Hey mate welcome from another SEQ (brisbane) member and Merry Xmas to you and your family.
The turbo 500 stills aren't that bad as an entry in to home distillation, it gets the hate from all the turbo yeast dribble that comes with it from the guys at the hbs. Remember these guys are trying to take your money. New members come along and try pushing it here and the members have heard it all before. Reality is tried and proven recipes are called such for a reason. once you try one of the neutral recipes you will not go back to a turbo wash.
Do you have the reflux and alembic dome for the t500 or the reflux only ?
Try this thread on running the t500, very helpful.
http://www.aussiedistiller.com.au/viewt ... 57&t=10483 Look forward to hearing about your journey and helping where we can.