Fruit Press

Made this apple/fruit press out of spare wood that I had hanging around. now if the weather would cooperate we might get some apples off the trees. I started with the base of 3/4 in plywood I cut it 24 in x 24 in. I put 3 2x4s under it for stability when the fruit is being pressed. the stand part is all 2x4s that are also doubled up. for the top I also used 2x4s side by side then one is laid on top. After drilling a Straight hole in the middle of the top, I inserted a tube to help keep the plunger bar straight and strengthen the wood. under the top bar I put a nut that fit my plunger bar, the nut is welded to a piece of metal and attached to the wood piece. I also added guides on the base to guide the juice off the base and into a container. I offset the legs so the base is at a tilt. I had to do this twice as I didnt get it high enough for a container to go under the first time.

The barrel is made with 1 x2s the base is 17 inches diameter made with 3/4 in plywood. I laid out the 1x2s and screwed metal strapping to them and wrapping them around. I screwed the boards vertically in place and also glued them to the base. I also used screw type hose clamps on the bottom on the barrel for added strength. The plunger base is made with 2 round 3/4 inch plywood glued together, sanded and waxed. the plunger is a long steel screw type bar and we attached it to the base via a steel bar and a nut welded to it and another nut on the bottom of the plunger. I melted parowax and brushed it on all surfaces that the juice will touch. then i took a torch and melted it off again. total cost. 10.00 for the 1x2.s which is the only thing I didn't have on hand.