George-it appears you enjoy these videos as much as we do! Thanks for all you do. Truly enjoyed the video.

Thanks George ! Always learning something new from your uploads. Thanks for all the time you put into them !! Gives a beginner like me the mentor I was hoping to find 👍👍 Much appreciated Sir.

Gday George,I watch your chanel/show every day and love it.The info that squeeze in every show is priceless. Thank you

Relatively new viewer; subscribed on the first video (which rarely _ever_ happens)! You the man, George! Great video(s) ! 👍

Great video! So glad the chiller is working so well. Really neat to watch this still in action.

Again, excellent information, kudos on explaining everything. The demo on the methanol burning was priceless.

best teacher on alcohol knowledge. binge watched your videos and it solved a lot of my problem "in detail".

Hey George, I've been watching you for two weeks now... Your the man, I can't watch any other Guys videos You make it so easy and explanatory For me.. I was just about to order a Chinese version, how about nicely off line.. lol. Watch part 1 and 2 didn't fall asleep.. no Sir... Thanks for all your knowledge you Share, hope to call you one day... Happy distilling... 🤟🤟🤟☝️☝️☝️

George, thank you so much. I’m about to be a first time parent to it it’s still like this or any store and I found your video because you were trying out the same thing I just ordered and I’m waiting to be delivered. Amazing information you shared because I’m going into this half blind. I brewed beer and need for 20 years but never understood so I know that’s a different game different baseball bat or glove, what have you, but I have enough respect for fire and alcohol but I need to know a little bit more before I blow up my house lol. I’m sure I’ll never know how many dangerous obstacles I have now avoided by watching your video so I had to tell you personally thank you and the last line in your second part made me a subscriber for life you got me.

I have several different stills and I enjoy running this one alot,I think for the money it's a decent and dependable little still,thank you again, Bobby, VA

I just got a Chinese pot still...just has the pot an condenser. I’m glad to see your review. Gives me hope. And I’m glad I found your videos. Thanks!!

Both top and bottom valves are for fusel oils depending on when your using it in pot still setup or reflux. While it’s in reflux setup you can use it for the air lock as well when fermenting.

Hi George I always have a laugh with your comments I think your videos are great, I'm glad you did buy and tested that still has I have bought one myself but not had the chance to try it yet but now it makes it a lot more clear for me thank you.

Such a pleasure watching your videos George. Jam packed with good info and presented so well. Thank you!

I am looking to get started in this hobby for a myriad of reasons, good to know that this would be a reasonably priced still to start off with. im glad I found your channel. ! I saw, I subbed, and I rang the bell .. I look forward to perusing your past vid's .thanx

As everyone else has said, the horizontal configuration with the "football" turns it into a pot still. Two for one distiller with methanol blow off in each configuration is an awesome design, and it is cheap. Only thing that sucks is how thin it is, quality of welds and that yours was dinged up and crushed. With that said, could you try using it in the horizontal "football" configuration to make whiskey?? That would be a cool video.

What a fantastic video. I was looking at the 20L model and you covered all the basics of its operation. If you have not already, would you consider doing a few additional videos using this equipment. Once again, great video!

thanks for the video it answered a lot of my questions about what to do with mine. It's a REFLUX still just like yours and not a POT Still which does not have a condenser or column (the football) which usually washes the heavier molecules back down into the wash so you don't get any foreshots, or tailshots. The Methanol demonstration you gave with the flame was great it really demonstrated the purity of the reflux still like I have never seen. I also liked the internal electrode Idea like they use in home water heaters too brilliant!! I found them as replacement parts at my local Grainger supply for 6 dollars lol. Im going to modify my unit like yours. Thanks so much for the video and the demonstration it's a huge help please make more.

Always good info-tainment! Thanks George!

Great video. Bought mine back in June and just now getting ready to use it. A+ review! Thanks again!

Well done George, I do love your work.

Hey George love your videos. I have seen this still used where the "football" was turned sideways.... if you do it that way then you can use the other valve to vent methanol.

Good presentation George! Thanks for your time!

Thank you uncle George .. great video as always .. it took you a min to warm up to it .. it is a little more basic than what you're used to are not made in the US

George, no one should be able to fall asleep during your videos. Lol You explain everything to the minute...very informative...Thanks!

Great content, thank you very much ! Actually, I am planning to buy one of these and stumbled over your review. I like the way you explain things a lot

You are fantastic George... Happy distilling!

Thank you very much George. You'r a great teacher. 👍👍👍

i worry about you some times . yep your the best thing to watch. love it . thank you so much for what you do .

always interested in learning about different products thanks George

The bottom valve is part of the built in rectification module. It is used to discard the fusel oils. It works great.

Hey George, I have one of these stills. I run a 1/2 inch copper pipe compression fitting off the top of the vapour chamber then run 1/2 copper pipe to a thump keg then into supplied condenser. The only mods you need to make is use supplied cap to block off vapour chamber buy another cap the same size drill and tap it then connect a 1/2 inch copper pipe compression fitting that you hook up the outlet of the thump keg to and tri clap it to the condenser. Using this set up I've made some great rum. Thanks for your info mate.

@darrellschaefer3367

4 жыл бұрын

do you have a picture of this set up

George, i just found you're channel last w/e and Wow! You made these so much more entertaining than most stuff on TV. I watched quite a lot of them and my wife catch me and ask me, what does this guy is talking about that you spending your time watching it! Did not spend any time... They were informative and really entertaining! Great Job and thanks for the time you have taken to make them!

@AlainL57

4 жыл бұрын

just found your... sorry not my primary language!

Loved the vid, just received my 18.5 gal version of this and learned alot about using this version thank you!!!!!

Great video Mr George, I was looking into this same model. I subscribed 😁👍

As always I enjoy your tutorials!! Thanks man

Great job and entertaining always.

22:32 Well done George. Impeccable delivery as usual. And you're always impressing in the youtube comment / email world with alembic wit.

Hey George, I knew there was a smile on you about the "Chinese" Pot Still. Again, I was looking into the "Chinese" three Pot Still (their version one), but after your indept review of this version two of the still I now will get this one first then the three pot still to eventually upgrade. You're the first to have a clear review of these still type from ebay. I now know your not recommended is now a recommended. To the others that may thought of my comment bad one part one, I am new to this emailed George about this and glad it may have your interest. A lot of these are now manufactured here in the states so concerns of some parts would be minimum. Thanks again George. Whoop whoop.

@Low_side

3 жыл бұрын

@Steve Whitecliffs I don't own one, been searching American reviews for its quality and if it warrants a try. Seems fair so far. But plenty are on Ebay and Amazon and Ali (never shopped with them but fair from what I hear and seen on internet purchasers). Better and trusted deal would probably be Ebay unless more backing about the Ali people finds more comfort for you. You're welcome and thanks for asking.

I seen a couple written reviews about that still one of them said turning that football thingy sideways seems to make it work better 🤷‍♀️ Thanks for the cool Video I totally agree why spend alot of money on something you may do for 6 months and never pick back up. There is no shame at all in buying a cheapo to get started

Another great episode, always learn something.

I enjoy these video`s, and also like your wit ! Makes me laugh !!

Just as a helpful tip... Lodge makes an iron pizza pan that I have been using as a diffuser/stovetop griddle/oven pizza pan/kettle grill griddle. Also works great in the electric oven as a heat battery, levels out the temp swings so common in electric ovens. Best 50$ pan I have bought

Many thanks George. I'm getting educated before taking the plunge

I've bought the 13 gal still and I've used the same way to put my thermostat in. Works a treat.

Great video, I was looking for one that mostly ran this in the base config. Thank you again.

Thank you George, love your channel. Nice ethanol/methanol burning demo! I have more questions, will reach out on the phone. Cheers, Alex.

Can you give a rough estimation of the time it took to bleed the methanol from the upper valve? The approximate degree range? Thanks in advance!

I'm a buy one, never got to run my first still, it sold b4 I could use it. This still u just tested is the upgrade I'm trying to buy compared to the copper pot still I never got to use. Thank you for the info as it helped me feel confident that selling the copper pot still to pay for the stainless still was a good move. With the vapor football I hope it takes place of the thump keg. :)

Awesome George been waiting to see pt2. It was a pleasant surprise :)

Loved your forshots test. Thanks for your time. God bless.

Glad I stumbled across your vid, I have a similar still and was curious how effective bleeding off the methanol was. Also discovered another way to check for methanol in my product. Thank you.

This style has given me 75% on the first run ....... I used the ceramic balls ( not again ) and put 3 of the copper pot scrubbers in the column for plates ( tons of room in that column )....... I’m sure that helped . I won’t know until the next run with nothing in the column. This 5 gal. works great on the 2200 Watt hot plate and will accept any type of metal , ceramic , glass etc. cooking vessel! The only draw back with this hot plate is it increases/ decreases temp in 200 Watt increments. I got it pretty much figured already , pays to keep a log, heat settings ( probe into threaded hole nearest the column/ condenser connection and used hot glue gun to seal around it. Also have the pot top thermometer and noting start times till the drip begins and there was no evidence of heads ! (. Lighter test ). You are an awesome teacher !!! Thanx again George!

@darrellschaefer3367

4 жыл бұрын

So I was reading that you need copper to get rid of the sulfur is that why you used the copper scrubbing pads.

I bought one similar to this a few weeks back. I watched this video series after I ordered the still, and wound up a bit concerned after I watched part 1. I'm proud to report that it arrived in great condition. It seems fairly durable and sturdy. I haven't watched all of your videos, but quite a few. I appreciate your time and effort and straight forward presentation. I have a batch in the clearing stage, and I am going distill my first ever batch this coming Friday. I dropped a pretty penny getting supplies, testing items, and such so I decided to go with this still as it was the most affordable option. Oddly enough, I'm not really even a drinker. I'm not looking to sell, but in case the sky falls on our heads, I have the means... I see a lot of benefits to having this skill and capability. Thanks to you and all of the comments others have left.

@kennethroth6757

2 жыл бұрын

Well I believe that when we make our own alcohol we'll be able to know what chemicals, ingredients that are used.

@Obi_too_kenobi

2 жыл бұрын

I'm on the same page as you one year ago.bought the still and then saw the video from George.at first I was quite concerned and was thinking omg what have I done.but the still arrived in good condition.installed a heating element and made a pid controller. I'm waiting for my last things ( yeast and so) to arrive and give it a go ( first run ever 😀 )hope everything goes well How did your rum go??

Glad I found this video, I just bought the 18.5 gallon model of this. Figured if SHTF, I can distill water, alcohol, and make vinegar as well. Clean water may become an issue for those of us out in the country with electric well pumps. Being able to go to the local creek and fill up water, and clean it is a huge deal, especially with the farm fields and road run off.

@Silverstreamhomecrafts

2 жыл бұрын

How would you use this to make vinegar? Genuinely just curious because I thought you just straight fermented vinegar and I always have issues with it getting fruit flies so if you have a trick I'm all ears 😊

I bought the same still thanks for the instruction and review it was perfect

Hi George! I'm so thrilled to hear you were happy with it in the end! I ordered one from China that should be here soon. I originally wanted it to make my own essential oils, but then I started searching you tube for the different things it could do and found you! I'm a complete and total novice and am already really enjoying learning about it all. I think I'm gonna like this new hobby of mine! Thanks for such great videos!

@tommymoss1553

3 жыл бұрын

What is the size of the clamp for the lid? just ordered the 16 gallon so i am trying to find a different reflux that will fit on the lid???

Thanks for the review. Have seen them advertised and wondered about the football and valves.

Hello George, I am one of the guys who is will to get one of those Chinese stills to get started with distilling, I saw Chinese guys assembling the still and the evaporator (football thing) can be mounted either vertically or horizontally therefore, the valves of each end meant to relief the methanol according the orientation the evaporator is mounted, cheers

@blesergediomande9318

3 жыл бұрын

Hi there hope you well? Do you have an idea about how long do we need to let the methanol run off through the too valve ?

Thanks for sharing George - This was helpful

Thank you so much your are the BEST I have learned a lot from you just ordered 1 hope they didn't play football with it keep up the good work

I know this is several months old, but just wanted to say this was a great review (parts 1&2) wish I had seen this thing about 10 years ago when I first started in the ethanol production game. Thank you for sharing your knowledge George, I really appreciate it, Take Care, Stay Safe, Be Well, Mac from Georgia

@charlesjohnson7222

4 жыл бұрын

Charles McCoy are you like me, and you want to see it used in horizontal configuration?? Would that be the reflux or is how he’s using it now the reflux?

As always George, I love your stuff. This s the exact same still I started out with being on a budget and it did the job. Having a full reflux setup now as well as an alembic pot it doesn't get used much anymore but I still use it of speciality gin runs. I just chuck my botannicals in the football or vapour chamber and it works a treat. Keeping to a reasonable proof for the finished product. I love you're idea of the element through the drainage spout. I'm seriously going to look into that myself because you are so right about the time it takes to reach temp via a hotplate........ Thanks So much George, between you Jesse and Bearded, I learn so much.

@davidvincent2838

5 жыл бұрын

Oh And I think I need to pick up a cheap window air con unit and a BAC. I'm getting sick of refreezing small bottles of water to keep the water temp down. Might do a bit of second hand shopping at the dump and see what I can pick up.

Nicely done George. I agree, that still has some interesting features to it. The methanol bleed valve could be used as an add-on by others to avoid collecting the forshots in general but care should be taken in the venting process as they are flammable.

@patrickdurham8393

6 ай бұрын

Why couldn't you burn it off until the yellow flame stops? The flame won't flash back into the column since the air supply is so limited.

I have a 3 gallon Chinese still and its works pretty good so far and yes iam a beginner at this so that's why i bought it to learn on thanks for all your video's.

@909Living

5 жыл бұрын

How many runs have you done on it. I've read reviews that say they are good for the first run but the seals went bad on a second run.

@stevepytel1106

5 жыл бұрын

@@909Living I have done 4 so far with no issues.

Hey buddy I have been looking at this very same model to get started thank you for demonstrating I had some reservations I will take your opinion and considerations seriously thank you again.

Thank you George for the excellent video! I can *imagine* that anyone buying this still would find lots of small pieces of packing styrofoam inside the column, which would be discovered in their foreshots, along with a significant amount of dust from the manufacturing facility. I would run some clean water through the whole thing before using it. I also *imagine* that getting the water jacket dry after use is difficult so I *would* set it in the sun on a hot day, or place it in the oven to dry for long term storage. Otherwise it might support the growth of bacteria or mildew after a while, like a shower can.

@Dichodog

Жыл бұрын

I'm just studying right now but I plan on buying one of these in the next two weeks. I kind of thought that doing a run or two of plain water was SOP for a new still. 'Water jacket'? A term I'm not familiar with.

Very well done and explained and I just ordered a 20 liter one. Hopefully it works as well as the one you have. Thanks.....

your videos are SO helpful thankyou! keep up the great work

Thank God, I just bought this one, lol. Glad I found this video after the fact. Nice to know about the mash too. I have a mash right now that doesn't seem right, there's no proof to it and tastes like sugar water still. I'm thinking it's getting too cold at night and messing with the yeast.

George that was a great demonstration 👍👍👍

Excellent video.

Hi George, Thank you for a great channel, I like your mix of hands on & dropping in the science. You are a great teacher. I've been home brewing off and on, since the old days of blue ribbon malt from the grocery store and a book 'Mountain Brew" late 70's. I've just recently thought of distilling, this looks like a good starter still, dual purpose, cooker & Tun. But I can't find it for $159 anywhere. Does any one have a link? I've only seen it for $230. Keep up the good work!

Thanks George.. Top shelf review 👍

Good to see that it got a decent review. I’m picking one up in a couple weeks (gotta set that $$$ aside lol) really like your videos !

@markbrimmer293

8 ай бұрын

Great video 👍

Great job George the still reminds me of Georgia ridge mountain still design lol

Great video venting the methanol whats a good rule of thumb time to give it before u collect the forshots. Any tips for what to look for?

Just tried my "chi still" worked great just as yours..waiting on 2nd run to be ready soon..thanks for the very interesting and intelligent vids..

@BarleyandHopsBrewing

4 жыл бұрын

Great to hear!

I got the 18.5 gal version of the same still. A little too ambitious I think. But I also got a 13.6 gal pot still with thumper, as with the larger still it works as advertised. Yes, they are made in China and sold at home depot. Enjoy your content greatly.

George thank you so much for these videos and dumbing them down, alot makes them more understandable lol. But I am wondering if you open the top valve and slowly open up the bottom one would it cause a better/faster release draft for the methanol? Someone try it and see if it works any better, since I don't own one of these and can't unfortunately.

As always, never judge a book by its cover. great vid as allways.

Glad I found your videos George, really apreceate them. So you ran this with the column vertical and from what I understand it should reflux, did you put the ceramic balls back in the top half of the tower for reflux ? Or put copper instead ? Or nothing, perhaps more pot still type? Please let me know ! I hav'nt ran mine yet and don't want to fail. Many thanks from the True North Strong and Free.

thanks George , this was very helpfull to me after seen your second video , by the first one i tod i did a misbuy , but mine looks without the outlet and valve on the botom

cheers george watching from london

Good information for greensticks like myself. I am curious as to how long you vented your methanol before closing off the valve. Thanks for the knowledge

Brilliant George thank you

Hello George just wanted to let you know I'm really enjoying your videos,you da man!!!,I actually own one of these stills and wanted to let you know about the valves on the football part of it ,one valve is designed to let you remove the methanol when the football is attached vertically and the other is for when you attach the football horizontaly I watched it on a Chinese video I ran across on here ,just wanted to let you know in case you ever want to run it that way hope that helps,thank you again for your great teaching and Happy stilling!!, Bobby, VA

@TheHeraldOfChange

4 жыл бұрын

That video you refer to is here. kzread.info/dash/bejne/i56LtZmCYqq9hbQ.html Diagrams with English instructions can be found here. bit.ly/2AxKUxW

@19xtrip

3 жыл бұрын

hi there..Im a beginer of this and have the same still as in the video, how long do i have to vent the methanol out, at around what temperature should i vent it?

@georgehays4908

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheHeraldOfChange ......1st link to KZread worked fine.......2nd link said not available ? Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience ! Peace , from Michigan . ..Wolverine State !

@TheHeraldOfChange

3 жыл бұрын

@@georgehays4908 might need to try again, or try a vpn. here's the original "long link" www.dhgate.com/product/30l-8gal-moonshine-still-home-alcohol-oil/476311538.html?f=bm|GMC|pla|1471809117|59782623991|476311538||019030007|US|bestofferforyou|c|2|&GMC&

@jamiemciver2326

2 жыл бұрын

That blew my mind to see the horizontal configuration. I'm going to try it just to compare it's function but will most likely stick with the vertical. Thanks 👍

The valve on the bottom of the vapor chamber is supposed to used to drain off the fusel oil, as there is suppose to be a lip around the bottom that catches it so it can be drained off.

@erlinghagendesign

5 жыл бұрын

that is perfectly right

@jeffkarlson2836

4 жыл бұрын

what is fusel oil? I will google it but curious if you could explain a little more. thanks

@jeffkarlson2836

4 жыл бұрын

I understand it is a poisonous byproduct but why does this still have one and the others dont.

I George I have been watching you for a long time now and I have learned so much from you first I won't to thank you for all your help and support and all what you do to help everyone out here like guys like me the way you put things makes every thing very understandable and I do appreciate that very much so you have become my go to supper hero when it comes to moonshine

Another great segment and I knew you would come around after using it. For what you spend for what you get it is great for beginners and limited space hobbyists. Just wondering, as it was not mentioned, but I am guessing you washed all the parts, did a steam run and this mash was the sacrificial run? For a first run, you dialed in fairly fast and the methanol vent, genius, although there goes the starter fluid.

Great video thanks for sharing !!!

Thankyou so much for this video and what a relief that it turned out ok in the end as I have just received one of these for Christmas. I am yet to do a run as one bracket was missing but it is in the post on it's way to me now. My version is the same except it doesnt have the drainage tap at the bottom of the pot. I have a couple of questions if someone wouldn't mind answering them? 1. I like the idea of being able to ferment in the pot first. I have the grate to keep the mash of the bottom of the pot but honesty the holes aren't exactly small - do I need to put cheesecloth or similar over the grateful so nothing can fall through? If I then heat it will the steam still rise ok through the mash? 2. What are the balls for that go in the 'football'? 3. If I want to make gin, for example, and want the botanicals in the vapour trail, where and how do I place the botanicals? Thanks in advance.

Thanks for highlighting methods for detecting methanol. It's THE most important thing to remember when home brewing. No one wants kidney failure

Hey George. I use a Nuwave induction plate to run this exact still. It does take some time to heat up but very easy to control the temp. I have used this still for a little over a year with very good results and no problems. Thanks for the great videos!

@brentdirksmeyer18

5 жыл бұрын

DITTO

@djsomers100

5 жыл бұрын

Do you use a magnetic heat spreader between the pot and the heater? That is my plan as I was under the impression that a non-magnetic pot would not work with an induction heater.

@jeffreysolveson9623

5 жыл бұрын

No...it works fine the way it is. no need for a magnetic heat spreader!

@djsomers100

5 жыл бұрын

@@jeffreysolveson9623 Wow thank you! The test for induction heaters is apparently the magnet test. Since I am a biologist and not an engineer, some of these things are stretching my technical skills. Anyway, have both an induction hot plate and the Chinese Torpedo Still in my future.

This is the second time I've watched someone use this same style still, and now I think I'm gonna buy one. Thanks for the tips, and for showing the methonal bleed, I really enjoyed this video! As for the slacker sleeping, next time let's crack the pointer on his desk 😂

@garyhendrick4391

4 жыл бұрын

Same here :)

@christianrichardson5251

4 жыл бұрын

Have you bought one yet? I’m as much of an entry level as you can get. Haha. This will be my first ever attempt at making some shine. I ordered this one. Watched another guy with one make mash and ferment in his. I’ll have to go back to watch again. I ordered a kit with the yeast and amalyse, dextrose, and corn. Hopefully I don’t mess it up and can get the methanol cleared. Nervous because I’m a perfectionist, but excited because I’ve always wanted to do it.

@checkmatebutty

3 жыл бұрын

@@christianrichardson5251 how did your run go?

@bretseasylife4263

3 жыл бұрын

I sure like mine. Worth 205.00 i spent. The "dents" don't cost extra but mine had several. Plus box was torn up like they dragged it to the porch and some of the other stuff that suppose to come with it wasn't there... Idk what hoppened...lol

Also wondering if it would benefit having a 4 or 5 inch sight glass between the pot and the collumn ?

Venting off methanol is a very interesting concept. I'm not too sure it should be told to the people this sort of still is marketed at though. Love the channel by the way. Hi from Ireland 🇮🇪

@dougparkerfishingadventers9768

5 жыл бұрын

You got to know the methanol temperature point which is before alcohol temp. I wouldn't hold my face over it ha ha. The way George check is the best way in my opinion .

I'm running a 10gal American made kettle on a 1300watt nuwave induction heater. It's a really wide kettle and the cooking surface only covers about 70% of the kettle surface. From room temp to 120F take at least an hour, and then on to 175F is another hour. You're right, it's hard to heat a big kettle for under $150 without using gas.

Y'all should try adding a LARGE "kroger" or "walmart", (walmart slightly larger) stainless mixing bowl instead of the flat top lid, to act as an alembic!!! I just need to fabricate a practice gasket design, and figure out how to add more toggle spring latches without ending up with extra holes!!!

@skepticfucker280

3 жыл бұрын

Does it actually need to be wallmart or kroger? I hope you are getting paid for the name brand dropps. If not lmfao! Hit the goodwill for stainless large cooking ware. 10th the price without the burden on destroying your local small businesses.

Laughed my but off at the end! Thanks again!