Customer Reviews

The Secrets of Building an Alcohol Producing Still.

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book gives a simple outline to the process of producing alcohol, along with plans to build one very specific setup. The section on grain preparation is very well described in this book, better than the other books that I have read. If somebody is looking to just make some ethanol without concern for the amount of energy required, this book will work OK for you. There are a number of oddities in the design given in this book, such as the concept of a water jacketed boiler. This will result in low rates of heat transfer, with a lot of heat being lost to the surroundings. Also, a batch distillation can not compete with continuous distillation on the basis of energy input. If someone is looking for a DIY batch distillation setup, consider building a Charles 803 column or the one in this book. For somebody who is interested in a robust and efficient process, look else ware.

There are a handful of books and quite a few web sites that cover the subject of Home Distilling. None as well and complete as this book though. My opinion is that most material on Home Distilling is written by folks who do it for kicks without understanding the science behind it (least that't the way it appears when i read them). This book covers the topic in a very structured manner and backs up each section with science and reasoning. The book not only does a splendid job of explaining still building but also explains malting, mashing, fementation and distillation -- with clear instruction. I found it so useful that I bought a copy for my brother as well.

This book contains very detailed drawings and explanations for how to build a still. It even shows you the necessary forms to fill out, if you want to make the alcohol legally (for experimental fuel only of course). I liked having all the pictures and the descriptions as well as how to bend and work the sheets of copper.

This is a book about making a still and producing alcohol. To be blunt, rather high proof alcohol, capable of fueling a car. Vince goes into production of mash, distillation and building the still. Minimal sheet metal tools are needed.
Trevor

If you are looking to build a still to make ethanol this is the book! The author gives a great step by step instructional on how to build a quality still out of material that is available at any home center. If you have basic tools and some basic skills you can build this still.

This book is perfect for someone who is just getting started in ethanol. The construction details are clear and well thought out and it is the best book that I have seen on the subject. I bought this with another well known book on ethanol. Although the other book was ten times longer. I wouldn't think of trading it for this one. It gives clear, step by step instructions for each topic.

This book is extremely well written and clear. THe plans are detailed and techniques very well explained. Nothing was unclear. I did do some extra research on drawing cones and the mathematics involved (so I could make a still of a different size) but that was beyond the scope of the book. Very well written Excellent job !!

Good how-to book. I have not built the still yet, but it gave me an idea of the time and money involved with the project.

very detailed,very technical as well. maybe too technical for general use,however if you have some metal fabrication knowledge it would be very helpful.

I havent built this still yet. I have looked at other stills and think this is the best one. The price is great and I got the book fast.