Brew UK Forum | General Brewing Discussions
Scratter
Hello to all, been a while.
Just finished making my scratter ready for this years cider fest. It has a socket connection so I can power it by drill. Will be making the press in the next week or so.
A friend of mine lives near a large orchard who's owner lives in Spain and says we can help ourselves 
Question to the floor, once I have pressed the cider, Should I just leave it in a bucket to ferment naturally? Any suggestions really welcome.
Many thanks
JH
Responses
Posted 2 years ago by Moderator
Nice one! But as I know nothing of cider terms, what does a scratter do?
And I would leave to ferment naturally, but I reckon others may tell you to pitch yeast. Im all for the more natural the better.
Plannin'-
Loads a beer after an upgrade!
nathbrew@gmail.com
Posted 2 years ago by Member
Hi Nath,
The scratter pulps the apples prior to pressing. Not sure if I should link this but it does give a very good example of the basic process required (prior to fermentation)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k51ddEH4pNY
Just a note, I found out that in the States, Apple juice is refered to as 'Cider'. Cider is refered to as 'Hard Cider'. Worth knowing if you are ever State side.
Anyways. will let you know how I get on.
Cheers
JH
Posted 2 years ago by Moderator
Ta for the info! Weird how they call orange juice orange juice but aplle juice cider. Crazy old Americans!
Plannin'-
Loads a beer after an upgrade!
nathbrew@gmail.com
Posted 2 years ago by Admin
Nice work JH, that should help get a lot more juice out of the apples.
I would treat the juice with a campden tab (1 per 5 gallons), leave for 24 hrs then pitch a cider yeast or champagne yeast as I wouldn't risk using airborne yeasts but its up to you, plenty would argue to the contrary. At least using a cultured yeast will you know what you are getting and it will start quickly.
Posted 2 years ago by Member
Thanks for the replies. I will go for the C Tablet/ cider yeast approach and will update once sampled (if poss)
a few months to go yet though...
Posted 2 years ago by Member
That looks beautiful. I remember when I was a kid smelling the apples when they'd been through this sort of thing (I grew up in devon with most of my relatives coming from somerset.
That's true about the US .. cider is non-alcoholic, weird, weird, weird!
(with grateful thanks to the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers and slightly adapted)
Posted 2 years ago by Member
On reflection, I have decided for H&S purposes to use shorter screws. To do this I have moved the rolling pin more towards one side and added a plywood wedge.
Will pick up a couple of apples from the market tomorrow to test and will post results.
JH
Posted 2 years ago by Member
Well, I purchased a pack of blue stripe apples and tested this last night. Perfect!!! Apples just need a bit or persuasion (broom handle)..
Posted 2 years ago by Member
Looks good!
Quick question do you know where you can get a relatively cheap fruit press from? My old man fancies a go at the old cider making.
Plus how long would you keep it going in the secondary fermentation stage or even bottle stage before trying it?
I know nothing about cider i freely admit....
Neil
Posted 2 years ago by Member
Hi Neil,
I am completely new to pressing my own cider to be honest so learning as I go. I have picked up ideas for the scratter and press off You Tube. I have decided to build a press from scratch as the cheapest one is over £60 and it is all about making this as cheap as poss.
Again with the fermentation, it will be a learning curve (a very steep one) but will be taking notes and am happy to share with all. I will not know of course until much later in the year. Still waiting for them apples
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Hi
I am going to builder a scrattler and press soon.
What motor are you using?
where abouts do u live
Lol
Posted 1 year ago by Member
The scratter is powered by an electric drill. The press when complete will be threaded bolt turned by hand. I have managed to procure most of the wood from the timber pile at my local recycling centre for free. There are some pretty good quality pieces that people throw away.
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Completed the container for pressing apples. Mostly made from wooden bed slats - wife doesn't know yet
Just need to complete the frame with threaded bolt and we are ready for crushing. Will post when completed.
Posted 1 year ago by Member
A nice piece of work JH, I can see that working a treat! You'll have to post some more pics once it's fully operational!
(with grateful thanks to the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers and slightly adapted)
Posted 1 year ago by Moderator
Man now I really wanna make one! That looks sweet as.
Plannin'-
Loads a beer after an upgrade!
nathbrew@gmail.com
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Thanks for the comments.
I finished the juice collector & frame today. I have ordered a vice screw from here
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=22376&src=froogle
As everything else was freebies and the screw is the heart of the project I thought it would be a good idea to spend some money for a good quality piece of kit.
Once fitted I will post pics of the full setup.
JH
Posted 1 year ago by Moderator
Seriously, Im uber-jealous! Im thinking this could be on the cards soon, even though I dont drink much cider (unless its proper scrumpy!)
Plannin'-
Loads a beer after an upgrade!
nathbrew@gmail.com
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Proper scumpy it shall be - I have a few 1 gall demijohns so I may try a few different fermentation processes e.g. with/without yeast, campden tabs etc.
Don't want to put all my apples in one basket
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Well, I received and fitted the vice screw today. This is the finished article. The handle is half a broom handle from the pound shop. The scratter will bolt onto the side when in use.
I will post more pics later in the year once I have the apples and pears.
JH
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