Thumper Keg?

I personally have never used a thumper- I know a lot of folks love them though.
I personally use a pot still with a column – I pack the column pretty darn well and get a really good product.

The thumper will give a 2nd distillation in one run.
If you pack a column it can mimic the thumper action pretty well as it causes a lot of reflux in the column.

It comes down to personal preference. I learned on a column still and that is what I am used to and what I like. I feel the setup is a lot easier-(I could be wrong) I also like that most column stills use an inline condenser for cooling instead of a worm. It is way easier to cool with an inline condenser.

What size units are you looking at? Have links?

I have no experience with any of those units– but they don’t look all that well made. I would be concerened about a vapor leak. I think you would be better off with something like this which is in the price range– http://www.clawhammersupply.com/products/5-gallon-kit
I use the 10 gallon still from them and love it.

of if you are not into DIY I’d save up for something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/291613940459?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82

I am not worried about a leak or two as long as it doesn’t explode!

It only takes one leak for an explosion. Open flame and flammable vapor is not a joke.

I would look into the 1 gallon kit from clawhammer- $150 bucks and all copper. I personally don’t trust those cheap stills that are made in china. It is a good starter unit- all copper. You can add a thumper if you have some fab skills. I’m sure you could modify the column to go into a thumper if you are into that.

If you get one of those I would love to hear how it works for you- report back with what you buy

Beer keg stills are a good wat to go also and you can buy and make lots of different setups for them . You can even get a keg thumper . And the use a 2″ tri clamp and gasket they seal off great and are very user friendly!