 Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/4/2010(UTC)
Posts: 5
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"Hey everyone. Ok, so i'm finally switching over to the dark side after brewing beer for a number of years. I have been reading as much as i can and have a copy of the ""Home Distillers Handbook"". But after reading this forum I feel I may have jumped into the deep end of the alcohol pool.  First of all I need to get the terms down (Lees, Cuts, Dunder,ect....), As far as the mash goes i got that covered. Also, I was originally planning on using a propane burner to heat my still.(Btw. I just ordered the ps2 setup from brewhaus.) Is this anacceptable heating method or should i look at an electric burner."
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 Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/10/2009(UTC)
Posts: 519
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"Are you stilling outside or inside? Lots of gents prefer the control one gets with propane Electric controllers are available for internal elements and a hot plate type set up is best if it does not cycle. Steady input is always preferable rather than cycling. Here ya go: http://www.brewhausforum.com/showthread.php?t=750"
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Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/4/2010(UTC)
Posts: 5
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Tanks for the link, thats exactly what i needed, makes it a little less intimidating.
I am not sure weather i will be running the still in my back yard or i my garage. I would like to do it in my garage with the door up like three to six inches and a shop fan pulling air through the back door but i am worried that wont be enough ventilation. I am also leery of doing it in my back yard because I'm not sure how cool my neighbors will be with it.
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/10/2009(UTC)
Posts: 519
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"Better safe than sorry. I like the electric internal heater option. I use a 4500 watt low density element with a 30amp DPDT switch to go from 240 volts (for heat up) to 120 volts (for spirit runs). I come up to temp in about 20 minutes. I am not happy with my spriit run speed as I have a lot of,,,,,,""add ons"" and use a bit more heat to push vapor. With a controller I would/could be the worlds greatest stiller in the world. That is next on my wish list. Lots of gents love the control that propane can offer. But I grill alot and I have many extra tanks for reserve in case I run out while cooking. Wellll,,,, you guessed it. All my spare empty tanks are always empty: I never run out, I can still when its raining or windy. I don't need ventilation. And propane in my area is like 26 bucks. Couple of different ways to engineer your boiler should you go that route." LWTCS attached the following image(s):  keg element wiring 001.jpg (93kb) downloaded 0 time(s). keg element wiring 003.jpg (93kb) downloaded 0 time(s).You cannot view/download attachments. Try to login or register.
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 Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/27/2010(UTC)
Posts: 19
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"hey, man, i am in the same boat as you -- I am currently reading/researching, preparing to make the purchases. In the past, I have made beer, so I got mash covered. I will be doing it outside, using the propane tank. I havent figured out a cooling solution yet -- seems like a lot of different setups and opinions.
cheers"
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Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/4/2010(UTC)
Posts: 5
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What do you mean cooling problem? are you referring to the condenser water? I thought the PS2 came with the water control and pump? Is there something im missing?
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/27/2010(UTC)
Posts: 19
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"i havent bought anything yet, so i dont know what your unit comes with. besides, i am not too sure what a condenser is. However, i have seen all kinds of discussions on this forum where members talk about filling a garbage can with water and frozen coke bottles, a car radiator with a small fan blowing on it, and some other similar solutions -- i am not sure how it all ties together. I am not purchasing anything till i understand the full picture. I do know that the cooling solution needs to recycle water in a closed loop, you dont want to run hours and hours of new water continuously.
so may be you can explain to me how your condenser thingy works?"
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Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/4/2010(UTC)
Posts: 5
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"Ok I think i understand what you are referring to.
The ps2 (Pro Series 2) Comes with a pump and all the hoses required to run cooling water through the tower and condenser to maintain proper reflux.
The condenser is the part of the still where the alcohol vapor is cooled into a liquid. after the condenser you attach a hose where you collect the spirits.
I was planning on using a bucket with ice in it but from what ive been reading you need a significant amount of cooling. I'll probably use jugs of frozen water and a trash can as you said."
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Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/4/2010(UTC)
Posts: 5
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"LWTCS'
Thanks for the pics. My unit is coming with the kettle provided, i don't really want to spend the money right now ( my Wife is already hollering about the money i spent already). From what I've been reading people are using propane with good results, i'll just need to take extra precautions. In the future i will be switching to a full keg at that point i will probably install the internal heater. Do you know if the PS2 needs an adapter to fit a keg or will it fit right on?"
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/10/2009(UTC)
Posts: 519
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Don't know much about the brewhaus equipment, but I think it can be made to come with the tri-clamp set up that will allow for an easy peasy conection to an unmolested keg.
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/22/2005(UTC)
Posts: 817
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"Yes, the 2"" columns come with an O ring and will attach directly onto a keg. The 3"" columns require and adoptor and a 2"" clamp.
An unmolested beer keg? Do you mean its still full? LOL"
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/10/2009(UTC)
Posts: 519
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"Haha,,,,,Sadly no.
[COLOR=""Red""]Unmolested[/COLOR]-factory, uncut, not modified."
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/17/2007(UTC)
Posts: 167
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i have the ee2c. i find it is easier to control the temp through heat than water.i have a hard time turning the valve accurately on the water management setup.i use the 1500 hotplate from Brewhaus with the heat control bypassed and with a router.i also use 2 pumps. one to the column and one to the condensor.i would recommend buying the hi cap unit.i also use a 30gallon trash can with frozen 2ltr coke bottles for cooling.you can run this rig in your garage safely.
just me
life begins at 80. 1080 that is
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