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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Make:’s project by William Gurstelle describes building a small copper alembic pot still from sheet copper and soft copper tubing. Its material list specifies 20-gauge copper sheet measuring 24 × 24 inches and a 20-foot roll of ¼-inch soft copper tubing. The build involves cutting, shaping and soldering metal; it also carries safety and legal cautions that matter before you begin.
What the project builds—and what it does not establish
The Make: project describes a small pot still with three parts: a boiler, a distillation head and a liquid receiver. It gives these the historical terms qar’a, anbiq (alembic) and qabila, respectively. The author says the still holds a little more than one gallon and names purified water, essential oils and small batches of ethanol fuel as possible uses. Those are project-page descriptions, not independent performance tests or authorization to distill any substance.
The project is framed around Zakariya Al-Razi and his Book of the Secret of Secrets. Make: describes him as a tenth-century Persian alchemist, physician and philosopher, and says many historians consider him an important figure in the foundations of modern chemical distillation. The page also notes that earlier writers discussed distillation. This historical framing is attributable to the project page; it does not by itself establish who first devised distillation or the equipment.
William Gurstelle’s project was published November 15, 2018, and the page displays an update date of April 6, 2023. Make: identifies Gurstelle as a contributing editor.
#1 Best Overall
- THERMOMETER: The built-in temperature gauge in the copper moonshine alembic still displays the temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit. Make sure the temperature is accurate when distilling. The traditional moonshine still is being widely used in countries which follow the traditional method. The condenser has an additional outlet to make emptying or circulating water easier.
- HANDCRAFTED: Our pure copper heavy gauge stills are handmade by highly skilled artisans who have been in the profession of making copper items for the past two generations. Unlike other copper stills you do not need to purchase any additional parts to set it up.
- MULTIPURPOSE USE: You can use your copper still in more than one way. Our copper moonshine stills can be used for Hydro Distillation, Steam Distillation and for Distilling alcohol. There are different benefits of using our copper pot still. It also conducts heat well and improves scent.
- COPPER MOONSHINE STILL DIMENSIONS: Capacity: 20 Litres, Height x Length x Width: 75 cm x 32cm x 65 cm, Materials: Pure Copper & Brass Handles, Copper Thickness: 1.1mm & Weight: 10 lbs. The alembic distilled pot still is portable & easy to handle. 20 gauge used for construction of the pot, the swan neck and the condenser with the serpentine coil.
Materials and tools specified by Make:
The project’s central material recommendation is 20-gauge copper sheet, 24 × 24 inches. It also specifies a 20-foot roll of ¼-inch soft copper tubing for the condenser coil.
- Lead-free plumbing solder; the author recommends cadmium-free, food-safe solder such as Stay-Brite 8 or Bridgit.
- Lead-free, water-soluble plumbing flux.
- #7 silicone rubber stopper and, optionally, high-temperature silicone sealant.
- Thirteen #8-32 × ¼-inch brass machine screws and thirteen #8-32 brass nuts.
- Measuring and layout tools, aviation snips, a drill, clamps, sanding tools, pliers, a propane torch for soldering and a file.
- Goggles and gloves for sheet-metal work and soldering.
These are the project’s specifications, not a blanket compatibility certification. In particular, do not assume that any solder, flux or sealant is suitable for every material being distilled or every surface that may contact the resulting liquid.
Rank #2
- Sufficient Capacity: Alcohol still machine owns 8 us gal real capacity, able to distill 30 liters of raw material by heating to selectively boil and then cooling to condense the vapor. Boiler barrel: 13. 8" X 15. 7" (35 x 40 cm). condenser: 7. 9" X 5" (20 x 13 cm). thumper: 7" X 4. 3" (18 x 11 cm). all parts are made of food grade material including silicone, stainless steel and copper.per.
- Speedy Cooling: This water Distiller adopts open-type cooling method, copper coils with rapid thermal conductivity assures promising cooling performance together with large contact area with the coolant, providing a rather low temperature of distilled product. Upgraded with two kegs (thumper and condenser), perfect for adding flavors to your product! Circulating water pump attached to save cooling water. Rubber pads under condenser insulates heat and quickens cooling.
- Convenient Usage: Precise thermometer with double display of Celsius and Fahrenheit on the lid for easy monitoring of wine temperature during distillation process. Circulating water enters through lower inlet and drains from upper outlet for efficient cooling.
- Dependable with Secure Sealing: Unlike soft Tubes, we use food grade silicone Tubes with flexibility and toughness that won’t bend easily to Ensure expedite water flow. Four Quick clips along with silicone gasket inside the lid facilitates tight sealing. One-way air evacuation valve involved for application in grain fermentation process.
- Versatile Application: Brilliant for both beginners and experts for distilling fruit wine, distilling water, purifying water, distilling Brandy. Thickened bottom allows all kinds of Heating methods including gas stove, ceramic stoves, electric Coil stoves, etc.
How the build is organized
At a high level, the instructions have the builder cut and form a cylindrical boiler, solder its seams and bottom, shape a boiler cap, and make a detachable alembic head from nested rings. A copper-tube coil passes through a silicone stopper to form the condenser. The project then calls for a water leak test. Follow the full instructions and the directions for the specific materials you select; this overview is not a substitute for the detailed pattern and assembly steps.
Safety cautions before working with copper
Make: warns that sheet-metal work and soldering can cause cuts and burns and calls for goggles and gloves. Its instructions state that plumbing solder melts above 400°F, recommend an electric hotplate rather than open flames, and warn never to heat the still empty because solder joints may melt. The page also instructs builders to test for leaks with water. These are the project author’s cautions, not a complete modern hazard assessment.
Rank #3
- A pure copper body takes shape，not have any weld ,very safy and very healthy
- Manual on this webpage,you can Download pdf file .Please check the product description,On this page ,down the product information have Product guides and documents.
- Non-toxic pure copper material, durable use and safe
- it can be used to making distillation water,fruit mashes,moonshine or distillation of alcohol
- Protect your eyes and hands while cutting and handling sheet metal and while soldering.
- Use an electric hotplate rather than an open flame for heating, as the project directs.
- Do not heat the still without liquid inside; the project warns that solder joints may melt.
- Perform the specified water leak test before use.
- Depending on what is being distilled, the project says the condenser coil may require a bucket of cold water.
Time, difficulty and cost estimates
Make: labels the project as taking 1–3 hours, with moderate difficulty and a cost of $51–$150. These are estimates displayed on the project page, not current price research or a guarantee of how long or how much a particular build will require.
Check local rules for your intended use
The project says to read the instructions for the chosen distillate and to mind local laws. The applicable rules depend on where you live and what you intend to distill; no jurisdiction-specific legal conclusion can be drawn from the project page alone. Do not treat a construction guide as legal permission to produce beverage alcohol or any other regulated substance.
Rank #4
- THERMOMETER: The built-in temperature gauge in the copper moonshine alembic still displays the temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit. Make sure the temperature is accurate when distilling. The traditional moonshine still is being widely used in countries which follow the traditional method. The condenser has an additional outlet to make emptying or circulating water easier.
- HANDCRAFTED: Our pure copper heavy gauge stills are handmade by highly skilled artisans who have been in the profession of making copper items for the past two generations. Unlike other copper stills you do not need to purchase any additional parts to set it up.
- MULTIPURPOSE USE: You can use your copper still in more than one way. Our copper moonshine stills can be used for Hydro Distillation, Steam Distillation and for Distilling alcohol. There are different benefits of using our copper pot still. It also conducts heat well and improves scent.
- COPPER MOONSHINE STILL DIMENSIONS: Capacity: 5 Litres, Height x Length x Width: 21 inch x 26 inch x 11 inch, Materials: Pure Copper & Brass Handles, Copper Thickness: 1.1mm & Weight: 10 lbs. The alembic distilled pot still is portable & easy to handle. 20 gauge used for construction of the pot, the swan neck and the condenser with the serpentine coil.
Project source
Read William Gurstelle’s complete instructions and cautions in Make:’s copper still project. His Make: author profile lists him as a contributing editor.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- High-quality copper material: The pot, column, condenser, liquid outlet and other main positions of the 8L copper distiller are all made of C10000 copper. Steam reacts when it comes into contact with copper, which can better catalyze aromatic substances.
- Complete accessories: Each kit is equipped with all the accessories needed for distillation. Equipped with a movable copper bubble plate, magic steaming plate, cooling water pipe, essential oil separator, universal water pipe joint, electric ceramic stove, etc.
- Easy to install and use: Adopt international quick-release interface, connected with clamps and sealing rings. Multiple heating methods, such as gas stove, electric ceramic stove, firewood, etc. Note: There is no magnetic material at the bottom of the pot, and induction cooker cannot be used for heating
- Large capacity: The capacity of the distiller pot plus lid can reach 8L, and materials can also be placed in the copper column. The 8L copper distiller can realize two distillation methods: water distillation and distillation through water.Copper essential oil distillation kit
- Multi-purpose: You can make different types of items such as hydrosols, essential oils, and distilled water according to your preferences. In addition, you can also make gin. This kit is very suitable for use in laboratories, homes, research centers and other places.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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