Chasin' Tales

What size of a batch are you looking to filter? 10, 50, 100, 200 gallons?

Zinc is very often used as a sacrificial anode in highly corrosive environments. Most marine vessels will have zinc anodes for this purpose.

Using them in a distillery? If you are using 304 or 316 SS, you should have no need for sacrificial anodes of any composition. The stainless steel equipment will outlive you.

I looked at induction heating but unfortunately it was very cost prohibitive.

Thanks Chip, great details. Do you think this something like this unit, http://products.esabna.com/EN/home/arc_welding_equipment/arc_eq_category_page/q/display_id.id43628b95ba83a2.84035793/category_id.1743 would cut it for 1/8" or thinner?

I have this unit and used it sucessfully on 1/8" copper: http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/product.php?model=M00152

It looks similar to the ESAB unit you listed.

I have also found that these brazing rods make great TIG filler rods and flow wonderfully. I haven't used them on a still, so not sure if the 7% phosphorus would be an issue or not. : http://www.weldfabulous.com/Filler-Metals/SolderFlux/Phos-Copper-0/Weldcote-0-332-x-20-36-Phos-p8876381.html

Best of luck!

I emailed my original question to the TTB. Here's there response:

"No, there is no restriction on that. Just be certain the proposed location meets local zoning requirements and fire safety standards."

I had members from a local church oppose my distillery, even though they weren't next door. I was more than 500' from a church or school, yet they came (about a dozen) to vocally oppose granting a variance for my business. The chairman of the Zoning Board was an Evangelical Christian, and deeply opposed on religious grounds. Thankfully, religious views were not part of the decision process and I got my variance.

You should be aware that the aroma of whiskey mash, happily fermenting yeast, and maybe whiskey will on occasion make it's way towards the church. I also wouldn't do any work or have the distillery open during church services.

I'd check your state laws. That's a likely place where there might be restrictions.

But regardless of what the law might be, do you really think it's a good idea? Maybe you should attend the church one Sunday and introduce yourself to the pastor. The reaction you get may help you make your decision.

I appreciate the considerations! The location I'm looking at sits a good deal away from the road. The layout of the buildings in relation to the church is such that I don't think the church will have any idea what's going on across the road. Since I'm not able to have a tasting room or sell directly to the public, I'm not going to have much in the way of signage to advertise my location. The building I'm looking at is zoned industrial. So far there's no issues with the local government.

It looks like the church issue is a non-issue for me.

Thanks again for all the help!

Dirk

Is a big, mean dog an option?

Thanks fellas!

I have done my due dilligence on the local level, just wanted to make sure there were no issues at the federal level.

As noted above, the local issues pertain to sales, not manufacture of liquor.

I appreciate the replies.

Dirk

I've read through the CFR's numerous times and don't recall seeing anything regarding this, but want to make sure I didn't overlook something. Are there any federal regulations governing the minimum distance, if any, a distillery would have to be located away from a church?

I am looking at leasing a space that is located across the road from a church. Both the space available for lease and the church are located back off the road a good ways. The space is a good fit at a decent price. Just making sure being located across from a church won't trip me up.

Thanks in advance for any information.

Dirk

We have a flashlight graveyard at our distillery and plenty of dead and 'rechargeable' batteries to boot. Going in and out of dark rooms, and looking in barrels and tanks has taken it's toll. Does anyone have a flashlight they love and that lasts? Any advice is appreciated!

Pelican Sabrelite 2000. It can be found online for $20-25. It's indestructable w/ lifetime warranty. The flashlight is intrisically safe as well. A nice feature in a potentially hazardous environment.