Apple press, suggestions?

[OpenSights]

I’m looking for a cider press. Obviously I have quite a bit of time before I need one, so no hurry. A good friend of mine has a couple of apple trees that produce a lot every year. Last fall my son and I made apple sauce, other than that the apples are just eaten by deer and the lawnmower.

There’s only one on my local Craigslist, but they want $375, antique, so well built. I see the new ones on amazon and eBay, but don’t know what’s good or bad.

Any suggestions are much appreciated.

 

[2trout]

If you're a DIY sort, Google "whizbang cider press". The press is not difficult.

 

[OpenSights]

Thanks 2trout, just ordered the book. Scissor jack is an awesome idea!

 

[JimRausch]

After looking at the prices of apple presses, I was wondering if one could use a garbage disposal unit to chop the apples, then a modified Papazian-style zappap for the press vessels with a tire jack. It's just in my head, no pictures or anything, but I do wonder if it would work. I think I'll take 2trout's suggestion and look up the whizbang

 

[OpenSights]

As a drain cleaner I recommend against a garbage disposal to send solid waste down a disposal, which is stupid my part because that’s how I make my money, but smart because I’m 100% repeat referral.

In the case of grinding with a disposal first, buy new and keep clean!

 

[2trout]

I built the whizbang press from pictures and info from the interwebs, but have not actually used it yet. It really is a straight forward construction. I used 2x6s i think. I did not go so far as to build the disposal grinder, but if you really are into cider, I think its an excellent way to go.

 

[OpenSights]

I have a cousin in law that works at a saw mill that can get me all the hardwood for a few bottles of any kind of brew. The metal will be interesting, don’t have a welder, but have been looking for one. My metal skills are far better than my hack carpentry skills.

 

[madscientist451]

There a lots of you tube videos showing a garbage disposer used as an apple grinder.
My grinder is a slightly modified electric wood chipper.
There are all kinds of ghetto cider press videos, I have a small basket press that I use for wine and cider. It holds about 2 gallons of pulp. I've been looking to upgrade for a while; on my wish list is a larger one that doesn't have the threaded rod going down the middle and stainless steel basket.
Something like this:

https://pleasanthillgrain.com/maximizer-fruit-apple-cider-press-stainless-basket

 

[Blissfarm]

I’m looking for a cider press. Obviously I have quite a bit of time before I need one, so no hurry. A good friend of mine has a couple of apple trees that produce a lot every year. Last fall my son and I made apple sauce, other than that the apples are just eaten by deer and the lawnmower.

There’s only one on my local Craigslist, but they want $375, antique, so well built. I see the new ones on amazon and eBay, but don’t know what’s good or bad.

Any suggestions are much appreciated.

I have done alit of trials at home. Wanting something to last and easy to clean. So I decided to go all stainless with welded on a drum the whole face comes off to access and clean this will be powered by a 3/4 motor. This will be completed here soon for the 2019 season