I brought home an old Red Cross Medium apple crusher/press the other day. It appears to be in very good condition. The gentleman I got it from had it in his clean garage and he probably had it sitting there for many years and unfortunately he never was able to use it.
I figure I will hose it down and maybe wire brush the crusher wheels but what should I do about the wood (baskets and juice tray). It is still structurally solid. Should I use a scouring pad or a course kitchen pad? I'm not concerned about old bacteria but my wife is. We plan on using it in just under a month at a 4H event doing a demonstration of making fresh apple cider.
When I turn the crank there is one spot that has some resistance but it continues to turn on around. Should there be any lubrication in the I assume bushings or bearings. I haven't tried to take it apart but I don't want to stress it if there is something I should do to it.
I'd post a picture but haven't found instructions on how to yet!
You could use a food grade oil on the bearings... but my old press bearings are well worn, so lubrication may help but more likely use will help.
as far as the wood. light wire brushing followed by a mild bleach solution. then rinse off several times. From what i have read about making cider 100 or 200 years ago .... they weren't very concerned ... I would pressed the apples and then filter out the big hunks....
I ended up using cloth bags to prevent chunks of apple from getting to the final product. works great.
I would NOT take it apart, unless you want to rebuild it.
dan or
Idyllwild
simplepress
jafar
Marsha H
Viron
1 Guest(s)