So this is something I originally put together as a directory of where I sourced everything that has gone into my still builds, as well as all the extras that I use in distilling which I was going to put into my build thread.
I think this is something that would be very helpful in the Newbies Corner, and something that is missing. I think it will be beneficial to those new to distilling, or undertaking their first build, and will alleviate the same questions being asked and answered repetitively.
The aim is for this to be a directory for people to come to, to at least get an initial idea of where to obtain most of the things we use and then go from there. I figure this will be something that we might be able to add to intially to collaborate people's sources, and then place it in the Newbies Corner as the Yellow Pages of Distilling kind of deal :handgestures-thumbupleft:
EquipmentKegs: Scrap yard, Friends, Pubs (by talking to the publican...this forum does not endorse or encourage theft of kegs from licensed premises).
Copper pipe: Scrap yard, Plumber’s Supplies Co-op (
http://www.pscoop.com.au), [Avoid Reece/Tradelink].
1/4” copper tube: Polyaire (
http://www.polyaire.com.au), Refrigeration supply places.
Copper Fittings: Plumber’s Supplies Co-op (
http://www.pscoop.com.au), Bunnings, Masters.
Soft Solder – Aquasafe 100 (same as Bernzomatic plumbing solder, but a lot cheaper by the 500g roll for about $37): Bunnings, Welding supply shops.
Hard Solder/Silver Solder/Brazing rods - Commweld SBA115 (15% silver, 75% copper): Welding supply shops, Consolidated alloys 15% silver solder from Bunnings.
Solder torch (Propane/MAPP gas): Gasweld (
http://www.gasweld.com.au), Welding supply shops, Bunnings, Masters.
Heating elements: Mac/Five Star Distilling (
http://www.aussiedistiller.com.au), water heating system supply (avoid Keg King and Home Brew Shops).
Power controller parts: eBay, RS Components (
http://australia.rs-online.com) , Element 14 (formerly Farnell) (
http://au.element14.com), [Cable terminals/power meters/fans/cases: Jaycar (
http://www.jaycar.com.au)].
Power cable/fittings: Electrical supply wholesalers, Bunnings, Masters.
Metal parts (ferrules, tri-clamps, gaskets, threaded sockets to weld in for elements, ball valves): Mac/Five Star Distilling (
http://www.aussiedistiller.com.au), Midway Metals (
http://www.midwaymetals.com.au), Geordi (
http://www.geordi.com.au).
Boiler Insulation: Silver/black thermal reflective sheet @ Clark Rubber ($20/metre) (
http://www.clarkrubber.com.au). [To hold insulation together, I glued Velcro-like strips (but the hard spiky ones for hanging pictures from Big W) where the ends meet].
Copper mesh (Packing): Amphora society (U.S.) (
http://www.amphora-society.com).
Stainless scrubbers (Packing): 2 dollar shops, Big W, K-Mart.
Silicon Gaskets (flat): Big W (buy a sheet of 100% silicon baking sheet/tray and you can custom cut your own...better for a flat easy flange...use the
lip ones with ferrules/tri-clamps: Mac/Five Star Distilling (
http://www.aussiedistiller.com.au), Midway Metals (
http://www.midwaymetals.com.au), Geordi (
http://www.geordi.com.au).
Sight Glasses: Mac/Five Star Distilling (
http://www.aussiedistiller.com.au), Glazier.
Thermometers: (Dial-type) – Keg King (
http://www.kegking.com.au), Craftbrewer (
http://www.craftbrewer.com.au), Beerbelly (
http://www.beerbelly.com.au), Cooking supply shops.
(Digital Stick-type) – Jaycar (
http://www.jaycar.com.au).
Glass collection/storage containers: Lab Direct (
http://www.labdirect.com.au), 2 dollar shops (hot dollar, the reject shop, hot bargain), Howard’s Storage World (
http://www.hsw.com.au) , Keg King (
http://www.kegking.com.au, left over bottles from friends.
Alcometers/Hydrometers: Home brew shops, online home brew shops
Fermenters: Home brew shops, HDPE containers from Bunnings, Masters, Gardening supply, Hardware stores.
IngredientsYeast: Online home brew shops, Bintani (
http://www.bintani.com.au)
Grain: A decent ‘non-gimmicky’ home brew shop (hard to find), Online (
http://www.esbrewing.com.au,
http://www.grainandgrape.com.au) , Feed store (un-malted).
Molasses: Feed store, Food supply warehouses (Bundy food grade molasses)
Everything else (Sugar, Weet-Bix, Tomato paste, Bi-carb, Citric acid, Epsom salts): Supermarkets