Fourlix

So it's 16 gauge?

I would love to know more about this. The idea of using some continuous still features on a pot still would increase efficiency, which I am looking for as my only heat source is propane.

Certainly seem to be going in the direction of a 100% SS boiler, with a 100% copper column or onion and beyond. Joined by bolts or Tri-clamp. Looks like tri-clamp 10" or 12" would be a good marriage of the stainless boiler to the column or onion. And I always overthink everything, can't help it. Stainless manway is going to work better too.

Are there any pictures of your metalwork as you are forming? Do you use an English wheel or planishing hammer?

I could see a bolt together flange from the top up. Changing the column to an onion or whatever could be practical. But where the sides meet the top is a large joint and I think it would be hard to seal if it were bolted. The top could be stainless however, and the bolted transition to a copper column or onion kinda makes sense, say 12" in diameter, with no dissimilar metals being welded or brazed at all.

And that brings us right back to joining copper to stainless. Joining the SS side to the copper top. I don't have a TIG. I will MIG the stainless, and, how about oxy-acetylene with silicon bronze filler for the stainless to copper joint? with rivets? Thanks, Alex

I like the brew kettle answer. I am very rural, propane the only heat, steam too inefficient. I have two 4' tank heads SS 14 gauge, 304 left over from a wine tank project. I want to direct fire, but I was worried about cracking. So, with that answered, I plan on going up 4' with more stainless, then top and the rest with copper. That gives me two 350 gallon stills which match my 8 poly fermenters two ss tanks and a mash tun, all 350 gallon. Whiskey and Rum are the goals, so pot stills seem adequate, though a couple of plates for the whiskey is intriguing. Features of the continuous still are also tempting. Lots to learn, a 2,000 sq. ft. barn to convert into a distillery which is attached to a gorgeous historic old west saloon,,,with no license. It is the ultimate old west Tasting room. I hope the picture comes through here....

All the stainless steel cookware is "clad" with some other metal, copper or something else, and it is soldered to the stainless. Only the very cheapest stock pots are not clad.

I was under the impression that direct firing stainless would lead to cracking.....

Why not just build an all copper still? Especially if you are going with direct heat, gas flame. What filler would work best on copper to copper with oxy acetylene torch? thanks,

Cool, thank you. I live in a very rural area, local authority is...not around. Being safe, and having a good product are paramount. I just really like making my own stuff. I want to do a simple pot still, copper, with direct heat, no steam, about 350 gallons. Propane is my only heat source, so I want it to be simple and efficient. So far I have 8 poly fermenters, two stainless tanks and a stainless mash tun, all 350 gallons.

Are there any regulations that would not allow me to make my own Still and other equipment for my own commercial distillery? I looked in the TTB regs and didn't see anything other than giving notice. Are there any requirements like food grade certified welder or? Thanks