Please tell me your not using copper!

You have to have a licence to build and maintain a still in the US in any form.  That falls under the ATF.


It is legal to brew Beer and or Wine at home in a quantity of 200 gallons a year or less.


That being said, I built one back when I was in high school    I just used corn syrup, yeast and warm water. 
You definatly need a thermometer, and a emergency pressure relief valve.