Soldered Union Technique
The technique used to join metallic parts involves the application of heat and was discovered through efforts to manipulate iron into useful shapes. Welding, a technique that involves inter-layering metal, developed from the need to obtain a continuous joint on large steel plates.
Gas welding, arc welding, and resistance welding all emerged at the end of the 19th century. The first significant attempt to adopt welding processes on a wide scale occurred during World War I. By 1916, the oxyacetylene process—a mixture of acetylene (gaseous hydrocarbon) and oxygen producing a very hot flame for welding—was well-developed, and the welding techniques employed then are still in use today.
In contrast, soldered alembics require thicker copper sheets. Unlike riveted union construction, the three parts that make up the pot are brass-soldered (see soldering), eliminating the need for a linseed solution to make them impermeable. The soldered areas are then hand-hammered again to restore the copper's resistance and strength.
Before using your still for the first time, it's recommended to process a distillation of clean water (see cleaning & maintenance).
A small booklet with complete cleaning guidelines and detailed basic instructions will be sent to you after the purchase is made.
