Wilder Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 What are you opinions on site built column stills? I several friends that are union boilermakers and one plumbing and design engineer. Do an of you have an thought on this or do you favor the really custom built models. I'm not really after a still that is to be placed in pictures, just on that will make a clean, quality product with a great taste. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palmetto Coast Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 There is nothing wrong with doing it yourself, as long as you know how to design it. I know Celebration Distillation (Louisiana) and DogfishHead (Delaware) do not have the big fancy stills from overseas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilder Posted October 30, 2009 Author Share Posted October 30, 2009 Thanks This is the plan that I intend to go with. I joined here to find the information that I need to start my own distillery and hope that every one will be patient if I ask a stupid question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beauport Bob Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 Good morning Wilder, I did buy an "overseas" custom built still with columns mostly for the versitility our still has and the C.I.P. (Clean In Place) system. As mentioned by Palmetto Coast, there are many who have built their own. I, am to a point, envious of their intimacy with their equipment. They were built for purpose. Not just thrown together. I agree that you must know what you want to do. Plan carefully and include all the factors. Please consider the traditional question of where you want to be in 5 years. It passes quickly! I guess my advice is to spend $$ wisely. Great you are doing the research. Also,remeber that the home distilling info available on line is great but does not always translate to an industial, meaning economical, use. Good Luck, Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billowens Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 What are you opinions on site built column stills? I several friends that are union boilermakers and one plumbing and design engineer. Do an of you have an thought on this or do you favor the really custom built models. I'm not really after a still that is to be placed in pictures, just on that will make a clean, quality product with a great taste. Call me about building a still. Bill Owens. 510-886-7418 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valley Spirits Lee Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 Call me about building a still. Bill Owens. 510-886-7418 I am building my own 45 gallon, 4 inch copper column still, with an 8 inch bubble cap, reflux cooling, C.I.P. and a botanical basket. The factory built units are wonderful, but the cost is more than I can handle. I figure for about $1,500 ( I got a lot of stuff cheap - i.e. 14 ft of 4 inch copper for $200 )and a lot of sweat equity, I am building what would cost me $20,000 plus and I get exactly what I want. It may not be as fancy as one from the big guys but it will produce high quality product. So my opinion is if you have the ability and can figure out why something is made the way it is, go for ii! Save the money, you will need it somewhere else. Valley Spirits Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilder Posted November 3, 2009 Author Share Posted November 3, 2009 I would guess that your output should be around 6 gallons per run at or near 100 proof. Is this what you are estimating? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Action Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 Without hiring my own engineer, is it possible to find plans for a professional system? Either for purchase commercially, or maybe something in the public domain? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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