PIKE MANS STUFFER

pikeman_95 · October 27, 2010, 06:15:01 AM

The large stuffer cost me a little over $350.00 to build mostly because of the pumps. The 15#er that I am building now will be much much cheaper. I am about half way done and will post pictures of it when I get finished. I am working for low cost construction and ease of construction. If this 15# stuffer works out well It would be the answer for batches up to the 100# range. You will also use the same parts to make a small stuffer in the 5-10# range.

Kirby

Tenpoint5 · October 27, 2010, 06:20:33 AM

I'm liking that Kirby keep us informed. and Thanks

Cleaver · October 27, 2010, 09:20:40 AM

You must have found parts cheaper than I did. My piston alone cost darn near 140.00
UHMW 6" plug is 100 per foot. And they made sure they billed a foot for only 6 inches in length.
4 ft X6" SCH80 PVC was 55.00 and 2 flanges @ 60.00 per.
12 sq X 1" UHMW for top and bottom were 48.00.
1 3 way dump vave so tap or pump. 8.00
1 pony pump (princess auto) 99.00
2 o rings for piston 12.00

As for tap hook up I used a old dishwasher (portable) connector so it will exhaust and fill through same opening. I had a incident where the pump exhaust hose was flailing around the kitchen during a reload. :-\

So mine has cost about 490 +/- and I still wanna finese it a bit. like wheel and handle to move. and a removable pump mount for ease of cleaning press.

pikeman_95 · October 27, 2010, 12:09:19 PM

Cleaver

I built all of my own parts including the ram.[plug as you call it] I use a router mounted on a router table to cut it out and the same goes for all the other parts. Some of them I cut out with a band saw. I design all my parts on a cad program and make patterns for the parts. I used 8 inch S&D pipe and if you look at the bottom of my stuffer there is a pressure support system so that bottom cap can take the pressure. I can dead head my ram against the top of the stuffer at 60# and it holds the pressure.
My discharge pump does not put out enough thrust to send the hose flying around the kitchen. Though it only takes a little less then a minute to suck the ram back to the bottom. We are loading up the next load of meat as it is going down. I only use the pressure pump if there is not enough pressure in the system that we are using to supply our water, does not have enough pressure.
When you use Schedule 80 Pipe they want to sell you the whole stick and the fittings are very expensive. As for the cost of the UHMD you might ask your suppliers to look in there bone pile. I have found some of the suppliers willing to sell their trim pieces a lot cheaper then if they have to cut plastic out of their sheet stock.

Do you have any pictures of your stuffer. I would like to compare them and see if they are comparable. How many pounds does you stuffer hold?

Looking forward to some pictures

Kirby

DTAggie · October 27, 2010, 12:12:45 PM

Holy COW!

Cleaver · October 28, 2010, 07:50:40 PM

I will try and get some on my days off. I like your design better. I still have to finish the 2 UHMW plates for top and bottom.
I have a 1/2 inch plate aluminum for top and bottom right now. And my stuffer is 5.75 inch ID so I used the metal lathe at school and turned the 6" pistom to fit with in .003" clearance and then used 2-6mm viton rings to seal. I found buying cheap rings better and just throw away when done. I think it costs 4-5.00.
and the 1 inch ball valve at the top I just throw it out as well. My stuffer I leave the water pressure on until finished and have never had water pass the piston.
Or air for that matter, first tested out on the deck and ended up with air and water. and no lidon first run, so when the piston got closeto top it made a heck of a boom and shot the piston about 30 ft in the air. Darn good potatoe gun prospect as well.

Stuffer holds about 25-30 lbs. Like I said yours is a nicer design, wish I had seen it before building mine.

And I was just out in the garage and see I still have enough SCH80 pipe to make another. If I had gotten the full foot of the piston I paid for I would have built a horizontal one for counter top as well. The reason I'm going to the UHMW plates top and bottom is so the stuffer will sit right on the floor and dead head at top and bottom. But I need to find a lathe that will turn 12" square so I can get the perfect cut. Right now I have bulk head fittings and loose about 1-2 pounds that don't get into casing. which is great for spagetti sauce the next day.

marauder11 · October 29, 2010, 11:29:47 PM

I am a plumber so i can get the fittings pipe ect. What are the clamps you used on the ends called. When you get the plans done let me know as well

pikeman_95 · October 30, 2010, 02:16:01 PM

I designed and made the clamps my self out of UHMD plastic and modified carriage bolts. The new design I am working will not have clamps. I am working on a different seal system. Being a plumber this is right down your alley. There are only two parts that you will have to make and they are not too difficult. When I get it finished I will post pictures. I am having a little problem finding time working on the project as our general hunting season just started.

Kirby

Tenpoint5 · October 30, 2010, 07:07:51 PM

Quote from: pikeman_95 on October 30, 2010, 02:16:01 PM
I designed and made the clamps my self out of UHMD plastic and modified carriage bolts. The new design I am working will not have clamps. I am working on a different seal system. Being a plumber this is right down your alley. There are only two parts that you will have to make and they are not too difficult. When I get it finished I will post pictures. I am having a little problem finding time working on the project as our general hunting season just started.

Kirby

A man has got to have priorities!!! It's hunting season so we are sorry to inform you that all design elements have been placed on temporary hold until the completion of hunting season!!

goblism · October 30, 2010, 07:18:00 PM

Pretty sure hunting is a trump all....well almost all ;)

My brother is working on designing me a water stuffer. He is a mechanical engineer and thinks we should make it out of stainless steel...he can get the supplies for essentially nothing due to his job so I don't think I am going to argue.

Looking forward to seeing the advanced plans.

pikeman_95 · October 30, 2010, 08:06:57 PM

Stainless would be the best medium to work with but the cost for the average guy would be prohibitive and the building skills and equipment needed would also be difficult for most. My plan is to make something that works well with the minimum of building. It is easy to glue pipe fittings and making a few simple parts, and should be with in reach of most anyone on the forum. I have most of the parts built or bought I just need to take a some time to make the last few parts. I have spent the most of my time finding the right pipe fittings that will work for the project.

Kirby

smokeNcanuck · October 30, 2010, 08:12:44 PM

Love all of the "stuff" that I have seen that you have made, U are a very talented!
I am really excited to see what you come up with, I have small 5lb LEM right now
but would love to build my self a bigger one. can't have too many toys ;D ;D
Good luck with the hunting.

SnC