30 replies to this topic

[Calamity Cellars]

Earlier today I bought a used crusher/destemmer which needs some works. It is a 15 year old manual unit with a stainless hopper and destemmer screen and everything else is painted steel. Everything that is painted needs to be sanded and repainted. I will use a food safe epoxy for this step.

My question is in regards to the destemmer paddles. The existing paddles are in bad shape with lots of rust down in those tight spaces so I am uncertain about being able to do a good job removing rust in a timely manor. (Translation: I am lazy and hate sanding.) It has occurred to me that I could replace the destemmer shaft with a stainless rod an build soft rubber paddles similar to the paddles in this homemade unit. My problem is how to go about it. Any ideas?

[attachment=9772:IMG_0051.JPG][attachment=9773:IMG_0052.JPG]

I only paid $140.00 for it which feels like a bargain right now, I will let you know if I still feel that way when I am done refurbishing it!!!

[smokinjoe359]

sandblast it


Joe

[Wade's Wines]

Good idea, Joe.
Great buy, Apexnow! You probably paid more for the pan that came in the box behind it. Don't ya love All-Clad!

[RSG]

Great buy Alan!

If you thought sanding and painting is going to be allot of work then forget about machining a new shaft and paddles I would look into Smokinjoe's idea and then add food grade pvc hose tips as I did. Sandblasting is cheap and fast then use epoxy paint. PVC tubing can be purchased at any farm supply store, it's used in the dairyindustry. You might even find that size at your local Home brew store. Attach them with zip tyes to each arm.

[Calamity Cellars]

Good idea, Joe.
Great buy, Apexnow! You probably paid more for the pan that came in the box behind it. Don't ya love All-Clad!

That All-Clad box is the over size crock pot with the removable insert that is stove or oven compatible, it is only available through Williams-Sonoma. My wife complained about my buying the C/D Unit for 140.00 but she sure didn't mind the 280.00 for a slow cooker!!!

I will look for a local company to sandblast the unit. It would not be too difficult to cut the paddles off about 1/2 way and zip-tie some tubing on there. Maybe I could pinch and glue the ends of the tubing shut so that grape bits & pieces don't get in the ends?

[RSG]

It would not be too difficult to cut the paddles off about 1/2 way and zip-tie some tubing on there.

Just test how long the tubing must be before cutting any metal. I found 2.5" to be just right.

[Michael A]

Earlier today I bought a used crusher/destemmer which needs some works. It is a 15 year old manual unit with a stainless hopper and destemmer screen and everything else is painted steel. Everything that is painted needs to be sanded and repainted. I will use a food safe epoxy for this step.

My question is in regards to the destemmer paddles. The existing paddles are in bad shape with lots of rust down in those tight spaces so I am uncertain about being able to do a good job removing rust in a timely manor. (Translation: I am lazy and hate sanding.) It has occurred to me that I could replace the destemmer shaft with a stainless rod an build soft rubber paddles similar to the paddles in this homemade unit. My problem is how to go about it. Any ideas?

[attachment=9772:IMG_0051.JPG][attachment=9773:IMG_0052.JPG]

I only paid $140.00 for it which feels like a bargain right now, I will let you know if I still feel that way when I am done refurbishing it!!!

Was this the one I saw on http://www.winebusiness.com?

[Hammered]

A wire brush in an electric drill would make short work of that paint and rust. Get several different sizes and shapes of brushes to get to the various niches and corners.

[Calamity Cellars]

Was this the one I saw on http://www.winebusiness.com?

Nope, this was a craigslist find. Turns out it is the guy that produces www.wineradio.com He was a great person to talk to.

[Calamity Cellars]

A wire brush in an electric drill would make short work of that paint and rust. Get several different sizes and shapes of brushes to get to the various niches and corners.

Already found a local company that will sandblast it for $47.50. Please refer to 'lazy and hate sanding' statement in original post

[Calamity Cellars]

I am now on a quest to find a food quality epoxy paint. I was told to call a local dairy farm supplier but haven't got to it yet.

[Hammered]

I am now on a quest to find a food quality epoxy paint. I was told to call a local dairy farm supplier but haven't got to it yet.

I did a lot of hunting for that one and the only place I could find it was Presque Isle winery and supply. Check them out. Caution: That stuff is REALLY expensive.

[RSG]

I did a lot of hunting for that one and the only place I could find it was Presque Isle winery and supply. Check them out. Caution: That stuff is REALLY expensive.

Alan, look to a floor coating company. They always have odds left over after a commercial job and will sometimes part with a small quantity. Assuming they didn't add the hardener to all of it

[Crazy Run Ranch]

I would suggest using this machine as designed before cutting down the fingers and adding tubing. I assume it came with a destemming basket that encloses the shaft, that you removed for the pictures? It should be stainless steel. I would also consider getting the shaft powder coated to give it a more durable finish. It looks like there is plenty of rust to be removed from the sheet metal also. Is the motor and belts in good shape?

[Calamity Cellars]

I would suggest using this machine as designed before cutting down the fingers and adding tubing. I assume it came with a destemming basket that encloses the shaft, that you removed for the pictures? It should be stainless steel. I would also consider getting the shaft powder coated to give it a more durable finish. It looks like there is plenty of rust to be removed from the sheet metal also. Is the motor and belts in good shape?

It does have the stainless destemming basket and the grape hopper is stainless as well. The picture was intended to show the parts that need to be refinished. The belt and motor is me since this is a hand cranked model and, to answer your question, no I am not in good shape.