Building a Still

[Closet Philosopher]

This summer, I want to accomplish a few things that may be enjoyable, and at least semi-constructive. I am going to learn the guitar (I am already starting), go gamping overnight with friends on an island down the river, and I would also like to build a still. I want to build a still as much for the construction part as the alcohol. Have any of you ever built one? I am looking around on the internet a little, but I have failed to gind good schematics, or clear ideas. Can any of you help?

 

[James R]

Can't be much help, but I like to say: be careful you don't produce methanol rather than ethanol - it will do nasty things to you.

 

[Idle Mind]

be careful you don't produce methanol rather than ethanol - it will do nasty things to you.

Like kill you. Blindness is also one of the symptoms. Although, if you go to the hospital, they will give you a lot of ethanol.

Methanol is broken down by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase into formaldehyde. The ethanol competitively inhibits this reaction, and is broken down into acetaldehyde (along with dehydration is the cause of your hangover). Obviously, having formaldehyde in your system is not a good thing.

 

[Abnak]

Salt , there are many plans for building a still on the web . Some are large enough for you to produce fuel for your car or heat your home , power a generator etc... I made a small one many years ago from glassware ( 1000ml flask and condenser , heating plate and a small water pump ) to produce brandy , Mmmmmm....

In alot of countries it is illegal to use a still , but legal to own .