out.

Don't you just love it when thing come together like they were planned.
Dean.

It's probably only designed for a quick shower in the Aussie outback!
Watch out for the redbacks! And snikes. And it would need to run for
many more than "a couple of hours". More like 8-13 hrs. Interested to
hear your results.

Cheers,
Lindsay.

--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, dean <deanlil@p...> wrote:
> I've just found a great cheap alternative to the usually expensive
water
> pump for water recycling during a run.
> I purchased a $19.00 AU camping shower from Jaycar (an electronics
> retailer in Australia like Dick smiths) it consists of a 12V 5A
> submersible pump with an on/off switch and a shower head and a
cigarette
> lighter male plug.
> I purchased  female cigarette lighter socket to connect to my 8A car
> battery charger unscrewed the shower head and found a 1/2" poly
> irrigation fitting at the hardware store that screwed straight in to
> connect to my water plumbing.
> I have it on test at the moment it seems to deliver enough flow and we
> will see if it will run for a couple of hours without burning out.
>
> Don't you just love it when thing come together like they were planned.
> Dean.

Sounds like good stuff Lynsay ! I have followed a simular route, except I
add about a cupful of molasses (or to taste) to product to add to the body
and color and ultimate flavour for a dark Navy/Jamaican rum, I leave mine at
about 50 %with instructions to tie yourself to a chair, before consuming the
contents of bottle ! ;-) excellent straight or mixed.

Happy drinking sailor.........................Ken


----- Original Message -----
From: "Lindsay Williams" <linw@...>
To: <Distillers@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, January 03, 2005 4:22 PM
Subject: [Distillers] Rum success


>
>
> Well, I road-tested my rum at our New Year's Eve party and it went
> down a treat! I am no expert on rum (or anything else!) but I could
> happily drink this stuff with coke. I soak some rum barrel chips on
> 40% vodka for 7-10 days (or so!) and this produces a nice coloured
> brew with a caramel-type smell/flavour. I then just add the normal
> amount of rum essence which makes it even darker and beefs up its
> flavour.
>
> This may not be 'classic' but it is easy and repeatable and seems to
> meet with approval. So, another lot went onto the chips yesterday!
>
> Cheers,
> Lindsay.
>
>
>
>
>
> Distillers list archives : http://archive.nnytech.net/
> FAQ and other information at http://homedistiller.org
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

As you did Lindsay, I used the 3/16" internally but found it could only handle a
modest amount of vapour so used SS scrubbers to insulate the coil and added 1/4"
externally, (just because I had extra on hand).  Not quite sure which one added
the most benefit, most likely both.  Either way I'm very impressed with how much
the condensor can now handle.  I'm sure there are more efficient ways to achieve
the same result but it seems to suit my needs for the time being. :))

All the best to you and all in 2005!

Regards,

KP

Lindsay Williams <linw@...> wrote:

An observation on my last run (VM, 50mm X 1140mm). In previous runs I
was getting temps of 50 deg C lowering to 35 deg C in the air space in
the top of the reflux coil. In spite of not smelling vapour, I suppose
one has to conclude some was getting past the coil. For my last run I
stuffed a SS scrubber into that space and that made a big difference.
The top was now quite cold, certainly not above ambient.

I know many others do this so I should have done it sooner! But I also
guess it depends on how close the coil is to coping with the load.
Mine is 27 turns of 3/16" and our quite low mains water pressure has
trouble pushing a high rate through it. However, the advantage is I
only use a modest amount of water! The scrubber now has a permanent
home in my coil.

Any comments? (After all, it is a slow news time!!).

Cheers,
Lindsay.





Distillers list archives : http://archive.nnytech.net/
FAQ and other information at http://homedistiller.org



---------------------------------
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    To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Distillers/

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Distillers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

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---------------------------------
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  Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Get it on your mobile phone.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Lindsay.
Im close, very close to running the still so the big event hasn't
happened yet. Im just working on the final details e.g. heat disapation
on the Triac, insulation for the boiler and the water plumbing and pump.
The plumbing seems to be up to scratch and the pump has been running for
4 hours now and sounds ok I can't see it getting hot being submerged and
all.

I know, I am the first to admit that I am slow but I am a stayer and I
don't like to just rush in and then have to fix things on the run, so I
research, think long and slow, and then do. When I finally ferment EVEN
if I don't get perfect results hopefully the distillate will be drinkable.

Lindsay I blush at the thought that you would remember little old me LOL!!
Dean.

Lindsay Williams wrote:

>It's probably only designed for a quick shower in the Aussie outback!
>Watch out for the redbacks! And snikes. And it would need to run for
>many more than "a couple of hours". More like 8-13 hrs. Interested to
>hear your results.
>
>Cheers,
>Lindsay.
>
>--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, dean <deanlil@p...> wrote:
>
>
>>I've just found a great cheap alternative to the usually expensive
>>
>>
>water
>
>
>>pump for water recycling during a run.
>>I purchased a $19.00 AU camping shower from Jaycar (an electronics
>>retailer in Australia like Dick smiths) it consists of a 12V 5A
>>submersible pump with an on/off switch and a shower head and a
>>
>>
>cigarette
>
>
>>lighter male plug.
>>I purchased  female cigarette lighter socket to connect to my 8A car
>>battery charger unscrewed the shower head and found a 1/2" poly
>>irrigation fitting at the hardware store that screwed straight in to
>>connect to my water plumbing.
>>I have it on test at the moment it seems to deliver enough flow and we
>>will see if it will run for a couple of hours without burning out.
>>
>>Don't you just love it when thing come together like they were planned.
>>Dean.
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
> Distillers list archives : http://archive.nnytech.net/
> FAQ and other information at http://homedistiller.org
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Hi, Ken. A cup of molasses per bottle should do something!! I've never
found molasses but that may be because I haven't gone looking for it!
It just doesn't seem to be a product that is used round here. Maybe I
should hunt some down and try your recipe!

I used to be a sailor but "retired" a few years ago!!

Cheers,
Lindsay.

--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, "Ken Harding" <merlingraphics@b...>
wrote:
> Sounds like good stuff Lynsay ! I have followed a simular route,
except I
> add about a cupful of molasses (or to taste) to product to add to
the body
> and color and ultimate flavour for a dark Navy/Jamaican rum, I leave
mine at
> about 50 %with instructions to tie yourself to a chair, before
consuming the
> contents of bottle ! ;-) excellent straight or mixed.
>
> Happy drinking sailor.........................Ken
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Lindsay Williams" <linw@x...>
> To: <Distillers@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Monday, January 03, 2005 4:22 PM
> Subject: [Distillers] Rum success
>
>
> >
> >
> > Well, I road-tested my rum at our New Year's Eve party and it went
> > down a treat! I am no expert on rum (or anything else!) but I could
> > happily drink this stuff with coke. I soak some rum barrel chips on
> > 40% vodka for 7-10 days (or so!) and this produces a nice coloured
> > brew with a caramel-type smell/flavour. I then just add the normal
> > amount of rum essence which makes it even darker and beefs up its
> > flavour.
> >
> > This may not be 'classic' but it is easy and repeatable and seems to
> > meet with approval. So, another lot went onto the chips yesterday!
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Lindsay.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Distillers list archives : http://archive.nnytech.net/
> > FAQ and other information at http://homedistiller.org
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >

So long as it isn't 2006 before we get the news release from Dean's
birthing unit!! "To Dean, a fat healthy stream of high abv ethanol.
Father and product both well". Later. "Father drank baby. Father not
at all well!".

We wait in anticipation.

Cheers,
Lindsay.

--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, dean <deanlil@p...> wrote:
> Hi Lindsay.
> Im close, very close to running the still so the big event hasn't
> happened yet. Im just working on the final details e.g. heat disapation
> on the Triac, insulation for the boiler and the water plumbing and pump.
> The plumbing seems to be up to scratch and the pump has been running
for
> 4 hours now and sounds ok I can't see it getting hot being submerged
and
> all.
>
> I know, I am the first to admit that I am slow but I am a stayer and I
> don't like to just rush in and then have to fix things on the run, so I
> research, think long and slow, and then do. When I finally ferment EVEN
> if I don't get perfect results hopefully the distillate will be
drinkable.
>
> Lindsay I blush at the thought that you would remember little old me
LOL!!
> Dean.
>
> Lindsay Williams wrote:
>
> >It's probably only designed for a quick shower in the Aussie outback!
> >Watch out for the redbacks! And snikes. And it would need to run for
> >many more than "a couple of hours". More like 8-13 hrs. Interested to
> >hear your results.
> >
> >Cheers,
> >Lindsay.
> >
> >--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, dean <deanlil@p...> wrote:
> >
> >
> >>I've just found a great cheap alternative to the usually expensive
> >>
> >>
> >water
> >
> >
> >>pump for water recycling during a run.
> >>I purchased a $19.00 AU camping shower from Jaycar (an electronics
> >>retailer in Australia like Dick smiths) it consists of a 12V 5A
> >>submersible pump with an on/off switch and a shower head and a
> >>
> >>
> >cigarette
> >
> >
> >>lighter male plug.
> >>I purchased  female cigarette lighter socket to connect to my 8A car
> >>battery charger unscrewed the shower head and found a 1/2" poly
> >>irrigation fitting at the hardware store that screwed straight in to
> >>connect to my water plumbing.
> >>I have it on test at the moment it seems to deliver enough flow
and we
> >>will see if it will run for a couple of hours without burning out.
> >>
> >>Don't you just love it when thing come together like they were
planned.
> >>Dean.
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Distillers list archives : http://archive.nnytech.net/
> > FAQ and other information at http://homedistiller.org
> >Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >

I only use moderate power for my runs so I am now very comfortable
with the coil's killing power. With vapour management I can't cool the
column as it will condense the vapour before it gets taken off.

Happy New Year to you, too, KP.

Cheers,
Lindsay.


--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, king pin <kingpin_kingpin2001@y...>
wrote:
> As you did Lindsay, I used the 3/16" internally but found it could
only handle a modest amount of vapour so used SS scrubbers to insulate
the coil and added 1/4" externally, (just because I had extra on
hand).  Not quite sure which one added the most benefit, most likely
both.  Either way I'm very impressed with how much the condensor can
now handle.  I'm sure there are more efficient ways to achieve the
same result but it seems to suit my needs for the time being. :))
>
> All the best to you and all in 2005!
>
> Regards,
>
> KP
>
> Lindsay Williams <linw@x...> wrote:
>
> An observation on my last run (VM, 50mm X 1140mm). In previous runs I
> was getting temps of 50 deg C lowering to 35 deg C in the air space in
> the top of the reflux coil. In spite of not smelling vapour, I suppose
> one has to conclude some was getting past the coil. For my last run I
> stuffed a SS scrubber into that space and that made a big difference.
> The top was now quite cold, certainly not above ambient.
>
> I know many others do this so I should have done it sooner! But I also
> guess it depends on how close the coil is to coping with the load.
> Mine is 27 turns of 3/16" and our quite low mains water pressure has
> trouble pushing a high rate through it. However, the advantage is I
> only use a modest amount of water! The scrubber now has a permanent
> home in my coil.
>
> Any comments? (After all, it is a slow news time!!).
>
> Cheers,
> Lindsay.
>

hi,

im really happy with my latest batch. my newbie skills are being tested :)

it was a altotec 24 hour turbo job and i used 6 kilo's of raw sugar
double distilled using a still spirits reflux still with some copper
scrubbers shoved up the column..

the taste that i have got from it is slightly rummy and smooth.. it's
nice..

the couple of questions i have are..

my still sits at around 80c and does not change from that temp. After
a while the distillate that comes out from the still tastes watered
down, is this because all the ethanol has gone and its just water
evaporating out of the tube? will water come out of the tube at 80C?

I would love someone to describe the smell of the middles to me. It
all smells the same to me, from start to finish.. There is a slight
variation in smells during the process but its really slight and I
think it could almost be my imagination. I have read extensively on
distillers.org and the forum etc what all the different sections are
supposed to smell like. But I cant say any description I have read so
far represents my distillate..

  Thanks

I also hope that it won't be 2006 before we hear the lovely strong
healthy cries of baby CH3CH2OH drip drip dripping onto my storage/carbon
cleaning/ageing and or sculling containers LOL.
the pump has been running for 6 hours know with no problems ; )
Its been hard to find time Air-conditioning Mechanic + Summer = Long
hours, but its amazing how much more enthusiasm you find after a small
success.

Dean.

Lindsay Williams wrote:

>So long as it isn't 2006 before we get the news release from Dean's
>birthing unit!! "To Dean, a fat healthy stream of high abv ethanol.
>Father and product both well". Later. "Father drank baby. Father not
>at all well!".
>
>We wait in anticipation.
>
>Cheers,
>Lindsay.
>
>--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, dean <deanlil@p...> wrote:
>
>
>>Hi Lindsay.
>>Im close, very close to running the still so the big event hasn't
>>happened yet. Im just working on the final details e.g. heat disapation
>>on the Triac, insulation for the boiler and the water plumbing and pump.
>>The plumbing seems to be up to scratch and the pump has been running
>>
>>
>for
>
>
>>4 hours now and sounds ok I can't see it getting hot being submerged
>>
>>
>and
>
>
>>all.
>>
>>I know, I am the first to admit that I am slow but I am a stayer and I
>>don't like to just rush in and then have to fix things on the run, so I
>>research, think long and slow, and then do. When I finally ferment EVEN
>>if I don't get perfect results hopefully the distillate will be
>>
>>
>drinkable.
>
>
>>Lindsay I blush at the thought that you would remember little old me
>>
>>
>LOL!!
>
>
>>Dean.
>>
>>Lindsay Williams wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>>It's probably only designed for a quick shower in the Aussie outback!
>>>Watch out for the redbacks! And snikes. And it would need to run for
>>>many more than "a couple of hours". More like 8-13 hrs. Interested to
>>>hear your results.
>>>
>>>Cheers,
>>>Lindsay.
>>>
>>>--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, dean <deanlil@p...> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>I've just found a great cheap alternative to the usually expensive
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>water
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>pump for water recycling during a run.
>>>>I purchased a $19.00 AU camping shower from Jaycar (an electronics
>>>>retailer in Australia like Dick smiths) it consists of a 12V 5A
>>>>submersible pump with an on/off switch and a shower head and a
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>cigarette
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>lighter male plug.
>>>>I purchased  female cigarette lighter socket to connect to my 8A car
>>>>battery charger unscrewed the shower head and found a 1/2" poly
>>>>irrigation fitting at the hardware store that screwed straight in to
>>>>connect to my water plumbing.
>>>>I have it on test at the moment it seems to deliver enough flow
>>>>
>>>>
>and we
>
>
>>>>will see if it will run for a couple of hours without burning out.
>>>>
>>>>Don't you just love it when thing come together like they were
>>>>
>>>>
>planned.
>
>
>>>>Dean.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>Distillers list archives : http://archive.nnytech.net/
>>>FAQ and other information at http://homedistiller.org
>>>Yahoo! Groups Links
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>
>
>
>
>
> Distillers list archives : http://archive.nnytech.net/
> FAQ and other information at http://homedistiller.org
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Found this http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/chemweek/ethanol/ethanol.html
thought others might find it interesting.
Kind of ironic I thought taking into account the purpose of our little
community.

Dean.

Ok i have decided to try a 2" column instead of my 1.5" to try to get
a little more product. My question is since my keg to column
connection is already made for 1.5" column can I use an adapter to go
up to 2" or do I need to change the whole thing. If I use an adapter
to go from 1.5" up to 2" will this still hold back or chocke it
down ???? Thanks

Suitcase

You certainly can use the existing connection with an adaptor. And no, 1.5"
diameter opening should not choke under any reasonable load on condition it is
free of obstructions.

suitcase1498 <suitcase1499@...> wrote:Ok i have decided to try a 2" column
instead of my 1.5" to try to get a little more product. My question is since my
keg to column connection is already made for 1.5" column can I use an dapter to
go up to 2" or do I need to change the whole thing. If I use an adapter to go
from 1.5" up to 2" will this still hold back or chocke it down ???? Thanks
Suitcase



Whatever is written above is my subjective opinion
There are no warranties of any kind whatsoever
You've been warned, act on your own risk
And finally, I can be wrong I must say!
Alex_{*L*}_(a.k.a. BOKAKOB)
A























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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Ah, a/c mechanic. Just as well you live in Australia as you'd starve
here. Last December was the coldest for 60 years! This week is lousy,
too.

The pump sounds a goer. As you say, being underwater keeps it cool.

Cheers,
Lindsay.

--- In Distillers@yahoogroups.com, dean <deanlil@p...> wrote:
> I also hope that it won't be 2006 before we hear the lovely strong
> healthy cries of baby CH3CH2OH drip drip dripping onto my
storage/carbon
> cleaning/ageing and or sculling containers LOL.
> the pump has been running for 6 hours know with no problems ; )
> Its been hard to find time Air-conditioning Mechanic + Summer = Long
> hours, but its amazing how much more enthusiasm you find after a small
> success.
>
> Dean.

First off, Happy New Year and Thanks to all of you. I have been
following all your posts and yesterday I finished my valved reflux
still. I incorporated a lot of your advice and was able to come up
with a few ideas of my own after being educated by your group.

Here is my setup:
5 Gal stainless soda boiler
1500 watt internal heat element
Surtronics Burst Fire Controller
2" x 36" column filled with structured copper mesh
2" x 18"  offset condensor filled with 30' of 1/4 inch coil. Lots of
water pressure so I am hooked up to the house tap water via hose bib.
No pump. I have 120psi of pressure.

Question: I am getting ready to run a sugar wash. I read that the 2"
column can easily handle 1500 watts of power. Do I need to cut back
on the power once I come up to temperature? I have the surtronics
controller because I heard many of you saying you cut back to 800 or
900 watts for collection once you come up to temperature. Is this
necessary? My goal is 95% pure for vodka. Time is precious so I don't
want to have to run longer than I have to but I don't want to
sacrifice time for qualitity. I figure most of you have been here
before so I thought I would ask the experts.

Since I don't have a good way to measure wattage, how will I know how
much heat is enough? Do we want a good rolling boil or a simmer?

Thanks all for your assistance,
Roderick

Ok here is what I have, 1lb Flaked Maize, 1lb. Flaked Rye,1 lb wheat
malt, 1lb 2 row Barley malt, Plenty of corn meal and plenty of sugar.
Is there a good recipe for mixing these ingriedents togeather ??? Any
help would be appreciated. Thanks

Suitcase

Corn and barley together can make bourbon. The typical bourbon wash
would be around 2/3rds corn and 1/3rd malted barley.

How large of a wash do you want to make?


>
> Ok here is what I have, 1lb Flaked Maize, 1lb. Flaked Rye,1 lb wheat
> malt, 1lb 2 row Barley malt, Plenty of corn meal and plenty of sugar.
> Is there a good recipe for mixing these ingriedents togeather ??? Any
> help would be appreciated. Thanks
>
> Suitcase