Your first copper still: what's inside, and where to start

Most distillers start in the same place: looking at a pile of copper and wondering where it all goes. That curiosity is a good sign. A still is a small lab you can put on a workbench. Heat goes into the pot, vapor rises, copper cools it back into liquid, and you decide which part of the run to keep. If you build your first still yourself, you'll understand every step of that process, because you put every joint together.

What "You Solder" means

Our "EZ KIT" line is for people who would rather build than just unbox. You get the copper parts and you do the soldering. You learn every seam, and you know your still because you made it. Each product page lists exactly what comes in that kit, so read it before you order. Here are the kits:

• 2 Gallon You-Build "EZ KIT" Advanced Model with EZ Seal Cap and 3 inch Thumper Port, from $379. A small, manageable first project.
• "EZ KIT" Advanced Model with EZ Seal Cap and 4 inch Thumper Port, from $379.
• 6, 10 and 15 Gallon "EZ KIT" You Solder kits, from $499, $599 and $699.
• 15 Gallon You-Build "EZ KIT" Advanced Model with EZ Seal Cap and 4 inch Thumper Port, from $629.
• EZ Kit Bare, from $249. The lowest-cost way into a You Solder kit.

How hard is it?

If you can follow steps patiently and you respect a torch, you can do this. Soldering copper is a skill you learn, not a talent you need to be born with. Clean the metal, heat the joint, and let the solder flow in. Your first joint might look lumpy, and your fifth will look better. Practice on scrap copper before you solder the seams that matter. If you need solder, we carry a 1 lb. Roll of Silver Solder, from $79.

Your first steps

• Learn the rules first. You can legally own a still in the US. Making alcohol with one requires federal TTB permits, and you also have to follow your state and local laws.
• Pick a size you'll actually use. Smaller kits are easier to handle while you're learning. Larger kits are for when you know what you want.
• Read before you heat. Distilling Data Dump - Compiled Distillation Research (from $29) gathers a lot of reading in one place.
• Plan your heat source. Our Propane Burner is made for 6 to 30 gallon copper distillers, from $129.
• Measure instead of guessing. A Hydrometer Set (from $29) and a Copper Proofing Parrot (from $119) give you numbers to work from.
• Start with water. Distilling plain water is legal. It's also a good first run to check your joints and get a feel for how your still heats.

People also use stills to make distilled water, extract essential oils, and, with the right permit, make fuel alcohol. Whatever you make, follow federal, state, and local law.

Not ready to solder?

That's fine. Our complete units let you skip the build: the 3 Gallon Copper Moonshine Still - no thumper - Flash Sale (from $229), the Craft Distillation Unit (from $329), the 6 Gallon Complete Copper Moonshine Still (from $699, also offered with Thumper and Worm), the 10 Gallon Complete Copper Moonshine Still Distiller (from $899), and the 6 Gallon Advanced Model 110V Electric still (from $999).

Still have questions? These handmade copper stills come from a family shop in New Hampshire, and a real person answers the phone. Call 603-997-6786 and ask anything.

Is it legal to own a copper still kit?

Yes. You can legally own a still in the US. Distilling alcohol requires federal TTB permits, and you also need to follow your state and local laws. Distilling water or essential oils is a common legal use.

Do I need soldering experience to build an EZ KIT?

No, but you do need patience. Soldering copper comes down to clean metal, steady heat, and practice. Try a few joints on scrap copper before you start on your kit.

Is solder included with the You Solder kits?

Check the product page for the kit you're looking at. It lists exactly what's included. We also sell a 1 lb. Roll of Silver Solder separately, from $79.

Which kit is best for a total beginner?

Many beginners like a smaller build, such as the 2 Gallon You-Build "EZ KIT" Advanced Model, from $379. If you're unsure, call 603-997-6786 and talk it through with us.

What else will I need besides the still?

You'll need a heat source. Our Propane Burner fits 6 to 30 gallon copper distillers. A Hydrometer Set and a Copper Proofing Parrot are useful for taking measurements.

What should my first run be?

Start with plain water. It's legal, and it lets you check your solder joints and learn how your still heats before you do anything else with it.

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