How to Build a Copper Moonshine Still – Part 1 – 2017

How to Build a Copper Moonshine Still, Part 1, Safety and Tools.

You’ll need a pair of safety gloves. I’m using heavy duty welding gloves. This will keep your hands safe when you’re soldering and handling the copper still parts.

You’ll need to work in a well ventilated area and we would also suggest wearing a VOC mask.

And you’ll want to wear some safety glasses to protect your eyes.

Ok, so as far as the tools go, you don’t need anything fancy, and you could definitely get away with less stuff than we’re using here. At a bare minimum you’ll need a plumbing torch. Only use propane gas to solder the copper parts. Do not use map gas or oxy acetelyne – Those will get the parts too hot. Use propane only.

I’m using a benzomatic 8000 torch head but this is overkill. I’d suggest buying a benzomatic WT2301 basic self light torch if you don’t have one already. They only cost 15 bucks on amazon.

OK, this is very important. Only use water soluble plumbing grade flux.

Also, you must use LEAD FREE plumbing solder. In fact, you can buy both of these on our site and i’d suggest that you do so to make sure you’re using the right stuff. While you’re there, pick up a couple of flux brushes.

You’ll need something to manually clean the copper still parts with. A wire brush and sandpaper will do the trick. 120 grit is what i’m using here.

You’ll need a basic pair of pliers to bend the tabs on the copper still boiler.

You’ll need some sort of locking pliers or a small clamp.

A small hammer will be required to install the rivets. Ball peen hammers work great for this.

A dolly, a random hunk of metal, or even another hammer, like a sledgehammer head will be needed for setting the rivets.

An anvil is handy as well, but it isn’t a necessary item. Though, if you don’t have one, you might ask yourself why not. They look cool as hell and can be used for all sorts of stuff.

Also, a vice isn’t necessary, but really comes in handy when soldering the copper column and condenser. This is another one of those basic items that everyone should own anyway, so consider picking up a small vice if you don’t have one already.

Like i said, you can build a copper still with less stuff than this, but these are the tools i’ll be using in this video.

OK, in the next video on making a copper still, we’re going to talk about the actual still parts.