How much will the still cost to build?
A. It will cost you about $400 to $600 to build the still– less, if you’re good at scavenging parts and components, tanks, boilers, old plumbing fittings, etc. You can scavenge a lot of the other materials on the materials list, but if you want the still to work right, you need to build it exactly as shown on the blueprints. This is a fourth-generation design, and it is very efficient. You’ll need 5 feet of 3-inch-diameter copper pipe, with various copper fittings from a plumbing supply store which are listed in the plans, costing around $125 to $150. The key piece of technology is the automatic temperature sensor/controller valve, which precisely regulates the optimum temperature for separation of condensed alcohol from the water vapors. This ensures consistent production of 180 proof ethanol. There are two types: the automatic valve, non-electric, costs $330 including shipping. We also sell a less expensive electronic kit version for $180, which includes a programmable controller wi
