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Being tempted to buy a 2" Boka ...

PostPosted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 3:14 pm
by Arismac
G'day all, about the only thing I know about a Boka is that is a reflux still which is what I want.

At the moment I have a T500 plus a vernier cooling water controller and KegKing voltage controller. The design of the T500 column makes it very difficult to insert/remove copper mesh which a I much prefer to saddles.

Any info on upgrading to a Boka would be greatly appreciated. I have not been able to find a user manual so I am in a fairly deep fog with this at the moment.

Re: Being tempted to buy a 2" Boka ...

PostPosted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 3:20 pm
by Andrew
I won’t say a thing because I might be a little biased 8-} :laughing-rolling:

Re: Being tempted to buy a 2" Boka ...

PostPosted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 3:35 pm
by bluc
Work good easy to run good quality neutral with added height, I used a copper 1.1m packed section, will do about 1.2-1.5l/hr :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Re: Being tempted to buy a 2" Boka ...

PostPosted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 3:38 pm
by Andrew
Ours come with a 750mm packed section but there’s nothing stopping us adding extra.

Re: Being tempted to buy a 2" Boka ...

PostPosted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 3:52 pm
by Carol
I have a 2" FSD Boka (named Boris). I am very much a novice to distilling with a reflux still but Boris seems pretty easy to use. I have had a air still for years but this is my first proper still. So far I have done one sacrificial run and two stripping runs. I am waiting for my current batch of FFV to clear so I can finish stripping the wash and start a spirit run. What do you want to know and I will answer if I can from my limited experience?

Re: Being tempted to buy a 2" Boka ...

PostPosted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 4:13 pm
by Arismac
Many thanks Carol, our mutual friend said that you are the go-to person for learning to fly the Boka.

I have been driving a T500 but I want to get more copper mesh into the column but this is very difficult with T500. About 50mm is all that packs in. Hence my change to the Boka. I will let you know when the mailman arrives from 5 Star.

Re: Being tempted to buy a 2" Boka ...

PostPosted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 4:22 pm
by Carol
Boris is beautifully made. I am sure you will be excited when the mailman arrives with your parcel.
I am not sure about being the go-to person on my very limited experience but am happy to share what I have learned so far.

Re: Being tempted to buy a 2" Boka ...

PostPosted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 4:38 pm
by Arismac
Mr. Smooth salesman convinced me when he said I can put the boiler on the floor and collect at bench height. I have certain mobility constrictions which means that being able to carry out the whole operation from a chair is going to be a big step forward for me. Another little joy in life, almost as good as the buzz I get when I have to toot the horn to pass a pedestrian.
:text-lol:

Re: Being tempted to buy a 2" Boka ...

PostPosted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 4:52 pm
by Carol
Mr Smooth Salesman is correct. Boiler sits on the floor and I collect in a jug on a small table. So far I have run Boris in the room where our swimming pool is and in my son's bathroom. I have just bought a pump and will be trying a recirculating system for the next run.

Re: Being tempted to buy a 2" Boka ...

PostPosted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 6:13 pm
by Andrew
:laughing-rolling:
I just sold a rusty old 1981 Holden Gemini for $3000
Serious :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Re: Being tempted to buy a 2" Boka ...

PostPosted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 6:15 pm
by Arismac
That was worth $30,000, at least. Must talk to you about "old and rusted" cars some time. I once brought an Austin Princess ex Army Staff Car for $50 and sold it 25 years late for $125,000. Cost me a fortune to keep it rust free and running but I still sold it for a decent profit.

Re: Being tempted to buy a 2" Boka ...

PostPosted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 6:22 pm
by Andrew
I could have held out for $4000 -$4500 but just wanted it out of my life.
Was a 13b turbo drag car
Lotsa fun that cost lotsa money every time we went out .
Happy to chat rusty any time :handgestures-thumbupleft:
As long as it’s not any of our stainless gear :laughing-rolling:

Re: Being tempted to buy a 2" Boka ...

PostPosted: Fri Jul 05, 2019 6:25 pm
by Arismac
Is there a port for a thermometer in the Boka? If yes what is the diameter of the port hole and what is the ideal temperature? I will be using the temperature probe of a voltage regulator.

Asked on behalf of a moonshine club who will soon own a 5SS 2" Boka on a T500 boiler, we hope ..

Oh, and why does the image on the 5SS web site show two very different sized Bokas? :?

Re: Being tempted to buy a 2" Boka ...

PostPosted: Fri Jul 05, 2019 6:39 pm
by bluc
Ones 4" other 2", 4"=faster runs...

Re: Being tempted to buy a 2" Boka ...

PostPosted: Fri Jul 05, 2019 8:53 pm
by PeterC
For 4 inch, a T500 heater is maybe not powerful enough. The double reducer design is one of the Bokabob ones that has been around some time and is nice to build. Below is an original drawing. The thermo port is the lowest socket measuring the vapour temperature before the liquid collection section. It may be a blank socket meaning the end is sealed and you can pack any temperature device. You also still need to fit a needle valve for the liquid take off. Not sure how this might be fitted. I used silicone tubing and barbed fittings for mine. https://homedistiller.org/equip/photos-alex
Regards.
drawing_09_double_reducer_DR.jpg

Re: Being tempted to buy a 2" Boka ...

PostPosted: Fri Jul 05, 2019 9:23 pm
by coffe addict
@peterc the needle valve is usually attached with a compression fitting straight onto the stainless pipe.
You want to keep the take off to the needle valve short to reduce smearing.