How to Build a THUMPER For Your Pot Still!!

[@nunovyobeeswax4177]

I put a ball valve in the section between the T fittings which is great for not only sending foreshots out without disturbing the flavor stuff in the thumper, but also lets the air pressure in the pot even out when open at the end of a run before turning the heat off the pot, preventing implosion.

[@BeardedBored]

Nice!

[@TheChefmike66]

Wow, great idea!

[@StillIt]

Bahahaha love the dune reference! Awesome to see this vid live my man :)

[@BeardedBored]

Hahaha, thanks fellow nerd!

[@MrBilydee]

Great video and information that I will be waiting for more to come. Shine on safely.

[@olbenparker310]

Another GREAT Video!!! Excellent safety explanation!!! I built my thumper with a tee and two ball valves for a by-pass line around the thumper. When starting up my still I open the valve that by-passes the thumper (while the valve to the thumper is closed) but goes through the condenser. I have a cork stopper in a tee between the by-pass ball valve with a thermometer to give me an idea of where the temperature of the vapor stream is to also tell me when the foreshots are boiled off (and I also collect the foreshots at the end of the condenser they are a very good solvent for cleaning). After the foreshots are gone, I open the valve to the thumper and close the valve to the by-pass in that order and let the thumper come up to operating temperature. I also add a 50/50 mix of tails and boiling water to my thumper to get things heated up as much as possible. When I shut down the still, I wait until the condenser stops dripping and then open the by-pass valve before walking away. I have seen the video of people throwing water into a 55 gallon drum on a fire and closing the bung hole and spraying the drum with water. the effect is drastic!!! Actually that is how the thumper gets its name. As the hot vapor starts to hit the slightly cooler liquid in the bottom of the thumper the vapor condenses and sucks a small volume of liquid from the thumper into the down pipe (that is why you want a short section of pipe above the thumper). That small amount of liquid moving up the inlet pipe makes a thumping sound.

[@rjfussell]

I'm like a Jedi on the mechanics of the process,when you brought up the process of shooting the thumper,I thought back where I seen this ,then it came to me,it was a wide pony keg with a 4 inch ferrell on top,after the heads,he just popped the clamp,opened it an put a bunch of fruit in it,he did lose heat,a little steamy,so I thought about the bypass,which is only a valve above the top,you run the heads like a standard pot,when your through heads you open the 3/4 ball valves and let it go,then to avoid any chance of vacuum you close the valves at the end and your back into pot still mode and simply shut down,my mistake third valve in the cross over,your thump is charged from the start,works fine,you've taught me a lot,all three of you have unique perspective.

[@austinwhitaker6439]

Hey Bearded, Man you did a great job on your Thumper! I'm old School and a 5th Generation "Hobby Distilling Moonshiner ;-) " and i just have to have a Thumper. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how much your proof goes up especially when you get to know your Thumper. Man I'm so happy you're going to be using a Thumper! Theirs just not enough people using one and teaching and educating our community about them. I'm really enjoying the direction of your channel. Thanks For sharing Man!! Looking forward to the follow ups. Your on a Roll 😁

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks Austin! I'm really looking forward to it too:-)

[@rocketsroc]

I wouldn't get too excited about a thumper, they really aren't worth the effort.

[@austinwhitaker6439]

@@rocketsroc the great thing about this "Hobby" you can do whatever floats your boat on whiskey River, if you are running say 4-300 gallon Pot stills your obviously shooting for higher Proof so a Thumper or thumpers are Wonderful but if you are playing around with a 3-5 gallon Still then a Thumper probably isn't worth your effort I agree....

[@clintonhoush1088]

Been enjoying the hobby for about 6 months now. I see people's love & hate on thumpers. I enjoy having the option there to infuse other flavors or even doing a flavored water run too. On the "hypothetical" side, being able to take a known good run, adding an extra flavor profile into the thumper, and getting a slightly different product out is fun. I love to experiment on cooking & baking anyway, so for a "tinkerer" type of person, that thumper allows a quick & easy minor change. Going to be learning how to braze soon to give this build a try and make a slightly bigger condenser (Vevor 8 gallon still) as well. Glad when I saw this channel on Still It, very informative and kind of a tinkerer type of person too.

[@narcsurvivor6969]

I'm late to the party but thank you bearded. I've learned more in watching this video that I have in dozens of others. One thing I've learned is to keep your thumper above your boiler. This will keep your thumper from filling up. Also as another option, disconnecting your thumper from your boiler right as you shut down will help clear the vacuum. Good stuff brother I appreciate it

[@ronfussell8244]

Mr Bearded,my thumper is just like that,except for a little change I made,your verticals may be too close together,but remove your 90's and replace with T's,put a valve between them,now you can run like a pot,close and activate thumper,or open on shut down for open system,it works!

[@MrBilydee]

Could you kinda give more details on how you did this I'm drawing a blank. I get making the verticals a little further apart but how did you put the Ts on and put a valve between them is where I'm struggling. Thanks for the added info is really does help a newbie.

[@ronfussell8244]

I like to have a bypass, I use 3/4",down off a T,stainless ball valve to a T,across and back up,as you can remove foreshots, when you close valve you have reheat thumper, it is a safety feature.

[@forlornfool221]

Love the DUNE reference!! Building my thumper tonight and now Im going watch the movie at the same time!!

[@samuelrspade]

Other than size restrictions and cost what about a pressure canning pot. Replaceable lid seals and no latches to install. Pressure relief valve built in. They typically have a pressure gauge installed, you could use that opening as a port for piping. Excellent description of the thumper and build! Thanks!

[@BeardedBored]

Should work fine.

[@TheMullisJ]

I haven't even watched the video yet. I had to like and comment on the video immediately upon seeing the Dune references. Love it! I enjoy the rest of your videos as well.

[@BeardedBored]

I knew there were other nerds who would appreciate it as much as I do;-)

[@BallisticJell0]

Dammit Bearded! I saw the title and said to myself I'll make a Dune reference comment! And you beat me to it! Your taste in booze and sci-fi (a Dune fan and an SG-1 fan) are beyond reproach!

[@BeardedBored]

We must be from the same nerd stock:-)

[@conornolan8547]

Thanks!

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks so much, brother!!

[@douglascolman4501]

Thanks for the info. I like your attitude and way of getting the point across. Don't do this or that because you will have problems. I'm gathering your information before I start to build my first effort.

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks brother. Good luck on your build!

[@Colsos]

I’m so happy I found this video…I was going to try it with a glass jar like seen in other videos. I have bought a cheap still vevor 50l without the thumper…happy now I made that choice so I can build my own in the future. When I feel a bit more seasoned. I made an instant sub on your channel. Thank you sir!

[@mines2sekel315]

Put a on and off valve on your thumper. Where the elbows are at. So you can keep running. Open for the four shots and heads. Then close it to push the steam down into the thumper for the flavor.

[@garthhorne617]

You save me soo much time trying to figure out the details and attempt a build. Great sage and well researched advice. I was going to build a thumper but after watching this I think as you suggest better to perfect and learn the nuances of my new build first before adding this module to my system. Thanks again for another great video.

[@BeardedBored]

Happy to help:-)

[@mikeinnj4424]

Yes, great advice for sure. You don’t know what you don’t know, meaning learn the basics about your still and you will figure out what you need to change or improve upon. Lots of ways to spend your money. Don’t rush the process and enjoy the journey.

[@davidduncan6280]

I have the same pot as my thumper. I have always used it. I have a 10 gallon boiler. I do use silicone as a seal and wrap it with Teflon tape. I have never found any foul flavors from it. I also use regular wood clamps( med. Size) to clamp it down. I have never gotten a leak that I could not fix with another clamp. I did add, on both my pot and my Thumper, a ball valve. Once my run is done I open them instead of undoing all the clamps right away . I just open the ball valves. Instantly releases the pressure as it cools. Wish i could leave a picture. All in all nice video.

[@BeardedBored]

Woodworking clamps are the best! I almost went that route, but figured I'd see if I could work out the spring clips. I like that ball valve idea!

[@davidduncan6280]

Yes they work great. The only draw back is storage. I did order the same spring clamps but have never used them. I got them from Wish.com. I was watching your condenser build I also went that rought. However i made it go through two. The first is right off the thumper about a foot long. Then a 90degree turn to my 4 foot one. Works better then a worm and wont clog up. I like the wire wrap inside the water jacket. I may have to take mine apart. Thanks for the response back. Happy distilling!!

[@BeardedBored]

@David Duncan 👍 👍

[@adamzamora983]

Another great video! Something I recently learned about thumpers: If you insulate them, the tendency for them to fill up over a run will decrease a bit, which will help if your thumper is on the smaller side compared to your boiler.

[@BeardedBored]

That's a great point! I'll mention that in the next thumper video. Thanks brother!

[@chrisbartholomew3643]

How do you insulate them?

[@adamzamora983]

I got a small piece of insulation from Home Depot and wrapped the thumper with a bungee around it.

[@TodmordenFred]

I was the guy who recommended the damp rag in one of your other builds 😉 I was also recommending expanded ptfe tape as a gasket to a few people in one of the Facebook groups a couple of weeks ago. Great minds.

[@TodmordenFred]

I get my toggle catches from here ￡3.36 15％ Off | UXCELL Hot Sale 4 Pcs/lot 4mm Hole Dia Box Chest Case Spring Loaded Draw Toggle Latch 8.5 x 2.3 x 1.5cm Silver Tone a.aliexpress.com/_B0JTWa

[@TodmordenFred]

And expanded ptfe tape here ￡0.28 | 1pc PTFE elastic tape PTFE sealing strip Expanded PTFE tape PTFE sealing tape PTFE sponge strip a.aliexpress.com/_BU9FZC

[@TodmordenFred]

They do a nice round bead version too if the pot lid has a good lip on it. ￡8.45 | Expanded PTFE soft sealing rod,ptfe padding ptfe gland packing, EPTFE valve stem packing, Expanded PTFE cord tape round rope a.aliexpress.com/_BSlwow

[@TodmordenFred]

All videos of use of expanded ptfe tape show you just overlap the tape. Due to the foamy squishy nature of tape it should create a continuous seal under compression without leaks. But if you wanted to be neat. Overlap it. Then with sharp craft knife cut through both layers at joint on 45degree angle. Job done. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnSskpeMhbSid6M

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks for the tips!

[@nickgreeks6591]

Keep up the still building videos. Enjoying these videos more than jesse and George atm. No t500 talk. 🤣

[@BeardedBored]

Glad you like them!

[@jonathanlallo4920]

Glad you said that.( he says as he runs to take the mason jar off his 5 gal.)

[@shawngrabowski988]

Great video man!!!... I would usually pick apart videos..... And you covered a lot of good points. Thanks for your shared experience

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks:-)

[@mikemorris5705]

Thank you..This video is awesome. I am going to try and build this exact unit. I have zero soldering experience so it should be frustrating and fun.

[@karlwebster1154]

Excellent informative video. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks

[@BeardedBored]

Glad it was helpful!

[@near--zero]

the clips are also called draw-latches, you can get them from mcmaster-carr, grainger etc.

[@gabemeans2891]

dude trip out. my vapor locks bubbling away next to me at the exact time and pace as the one behind you in this episode. totally had to be here im a stoner lol. love the show

[@TheChefmike66]

Thanks, you saved me from buying copper sheeting for my mason jar thumpers. And also possibly going to the hospital, and then jail.

[@brucekrisko4364]

Try placing a pipe cap onto your dip tube in the thumper and drilling several small holes in it to disperse the vapor. 5-5-1 is a great cleaner for copper piping and to remove solder flux! No need for a sacrificial fun.

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks for the info

[@Bobthebuilder.69]

Great info....long story short, my cousin won master distiller on moonshiners a few years ago (don't wanna mention any names 😎). We have a brandy still and a big copper still that has 1/2 gallon mason jar thumpers. We've used this setup for years without any issues whatsoever. He runs 2-3 times a week year round and hasn't broken a single jar, surprisingly. I honestly wouldn't worry too much about the glass not holding up, there's hundreds if not thousands of runs on these jars and we've not had any issues. I would've never believed it if I hadn't used them myself.

[@BeardedBored]

I have to consider the risks of what I put on my channel, so I tend to recommend the absolute safest approach for things, just to avoid the chance that something goes wrong for a viewer.

[@Bobthebuilder.69]

@@BeardedBored I understand completely, I will let you know if we ever shatter one. 😂.

[@cameronshine3465]

i like your video, yes the sight glass is at least 3 times thicker than a mason jar. I put a sight glass on the side of my thumper just so I can keep a check on what's going on there.

[@BeardedBored]

I've always wanted to do that with a thumper. How did you attach it? Solder?

[@cameronshine3465]

@@BeardedBored i ordered a weldless 2" sight glass, easy to fit. I did a order for a 50mm TCT Carbide Tip Hole Saw Carbide Metal Drill. And made a hole in thumper. and then fitted the sight glass in. I got the cutter on ebay .

[@BeardedBored]

@@cameronshine3465 Cool, thanks!

[@cameronshine3465]

@@BeardedBored i did a thumper run 2 days ago, you can see the sight glass that i fitted to the thumper. Its did leak a bit of vaper for a few minutes but that's my fault and not the sight glass. I didn't have a spanner big enough to tighten the larger nut inside the thumper. You can can see it on my channel. I have a spanner on order now.

[@BeardedBored]

@@cameronshine3465 I'll check it out:-)

[@everydayden5826]

Another great video buddy !! Fermenter in the back looks to be a corn wash/mash maybe. MM MM delicious !!! I may have just done a small experimental 3 gallon batch of flaked corn and corn sugar, aged on dark toasted chips for a couple of weeks at 115 proof. Then proofed down to 100 proof for a few days. ( all hypothetically of course ) Yup, I can't lie, it didn't suck, ha ha ha !!!!!! --den

[@BeardedBored]

Nice work on your project, but you're way off on mine, LoL:-) This one is a straight brewing project.

[@MrLuther1973]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. i needed to know this.

[@BeardedBored]

Happy to help.

[@rogerbarrett2237]

I noticed that bubbling in the background straight away. Interesting looking mash. While I always look forward to your videos, I'm particularly interested in the next one. Keep up the fine work, good Sir Bearded.

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks Roger! Should have the video up in a day or two:-)

[@Lnchbxx]

First thing I noticed was the carboy in the background and with when it was gone then I was like DANG he gets the good chips lol... love your channel dude ! Between you, George and Jesse yall have inspired me to get into the craft myself I've some things on the way. I think I'm gunna try your sparkling cider recipes first.

[@BeardedBored]

Glad to be part of the inspiration to get you into the hobby! BTW, check out my ginger beer video for an easier pasteurization method for any sweet sparkling drinks:-)

[@Americal1970]

Not to sound like a know it all but you will like these tip. I am a retired Pipefitter / Welder. Wear a heavy cotton glove DRY. WIPE the joint. Use a Weller soldering iron on the pipe thru the stainless tank. 1/4 " tip Hold it on the solder " " soak it" I recommend Harris "Bridge it" lead free strong. I use the iron when I put valves on Coleman Green propane tanks. Tin both surfaces. Hold it in one place let it heat up "soak it" lay the flat tip on the pipe transfers the heat. Iron heats the solder, solder heats the metal. Try it and see. My iron is 25-30 watts. It's the one I use for Electronics. Sal Ammoniac what you tin your soldering tips with. Block or granulated like salt. Dimple a 2x4 with a ball peen to hold a small pinch of Sal. Get the worst burnt black tip in your iron and rub the tip back and forth in the Sal with a B-B size of 95/5, pure tin or Bridge it in the Dimple . , sal-ammoniac will be under ammonium chloride. Flame solder your pipe for sure. The iron won't warp the stainless

[@southcack8245]

Interesting factoid - the thumping sound comes from the instant collapse of the hot vapor as it hits the cold liquid in the thumper. It will quieten down considerably as the thumper liquid heats up.

[@macmacdonald4996]

to the creator, I just stumbled upon yer site and this vid. New subscriber. I have a 5 gal Chinese unit with thumper. had about a dozen runs. only 3 fails (was told one wasnt a fail , but a batch of orange sunshine. ummm aint verified that but he been at it about 40 yrs soooo...Doh !) loved this clipp. learned a few things. I did a quick somewhat deep dive into the comments to try and find any info on how much the thumper build was at the time. and also same for the main unit. any direction please or even a direct answer is great !! LOL and soooo rare these days. great clip, looking fwd to further discovery. Peace and God Bless.

[@BeardedBored]

Best to use 2 SCR's to keep from overloading one. Jesse runs 2 and uses them at full power to heat up, then shuts one down and uses the other to maintain temp and increase the heat as needed.

[@macmacdonald4996]

@@BeardedBored not sure what that means nor how it would look. sorry. did you do a vid on that by any chance? thx again.

[@macmacdonald4996]

SCR ?

[@walterashley149]

Great video, Instant Subscription

[@BeardedBored]

Awesome, thank you!

[@robradcliff6415]

For the folks using kegs for your boiler, half kegs make excellent thumpers too, and they like the big kegs seem to heat very evenly and fairly quick too. My latest, im actually going to pick up the small keg now, but im going to drill a hole close to the bottom and weld in a fitting. Remember on these the bottom isn't flat, so not as much worry if your pipe goes all the way and touches. I even cap my pipe and drill 20-30 tiny holes for about the last 2 inches, and even in the cap. So my thumper generally don't thump, they make a sizzling sound, guess you'd call them sizzlers instead? Maybe? Who cares. Be safe everyone don't die making shine, save that for way later.

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks for the advice. I'll upgrade to that one of these days;-)

[@TheChefmike66]

see, I really like the idea of making it into a bubbler similar to a fish aquarium would use. this is it. Not that I know anything, but my $0.02

[@jeffwalters3329]

That's nice & affordable...thanks bearded....you rock

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks Jeff!

[@silveraven1]

Great advice!

[@kevinbaxter2578]

Bearded, look up drnk-gasket on Acemart. Perfect 12" PTFE gasket. Just cut down centerline.

[@charlesdeshler202]

Nice job

[@arnodiedrichs3371]

Hi, you could use a pressure cooker for stove tops, they aren't expensive anymore and they come with a handy gasket and a pressure relief valve.

[@arnodiedrichs3371]

@keith moore I thought as a thumper, not as the still itself.

[@arnodiedrichs3371]

@keith moore Well, for a small batch or some experimental stuff that could be an ideal size. (distilling high proof stuff with herbs and spices ( like Gin))

[@BeardedBored]

I almost did get one, but the soup pot was so cheap:-)

[@BadBrainPrepp]

Great idea! I would stick with stainless steel. The Cast aluminum ones may give off flavors.

[@SomeTechGuy666]

@@BadBrainPrepp cast aluminum does not give off any flavor.

[@ethanchapman7178]

What gasket material do you use

[@BeardedBored]

Expanded PTFE tape. There is a link is in the description of my thumper build video, but you can find it from plumbers supply places. You can also use EPDM. Both are non-reactive.

[@Backdaft94]

Loved the Dune reference. I have heard a high temp silicone baking sheet makes good gasket material, and if washed off well after use last a good while.

[@BeardedBored]

I heard that too:-)

[@rexjohnson8597]

Great video! I made a 3 gallon thumper and used it today for the first time. I put about 1-1/2 gallons of apple juice for flavor. It took forever to get alcohol running out of the condenser! How much liquid do you put in your thumper if any? Hopefully I can get my thumper lid like you have, but finding someone in my area where I live is almost impossible. Keep up the great videos!

[@moeshiner156]

Good Sunday morning B and B. I have reversed engineered a stainless steel pot design for a still using info from you videos and need to purchase the copper pipe. My still pot will be 10 gallons and my Thumper will be approx 3 to 5 gallons and then to maybe a 10 gallon pot for the worm for cooling. What size pipe should i have from the still pot to the thumper and from the thumper to the worm and finally the size pipe for the worm itself? Your help in this last step will be all i need for completion of this beautiful piece of equipment. Many thanks!

[@BeardedBored]

1/2 inch copper works great from an elbow at the end of the column all the way to the output end. Most still are 1/2inch after the column. Good luck on your build.

[@cliffstrobel1198]

Great job bearded. Looks great. 👌

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks brother!

[@heinventer7519]

Great Vid! I'm not into thumpers, but love the info and geekery. Keep it up, you'll have your 100k in no time.

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks brother:-)

[@donaldbruce8704]

DFB on this end Bearded my friend. Great screen presence by the way. The content is wonderful. I have seen folks using a thumper to extract essential oils . Any info, suggestions, experiences recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks!

[@MrBigmandesign]

Cracking video, you made a cracking point regards to fore shots/heads going through the thumper, shutting off & then adding backings to the thumper, I started my build but have added a bypass using ball valves to save having to shut down, can you see a problem with this at all? Just thinking of pressure but as long as I open the one in & out to the thumper before closing the other, I think I should be ok.....right!🤣

[@BeardedBored]

Yeah, should be fine. There are lost of interesting bypasses that guys have built into their rigs on the forums. Next time I tinker with mine I'll add one in.

[@chrisdegrave2481]

Could you add a 3 way ball valve prior to the thumper to separate the heads from the hearts? Seems like that would reduce some of the complexity of cutting later.

[@BeardedBored]

Sure. I've seen that set up on bigger stills.

[@SomeTechGuy666]

@@BeardedBored StillDragon does this with their rum thumpers.

[@micalmelrose1689]

One thing I have learned in industrial safety classes.. think of the dumbest thing you could do. Now figure that at least one person who could use what you design may have the ability to do something at least 25% dumber! It may sound impossible that you would forget to open a closed ball valve, but... if you did..bad times had by all! The liquor fairy here keeps a coupler uncoupled until time to run to the thumper. Then a pair of welding gloves will get you safely connected and running.

[@TheKerstingm]

I am taking a 8 gallon stainless still pot and converting it to a thumper for a 16 gallon stainless pot. As you mentioned the lid is really thin, i am using Ruby stainless steel flux. Having problems with it burning up before i can get my solder to flow, then i have to deal with the carbon that of course stopping the solder from flowing on the stainless. Is there a different solder that works better for copper to stainless? Oh i used a sheet of food grade gasket material with a double sided tape on the one side for my lid gasket. So far so good no leaks.

[@davek5777]

Bearded and Bored - I have just finished making a similar thumper set-up for a buddy of mine. You mentioned a pressure release valve at 5psi. The ones I got were 20 psi - I'm assuming that it won't necessarily make a lot of difference - but if you think they should be 5psi, i can change them out. I also added stainless pressure gauges (25 psi) and stainless thermometers so he can monitor/regulate the conditions within the system via heat control. The set up is very similar to what you mention in this video. But one question I did have, after watching your video - is that you mention of brass not being a "good" candidate for any copper-copper + sweat connections. In the my setup, I sweated in stainless valves (in brass housings) so the thumpers could be segregated or run in parallel - I'm hoping that this won't be a deal breaker for the setup. Thanks for your cool demeanor and very informative videos. They are appreciated (by many). I will upload pictures asap

[@BeardedBored]

I'd swap out the release valves to no more than 5psi because it prevents any sort of a problem, long before you get into dangerous territory. 20psi is higher than a pressure cooker, and those things go boom when they fail. The issue with brass is the potential for lead in the brass alloy. In the commercial brewing and distilling industry they don't even use lead-free brass. If you used lead-free brass, then it's your call if you want to swap it out or not. Some folks are fine with it, some folks are dead set against it. Up to you on those, but I definitely would swap out the release valves. Sounds like a cool build. Email me some pics;-)

[@davek5777]

@@BeardedBored two thumbs up for your insight and advice. I am looking online as we speak for 5psi relief valves.. will email you some pictures of "Jolene" - as I've named her. :)

[@MultiTut69]

Great explanation. 👍🏻

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks Timothy!

[@BigEdsGuns]

I call my rig the Roller Coaster. BOILER: 15.5 gal keg with 6" TIG welded tri clamp top, legs welded on with 1/2 ball valve clean out on the bottom. THUMPER: 15.5 gal keg flipped upside down with a TIG 6" tri clamp top, legs welded on the bottom there is a 2" clean out with 2" butterfly valve 26 tri clamps and PTFE gaskets total. Goes 6" to 3" (with Manometer) then 2" TEE with 1" copper spear to the thumper, output is 2" then to a 3" stainless shotgun.

[@BeardedBored]

Wow! That's a serious rig!

[@BigEdsGuns]

@@BeardedBored Gonna post some pictures soon.

[@Winteryears]

Truly interesting. The seal is a long way from bread dough. Love it. I have a question just about what I call the 'trinity'; I'm hoping you'll know: is George still okay?

[@BeardedBored]

As far as I know he's still ok:-)

[@SyBernot]

You could have utilized your support for an inline poppet valve to break any vacuum from the condenser side to the linearm side, the bung in the top is always a good idea to prevent overpressure.

[@BeardedBored]

Good idea!

[@flatbedtrucker]

Awesome job!!!

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks!!

[@Tonnsfabrication]

To make the gasket use 100% food safe silicone and apply to the lip on the lid . Most lids have a lip to hold them in place which creates a valley to which you can fill with silicone and use a flat spreader to lat it down flat and level. I'm not a fan of permanent placed lid clamps , try a bar joist beam clamp, they can be altered to fit and work quite well, looks like a mini c clamp. I've had many variations of pots over the last 15 years and the silicone on the lid has lasted that long and still working.

[@BeardedBored]

I was going to go with food grade silicone. But before I bought it I decided to check the chemical resistance because I'd read a few things that made me wonder. Here's the website I used to check the resistance of various gasket materials to various compounds in a run - www.coleparmer.com/Chemical-Resistance

[@Tonnsfabrication]

@@BeardedBored Did ya also know that PTFE will off gas chemicals lethal to humans in small doses if used in high heat situations? You're not reaching those temps but why would ya use it knowing that? Especially making ethanol that you plan to drink. The basis of silicone is silica sand, carbon hydrogen and oxygen, two elements that are are already in your mash starting out.

[@BeardedBored]

That's true, but as you said the temperature range of PTFE is quite high. 500F is the upper limit for _sustained_ operation, and doesn't start burning until around 620F. Your pot still would have to be on fire to get that hot. Below that temperature there is no off-gassing, which classifies ptfe as thermally and chemically inert under normal operating temps. That stability against thermal and chemical breakdown is why PTFE/Teflon is an industry standard gasket material for commercial distilling and other industries, as well as being the most common non-stick coating for cookware. I'm not saying standard triclamp silicone gaskets are bad for you, but they do react to acetone. I have to assume the same is true for food grade silicone. It is a much easier material to work with and would have made my project a ton easier, but I chose to go with PTFE for the added bonus of its non-reactivity.

[@mikejoyce6598]

Word of warning: Be SUPER careful dremel-ing out copper pipe. About a year ago I wrecked about 25 square feet in my basement because I took a dremel to a copper pipe using a burr-style bit. The copper dust wasn't actually dust but millions of tiny shards that instantly dig themselves into your skin/clothing. It was weeks before all the slivers came out and no matter how hard I scrubbed that concrete floor there were still hundreds of shards there. Either use a sanding bit (which just creates dust) or do it outside. Also, the shards really stuck to the inside of the copper pipe and it took some ingenuity to get them out of there.

[@Winteryears]

Gotta say, I'm going to be checking back on this one, just to read the comments. I have to admit, what I run now would be considered a column still and I have no real desire to complicate what has become a reliable process. But super interesting.

[@BeardedBored]

Do what works for you and makes what you want;-)

[@antonioj.2147]

Cool video, keep em coming.

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks, will do!

[@wldtrky38]

Looks interesting. I may have to check it out eventually. My new 8 gallon still is on order and I'm waiting on 1 more part to build my PID. I've got my cooling system figured out and 12 gallons of mash sitting here. The thumper will have to wait for a while, lol. BTW, the BlackBerry wine and brandy came out DELISH 😁 Merry Christmas !!

[@BeardedBored]

Glad the wine and brandy turned out good! Have fun with your new toy:-)

[@brendanrandle]

there's also the cardboard gasket wrapped in ptfe tape if you've got the time and patience

[@BeardedBored]

That was my backup plan if this hadn't worked. I'm looking into some other gasket material used in commercial distilling that might work better. After I have a chance to test it I'll make a video, but you can check out EPDM gaskets if you're interested:-)

[@Inactiveshooter_]

Very helpful video thank you!

[@MrDavesbox1]

question for you...if you gent;y heat the thumper would that help speed the process?

[@BeardedBored]

Maybe, but without heating it, a thumper this size will heat up in 20 minutes once the boiler is up to temp. It's not like it doubles your heat up time. But if you want to get it up to like 100F that would help it go quicker.

[@BeardedBored]

You should check out the Angry Parrot channel. He builds his stills and one was a 100 gallon or bigger with 2 20-30 gallon thumpers for rum distillation. He did not add heating elements to the thumpers, but he can answer questions about larger rigs.

[@abolfazlerfan1205]

Veary good your job

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks!

[@tommattie1240]

Thanks for the info! Great video. It all looks so easy when watching the Discovery Channel! :)

[@kennethcounts5905]

How cool is that.

[@BeardedBored]

Very;-)

[@falconparty817]

What brand solder and flux did you use ?? Just trying to figure out whats toxic or not and how to clean it after so I don't make poison. Thanks

[@BeardedBored]

Get silver solder and liquid flux, any brand.

[@ericfortier4036]

if anyone is interested, I'm a glass artist and I work mainly in borosilicate. I can make a jars if there's enough interest...

[@BeardedBored]

Dude, send me an email. I've got an idea for you;-)

[@MikeMitchell-xx9st]

thank you that was good

[@terrellsparrow2821]

Where can I get the exhaust valve seen over your right shoulder? Inserted in the top of your(assuming) mash?

[@troyasper9829]

Can you use a stainless steel pressure cooker with locking lid and gasket for your thumper?

[@megapint1626]

Very cool thumper! Quick question though, every column I have seen but for sight glass models (that look like a ship portal) use silicone to not only seal, but stack the plates. Is that a different kind of silicone, and if so, why aren’t gaskets made from that?

[@jaredobrien9758]

I’ve always used the seals that came with the Grainfather as a push fit gasket for my alembic dome. Never gave it much thought to be honest.....

[@BeardedBored]

Silicone is the easiest gasket material and comes with almost every triclamp or still kit out there. The risk is lower for leaching. But it's not non-existent even with the professional silicone gaskets. That's why I switched to ptfe. Here's the website I used to check the chemical resistance of various gasket materials to various compounds present in a distilling run - www.coleparmer.com/Chemical-Resistance

[@BeardedBored]

@keith moore Just a heads up - www.coleparmer.com/Chemical-Resistance

[@BeardedBored]

@@jaredobrien9758 Just a heads up - www.coleparmer.com/Chemical-Resistance

[@BigEdsGuns]

@keith moore Food Grade is still a no no. High proof hot alcohol vapor will degrade Silicone seals. You can wrap the seals with PTFE tape to make them safe. Here is a chart of what chemicals degrade Silicone. www.glaciertanks.com/PDFs/ChemicalResistanceChart.pdf

[@jamesramey3549]

Great bits of info, I appreciate that you do alot of research. Does anybody ever put a thermometer at the exit near the condenser, or anywhere for that matter?

[@BeardedBored]

I've seen some folks do thermometers in the outlet of the thumper, but I have no idea if it's accurate enough for cuts. Maybe one of these days I'll see if I can rig one up with the PID George gave me and find out what happens;-)

[@Frank-u6d]

I have a soft foam plug in the lid of my boiler. Sort of a pressure relief valve.

[@billposton2878]

I know a fella who got one of them vacuum dented water purification units cheap.

[@IndicaQ]

lol love the Dune reference

[@BeardedBored]

I've been secretly hoping to sneak that clip into a video for years, haha:-)

[@TheRealKingDong]

Were you get the clamps for lids thanks!

[@grantgabbard4072]

you can use a food grade safe silicone to make a molded gasket

[@HarveyBrown-o2o]

Can you please elaborate on methanol removal with the use of a thumper? Safety. Thanks for any guidance you can offer.

[@darrell2150beta]

With the expanded PTFE gasket material, couldn't it be cut laterally and formed around the edge of the pot to create the gasket and only have just the two ends meeting?

[@rexhavoc2982]

Try cutting the gasket ends with a razor blade and use super glue. As the thumper fills the back pressure will slow the flow out of the pot kinda like stuffing a column, 5 pounds is a lot. The thermometer in the pot keeps the water out of the shine ,I say yes, use one. You know the rubber plug on a pressure cooker lid? Thanks.

[@paulgrendall5138]

can i still run a thump keg while running a controlled heat source??

[@BeardedBored]

PID's don't do well with thumpers, but an SCR will do fine. Gas is fine too. I go into some more detail in the thumper build video.

[@sabinfigaro7334]

Good stuff! Thanks!

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks!

[@HodgyE5]

Thanks for the video

[@BeardedBored]

My pleasure:-)

[@johndavis9017]

Love the video. After sweeting the copper, how do you clean it and prepare it for a run?

[@BeardedBored]

Vinegar and water run, then a sacrificial alcohol run. Blasting this through the system is the best way to clean out the pipes. It's a really good idea to look up these cleaning procedures to make sure you're doing everything safely.

[@slelliott14]

That thermometer in the kettle becomes useful in at least seeing still temp, hypothetically. Nice to at least see wash temp raising

[@BeardedBored]

True. It does let you know when to get your jars handy;-)

[@chvfd687]

Wondering of the possibility of adding one into a t500 electric. Possible?

[@BeardedBored]

Hmm, not sure. Haven't been around one more than once. I just talked to Jesse about it and he's not sure the t500 could handle an added chamber like that. They're design to have enough power to do what they were designed for and might not have enough left over to push a thumper. You could always try a test though. Fill the t500 with water, don't run cooling in the product condenser, and let the output run into a pot of water. If the water heats up to normal boiler temps it might work. Only way I can think to test it to see if it has the power to do it.

[@mikehailwood8227]

Hi B&B, I'm in the UK and was excited about seeing expanded PTFE tape...until I checked out the prices here......they are HORRENDOUS!!! Anyways.....back to cork sheeting. It's my understanding that they're made by gluing cork granules together....and there is my worry..the glue used in the process, is it safe at the temps encountered and with hot alcohol vapour? Great video by the way!

[@BeardedBored]

I'm actually looking at another material called EPDM. It's non-reactive and is used quite a lot in the alcohol industry for gaskets. It's also not very expensive so I'm looking into it as a better alternative.

[@mikehailwood8227]

@@BeardedBored Am waiting with bated breath....thanks

[@moeshiner156]

Ahoy Mate. Did you use silver solder for copper pipe to lid soldering joint? and what did you use to solder copper to copper? Thank you and nice work. I want one too, lol

[@BeardedBored]

Silver solder for everything:-)

[@ThinkFreely2012]

The spice must flow!

[@ThinkFreely2012]

Honestly, was really disappointed the new movie release was delayed until October next year.

[@BeardedBored]

@@ThinkFreely2012 Me Too!!!

[@johnmckelvain7069]

Where can you buy the joint couplers that solder for the 1/2” copper?

[@BeardedBored]

Home depot:-)

[@brianwilbur5579]

Great video. Did you have any issues with air leaks at the handle rivets on the pot or the lid? If so, did you seal them?

[@BeardedBored]

No leaks, but if any ever develop I'd just drill out the rivets and replace them with bolts and ptfe washers.

[@danssv8]

Have you thought of using sharkbite fittings to assemble your parts?? It's a simple push in system and easy to assemble and taking it apart.

[@Losbitiboys4441]

What kind of solder you use for stainless steel