"I would go with the higher wattage/current rated router controler. My 15 amp one finally died after a year usage and it would get pretty warm while the still was running. I got the 20 amp one which handles the current better and doesn't get as warm.
Amazon has a few to choose from as well as ebay."

"

If you have the extra cash, a variac will never burn out."

I just toss first 50mls to answer your question, i do run 2 pumps one for tower one for condenser, think alot of people are doing that tho, works well.

Ok Scotty..you have been very informative. Thanks. Now I went over to that place the only thing I could find in online catalouge which seem to fit this deal is a controller for a router designed to be used for carpentry work. Now is this the same critter of which you speak or do you think I was in the wrong section or something?

"Ok so let me get in on this too....with a router speed controller you can use any size heating element you want. It makes no differnce because the RSC is only gonna send so much juice to the element, know what I mean??? I used a 5500 watt on one of my units cause I thought it would last longer since it is designed for big juice and its only getting little juice. I plug mine into a 30 amp circut and while its cooking in the spirit run it only draws 8-9 amps. I also use the propane stand and the gas to get up to temp and then I turn off the gas and just use the eletric element with RSC and leave it right there on that stand.

I haven't seen anybody use a RSC with a hot plate but givera go and see if it works. Only thing that can happen is it burns up the hotplate."

Now what disaster befalls those who have the fancy hundred buck hotplate but not the router control gizmo? I am always nervous about being struck dead for not following procedures etc. Thanks.

Well I can answer the question at this point. The answer is nothing if your in the reflux mode. My router controller zonked out a few runs back. Aint missed it a bit. Things are real controllable with the water. When a person cant keep the temps down with the water its time to quit. Now if you want to pot still..gotta have one. Hope this helps. Welcome to the Brewhaus Forum. Don't bees no stranger.

Great point Sir. I was operating under the perhaps mistaken assumption he had already done that deed for some reason. It may have been one of the voices in my head that tells me stuff. Thanks.

Sounds good to me. The Good Book says to hide those VERSES in our hearts..which as all of us serious students is inclined to believe..head and heart are mostly synonymous. You Noo Yawkers seem to be right on task. Hearty Congrats!!