making a cider press

[RhastaSheep]

I'm making a steel cider press should I treat the metal with something or is it fine the way it is. My main concern is the base where the juice pools. Should I find a food grade pain or should I just return the steel i bought and go get stainless. Or am I just over thinking this.

 

[gregbathurst]

You don't need stainless. Any juice that touches the frame won't go in your cider, you can paint the frame or just clean it after each use if juice splashes on the frame. The paint doesn't need to be foodsafe.

 

[RhastaSheep]

Sorry, I was being unclear. I was referring to the plate that collects the juice that goes into my bucket. So there will definitely be contacted between the metal and the juice.

 

[kakapo76]

I would either get it powder coated or switch to stainless steel- powder coating its very durable and will last for years - quite cost effective and can be touched up if it gets knocked a bit.

 

[gregbathurst]

You can use a plastic tray for collecting the juice, just drill a hole and put a spout emptying into a bucket. Otherwise you could use SS, or to save money use mild steel and paint it with epoxy or polyurethane. There isn't a lot of wear so the painting thing is possible. (It will make the surface more slippery)

 

[Stauffbier]

I'm considering making a press next year. Will you post photos of yours when your done? Thanks!

 

[RhastaSheep]

 

[Stauffbier]

Nice! Thanks!

Question..
When you press your apples, how do you process them first? Do you press them fresh or do you freeze them first for better liquid extraction?

 

[RhastaSheep]

I take fresh apples quarter them and press them.

 

[Bigsky406]

I build my press out of 2x4s, 2x6s, an old metal end-table frame and I just use a screw jack to to press a pomace "cheese" (greenhouse shade cloth) between a hardwood board and rack. I get a nice dry pomace, fantastic juice and it's super easy to build and cost effective. I collect the juice an a hot water heater pan. I use a garbage disposal mounted to an old computer desk to grind the apples. Everything works great. Whole thing cost me under $150 I think.

 

[Stauffbier]

I build my press out of 2x4s, 2x6s, an old metal end-table frame and I just use a screw jack to to press a pomace "cheese" (greenhouse shade cloth) between a hardwood board and rack. I get a nice dry pomace, fantastic juice and it's super easy to build and cost effective. I collect the juice an a hot water heater pan. I use a garbage disposal mounted to an old computer desk to grind the apples. Everything works great. Whole thing cost me under $150 I think.

About a year ago I watched a youtube video that is very similar to everything you're describing.