Whizbang Pluckers

SCCooper · Jan 21, 2015

I'm considering building one of these and, while I'd like to keep the cost low, I'd rather make it easy on myself than spend a few months scrounging for the cheapest parts, etc. I've read through the forums and it sounds like people generally spend $400-500, mostly depending on the cost of the motor.

On the Whizbang site there is a "Shebang" package for $399 that has all the parts he sells:

http://whizbangplucker.blogspot.com/2010/04/time-and-cost-involved-in-packaging-and.html

There is also a complete parts list. It looks as though there is still a lot one would have to get, in addition to the motor:

http://whizbangplucker.blogspot.com/2010/04/whizbang-blank.html

I didn't try to price out everything but at first glance, it seems as though you'd be well over $500, even with an inexpensive used motor. Am I missing something or can someone that has built one of these fairly recently provide some insight? Is it possible to cut down the cost by buying all the pieces from another source?

Thanks!

KevinEleven · Jan 21, 2015

mine probably ran me around 200-300 to make mine. but I did almost all the fabricating myself and got lucky on a motor

Coles FreshEggs · Jan 22, 2015

Buy an small EZ plucker from Allthingpoultry.com much easier. I have three of these now and they do way better than the 2 whizbangs I have

Madison1 · Jan 23, 2015

I built one fall of 2014. It cost me about 250. The biggest savings for me was using a used motor. And using the bottom of the barel for the feather plate. I mounted this to a piece of treated 1/2 plywood. I looked at several people's pluckers and did not like the idea of using wood down there but then I priced a feather plate and thought it wouldn't hurt to try it since all I would have in scrapping the idea was a 2'x2' piece of plywood. Bottom line it doesn't even get wet so I feel really good about it now. Also I started out with a 1.5" motor pulley and a 10" pulley on the plucker. That was to fast. I then bought a 14" pulley and it made all the difference. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003N...SY165_QL70&dpPl=1&dpID=41XW3pyIbwL&ref=plSrch

SCCooper · Jan 29, 2015

Thanks, everyone!

@Madison1 , what did you do for the featherplate shaft?

SCCooper · Jan 29, 2015

@Coles FreshEggs , I've found a lot of information on the EZ Pluckers and it's mostly positive. Certainly looks like a good deal but I'm conflicted for a couple of reasons. 1) I like the satisfaction of DiY projects. 2) I'd rather support Herrick Kimball than send the money to China. Not that I have anything against buying Chinese goods because I don't, I just personally consider the alternative a better choice, in this case. 3) The price difference is significant but not huge, if you can find a good, inexpensive, used motor.

I do like that they're stainless steel but it also sounds like there may be some maintenance costs to consider too. I remember reading somewhere that you need to paint/re-paint the steel parts to maintain them without rust. Also, it sounds like the fingers in the EZ aren't as good or durable and need to be replaced more frequently. Have you found these to be the case?

Coles FreshEggs · Jan 29, 2015

In my EZ pluckers, I have had to replace the fingers of my Whiz Bang far more often than the EZ Pluckers. The smaller EZ models don't draw as much electricity; but the larger models do draw quite a large amount. The only thing about the EZ pluckers, is that the wheels suck, and they should be replaced before you even use it. But other than the wheels, I have had far less headaches with the EZ pluckers, than the Whizbangs @SCCooper

Madison1 · Jan 29, 2015

For the shaft I used a 3/4 inch steel shaft with a simple bolt on flange that bolted to both the shaft and the wooden feather plate. Sorry not the best description and it was a product of custom metal work. My original idea was lowes item #22441 and #24043 screwed together with lock tight or something then bolted to the 3/4 inch shaft like this one http://m.ebay.com/itm/221577293217?nav=SEARCH

oldrooster · Jan 30, 2015

Quote:
I saw this on ebay this guy has them on there all the time it is not the guy who "invented" the whizbang but someone who just sells the kits http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chicken-Plu..._DefaultDomain_0&hash=item461200a7d0#viTabs_0 the guy on ebay does not sell you the idler arm like the original guy does, but he gives you the barrel. The original guy sells just the idler assembly and all the hardware to attach it for 39 dollars.

Whizbang Pluckers

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oldrooster

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