Component Sourcing

Component selection should support iteration speed and field maintenance, not just nominal spec-sheet performance.

Sourcing Heuristics

• prefer parts with multiple suppliers
• avoid housings and cartridges that lock the project into one brand
• record connector types, thread standards, and sealing materials
• note lead times for items that can block rebuilds

Priority Categories

Category	What to capture
Pumps	flow range, suction behavior, service kits, voltage
Filters and housings	micron rating, pressure drop, seal material, replacement cost
Sensors	interface type, calibration needs, ingress protection
Fittings and valves	thread standard, body material, service access
Power components	charging profile, fuse strategy, field replaceability

Vendor Notes

Keep sourcing notes practical:

• what arrived quickly
• what was packaged poorly
• what had misleading documentation
• what worked but was painful to service

The goal is not a shopping catalog. It is a memory system for future build decisions.

Current Distiller Snapshot

The current dated distiller purchasing snapshot lives in Alpha Buy List and Missing Pieces.

When updating that page:

• date-stamp the BOM revision
• record whether a line item is buy now, hold, or missing
• separate low-regret commodity parts from geometry-dependent hardware
• treat shipping and tax as separate from the published subtotal