Summary for ss304 or ss316 for a still Discussion
SS304 or SS316 for a still is the core question here, with Oz asking whether 300 mg/l chlorides in hard water would make 304 stainless unsuitable for a boiler and whether proper cleaning and drying would be enough. The reply from McHenry, Illinois says that this chloride level is probably not enough to worry about and is far less aggressive than pool water or ocean water. For this application, the answerer’s view is that 304 would likely be sufficient. He also notes the usual tradeoff: 316 costs more but offers better corrosion resistance than 304. No other conflicting advice is given in the thread.
Q. Hello finishing forum
I want to make a still for my personal use.
I am thinking what to choose, SS304 or SS316 as the boiler.
I have a question about the chlorides (300 mg/l) in my water which are considered high because we have hard water in our area.
Will the hard water present a problem to a pot made from SS304?
Will cleaning and drying the pot properly will be enough?
Thank you
Oz
OZ MELAMED
hobbyist – HOLON ISRAEL
January 6, 2015
A. Oz,
That’s probably not enough chloride to worry about, it’s certainly nothing compared to pool water or ocean water. For your purposes, my guess is the 304 would be sufficient. Of course it’s always the same trade off, 316 is more expensive but more corrosion resistant than 304.
Ray Kremer
Stellar Solutions, Inc.
McHenry, Illinois
