[suziequeue]

I'll put this on the equipment forum aswell.

Anybody got any plans or knowledge about how to make an pedal powered apple scratter for pulping apples?

We have a bicycle and a good manual scratter.

Any ideas on how to put the two together?

Thanks

Susanna

[suziequeue]

Well - this project continues!! so I thought I would "blog" my progress here.

Have looked extensively on the net and can't really find anything that fits with what we've got.

So here is our version in development.

Step 1:

Hunt around in workshop for bits and pieces. Here we have found (see pic):

• old bicycle from days when OH's knee didn't give him jip
• old exercise bike stand from days when I thought I might ever sit in front of the TV at home training (used once!!)
• apple scratter from last year
• boy with interest in engineering projects
• OH
• old plastic bin

Now need to:

• get a couple of bicycle chains and another rear wheel sprocket set from Halfords or somesuch
• build a sturdy frame out of palets for the scratter to sit on so the bin can be put in and taken out underneath
• find a way of attaching the sprocket set to the turning rod of the scratter

I'm particularly delighted to have found a use for old fitness equipment as this is the sort of thing that's very difficult to shift once purchased in a fit of post-Christmas determination and New Years resolutions  (as difficult as the fat it was bought to get rid of!! )

I'll keep you all posted.

Any comments or suggestions would be most welcome. We know nothing about gears or sprockets and suchlike.

[Bionic]

Suziequeue,
You might even get fit into the bargain too 

[suziequeue]

HA yes!!! 

[suziequeue]

OK - this is the prototype.

Bicycle powered apple scratter

Sorry about the legs 

oh..... and my bum at the end 

oh.... and Paul sounding like he's auditioning for Tomorrow's World in the 70s 

[robert waddell]

it wont play       says it is private

[suziequeue]

Sorry - I have edited the settings.

Try now.....

http://youtu.be/r3bEtZFoXPE

[Sylvia]

I am full of admiration  I often have great ideas but no practical ability to put things together. I really envy people who can!

[suziequeue]

Yes - over the years I have got better at putting my ideas into action. It's taking the first practical step aftwer all the thinking which is always the worst.

In this case the first step for me was discovering that I hadn't thrown away my exercise bike stand and I could use it for this project. I think that unless we had had the majority of stuff to hand already then I wouldn't have gone out specifically buying it.

ALlo - the lad down the road offered to build it for us so that was easy  (cheating really!!)

[Dan]

Tremendous, missed this first time around. 

I should be getting out more on my bike, but it feels like such a waste of time. This kills several birds with one stone, will be borrowing the idea once our orchard is productive.