Should You Build Or Buy A Still ?

[@MultiTut69]

I bought one, and then built a miniature version to do test batches. Both work pretty well. As someone else said, start small and learn the hows and whys before jumping in with both feet. Don’t believe everything you see on the internet! I learned the hard way that for every good point, there is someone to contradict it. Learn from guys like Jesse that aren’t afraid to show you their mistakes and how to correct them. It’s a great hobby, enjoy the ride!

[@ElvishMayo]

Can all just appreciate this man's laugh? It is pure gold. Every time he giggles or laughs, I can't help but smile. You can see the he truly loves what he does

[@jasontongue5685]

You inspired me to start with a 50L keg with dual elements. AliExpress modular that I can can adapt and change with tri clamps. Been filling my head with knowledge everyday and I’m picking up raw barley tomorrow to start malting my own grain for my first wash. No sugar wash, straight to all grain. Thanks for the insperation. It’s started a journey( I know you hate that saying) that I’m going to travel on for years to come. Thanks Jesse, your a legend

[@madsens90]

Hey! How did it go? Did you have any regrets in what you bought, and what you started out with? Seems like at the same place you were then.

[@jasontongue5685]

@@madsens90 to be honest it has gone great. All grain is so rewarding I’m glad I went down that path. Hell of a learning curve but well worth it. Now I have a few of my own mash recipes and they are building week by week. The whiskey I made a year ago is now a complex beast that I have found nothing to compare it to. If you want to get knee deep in this I highly advise you to jump in and go for it

[@madsens90]

@@jasontongue5685 Awesome! Thanks for the response! I might very well do that then!

[@jasontongue5685]

@@madsens90 just make sure you do your research and be ready to learn from your mistakes because they will happen. Enjoy the rabbit hole your about to enter. It’s a deep one

[@petartodic4121]

Definitely build. I made one out of a 30 liter keg and everything (copper tubes, boiler heater, voltage controller, keg, cutting and welding services) cost me 75e. Way cheaper than even an airstill, and much better. It's not hard with a little bit of research.

[@silver-hy6mi]

Making and learning how a still is made and works is a huge learning curve, and is the best way to start and learn how all spirits and still are made!

[@nickkok7955]

Im thinking of starting this great hobby, maybe you can make a vid about the beginners equipment. What is real usefull and what optional

[@simonskidmore2998]

Check out videos on the t500. Simple beginners still that is readily available and quite affordable. I have friends who use it. Seems quite easy to use. Good entry level still, I think.

[@MetalHeadJuggalo]

I started with the Air Still which is pretty fool proof and it suited me for for a couple of years with good results. I've now recently got the T500, which is reasonably simple but absolutely perfect for what i do, the time i have and the amount of room i have to set up and store. Can only talk from my own experiences but both of these are great for entry level and ive always had a great product.

[@sonnyjim7579]

One word... AliExpress. Chinese stills are insanely good value for money and insanely good quality. Check out one of Jessie's recent videos where his mate bought one. I have a 3 inch modular plate still from Distillex that is absolutely awesome. The same still purchased in Australia would have cost me $800 more. Lets face it too... most "Australian Made" stills are made from parts manufactured in China anyway.

[@casiusking6258]

There is about 4 videos down the list that exactly covers beginnerss

[@nickkok7955]

@@casiusking6258 not quit the equipment

[@condor4679123]

My rule of thumb was build what I could and buy what I had to. Ended up building two shotgun condensers and the controller and buying the stainless bits that I could not weld. Lots of fun!

[@yarkobroda]

BOTH! Build it but buy certain parts. You can get a stainless steel condenser on aliexpress for not a lot of dollars. Get a Keg (and then drink the beer), get a water heater element from the home center. Buy the ferrules and clamps from Ali, Amazon, or your local brew shop. buy the copper at the plumbing supply I spent soooooo much time and money trying to build a condenser. Just buy it. Do yourself a favor. I used a 5-gallon keg, it's the perfect size for a 1500w, 120v element.

[@colinmacvicar2507]

I wanted to build my first still, had a part list in mind with everything I would need then started looking for everything and realized how expensive it would be. Especially the copper. Ordered a new still instead for less then it would’ve cost me. Might try to build one in the future and collect the parts over time.

[@cbcarmack128]

I recently found a 15.5 gallon stainless steel Anheuser Busch Beer Keg on the side of the road. I was stoked because I have been searching locally and shopping online and but shipping cost makes it too expensive. But since I fou.d it for free I feel it was meant for me to build. Lol! Thanks for what you do.

[@williamelliott]

I built a 15.5 gallon keg still with electric elements with a control modulator. It is a reflux or a pot still. Had a friend do the welding for me. I searched out all I needed and of course put thought on if I can upgrade so I can without problem. All my connections are tri clamp. It's all stainless steel. I love it. Used it many times.

[@BEAVERDIY]

Super video brother, built my own, but looking to buy one now to compare. Thanks for the info.

[@ledzep331]

You'll decide on the one you want to buy and then think, I can build it better and cheaper.

[@bubba3529]

I made my first still out of my moms pressure cooker and 3 gals of pressed apple juice in the corner. I think building is the best. After that I bought two stills turbo air and t500. Now I want to built my next still the way I want it and all of the info I have learned from you guys and made with what I have.

[@talonracer67]

Just found this channel and it actually re-awakened my love of making home made bourbon. Funny you mentioned the Home Distiller forum, I was very active on that 8-10 years ago and one of the mods and me actually developed a new kind of still. He had the original idea and I copied it and let it fly. It worked so well I'm just wondering why its not more popular. Basically its a concentric design with 2" , 1'5" , and 1" copper pipe. The design worked so well it still boggles my mind. I did a search there and all our build is still on there. COOL! I'm going to dig it back out. This channel is awesome. Thank you

[@solocaretaker2034]

You said it without saying Yoda. In order to become a Jedi Master the last step is to Build your own Lightsaber to have any chance of being a master. After that’s done buy, buy , buy. I like shiny & new! Thanks. Good vid 👍🏾

[@Archer1182]

I built my first still A 10 gallon claw hammer supply kit years ago and now just bought a 30 gallon glass column still. building definitely is fun and is a definitely a skill builder

[@RiggerBrew]

It's great to have the discussion.. I built a small one for testing to see if I enjoyed this craft (small stovetop). Once I figured out that I wanted to chase this, then I bought because I didn't have the tools and skill to build one... Now I'm starting to learn welding so I can build a much more custom setup. Cheers!!

[@StillIt]

That's awesome. Skill collection FTW

[@dairy49]

Built my own for the same reasons you did. A challenge, the fun of research, rewards of accomplishments!

[@lank_asif]

I can recommend converting an urn into a still. So easy while also being a fun part of the project. My favorite thing to came out of lockdown.

[@karlmyers6518]

After buying a water distiller and modding that, I now feel the need for for something larger to produce more than 750ml at a time

[@lank_asif]

@@karlmyers6518 I think a 50 liter urn is gonna be a great upgrade, especially if you're already had experience modding a water distiller :)

[@karlmyers6518]

@@lank_asif I was lucky enough to be gifted a 50 litre keg and possibly some 2 if not 3 inch copper pipe. Exciting times.

[@lank_asif]

@@karlmyers6518 That's so awesome. Enjoy the project :)

[@karlmyers6518]

@@lank_asif I have a boiler section but I now need to work out exactly what I want to build . "Research and Geeking time " lol

[@glleon80517]

Compared to three years ago, there are a lot of parts out there that you can buy without a big investment. If you go modular (tri-clamp) you can start with a simple pot still and slowly add to it. Since I wanted to get started fast my first purchase was a commercial 30 liter stovetop kettle with a custom copper dome and air condenser. The reality of bigger equipment if you live in the USA is access to a 30 amp 240 volt circuit. Even 10 gallon batches is a pain if you are limited to a 15 amp element. Five gallon (20 liter) is a good sweet spot to start. Big batches are difficult to heat, move and handle. Cheers!

[@GaryBickford]

For me a major criterion is that I don't know the details about optimal still design. For first attempt at a new methodology it's good to start with something that you know works, and has what seems like a good feature set. Then after using it you will start to learn what other features you might like.

[@skipsmith9692]

I have done both, I have the skill set so I did, then I saw your video of the chap that bought from Oak Stills...his was absolutely awesome. So I sought out what I wanted and ordered one similar to his. Building stainless fermenters as well. All just for fun because it is indeed a riot to build. Love the channel, keep up the great work.

[@GrantMcEwing]

Well done, again. The still is one part of the operation. I like the flexibility of tri clamp components. An undersized condenser will cause frustration. I find that the brewing aspects of the craft take up more time than the distilling. Remember to consider the whole system when investing in the craft...the equipment, the materials and the skills (along with the fun).

[@McElb]

I was raised in the mountains of East Tennessee. I remember a time when the whole community in one way or the other depended on distilling. I would see chopped up stills every time I went fishing or hunting, they was like ghost of bygone history telling a story of human survival. I learned the old ways of building stills and heard so many stories of methods and recipes, simply the way something is shaped can make differences and there is so much differance in what you need by what and how much you plan to make. If you wanted to make really good wiskey for you and your familly you put a lot of effort in a turnip style still but if you wanted production to make the most money you might not care as much about shape as much as volume. In this day were it is done for hobby and personal the still needs to be just as personal and adjustable to as many differant products you want to self stock your bar with. Wither you build or buy think about something that can easy be switched from simple pot still to a reflux still and a gin basket to use or remove as you choose. It is personal how you do it. Buy or build is not as important as the capability to do what you want to do.

[@kevchard5214]

I am glad you mentioned the legality of distilling. I live in Oklahoma USA where you can distill up to a curtain amount for private consumption but I am retiring to Arkansas where all distilling is illegal even distilling essential oils not just spirits but fermenting is legal. I have been fermenting for about 5 years now and would love to step up to distilling but its not a option for me now.

[@CarlPapa88]

Hi Kev, Only a 3yr homebrewer, because I thought it was 100% illegal. Where would I find the specific information on limits, law, ect.?

[@kevchard5214]

@@CarlPapa88 I did a google search on the state and distilling and brewing laws. I know in most states it is legal to brew beer up to a set gallons for personal consumption. you can give it away but you can't sell it.

[@Dayman.]

I bought a cheap still from AliExpress a few years ago. Basically a converted pot as the boiler, a smaller converted pot as the condenser and a third converted pot as a spice basket. I mainly make gin and I generally make it in 1L batches so something compact like this unit is perfect for me. The only thing I feel I'm missing is the ability to do some sort of reflux for larger batches of pure spirit to use as a base for my gin. However, as I'm getting into beer making now and just bought a BrewZilla I can get a reflux (and pot) attachment for it and do my initial runs there and then do my infusion runs on the old one.

[@quarlow1215]

I started building a copper still but got frustrated with the cone top. I suck at math. Thats about the time I came across "Still It" and decided to build a keg like yours, sort of. And away I went. Now ill be building another keg making it better than my first. I will finish the copper one soon but for now I'm having fun building stuff. Thanks Jesse.

[@StillIt]

That's awesome man! Nice to have a back burner project sometimes.

[@xroadsoverland6817]

Started buying components for custom hybrid reflux pot still. Can’t wait for the bits n pieces

[@rascalholden]

Well explained dude thank you. I built my own twice now, 2nd one being a keg still which I'm currently upgrading bit by bit. I didn't need it really but I bought a sight glass for it but also bought a temperature regulatory device for my two 2000w heating elements. I am one of those people you described as researching and loving the diy side of things. I'm slightly ashamed to say I just love getting drunk and experimenting with things but I love the hobby and your channel, I watch ALL of your vids. Keep it coming dude

[@louiswillemse7147]

MIND READER! I have JUST completed my still this week! 30l keg. Copper column. Very much a copy of yours with a smaller keg and only one element.

[@edmccarthy5803]

I built a little 3 gallon ( 3.785 liter ) still out of a garage sale pot and scavenged copper. Now I keep looking at those fancy bigger ones.....so yes to both ! Awesome video man

[@edmccarthy5803]

Oops .....11 ish liters......stupod math

[@steverobbins4274]

As a plumber........ The simplest way would be to get a hot water tank with a coil. Block off all the holes that are not needed or use them in the design. Add some for loading and draining. You then have a still that you can control the temp because of how hot the water is in the coil and its cheaper than a still as its mass manufactured. If home distilling was allowed in the UK I probably would do it that way.

[@jacobthompson1682]

I'm going half and half buying the colum and building the kettle and box to run it. It seemed the way to get me running fastest.

[@DUbsTEEP100]

Doing something very similar, I couldn't really find the kettle I wanted on the market for what I can get by making it. Also made some good friends who can weld ;)

[@buttersonvuddlast6640]

I understand some people aren't very handy, but have some confidence in yourself and learn how to solder and manipulate copper. For me geeking out on everything, including making the vessel itself, is the best and most rewarding part. My hand took part in every aspect. Its a art, mechanical execution, and science building these things. Which is completely on par with the craft itself. Artistic science if you will. Take the time to learn from 0-100 and it will be all the more rewarding. Granted im a plumber, but ya know there was a time i didnt know brass from a ass. Take your time, dont rush the process and enjiy every second. Good luck. Also jesse your a awesome guy been a fan for a while thanks for all you do buddy😁

[@chrischris2886]

The modularity using Tri-Clamps is king regardless of buy vs build. A pro for the "buy" is better re-sell when upgrade or exit the hobby. And this is a good time to reinforce the material safety of metals, soldering, and gaskets. And the ease of cleaning as most DIY will be copper which requires more maintenance.

[@aaax9410]

Great video and advice

[@expattyNZ]

Really enjoyed unboxing mine 😊 Definately the right decision!

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

As one of those who throws in on new hobbies full bore, I agree that shop built gear is more satisfying to use. Mods are easy because you understand the machine. Upgrades can lead to new skills and knowledge of materials and processes. Plus you can stand back and say to yourself, " I did that".✌

[@nateparsons7285]

What are your thoughts on the 100 dollar stills on Amazon? Are they not worth the time?

[@TheDragosCazacul]

Love the bubbles at the 10 min mark! 😂🤣😂

[@jimmymead7]

If there was only one way to do it then there would only be one option. All great points Jesse, I agree with everything you said, great video. I built, if I had my time over I would do it again, but agree it isn't for everyone.

[@yoguimasterof69]

I started by buying a 15lt alembic from Spain...which is ridiculous been from Chile, one of the greatest copper producers in the world...but yes, including shipping and taxes, was cheaper to buy it from Spain than from the manufacturer from Chile...which was almost 3 times more expensive. After playing around a whole year, I had a lot of fun by "designing" my own still....I learned a lot by reading, checking my thermodynamics skills from undergrad, revisiting my organic chemistry books and notes...and studying some principles. I designed a pretty convenient model (for me of course) and as I lack time...I found a local guy that builds stuff for breweries... so he knows his job (and sells pretty good beer)...so, for him was nice to learn copper-stainless steel welding and other stuff I asked him to do. I designed the apple crusher as well.....and built my own super-extra-large (overestimated my apple production) apple press. So, so far, it is a nice year into this hobby. Now...going from this to a business, I think is a totally different story. I guess, in the end, it relates to what you expect from this...

[@rainbowno7]

With your beard you remind me of Gimli. I found your channel because I was interested in distilling my own. Thanks for the pros and cons.

[@robkim4684]

I live by the addage: why buy it for $500 when I can build it for $1000. I love how you talked about reasons to build it! I just have a problem in going WAY overboard in the making of things. Also, I understand the pains of being isolated. Shipping to Alaska is painful as well.

[@CP-od7tr]

Thumbs up! If I can buy it for $500 and build it for $1000. It's all about the fact that it's enjoyable to build it and you can have the satisfaction knowing that YOU built it!

[@desertriderukverun1002]

A couple thoughts, it doesn't have to be as binary as buy or build as you can choose the parts to buy or build based on your tools, skills and what is available in your part of the world as location makes a huge difference! It's also worth noting the weldless bulkhead fittings allow one who isn't able to weld or solder to convert a suitable container into a boiler. Large pressure cookers and pressure canners can occasionally be found for reasonable prices used and a 2" tri clamp fitting on the top, 1" female for the heating element and a 1/2" drain can be added in an hour or two with appropriately sized hole saws. Another note is safety. You will be dealing with liquids at temperatures that can burn and scald, highly flammable vapors and high voltages. I have seen other channels where the workmanship is not only cringeworthy but the final product could easily fail during use put someone at serious risk of harm. So if you just don't have the skills or willingness to produce a quality product, buy a commercial product. Then again, some of the commercial products are a bit rinky dink as well. Whichever route when chooses, look at it as a journey and your first still is just that, the starting point.

[@chegson2wheels686]

I learned from my parents at a very young age how to homebrew beers & wines,this allowed me to gather up the various items to ferment my own alcoholic beverages over the years since. Then I ceased drinking for a good few years(but kept hold of most of my fermenting gear)until I discovered KZbin as a means to pass time during UK lockdowns,& decided to have a go at distilling. I've no job so no spare cash to save & buy a still but I'm quite handy with tools or electrics. I made my own still from an old "steam wallpaper stripper" & a metre of 8mm copper tube for the condenser. It only allows me to distill a gallon wash each time,but that's enough to supply my alcohol consumption. Now that I've tried distilling,and drank the results I've decided to search out bigger items to build a bigger still as & when I can. If I can't get hold of anything bigger then no problem as I can manage with my DIY repurposed wallpaper stripper.

[@mjack1935]

congrats dude, that s the spirit {pun intended} lol

[@chegson2wheels686]

@@mjack1935 Thanks mate,I did a minute or so video on my channel of my still in action. I have several "action cameras" but used my phone to record that. :D

[@olinseats4003]

I opted for what a lot of hobbyists would consider the joke option. A 4L Airstill. And I wouldn't think twice about doing it again. I realized that more than money or time, SPACE was going to be at a premium in my current living situation. Both for the still itself and for storing washes and mashes. I couldn't even justify a 5 gallon kit in my living space right now. The airstill, though? It takes up slightly more space than a Keurig, and due to its low volume, 2 gallon fermenters make for an ideal batch size. That lets me store a decent number of projects in a small area. Combine that with my interests mainly being in experimentation and other mad science. I don't really need anything bigger, and what few wants I have for a bigger kit are mitigated by the convenience it brings to the table. There are definite cons to the situation, (difficulty with precise cuts, hard limits on scaling up) but the biggest pro is that I wouldn't be able to do it at all if something in this size wasn't available.

[@jasonnabors5045]

BTW I love the commitment you have dedicated to your majestic beard. I get about 1/2 way into your length and reset the whole thing

[@ledzep331]

I'm in the halfway club. Buying a boiler similar to the T500 boiler but with more temp control built in. The column is where I want the flexibility so building that. I've really enjoyed sourcing the parts and most of them have arrived or are on their way. Researching new skills like brazing has been fun, can't wait to get building my shotgun condenser and dephlegmater. And who would have thought that the hardest thing to understand/learn/know was what flux and brazing rods were needed (still not sure I've ordered the correct ones but I'll learn from the experience)? I'm sure that I'll still use the old Chinese pot still every now and then.

[@jamescook6014]

I started with a plan of building as importing was too expensive. I knew I wanted to make spirits but did not intend on zoning in on one style such as gin. I love experimenting so the still had to be hybrid. I was first a home brewer and have a RoboBrew so wanted a hybrid setup that would work with it and have room to adapt going forward. Based on watching your build as well as Angry Parrot channel I put plans to paper and went for it. A year later and Lots of learning I had something workable and started chasing. Volume was limiting as well as a issue with the lid so from there took the next step and converted a 50l keg into a kettle. Fortunately I have electrical skills so was able to build a custom controller to do what I wanted. I have loads to learn and discover still but having a blast doing it along with much appreciated help when asked from this very Channel. Do what you need to chase the craft and make use of what you can afford at the time. Your kit will grow and adapt with you as your journey evolves.

[@southcack8245]

STAINLESS STEEL LEGOS - That is, SS sanitary spools, triclamps, and various other SS sanitary fittings. I built a 3" CCVM using parts bought on eBay and Amazon. Requires very few building skills or tools. You can also spread the cost over a long period of time as you can afford parts. It can be as simple or complicated as you want it.

[@johnbeach2770]

sometimes I long for the days I could walk past any copper or the plumbing section in the home center and not "design" a new still in my head or dreams, or...if I could walk by any non reactive vessel and say to myself...what can I ferment in that???

[@squirlboy250]

LOL I bought a chemistry distillation for my first set. But I do want to build one, one of these days when I get time to, and the $, mostly the money part haha. The biggest reason I like building stuff is just the pure satisfaction that I built it and it gives me new skills in many areas. I am the DIY type, and have MANY different tools and skills already.

[@heymulen1840]

I build it . "Hypothetical" that is, as Bearded would say :-) A 40 L. and a 9 L stainless steel 316L. Would have a Bought one as well, (T500) if the seller didnt have to register and tell the state it. For me the main thing is keeping it fun !! just love watching Jesse, George and bearded having fun teaching us their Knowledge !! And then enjoying the learning by doing it myself :-) Happy distilling around the world !

[@BillMcGirr]

My humble 2 cents are to buy it and go stainless. The time you spend building one can be spent learning the craft... keeping a notebook and writing stuff down helps me to remember information. Stainless is just easier to maintain and clean. Copper packing is much easier to clean than a copper still and piping. Obviously if you have the tools and the knowledge... building is a great option. But for someone who doesn’t have those tools and skills... I feel like buying is the way to go. So many options.😊👍🥃

[@jasonnabors5045]

So I built mine. It is a pot/reflux/wood steam bender. I am a multitask fan. Building is most definitely not cheaper than buying. I have an issue with always wanting more. I built a PID/ SCR system that will run both ways. I use the PID to regulate the temp up to a certain temp and then switch over to the SCR and use that for the run. I get a better product that way. I am by trade skilled in most every method of construction and fabrication of pretty much anything so for me no biggie. But buying a good T500 would have been cheaper if I was only distilling with it. I build boats and do carpentry as a hobby so it was a major boon for building my own.

[@BitcoinNoddy]

true, def' agree with the gut feeling thingo

[@rogerblack4603]

In NZ, buying something like a T500 and running a few TFFV washes is an economic way to get started. You will have almost broken even after a few washes, but more importantly, also learnt a few things. Then you are better placed to decide what you really "need".

[@juanziegler1471]

truth be told ,in USA its very easy and cheap , but you are right lack of creativity costs more lol , love the videos

[@thechefjaygatsby]

I'm using an airstill, I know that's totally verboten for most distillers but I live in an apartment and can't really run hoses to the condenser for something higher end. I'm pretty happy with the product and I do enjoy just making it on my own.

[@levonsauve4507]

Future video idea. can you flavor a whiskey after it’s distilled by aging it with grains along with the wood or is it a waist of grain can’t find anyone who’s tried it and recorded it. Keep up the great work!

[@kevinbaxter2578]

Awesome Vid Jesse. My 20gal CCVM is almost exactly like yours. But, but I purchased all of the stainless piping, elbows, reducers, boiler, elements. ECT... I decided to go that route for ease of setup and changeable features but I really didn't feel like soldering, cutting, braising.... You get it. Yes I paid a bit more, but hell Amazon is quick and in some cases cheaper.

[@justanotherhuman-d6l]

I got an electronic still for distilling/purifying water and man. It is wonderful as far as the things I've made off of it. Cost me around $100 and I ended up being able to go from a 15 gallon wash to roughly 8x750ml bottles of amber. It may not fit other peoples tastes but it fits mine and I love how it came out. I say build or buy what you can so you can get in as soon as possible and start testing. I just started a honey and brown sugar wash and damn. It already tastes amazing just as the wash!

[@ntolman]

The hillbilly long ass moonshiner beard is a world wide phenomenon.

[@CP-od7tr]

My story. I made a pot still with a wally world soup pot, 3/8" copper tubing, and a kitty litter bucket. I used flour paste and c-clamps. It worked but was not very enjoyable to drink and was small quantity. I then built a shotgun condenser and mounted it on a keg. I'm a maintenance guy in a plant and have access to a machine shop. Better quantity but still not what I was looking for. BTW, I was using a propane turkey cooker for heat and it was just too hard to control. I then sold my house and moved into an apt and gave it up for a while. Third floor walk up and a propane cooker just seemed like a bad idea for me and the other tenants. :) Then I started to miss the hobby. I said to myself, look bonehead you have a good job and can afford to buy a still. I bought a M H 8 gal. reflux, built George's PID controller (yes, I know you are not a big fan of that :) and I am now happy as can be. I'm turning out quality vodka faster than I can consume it. I also have time to try various other recipes as well. For a beginner I would say make or buy a small still and see if this is something you want to pursue. If you really enjoy doing this then upgrade any way your budget and or skills will allow. JMHO Great video Jesse!!!!!!!!!!

[@benjaminderringer1680]

Better myself I could not have said.... ymmm.. perfect advice my man!

[@rwhitenz]

I started with my home build eHERMS beer setup (3 x 50L stainless pots with weldless fittings and electrical control panel with pids/manual controllers) and modified my boil kettle to accept a 2" column which I brought from aliexpress due to time but now I'm about to teach myself to silver solder etc so I can make a smaller still for gin and then another 50L separate from my beer setup. Of course I had to get oxygen concentrators etc so I can run oxylpg for more heat for some other projects (I know mapp option etc but i chose the one with more setup lol) so one project needs another that has other uses and leaves me with more useful tools lol. Half the fun it is making the gear for me, learning new skills etc. My beer and spirits are cheap but my equipment building and tool acquisitions not so much lol. Totally separate budgets lol

[@keithbowers3980]

Love the beautiful beard bro,, been following for 2 years and the beard demands respect

[@2learneasy]

I think you're spot on. But if anyone has this question of build or buy watching videos like this is the best place to be. I could build one but I looked at the price of copper and for the same price I could buy a T500 still with the copper parts included. Here in England it was £500 for sheet copper, T500 stiil is about £500. I also know full well I'd need something I don't have if I choose to build which drives up the price, but would buying strip out some soul? I still haven't decided yet 🙁

[@nineinchnails7213]

Build a vapor management still for reflux. Vapor management is amazing. Pot stills can be very versatile and easily modified. Go electric 240V.

[@semdevisser5227]

I paid angry parrot distillery to make mine. He made it exactly as I wanted and to a standard that would take me years to come close to. I'm time poor so this was by far the best decision, got me up and running way faster.

[@mickcook7712]

Build it it's a great journey 👍

[@xjesusxchristx]

I have access to all the manufacturing equipment needed, at my father's house, in his giant workshop. I still found neither option the cheapest... Buying one in Canada would run 600ish minimum, for a cheap system. Building one from copper started to become barley any cheaper, while exploring material options. Stainless would make a negligible (possitive)difference... But by the time all the effort and labor is considered, while the more prideful option, makes buying one make more sense(you're only saving maybe a hundred bux, at best). I found that piecing together something from available parts, in combination with a bit of manufacture, can half the cost, and has the advantage of becoming modular, and continuously evolving. Each sanitary pipe you add for extention, essentially allows for an extra pot still option, with another boiler. Stainless keg for boiler: 20 to 50 dollars off Craigslist. Added advantage of sanitary tri clover compatibility. Pre-made column/pot attachment, such as the alcoengine - 150 at local brew supply shops. Sanitary connections for extention - as little as 15 bux for 1.5 feet of 2" Stainless on Ali Express. Clamps - dirt cheap on Amazon, Ali, or slightly more at local shops. Sanitary connections now only require an elbow, and a condenser to become a pot system of their own, with the addition of another keg.

[@onlybirdlad2]

I live in one of those countries you were talking about........ but am from NZ too. So in the checkin luggage a turbo 500 went

[@1itim]

This kind of question can get crazy. I mean really, do you want to become a still maker, or a spirit maker? And “building from scratch” - where (for you) is the ‘scratch’, you are probably going to buy the fittings, you are not going to beat the copper and make a tube. But I totally get going to grain. I had a mate who went so far as to grow his own barley for his beer. I get that. I like Jessie’s point- it is up to what you are going to get out of it.

[@dopstjom701]

Spent over a year learning what I wanted to make, how to make it etc and realized how unskilled I am and empty my tool box is. Fortunately found a website that I could buy all the components and put together what I wanted.

[@thebeaglebeat3615]

What is the website link? Please & Thank you

[@piccolorio]

I think modularity is key. Adding parts, removing parts, exchanging stuff. Clamp it!

[@danielgilbreath2290]

I guess my best advise to newbies is start simple and learn the basics! Then move up as you learn the craft and also study study!!

[@StillIt]

That's solid advice

[@danielgilbreath2290]

Thanks man! I'm over here in the US and have been at it for about 4 months and just know the struggles of figuring it all out before you jump in head over heels. LOVE THE CHANNEL!!

[@danielgilbreath2290]

@@theworldisastage1984 that you will!! I started with a 5 gallon but didnt take long to want to move up😉. I was only saying start simple and go from there because the learning curve between fermenting and distillation is a big one! But I can't disagree with what your saying

[@danielgilbreath2290]

@@theworldisastage1984 always something lol. Time is my biggest issue on a pot that size so I have to run two medium sized ones at the same time to get much volume in the shortest time possible. Maybe one day that'll change!

[@eddiepadilla1078]

In retrospect, I should've built mine. Despite having the tools and know-how I was reluctant out of fear of using the wrong material at some point--i should've looked more into it.

[@lenesmero]

I have been perusing your videos. I cannot seem to find one where you address the issue of drawing out and discarding methanol form your distillations. Is this no longer a problem with the process/equipment you use?

[@brianjacobsen5762]

Do a small sub with flat sheet copper wood for the sides.

[@DUbsTEEP100]

I've kind of gone a mixed route. Columns and cost in my area are much cheaper to buy modular for what I would like to do, but the boilers get pricey quick so I'm building a Keg boiler VERY similar to yours (58 liters though). Hoping to be up and running within the next month! Been planning now for almost 6

[@monto313]

I would say depends on someone’s skillset. If you’re handy with making things or soldering copper plumbing, make it. If you’re not, buy it.

[@Cliff82]

I've "drank" some some really cool stuff from a still off Wish. Watching this vid makes me want to move to New Zealand just so I can enjoy what I enjoy. Wouldn't it be fun to go down to the local flea market or trader fair and set up something you built without the problematic situation of politics? 😁 I have a lot of fun watching your videos brother. Still on!

[@richarddcvd8868]

Dear yoda, i've built and ran my still today! It's an ugly girl but great potential. A 100 liter stainless steel boiler with a ss neck and copper hood. Then a hugely oversized worm, i found out and a cooling system for an nuclear plant... Vinegar steam coming out everywhere so a bit of sealing to look forward to before my sacrificial run.(On a burner) Yes; i am paying attention to your channel and follow your steps..for the most part. Do you have any ideas what to use for a sealer instead of teflon tape? Have you ever seen it 5 cm's wide for example? Keep the flow, bro!

[@Ansis99]

Hi, Jesse and others! If you (person who wants to build self-made distillator) can answer to one only question - Am I alcoholic? than everything is simple. If "Yes" than you can made simplest form of distillator made from Home Depot accessories and it is cheep, but not safe! If you are person who drink a little bit and you have about 200$ and free time and You love to do something yourself than you can build small distillator like I did. 10Liters SS kettle, pipes, solder, fittings, cooler with radiator and pump... bucket 30Liters for water. It`s cost about 200$. Pros - It is good, because sometimes wine is "shit" and only thing you can do is to distill it! It is interesting too. You start to read about subject and it makes you better! :) Cons - It takes more time and you can do something better! Nature, fishing, sporting etc. Something like that.

[@jeremywebster9598]

I built a 15.5 gallon keg still with a 5 gallon thumper keg and a 20'×1/2" worm condenser. I'd like to hear your input on a thumper keg, hopefully you read this! Possibly link me to a video.

[@CleverOwl-t8j]

What kind of fittings did you use on your water hose? They look awesome

[@StillIt]

The ones coming off the still? Just garden hose parts haha

[@francoismorkel]

I decides to "split the difference". I bought the components and built a mpdular still of my own design. Nice stainless column, dephleg and shotgun condeser. The boiler is a simpke hot water urn with the thwrmostat replaced by my own arduino based controller amd SSR. Works like a charm. All modular with triclamps. So far been only limoted by my imagination...

[@operationrestore3308]

Got my first still ready with a mix of build and buy. Im doing a sugar wash so if i bung it up sugar is cheap lol want to make wash from extract next great vids man

[@StillIt]

This is the way!

[@operationrestore3308]

@@StillIt thank you sir if i may ask. Foreshots come off first i know to discard but what if your running a gin basket with say a mulling spice in it will the methanol ruin the spice and rest of run?

[@StillIt]

@@operationrestore3308 nah it won't ruin it. You will just waste a lot of the flavor in your spices on the fores/heads. You can (If your setup allows) add the spices after collecting the heads/fores though.

[@navigator5426]

Ancestors of mine used to make and sell moonshine, you have to make very sure that any tin/lead solder joints do not come into contact with what you are distilling due to the risk of lead poisoning. If you know how to make one safely and can feel free to make your own. If you don't know how to make one where your product doesn't come into contact with your solder joints, then you had better buy one unless you like lead poisoning.

[@drdzdd]

Ive not seen the video but liked it already

[@scottforsythe2024]

You missed an option. Design and buy (not commission a build). I purchased a keg boiler and designed a completely modular column that can be reconfigured for neutral spirit, gin, or whisky. All made out of tri-clamp components. I had to research and understand distilling to enable the design. I have built my own HLT and Mashtun out of 50lt kegs. And designed and built my own SCR controller that works with mashing and distilling.

[@andrewford3508]

So I actually just build 20 liter stainless keg still I used the chimney out of the keg to build my column with a 5 gallon water jug for my condenser

[@cxiliapersono]

I live in Chile, which produces 10% of the world's copper by value, but local manufacturing is tiny (we're basically a posh banana republic) Nevertheless, customs handling and taxes on imports are so inconvenient, that making a still yourself might even be cheaper. And hey, using brand new copper!

[@williamarmstrong7199]

Ahh you got me on the geek aspect 100% right.

[@MawoDuffer]

Building a still is hard. It’s so hard to find something passable as a pot. Soldering is fun, when it’s going well that is. I think buying one and then building modular things like a dephlagmator for the column is going to be right for me.

[@simonskidmore2998]

Haha.... looking forums it seems like everyone is making their own stills. That's way too tricky for me. I haven't really done any metal work since middle school. I reckon make it if you're a boiler maker, but if not buy. Whatever you do, make it modular. Easier to clean and Frankenstein it later as you desire.

[@tolfan4438]

Here on the east coast of the USA we have a big moonshine tradition. There are guys that can piece together a still for next to nothing in nothing flat

[@andyh7537]

Hi Jesse. You've touted your CCVM still quite a bit, but I don't think you've ever done a video using it. Please do a CCVM spirit run video!!

[@andyh7537]

My apologies! I had forgotten about this video. I would love to see more of the basic CCVM running (no 4" plate) though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZbMZIlpj9RshZI