15 replies to this topic

[S Hofner]

We used our new (new to us, got it used on Craigslist) floor corker yesterday. I can honestly say, it is one toy that is worth its price....even if we had paid full price for a new one. It really makes the job easier and inserts the cork better. I highly recommend it for everyone regardless of how many gallons you make a year.

[Howie]

I received a Ferrari floor corker for Christmas in 1977. I replaced it a few years ago. The only reason for this was to get a model with a larger bottom opening to allow me to do champagne corks. I sold the original one ($35) - it was still working perfectly.

[DaveD]

One of the only problems with the floor corkers is that they are made for people who are about 5'9" tall. If you're much taller than that, there is an excessive amount of bending over to operate it. There are some other posts on this topic, but other people have bought bench mounted ones or simply attached blocks to the bottom to raise the unit up.

I have done a max of 100 bottles at one time and the operation was getting to me. I'm 6'1". I definitely agree it is a 100x better than a hand corker, though.

[cpfan]

I have done a max of 100 bottles at one time and the operation was getting to me. I'm 6'1". I definitely agree it is a 100x better than a hand corker, though.

DaveD:

I'm also 6'1". I have the blue Ferrari floor corker. It's a bit taller than the red ones. But it's still not tall enough. I've regularly done 60 in a day, but we would filter, bottle & cork 30, have lunch, then do the second 30. I know I've done 60 at a go (ice wine or sherry), and yeah I didn't like doing it.

These days I only do 30 a day. Guess I'm lazier these days.

Steve

[PhotoEd]

I used my hand corker once. One time, and I knew there had to be a better option. I did 87 bottles with the floor corker and was so glad I made the move!!!!

[DavidW]

One of the only problems with the floor corkers is that they are made for people who are about 5'9" tall. If you're much taller than that, there is an excessive amount of bending over to operate it. There are some other posts on this topic, but other people have bought bench mounted ones or simply attached blocks to the bottom to raise the unit up.

I have done a max of 100 bottles at one time and the operation was getting to me. I'm 6'1". I definitely agree it is a 100x better than a hand corker, though.

I'm about 6"3" nowadays, and I bought a used Ferrari (blue) corker that came without the legs. I just bolted it right to my bench and it's a perfect height for me. I could bottle all day long with it because the height allows me to pull down on the handle the whole way, and I don't need to bend over for anything.

[Howie]

One of the only problems with the floor corkers is that they are made for people who are about 5'9" tall...

I operate my Ferrari while seated on a stool. I place the carboy on the washing machine and the bottles on the floor and fill using a Ferrari bottle filler. While I'm corking one bottle, the next one is filling.

[Hammered]

I get drunk friends to do it. You'd be amazed how hard those folks work! We did 450 bottles one afternoon last summer. Notice Peter's good form. Back straight, elbows locked, uses his weight and bends his knees. His cheeks are red not from corking...

[Howie]

I get drunk friends to do it...

You've got friends?

[Hammered]

You've got friends?

Well, Wade anyway... Bribery goes a long way.

And when there's booze around, EVERYBODY is your friend.

[DownHill]

I operate my Ferrari while seated on a stool. I place the carboy on the washing machine and the bottles on the floor and fill using a Ferrari bottle filler. While I'm corking one bottle, the next one is filling.

I can't afford a Ferrari (filler or corker), but like Howie use my Portugese corker while sitting on a stool.
Carboy on top of the freezer with a bottling wand, not to be trusted without watching, so bottle all, then cork.
Dick

[S Hofner]

I'm not sure if mine is Italian or Portuguese, its brand name is Plantina and it's a metallic green. It is noticeably taller then the red Portuguese and a little taller then the Ferrari. It has 4 brass jaws, two movable. We love it. I have developed a nasty case of tendinitis in my elbow and I can't imagine using a double lever type.

[Gary P]

I'm not sure if mine is Italian or Portuguese, its brand name is Plantina and it's a metallic green. It is noticeably taller then the red Portuguese and a little taller then the Ferrari. It has 4 brass jaws, two movable. We love it. I have developed a nasty case of tendinitis in my elbow and I can't imagine using a double lever type.

They are only friends as long as there is free wine!

[DavidW]

One of the only problems with the floor corkers is that they are made for people who are about 5'9" tall.

I operate my Ferrari while seated on a stool.

After renting a Ferrari 348 for a day last week I discovered that the cars are also designed for people about 5'9" or LESS.

[fshfindr]

After renting a Ferrari 348 for a day last week I discovered that the cars are also designed for people about 5'9" or LESS.

I'm 5' 81/2" I love my Blue Farrari. [img]http://www.winepress.us/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/[/img]