Whizbang Plucker

[oldrooster]

Quote:
what I mean by hobby farms are 10 or fewer acres, most of the larger farms grow crops instead of livestock because of the anti-big farm attitude around here (and funny thing is we don't have any "corperate farms" here) crops include hay, corn and beans a few people grow wheat but it seems to be in essence someone whom just had the equipment or got it cheaply and they do it because of the dual income of wheat and straw sales. they produce just enough straw locally so importing it from other near by communities unless you need a huge amount or get it almost given to you is not economically viable.

 

[bowhunter862]

I used an old 1 HP farm motor that used to be on a hay elevator. (1725 RPM) It was a freebie. I also didn't like the idler pulley idea so I designed my own. Mounted the motor to a piece of plywood, put (4) 3/8" X 6" carriage bolts through the frame and mounted my motor board on that. Now with just a 9/16 wrench, I can keep the belt tight as it stretches over time.

 

[cmknight]

I used an old 1 HP farm motor that used to be on a hay elevator. (1725 RPM) It was a freebie. I also didn't like the idler pulley idea so I designed my own. Mounted the motor to a piece of plywood, put (4) 3/8" X 6" carriage bolts through the frame and mounted my motor board on that. Now with just a 9/16 wrench, I can keep the belt tight as it stretches over time.

Can you show more pics of your setup? I would like to see your creative genius and maybe use some of your ideas when I build my own.

 

[bowhunter862]

I'll take some pictures when I get home this afternoon and post em for ya.

 

[bowhunter862]

The pictures as promised. Hope it helps you

 

[cmknight]

Those pics do help. Did you buy the shaft and the feather plate or come up with your own?

 

[bowhunter862]

I bought the feather plate and shaft, and of course the fingers. And, I bought the "Anyone can build a Tub-Style Mechanical Chicken Plucker" book.

According to the book, RPM matter a lot. My motor is 1725 RPM. I had a 2 1/2" pulley already on the motor and I bought a 14" pulley before I got the book. That combination will give me 308 RPM of the feather plate. 288 RPM is optimal which is the RPM given a 2 1/2" drive pulley and a 15" driven pulley. . I should have gotten a 15" pulley but I ain't buying another one. They can spin a bit faster and I hope it works. I'll know in a few weeks.

 

[drlcb]

It will work fine. Mine spins at 300 give or take.
I never bought the book just looked through the forums and a few youtube vids.
Two at a time works better than one. 30 seconds as advertised!
http://www.temecularodrun.com/ref/rpm_calc.asp

 

[drlcb]

Btw make sure you cover the bottom of that motor or you'll end up with splashed water, feathers and poo in it!

 

[bowhunter862]

Oh yeah. I'll cover the motor. Electricity and water surely don't mix.