O/T Cider-Wine Press

John B. · Dec 2, 2012

I finally got some plans for a cider press. IT shows or tells to use a hydraulic bottle jack to apply down pressure and squeeze the apples, I don't like this idea just because of the oil situation.
MY question is do you think a hand crank trailer jack would work good enough to crush apples to make cider?

AzPeapicker · Dec 2, 2012

Good evening John

Just wondering if you have thought about using a ram & air pressure . Using a valve to control the amount of air supplied to the ram
That way no oil leaks.

John from AZ.

JRSutton · Dec 2, 2012

Not sure how much pressure you'd get from a trailer jack - the screw type would probably work fine, as long as the the surface area of the press isn't too big.

But I was wondering if you've tried looking for an antique one?

I seem to run into them all the time, and pretty cheap.

Fullers Farmalls · Dec 2, 2012

That would probably suffice. But you want to make sure you can anchor it to the plate you press on. It works best if it is dead center. That way it doesnt start to push to one side. Ours has the heavy screw that you turn. I would give it a shot. Then you will know for sure

Cal Innes · Dec 2, 2012

Put the jack under the table that holds the apple grindings and lift it upward... this is the way the commercial ones are set up.
Cal

Janicholson · Dec 2, 2012

If you know anyone with a old lathe, the lead screw and half nut would make a quick action powerful screw with a measure of authenticity. Nice Acme Threads. Jim

RickieBlue · Dec 2, 2012

When the acme screw gave up the ghost on my press, I used a 1½ ton hydraulic jack. If the jack leaks it isn't good for anything..and if you are worried about contamination..drain it, flush it out with something like alcohol and fill it with vegetable oil. After using for a while, I preferred the hydraulic over the screw. Its no different than using the screw..if it cocks..release the pressure..reposition the basket and try it again.

oleblu · Dec 2, 2012

John, you can buy a long ACME thread rod and nut from most woodworking outlets. They are used for making woodworking vises in custom built benches. Probably called a "bench screw".

Leroy · Dec 2, 2012

Just squeezing the apples will not work, you have to have a grinder and with that a good trailer jack should provide enough pressure. Your problem is what are you going to use to grind them?

Leroy · Dec 2, 2012

JRSutton. how do you find the old presses even without being cheap? If I could find then I have people wanting me to find them for them. Found only one in couple of years looking and all wood was shot and way overpriced but was told get it for me anyway. Paid $140 and was not worth over $25 as parts.

John B. · Dec 2, 2012

Yes I know the apples have to be ground, I can get a grinder.

Leroy · Dec 3, 2012

If I could get grinders for a reasonable price I could make all the rest to work and have a market for them.

O/T Cider-Wine Press

John B.

Well-known Member

AzPeapicker

Member

JRSutton

Well-known Member

Fullers Farmalls

Member

Cal Innes

Member

Janicholson

Well-known Member

RickieBlue

Member

oleblu

Member

Leroy

Well-known Member

Leroy

Well-known Member

John B.

Well-known Member

Leroy

Well-known Member

Similar threads