CHINESE STILL REVIEW FINAL PART 2

[@michaelgraeber383]

Again, excellent information, kudos on explaining everything. The demo on the methanol burning was priceless.

[@MoneGetsIt]

As everyone else has said, the horizontal configuration with the "football" turns it into a pot still. Two for one distiller with methanol blow off in each configuration is an awesome design, and it is cheap. Only thing that sucks is how thin it is, quality of welds and that yours was dinged up and crushed. With that said, could you try using it in the horizontal "football" configuration to make whiskey?? That would be a cool video.

[@paulrobben7625]

Can you give a rough estimation of the time it took to bleed the methanol from the upper valve? The approximate degree range? Thanks in advance!

[@BeardedBored]

Great video! So glad the chiller is working so well. Really neat to watch this still in action.

[@salzer1000]

I bought one similar to this a few weeks back. I watched this video series after I ordered the still, and wound up a bit concerned after I watched part 1. I'm proud to report that it arrived in great condition. It seems fairly durable and sturdy. I haven't watched all of your videos, but quite a few. I appreciate your time and effort and straight forward presentation. I have a batch in the clearing stage, and I am going distill my first ever batch this coming Friday. I dropped a pretty penny getting supplies, testing items, and such so I decided to go with this still as it was the most affordable option. Oddly enough, I'm not really even a drinker. I'm not looking to sell, but in case the sky falls on our heads, I have the means... I see a lot of benefits to having this skill and capability. Thanks to you and all of the comments others have left.

[@kennethroth6757]

Well I believe that when we make our own alcohol we'll be able to know what chemicals, ingredients that are used.

[@Obi_too_kenobi]

I'm on the same page as you one year ago.bought the still and then saw the video from George.at first I was quite concerned and was thinking omg what have I done.but the still arrived in good condition.installed a heating element and made a pid controller. I'm waiting for my last things ( yeast and so) to arrive and give it a go ( first run ever 😀 )hope everything goes well How did your rum go??

[@Justicescales123]

Both top and bottom valves are for fusel oils depending on when your using it in pot still setup or reflux. While it’s in reflux setup you can use it for the air lock as well when fermenting.

[@tcijo]

best teacher on alcohol knowledge. binge watched your videos and it solved a lot of my problem "in detail".

[@poblo4789]

Hello George just wanted to let you know I'm really enjoying your videos,you da man!!!,I actually own one of these stills and wanted to let you know about the valves on the football part of it ,one valve is designed to let you remove the methanol when the football is attached vertically and the other is for when you attach the football horizontaly I watched it on a Chinese video I ran across on here ,just wanted to let you know in case you ever want to run it that way hope that helps,thank you again for your great teaching and Happy stilling!!, Bobby, VA

[@TheHeraldOfChange]

That video you refer to is here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5u6hGp_Z6yKi7M Diagrams with English instructions can be found here. bit.ly/2AxKUxW

[@19xtrip]

hi there..Im a beginer of this and have the same still as in the video, how long do i have to vent the methanol out, at around what temperature should i vent it?

[@georgehays4908]

@@TheHeraldOfChange ......1st link to KZbin worked fine.......2nd link said not available ? Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience ! Peace , from Michigan . ..Wolverine State !

[@TheHeraldOfChange]

@@georgehays4908 might need to try again, or try a vpn. here's the original "long link" www.dhgate.com/product/30l-8gal-moonshine-still-home-alcohol-oil/476311538.html?f=bm|GMC|pla|1471809117|59782623991|476311538||019030007|US|bestofferforyou|c|2|&GMC&

[@jamiemciver2326]

That blew my mind to see the horizontal configuration. I'm going to try it just to compare it's function but will most likely stick with the vertical. Thanks 👍

[@goatmoag]

The valve on the bottom of the vapor chamber is supposed to used to drain off the fusel oil, as there is suppose to be a lip around the bottom that catches it so it can be drained off.

[@erlinghagendesign]

that is perfectly right

[@jeffkarlson2836]

what is fusel oil? I will google it but curious if you could explain a little more. thanks

[@jeffkarlson2836]

I understand it is a poisonous byproduct but why does this still have one and the others dont.

[@ramyghaoui]

Hello George, I am one of the guys who is will to get one of those Chinese stills to get started with distilling, I saw Chinese guys assembling the still and the evaporator (football thing) can be mounted either vertically or horizontally therefore, the valves of each end meant to relief the methanol according the orientation the evaporator is mounted, cheers

[@blesergediomande9318]

Hi there hope you well? Do you have an idea about how long do we need to let the methanol run off through the too valve ?

[@wendyhunter3489]

Hey George, I've been watching you for two weeks now... Your the man, I can't watch any other Guys videos You make it so easy and explanatory For me.. I was just about to order a Chinese version, how about nicely off line.. lol. Watch part 1 and 2 didn't fall asleep.. no Sir... Thanks for all your knowledge you Share, hope to call you one day... Happy distilling... 🤟🤟🤟☝️☝️☝️

[@Britbikerss]

Great Vids mate Question Blokes.. the bag of yellow filter cubes' ~ I have only seen one video that showed the "cubes' being added to the "football" ~ he used all the contents~ Do i use some or them all ~ Do they have a Life period? Thanks~

[@poblo4789]

I have several different stills and I enjoy running this one alot,I think for the money it's a decent and dependable little still,thank you again, Bobby, VA

[@maytonberling2997]

George, thank you so much. I’m about to be a first time parent to it it’s still like this or any store and I found your video because you were trying out the same thing I just ordered and I’m waiting to be delivered. Amazing information you shared because I’m going into this half blind. I brewed beer and need for 20 years but never understood so I know that’s a different game different baseball bat or glove, what have you, but I have enough respect for fire and alcohol but I need to know a little bit more before I blow up my house lol. I’m sure I’ll never know how many dangerous obstacles I have now avoided by watching your video so I had to tell you personally thank you and the last line in your second part made me a subscriber for life you got me.

[@wldtrky38]

Thanks George ! Always learning something new from your uploads. Thanks for all the time you put into them !! Gives a beginner like me the mentor I was hoping to find 👍👍 Much appreciated Sir.

[@stevepytel1106]

I have a 3 gallon Chinese still and its works pretty good so far and yes iam a beginner at this so that's why i bought it to learn on thanks for all your video's.

[@909Living]

How many runs have you done on it. I've read reviews that say they are good for the first run but the seals went bad on a second run.

[@stevepytel1106]

@@909Living I have done 4 so far with no issues.

[@dougmarshall5339]

Gday George,I watch your chanel/show every day and love it.The info that squeeze in every show is priceless. Thank you

[@TJTinerella]

How you are heating it is important. Ebay reviews have said that 1st time out the bottom burned thru...so was this a case of using propane directly to the pot or extremely cheap flimsy construction?

[@gowerdbrown]

What a fantastic video. I was looking at the 20L model and you covered all the basics of its operation. If you have not already, would you consider doing a few additional videos using this equipment. Once again, great video!

[@redrunner4308]

Great video venting the methanol whats a good rule of thumb time to give it before u collect the forshots. Any tips for what to look for?

[@CaptiveReefSystems]

Relatively new viewer; subscribed on the first video (which rarely _ever_ happens)! You the man, George! Great video(s) ! 👍

[@robertbeliveau1692]

This style has given me 75% on the first run ....... I used the ceramic balls ( not again ) and put 3 of the copper pot scrubbers in the column for plates ( tons of room in that column )....... I’m sure that helped . I won’t know until the next run with nothing in the column. This 5 gal. works great on the 2200 Watt hot plate and will accept any type of metal , ceramic , glass etc. cooking vessel! The only draw back with this hot plate is it increases/ decreases temp in 200 Watt increments. I got it pretty much figured already , pays to keep a log, heat settings ( probe into threaded hole nearest the column/ condenser connection and used hot glue gun to seal around it. Also have the pot top thermometer and noting start times till the drip begins and there was no evidence of heads ! (. Lighter test ). You are an awesome teacher !!! Thanx again George!

[@darrellschaefer3367]

So I was reading that you need copper to get rid of the sulfur is that why you used the copper scrubbing pads.

[@jeffreysolveson9623]

Hey George. I use a Nuwave induction plate to run this exact still. It does take some time to heat up but very easy to control the temp. I have used this still for a little over a year with very good results and no problems. Thanks for the great videos!

[@brentdirksmeyer18]

DITTO

[@djsomers100]

Do you use a magnetic heat spreader between the pot and the heater? That is my plan as I was under the impression that a non-magnetic pot would not work with an induction heater.

[@jeffreysolveson9623]

No...it works fine the way it is. no need for a magnetic heat spreader!

[@djsomers100]

@@jeffreysolveson9623 Wow thank you! The test for induction heaters is apparently the magnet test. Since I am a biologist and not an engineer, some of these things are stretching my technical skills. Anyway, have both an induction hot plate and the Chinese Torpedo Still in my future.

[@derekwashington7986]

George, no one should be able to fall asleep during your videos. Lol You explain everything to the minute...very informative...Thanks!

[@AAllen777]

Good information for greensticks like myself. I am curious as to how long you vented your methanol before closing off the valve. Thanks for the knowledge

[@fmaleknia]

You are fantastic George... Happy distilling!

[@davidjftooley]

Just as a helpful tip... Lodge makes an iron pizza pan that I have been using as a diffuser/stovetop griddle/oven pizza pan/kettle grill griddle. Also works great in the electric oven as a heat battery, levels out the temp swings so common in electric ovens. Best 50$ pan I have bought

[@jedidiahvanfossen9725]

Hey George love your videos. I have seen this still used where the "football" was turned sideways.... if you do it that way then you can use the other valve to vent methanol.

[@brianbirmingham1458]

About how long did you let it bleed off for your 5 gallon still was there a temp you went by or strictly time or smell I am new to this

[@ouzodestructo]

Such a pleasure watching your videos George. Jam packed with good info and presented so well. Thank you!

[@thomaspaukner6534]

Hey George that bottom Valve on the football is if you set up the football side ways you can vent of the methanol

[@billb89]

Glad I stumbled across your vid, I have a similar still and was curious how effective bleeding off the methanol was. Also discovered another way to check for methanol in my product. Thank you.

[@spikelove9533]

I seen a couple written reviews about that still one of them said turning that football thingy sideways seems to make it work better 🤷‍♀️ Thanks for the cool Video I totally agree why spend alot of money on something you may do for 6 months and never pick back up. There is no shame at all in buying a cheapo to get started

[@paulcole1171]

Hi George I always have a laugh with your comments I think your videos are great, I'm glad you did buy and tested that still has I have bought one myself but not had the chance to try it yet but now it makes it a lot more clear for me thank you.

[@outlaw6595]

I just got a Chinese pot still...just has the pot an condenser. I’m glad to see your review. Gives me hope. And I’m glad I found your videos. Thanks!!

[@duncancooke6208]

Hey George, I have one of these stills. I run a 1/2 inch copper pipe compression fitting off the top of the vapour chamber then run 1/2 copper pipe to a thump keg then into supplied condenser. The only mods you need to make is use supplied cap to block off vapour chamber buy another cap the same size drill and tap it then connect a 1/2 inch copper pipe compression fitting that you hook up the outlet of the thump keg to and tri clap it to the condenser. Using this set up I've made some great rum. Thanks for your info mate.

[@darrellschaefer3367]

do you have a picture of this set up

[@bittsandbobs9368]

Always good info-tainment! Thanks George!

[@ThomasShue]

i am going to try a 1/4" steel plate on an induction cook top and place the still on top

[@danphillips7527]

Did this work?

[@jamesmckinneyoutdoors6313]

I did this on a Turkey fryer and worked perfectly

[@ThomasShue]

@@danphillips7527 yes it does work! However it will get too hot if you run it wide open and the burner will shut off to protect itself

[@chuckhenderson4765]

I would caution about opening the top valve to vent methanol if you are using ANYTHING other than electric heat source

[@ColonelSandersLite]

IMHO, that's a good call. The vapor density of acetone and methanol are 2 and 1.11 respectively so both are heavier than air and flammable.

[@sbnewtcorp]

Y'all should try adding a LARGE "kroger" or "walmart", (walmart slightly larger) stainless mixing bowl instead of the flat top lid, to act as an alembic!!! I just need to fabricate a practice gasket design, and figure out how to add more toggle spring latches without ending up with extra holes!!!

[@skepticfucker280]

Does it actually need to be wallmart or kroger? I hope you are getting paid for the name brand dropps. If not lmfao! Hit the goodwill for stainless large cooking ware. 10th the price without the burden on destroying your local small businesses.

[@max-ir3rb]

Great video. Does anyone know how long do i have to let the top valve open and at what temperature range (using the thermometer that comes with it, 25L of sugar wash)?

[@Low_side]

Hey George, I knew there was a smile on you about the "Chinese" Pot Still. Again, I was looking into the "Chinese" three Pot Still (their version one), but after your indept review of this version two of the still I now will get this one first then the three pot still to eventually upgrade. You're the first to have a clear review of these still type from ebay. I now know your not recommended is now a recommended. To the others that may thought of my comment bad one part one, I am new to this emailed George about this and glad it may have your interest. A lot of these are now manufactured here in the states so concerns of some parts would be minimum. Thanks again George. Whoop whoop.

[@Low_side]

@Steve Whitecliffs I don't own one, been searching American reviews for its quality and if it warrants a try. Seems fair so far. But plenty are on Ebay and Amazon and Ali (never shopped with them but fair from what I hear and seen on internet purchasers). Better and trusted deal would probably be Ebay unless more backing about the Ali people finds more comfort for you. You're welcome and thanks for asking.

[@lennybuis9114]

I've used the same still for over a year and have run it a dozen times. The best I've ran was 160 proof but the average is 140. It's been a great investment for me. I think the key is to clean it really good. I use mine on the kitchen gas stove and I think it works awsome.

[@dalton209]

Did you implement a diffuser plate? He mentioned scorching as being a problem so I was just curious.

[@AC-gq9nk]

Do you think if you were to put a 4ft column and a dephlegamator would you get a higher proof spirit? or what route would you take to get a higher proof spirit? Thanks man.

[@lennybuis9114]

@@dalton209 no I didn't use a plate but I remove all solids before I distilled mine

[@stillworksandbrewing]

always interested in learning about different products thanks George

[@arnierc4]

I feel like this man was a teacher in the past life.

[@Smak-jt4eg]

So it seems if you attach the “football” horizontally the other relief valve would serve the same purpose.

[@No1BirdLawyer]

Just less effectively, also one of the main points of this type of still is to have vertical travel which gives the steam time to drop back down. The same reason people pack stills columns with steel wool

[@Low_side]

See you on part three for the final product. Maybe gin, vodka or something since this version is more versatile (a column style).

[@varietasVeritas]

Loved your forshots test. Thanks for your time. God bless.

[@michaelkimbrell4514]

Good presentation George! Thanks for your time!

[@nicksanchez530]

Thank you George for the excellent video! I can *imagine* that anyone buying this still would find lots of small pieces of packing styrofoam inside the column, which would be discovered in their foreshots, along with a significant amount of dust from the manufacturing facility. I would run some clean water through the whole thing before using it. I also *imagine* that getting the water jacket dry after use is difficult so I *would* set it in the sun on a hot day, or place it in the oven to dry for long term storage. Otherwise it might support the growth of bacteria or mildew after a while, like a shower can.

[@Dichodog]

I'm just studying right now but I plan on buying one of these in the next two weeks. I kind of thought that doing a run or two of plain water was SOP for a new still. 'Water jacket'? A term I'm not familiar with.

[@goatmoag]

Also something to consider, is that the bottom of the condenser is not the same as the top, which is coiled stainless. The bottom actually converts to a shotgun condenser.

[@lanaandaveturner1449]

I'd like to know more about what you mean by this if you have time

[@goatmoag]

@@lanaandaveturner1449 The condenser that comes with this unit has two different types built into it. The top is coiled and then the bottom transitions into a shotgun type condenser. Do a search for "shotgun condenser" to see what that looks like.

[@lanaandaveturner1449]

I don't see anything like what I saw in the search in this condenser.. How can you tell.. And what does it mean or change?

[@goatmoag]

@@lanaandaveturner1449 If you have a condenser at hand, look through the port with a flashlight. You should be able to see it clearly unless the one you got isn't the same as the one I got back when I got mine. A shotgun condenser has more surface area so it is more efficient at cooling than just a coil condenser.

[@lanaandaveturner1449]

Haven't looked yet but as soon as I get out there too and I will but a couple questions if you ran one like this what did you use for heat electric or did you use propane mine is identical except for it does not have the port to put a heating element in so I'm not sure how to run it

[@billk9628]

Glad I found this video, I just bought the 18.5 gallon model of this. Figured if SHTF, I can distill water, alcohol, and make vinegar as well. Clean water may become an issue for those of us out in the country with electric well pumps. Being able to go to the local creek and fill up water, and clean it is a huge deal, especially with the farm fields and road run off.

[@Silverstreamhomecrafts]

How would you use this to make vinegar? Genuinely just curious because I thought you just straight fermented vinegar and I always have issues with it getting fruit flies so if you have a trick I'm all ears 😊

[@Higgs666]

I'm running a 10gal American made kettle on a 1300watt nuwave induction heater. It's a really wide kettle and the cooking surface only covers about 70% of the kettle surface. From room temp to 120F take at least an hour, and then on to 175F is another hour. You're right, it's hard to heat a big kettle for under $150 without using gas.

[@rocketsroc]

George, instead of putting the temperature probe in the side of the "football", put it in the top where you have the useless valve. There it is reading the output vapor at a better position.

[@ihdeag]

SkyHook - I thought about that, but unfortunately, the output vapor is collected a few inches down from that point. It's the one element of design on this still that I don't understand. Why not collect from higher up in the "football"? Putting the probe in the middle is probably the closest to accurate you can get for this still.

[@bobbennett790]

Hi ya, George, maybe That bottom valve, is used when this thing is used assembled with the (football) horizontal vs vertical. I saw a video of it being put together both ways. I'm waiting for a inkbird pid controller to come in. I saw where you cut the air hose attachment Question for you did you lose any steam (vapor) on the temperature sensor? How does it seal Did you screw the temp probe into that somehow? Have you run it more than once? what temperature did you find it best?

[@nekomancer9157]

thought so. ofc i think that methanol exhaust should have a long tube to collect the gas/condense it back to liquid.

[@tosselton291]

Hi George I found your video's learning to build a control unit thanks for that! + You seem to like that methane release valve so why not drill a hole in the bung on your other still next to the thermalcouple and put a valve there? you've got me looking at the Chinese stills on E-Bay but it doesn't show the fitting for the heater.

[@thomvinson]

George, how about a follow-up on this still? Have you used it again? A revisit might be nice. Thanks for your wonderful work through the years sir!

[@Capoeiristadiogo]

Hi George, did you use the yellow bally things in a bag and what are they meant for....you didn't get to explain that part. Thanks for the detailed review.

[@edford3669]

had the same question

[@ragland492]

New to this all, I really like the setup. Could you tell me where you got you PID and element and the adaptors. Thank you very much. Enjoy your videos

[@gregvanderhart6541]

He made it search for pid s.

[@davidmunro3843]

Glad I found your videos George, really apreceate them. So you ran this with the column vertical and from what I understand it should reflux, did you put the ceramic balls back in the top half of the tower for reflux ? Or put copper instead ? Or nothing, perhaps more pot still type? Please let me know ! I hav'nt ran mine yet and don't want to fail. Many thanks from the True North Strong and Free.

[@mindaugasvaskevicius1818]

Don't vent methanol in a closed area. You should do it in a well vented area. If you are doing a big batch in a small closed not vented area you can breath more methanol than you would like to. Also you might reach concentration of methanol in the air that might get explosive(in small area with a big batch and poor ventilation). I would do that only below methanol flash point( somewhere below 10 degree C) .

[@larrylaird91]

Very well done and explained and I just ordered a 20 liter one. Hopefully it works as well as the one you have. Thanks.....

[@norbertnedsworth7172]

Many thanks George. I'm getting educated before taking the plunge

[@b.scottgould]

Hi George. You are the first person I have seen with this still who even knew how to assemble it. I do have a question though. The still apparently comes with what look to be ceramic balls that go into the top bit. What are they for and how do you load them in?

[@FortuneSsengabi-nc4kr]

Thanx for information you offer to us. Am new in this business . How do you test for methanol in liqueur

[@danemmerich6775]

Great video. This is probably the one I want to buy unless you have another one you would rather recommend? I have brewed beer before, but now I want to get into Spirits, specifically a Scotch or should I say a whiskey since I am not in Scotland. Should I get a SS kit or a Copper still?

[@121hearc]

I know this is an older video but looking at the valve at the top I wonder if there's a way to set up a burner stop up the end burn off the heads and once the heads are burned off close the valve and open the end to start the run

[@paulsons4287]

i worry about you some times . yep your the best thing to watch. love it . thank you so much for what you do .

[@cav2ya]

George, thank you for the videos. I've been looking into starting this as a hobby, and when i came across this particular still at a liquidator for $75. i thought it was a good deal.. so you've just confirmed that..thank you.. Now on to making something or another.. and do you have any links or names for the PID and Element that you used? I'd like to mimic what you did, as you do know what you're doing, unlike me. Maybe the parrot (sp?) too... thanks again! fun times!!

[@goodtimeswithbrian]

Marc, look back at Georges other videos and he has then that show you how to make your own PID. All the parts are available on Amazon and it's really not to hard to make if you just watch the video and so it as he does. The hardest part I had was finding a good housing for all the components. I ended up using a ammo box. Good luck.

[@stevehuber2876]

How did you seal the probe so it wouldn’t leak?

[@davidmunro3843]

Also wondering if it would benefit having a 4 or 5 inch sight glass between the pot and the collumn ?

[@jamesgrey8093]

Its a good still , i have the 70 litre , i put copper mesh in the chamber.

[@jamesreed3192]

Did that help with the flavor

[@otoydi]

Thank you George, love your channel. Nice ethanol/methanol burning demo! I have more questions, will reach out on the phone. Cheers, Alex.

[@joaocruz1979]

Thank you very much George. You'r a great teacher. 👍👍👍

[@scubasmitty5135]

I am looking to get started in this hobby for a myriad of reasons, good to know that this would be a reasonably priced still to start off with. im glad I found your channel. ! I saw, I subbed, and I rang the bell .. I look forward to perusing your past vid's .thanx

[@kennethcounts5905]

I know that this is a little dated. But I bought one. And its flawless. Used your method to electrify mine except I did 2000 watts 120v just because of the amperage available. Works like a champ and my data parallels yours so it must be a consistant item. Also I seen if you turn the football 90 degrees it was supposed to be more efficient for stripping runs without the media in it. Thanks again for being a great teacher.

[@jimfryar1]

How long does it take to get your mash to @175? Thanks

[@kennethcounts5905]

1000w Setting I mean not hot plate. My bad. I like it to warm up mellow and I can always up the power if it's cold out.

[@djsomers100]

Really glad you ended up liking it since I ordered one after watching your first video where you said it was not worth it! I really wanted one to impress my friends and terrify my enemies. Going to sit right next to my Chinese Stitching machine. Google it. Amazing. Also thanks for the info on how it works! Venting the methanol is brilliant! One thing about Chinese stuff is that they have been at this a whole lot longer than most of us and we have a lot to learn from them. Excited to get mine, hopefully sans dents.

[@djsomers100]

Ordered one and it arrive today in perfect condition. $157 including shipping. Amazing old world stuff. Think will display in my living room as a conversation piece. All my welds look good BTW. Stainless is fairly lightweight but serviceable. No complaints, good value...

[@djsomers100]

Mine also does NOT have the 1.5" opening and valve at the bottom. Brew kettle is solid. I don't see this as a big problem but if you want to install a heater element like George, be aware of what you are buying. I am going to run mine off an induction heat plate so I really don't care too much.

[@josephmatthews5011]

I bought a no weld 1.5" tri-clamp bulkhead fitting from SS Brewtech to use with a 1.5" tri-clamp heating element. It works perfect. Just need to drill the hole in the pot for bulkhead.

[@pilsplease7561]

Not still spirits they havent

[@randywarrick2580]

Great job and entertaining always.

[@damianmatthews2232]

Great video thanks now to set up mine . Shine on matey

[@BarleyandHopsBrewing]

Glad it helped

[@SakeBarSushi]

The bottom valve is part of the built in rectification module. It is used to discard the fusel oils. It works great.

[@markcampolo577]

I enjoy these video`s, and also like your wit ! Makes me laugh !!

[@jeridc7440]

Loved the vid, just received my 18.5 gal version of this and learned alot about using this version thank you!!!!!

[@nikolinaperan8611]

This video is helpfull. Can I make esential oils with this distiller? Thank you for your time and service.

[@chuckgillespie1]

Thanks for sharing George - This was helpful

[@Valko67]

thanks George , this was very helpfull to me after seen your second video , by the first one i tod i did a misbuy , but mine looks without the outlet and valve on the botom

[@terryholston2298]

Thank you so much your are the BEST I have learned a lot from you just ordered 1 hope they didn't play football with it keep up the good work

[@tfosters01]

Being new to distilling I have a question about this unit. Since you were able to vent off the methanol with the top valve on the condensing chamber does that eliminate the need to remove the fore shots or the heads? Thanks for the very informative videos.

[@driftknight]

👁️👁️

[@Kevin-pi7rb]

thanks for the video it answered a lot of my questions about what to do with mine. It's a REFLUX still just like yours and not a POT Still which does not have a condenser or column (the football) which usually washes the heavier molecules back down into the wash so you don't get any foreshots, or tailshots. The Methanol demonstration you gave with the flame was great it really demonstrated the purity of the reflux still like I have never seen. I also liked the internal electrode Idea like they use in home water heaters too brilliant!! I found them as replacement parts at my local Grainger supply for 6 dollars lol. Im going to modify my unit like yours. Thanks so much for the video and the demonstration it's a huge help please make more.

[@paulsleczka195]

I've bought the 13 gal still and I've used the same way to put my thermostat in. Works a treat.

[@ChristopherWFox]

Excellent information, as you know it came with no instruction, pretty intuitive build but operation, uggh. I purchased the 70l which has no drain or option for element use without drilling/punching a hole then welding a flange. Any additional advice on that particular model? Mine arrived all dinged up, I complained and received a new one with out returning the old one which I plan to beat into shape. Thank you so much for your operational run through I am a total rookie at this, the advice & instruction was awesome!

[@a3970010]

Nicely done George. I agree, that still has some interesting features to it. The methanol bleed valve could be used as an add-on by others to avoid collecting the forshots in general but care should be taken in the venting process as they are flammable.

[@patrickdurham8393]

Why couldn't you burn it off until the yellow flame stops? The flame won't flash back into the column since the air supply is so limited.

[@chuckgillespie1]

Anybody sticking copper mesh in the column (football)....If so, bottom half or top....Also are you guys venting till it reaches ethanol temp or a specific amount of time?

[@MrRedeyedJedi]

Thanks for highlighting methods for detecting methanol. It's THE most important thing to remember when home brewing. No one wants kidney failure

[@paulsleczka195]

The bottom valve is for draining off any oils that are produced in some still applications

[@goatmoag]

And in case no one else has pointed it out, the "vapor" chamber can be turned 90 degrees and the condenser hooked back up and is then a pot still. With the sanitary fittings used as connections, there is all sorts of possibilities.

[@erlinghagendesign]

that is perfectly right. Herri in China

[@djsomers100]

Would love to see that demonstrated!

[@goatmoag]

@@djsomers100 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5u6hGp_Z6yKi7M

[@goatmoag]

How to Assemble the Distiller Model No.7

[@J.Carlson4745]

As always, never judge a book by its cover. great vid as allways.

[@timbjork2098]

what is the size of the opening at the top to go into the football.. can I put a conventional 2 inch reflux set up on it.. if I choose to upgrade or modify somehow. I love the idea of incorporating the electric PID.

[@davidbeavers5298]

Hey George I ordered one of these stills and when it gets to me I.m going to set mine up the same way you set up yours makes sense My questions are is how long did you let the methanol vent off for. Thank you. Beaver

[@paulhill8026]

I was wondering the same thing. Did you get an answer I can't find it.

[@karldepauw8924]

the valve at the bottom is for when you use it to let the methanol out when the colum (rugby ball ) is laying douwn , that is an other configuration you can do whit this still