EconoTec's Do-It Yourself Low Cost Ethanol Still
List of Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't find the answer to your question in the list below, and we'll answer you direcly and may add it to the page.
Where should I start when constructing my still?
Start with a complete review of plans, including thelist of materials. Note that many of the components lend themselves towards flexibility, allowing you to use different materials that may be more readily available (and hence, less expensive) in your area.
Is ethanol explosive?
Absolutely! Treat it as if it were gasoline.
Why is the pressure relief on the boiler so important?
A common steel drum will start to deform above about 8 PSI, and if pressure continues to increase, will burst.
Is the electronic control absolutely needed?
No. The still will work quite well with a common off-on switch. The electronic control only provides convenience.
I have heard moonshiner tales about the mash “going bad”. What causes this?
Many things, such as the fermentation temperature too low, contamination, error in mixing. The fermentation and cooking instructions explain how to prevent this, and in some cases, how to recover the mash.
Can I expect to produce alcohol on my very first run?
Yes, if all instructions are followed. Like many other endeavors, your talents will get better as you acquire experience.
I notice the use of food grade tubing. Is the product safe to drink?
We do not recommend the product as sipping whiskey; only as a motor fuel.
I have heard that alcohol dissolves rust in fuel tanks. Is this true?
Yes. It will dissolve rust in metal fuel tanks and fuel lines. If used in a rusty tank or lines, a frequent filter change can be expected until the rust has been purged. It does NOT cause rust.
Is the optional fire box critical?
The still will function well when just placed on ceramic blocks. However, the fire box allows the use of less fuel, less heat loss, ease of control, the containment of the fire, and reduced risk of personal burns. You may use free fuel, but the fire box will allow lower use of that fuel, and will make things much easier.
Are the copper pot scrubber pads important? Is food grade vinyl tubing necessary?
The copper (or stainless steel) pads are important, as they cause the distillate to drip back into the reflux column over and over, so that the maximum amount of alcohol may be exposed to the condensation temperature and collected. Food grade tubing is used, as it is no more expensive than commercial grade.
Why are some dimensions not shown on the plans?
As the EconoTec design encourages the use of alternative materials, and things come in different sizes, the exact dimensions have been omitted in some of these areas. Even 55 gallon “standard drums come in different heights and diameters.
How much alcohol can I expect per batch?
50 pounds of corn should yield 4 - 5 gallons.
What type yeast should I use?
Any baker’s or brewer’s yeast will work. Some brands work better than others.
Where do I buy corn?
A feed store is a good source for cracked or rolled corn. Prices vary widely.
