DIY Mother of all Chicken Pluckers and how I built it. My interpretation of the Wiz-Bang design

[@srikantdas7869]

What is the price of this product and how could i get it

[@SouthernEngineering]

Sorry, I built this for a friend using spare parts and a few new ones. Thanks for watching.

[@fasteddy4929]

The plastic drills nicely with a spade bit. If you rub the fingers on a bar of soap it will lubricate the rubber and pull in much easier. I'm in Jamaica and built one with a hand crank. One pillow block under the finger plate and the other at the top of the barrel. The hand crank is above the top of the barrel. We don't have water running in the barrel but the feathers migrate out and down just fine. It's a little slower than the electric one but in about a minute it will do 2 chickens at a time and build muscle at the same time. Really handy if you are off grid. I used the barrel top for the finger plate. It works just fine. Mine has a 2X2 wood frame of treated lumber and is 3 years old and doing fine after several hundred chickens. Cost well under a hundred dollars.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Well, See Eddy, this is what I love about YT; Guys from all over the world are sharing, teaching, and learning from each other, it is a beautiful thing. I can imagine your arm is a bit tired at the end of the day, but hard work is good for the soul. Your design seems well-thought-out, thanks for sharing it with me, I do appreciate it. Thanks for watching and commenting. P.s. I haven't been to Jamaica in years, I love the Caribbean islands and my wife, and I plan a vacation there next year.

[@ONCOMMTV]

@@SouthernEngineering 'hard work is good for the soul.' I LIKE THAT💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪

[@TheAlabamaWildman]

Apologies Offered as I have only now seen this video. I must admit.. i'm certain I have watched over a hundred iterations of these Pluckers and this.. By FAR is The Single Best Designed & Constructed Chicken Plucker to ever see the Light of Day ! !! ! The Use of the Bowling Ball (imho) was a singular stroke of genius ! ! GREAT VIDEO SIR ! ! ! ! !

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks Randy, much appreciated. I apologize for the delay in response; my health has not been so good, but I'm recovering. Thanks for watching and commenting; it truly is appreciated.

[@veefriend4201]

No, I have not looked at any previous home made pluckers - very intriguing concept. Sent it off to a bro-in-law to see if he thinks it's a feasible project for a do-it-your-selfer. A time saver if one has a couple of dozen chickens to handle. A handy, dandy gadget, for sure. Doesn't take up much space. Mobile. And frugal to operate.

[@SouthernEngineering]

It's not to difficult to build, definitely a D.I.Y. project. F.Y.I., I'm building a scalder for him next. Thanks for watching..

[@josephfeinburg3915]

Years ago I built one similar to yours except instead of it being electric I used a high velocity nozzle conected to a garden hose to power the bottom late with fins bent up so the water spray spun the round plate with fingers pointing up to spin the chickens and rinse them off while they spun around and plucked the feathers off. It did not spin very fast, but fast enough to do the job very well. I also added a hand truck to move it around for storing.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Water-powered, very cool idea. That would have been a great YT video.

[@Alibeysuleimanoglu]

I would be glad if you can post the video on KZbin.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Same here

[@CS-ui4qj]

video or it didnt happen! lol

[@thecasualgardener8474]

Impressive. I especially liked the proof of action study using painted bowling ball.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks, Gardener, glad you like it. The bowling ball was the only way I could test it without using a chicken and proved the functionality. If your interested, I made a follow-up video with a few changes and updates; I'm also working on a scalder to go with it, stay tuned. Thanks for watching and commenting I do appreciate it.

[@rodolfoplasencia9739]

About the 10 lb testing ball, I got to say a turkey can weight 3 times more so the bottom fingers must be locked tight or, be of a stronger material so the turkey don't pull them out or bend them. By this time the farmer using this project should have that corrected or maybe they didn't need to correct it at all.

[@SouthernEngineering]

He only uses it for chicken and small game birds. If you want a design for larger birds, you would increase the drum size and the fingers on the plate would need to be spaced closer.

[@mtuggle1184]

Just got a new washer and dryer.., can’t help but think about how to recycle the washing machine drum now!

[@Mugsey1984]

great job, I will be copying the design in the spring! thanks for posting.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks, Stay tuned, I'm going to do a couple of changes to it this winter, along with a more detailed video. I'm also going to design a scalder to go with it. Thanks for watching.

[@melanieleach9957]

@@SouthernEngineering hi do you have a complete parts list? I would be happy pay for it. I want my husband to build me one but he said I needed to source the parts. I have the major parts list but not the nitty gritty

[@JayGeezw]

Wow... I really need this plucker.... watching from southern Africa

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks, Gees, glad you like it and letting me know where you're located. I was in SA 3 years ago on my way to Zambia, some beautiful country.

[@octaviorogers3586]

Wow ! This chicken plucker is awesome man ! congrats from Buenos Aires , Argentina .

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hello Buenos Aires 👍 and thanks, Octavio, I appreciate that. If you are interested, I'm almost finished with a matching scalder unit and will be posting a video very soon. Also for more information on the plucker, I made a followup video that had a little more detail and a couple of changes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpKWoYmIgr2Eg80 Thanks again for watching and commenting, I do appreciate it. P.s. I post updates, previews, and other random stuff on Instagram @ southernengineering

[@andreas6163]

Man this is awesome. My hubby's a mechanical engineer but I've found around the homestead his needed trial and error period sucks balls. He works like a mad man and his 9-5 is more like 2am-6pm, so builds are left to me unless he can geterdun within the hour after dinner before he passes out. So basically it's me or nothin. That's cool and all but I'm also keeping house with 5 helpful minions willing to work but not always able the sweet kids that they are. This is totally fab man- he gets the professor speak and I can pick up assembly easily enough coming up behind after rolling his hawt butt through a shower and into bed. Thank you from the warmest parts of my heart man. The need here is serious and I can't ask too much and keep my hubby sane at the same time. God bless you and yours man.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks Andrea I truly appreciate your comments. Sound like a hard workin man, I remember those days, sweating the unknown failure modes that inevitably expose themselves just as a project wraps up, arguing with bean counters on why a 10 cent part is a critical component. Ah, good times.. 😖 If you're planning a build then check-out the followup video I made, it was a little more detail and some changes. I'm currently working a scalding unit to go with the plucker so stay tuned if you're interested. Thanks for watching and commenting, I do enjoy sharing and chatting with y'all. P.s. I'm now on Instagram @ southernengineering I post updates and previews of my projects and other stuff.

[@marcsimard2723]

The hardest part is when you have to source the appropriate parts from your own scrap pile Design change a go-go

[@rodolfoplasencia9739]

This is a great fun project any farmer will love to discover you did for them to try to replicate and save some hundreds in a plucker and that's the funniest part, how to save money! There's only one thing better than saving money for a farmer and that, is making money! Farmers are the kind of people the so called richest imitate the most, and admire the most, to say the least! Hope one day they respect them more! Thank you so much for your job!

[@SouthernEngineering]

I'm glad you enjoyed the project; my friend often calls on me for a solution to a problem, and if this helps others, than all the better. I grew up on a farm so I understand that, they are great people.

[@ajaktangang]

Same here, I'm a simple minded farmer, I need to build a chicken farm, I nearly bought timber sworth to build a house, I got my cousin to help me out, he used used timbers and other off cuts etc.. he didn't use any of my timbers. Yeah, I basic is the same but the materials cost and uses, that is the part differ.

[@scottsutton7989]

Nice job!! I think it works every bit as well if not better than commercially made ones!!! Cool.....

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks Scott, The friend I built it for worked it hard last summer with zero trouble. I pulled it in over the winter to make a couple of changes and make a more detail video for those that want to build it. The video is on my YT channel if your interested. FYI, I'm currently working on a Scalding tank as a companion unit, I'll have in posted soon. Thanks for watching..

[@Theodorej1960]

Great video and great tutorial!!! I'm not even a country boy and I enjoyed watching this. You've got game, dude!!!!

[@SouthernEngineering]

Well Thanks Theodore, That's high praise to an old engineer. Hope you subscribed, I got lots of great project upcoming... Thanks again for watching.

[@Theodorej1960]

I have subscribed, sir, and am looking forward to more of your videos!!

[@SouthernEngineering]

I think you will enjoy whats come in new year.. Thanks again..

[@tuvoca825]

Tip (from an appliance repair guy) Find a way to seal the bearing ring so water doesn't get in there. It will prevent problems later. Some washing machines have shafts with sealed bearings as one single part you can buy.

[@SouthernEngineering]

That is true, given time, water will get in everything. I had pumped a bunch of white lithium grease into the bearing and instructed my friend to always regrease them after every use, that will help mitigate that issue. He uses it two or three times a year for a couple days at a time, so if he does proper maintenance, it should last a long time. Thanks for watching and offering a good tip, I was not aware of such a bearing, I'll look it up.

[@yellow3222]

Super strong video people like you make KZbin worth it 😄

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hey Thanks Peater, I tried to make a concise video and one that's worth your time to watch but had to cut some parts for length; I made an update video about a couple of changes with more detail on the wiring and motor mount you should watch it if you're planning a build. I'm currently working on a scalder to work as a companion unit to the plucker so stay tuned.. As always I will be happy to answer any questions you have. Thanks for watching and commenting, I do appreciate it... P.s. I'm now on Instagram @ `southernengineering' where I post Updates and previews of my projects.

[@MyHeap]

YUP, one naked chicken there. I don't know about classic music, but there is an AC/DC song that came to mind! Thanks for sharing Walt. Joe

[@rslrandyman]

It’s Brea few years since I watched this. Very well done

[@oldhamegg]

best tutorial on this I've seen but more step by step i.e mounting the motor and the pulley etc. would be good for me. If it is not spelled out exactly I stumble.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks, glad you like it. Sorry about that, technical difficulties with camera (it crapped out). I am going to revisit the motor mound in a few months and will re-shoot what I am changing. I have a scalder build in the works so stay tuned. Thanks for watching..

[@CiecieNewson]

"I thought that was something grandma and grandpa did". You're a hoot. I was laughing when the guy said "woo, naked chicken." Then you follow up with that line. Great tutorial. ~Smile!

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks for that. :) And thanks for watching...

[@mikemele9941]

Southern Engineering what size drive shift do u use ?

[@terrivallier191]

Ciecie Newson 1q1qwaahfddeddewsszseredddddddssssssfgcfgfffffffgghhjvvhhvg

[@MrFair-cj7ty]

Probably the size your mom does,,,,,

[@simplyrise5217]

Strip club

[@larryduffell3823]

Could u send ur measurements fingers apart a 4 rows and measurements on barrel like the ways u done it.

[@soapsoilandsunshine3241]

What a great friend you are. My hubby is a boilermaker so I'm sure he'll appreciated the detailed instructions. Thanks for the upload, it's great.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ezekieljacob5795]

Just tell your hubby to go see the guy

[@soapsoilandsunshine3241]

@@ezekieljacob5795 Ha ha, that would be pretty expensive I'm in Australia.

[@Acordionista509]

Do you have any videos on how you set up the motor?

[@LostMinion64]

That thing is really cool and kinda medieval

[@lindasims9135]

Boy I'll tell you after I made one of those I really went to town on the chickens. After I ran about a dozen or so through there my wife told me they were running around in the pen looking for a place to get warm.

[@SouthernEngineering]

My friend does about 120 chickens two times a year, he definitely loves it. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@gauss700]

@@SouthernEngineering wait...Linda was telling you about her planting the chicks 3 inches deep & how they never grew! I thought it was hilarious Linda 'place to get warm'! Stoopid naked chicken.

[@SouthernEngineering]

@@gauss700 I usually respond to comments around 5 a.m., so if the coffee has not kicked in, sometimes I miss the humor in comments.

[@dutchofsc]

Outstanding work kind sir. And thank you for taking the time and sharing your work. The hunt for parts is officially on! I hope my project comes out as good as yours. Great job.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks Dutch, Glad you like it. I just finished a couple of small changes to it and I will have the video ready in a few days, nothing major just refinements. Stay tuned... Thanks for watching..

[@dutchofsc]

Southern Engineering Great. I just subbed, I like your style. I'll try to post a few more projects on the tube soon. I know I'll bee needing a honey extractor soon (centrifugal extraction), any thoughts?

[@SouthernEngineering]

Humm! I have a friend that keeps bees, I'll pick his brain and do some research and get back to you. I'm working on a scalder to go with the chicken plucker and that should be posted in a couple of weeks. Thanks for the sub, likewise..

[@dutchofsc]

Southern Engineering I'm looking forward to your temperature control solution, I see a water heater element and a digital controller coupled to a j or k type themalcouple. Looking forward to it.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Dutch, that's the basic idea, along with an automatic water level control and easy cleanup. I think you will like my design....

[@RonGay58]

I visited your recommended parts sites for prices and it added up to $513.27, which doesn't cover the price of the barrel, tubing, wiring or conduit. I checked the price of a top of the line one, ready to use out of the box, and it was $499.00.

[@jasonkeuma1986]

Which route did you choose?

[@RonGay58]

I found someone renting them, right now I can't justify laying out the money for one.@@jasonkeuma1986

[@jgclarke0352]

I'd like to know what plucker you found for 499 that is top of the line. The ones I've seen for 4 to 500 aren't top of the line and this plucker would he much more robust. But I was hoping to be able to build one for less than I can buy one.

[@donnahemans3127]

Thanks for showing us how to make this....however I am a bit disappointed you didn't show how you put the moto in...it would be great as that part is important.

[@jimdonaldson3420]

Awesome design! You need to produce for sale!!! Thx for the video!

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks, Maybe one day!

[@debbierose2750]

I know this video is a couple yrs old but I was also curious about how much it costs to build this ? I already have an empty barrel &am trying to decide if it would be cheaper to rent a plucker for a day or build this & I could rent it out myself later if we don't continue in the future to raise our own like I would like to

[@MinhLe-vj9ij]

Very interesting ! Thank you for sharing. Again, thanks.

[@sonnybeatty8820]

The only thing I'd do to improve the design is to add a ballast at the bottom to reduce the shaking

[@joshbmore7238]

This makes me wanna just modify a washing machine. Nice design.

[@SouthernEngineering]

That was my first thought Josh, but I didn't have a Washing machine, but I did have a drum, plus it needs to very portable (my friend uses it in remote locations). Thanks again, and thanks for watching and commenting, I do appreciate it.

[@jimclaire7996]

Wow, what a great video Tomlinson you tube. Great information. Thank you for sharing.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thank You. Stay tuned, I'm designing a scalder tank for my friend in the next few months. Thanks for watching

[@richardwilliams1334]

Kia ora from NZ. I love your design, it looks simple and easy to make. Like you this is one of the first times I've acuely seen a chicken/goose pluckier. We in NZ have a problem with Canada Geese. Shooters shoot them and leave them to rot in the paddocks other shooters harvest just the breast.. I did not want to waste good food in such a way and have come up with a plan that will not only use the feathers but also the whole bird innards included pervading I have a fast and effective way of removing all the feathers and down not from a few birds but hundred's of birds. I will watch you invention with interest, as I like what you have in mind bearing its safe and possible ever lasting.

[@anthonybaldewin4573]

that is the very best i have seen

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it. And, thanks for watching..

[@DS-kn4bs]

Excellent video sir 👍

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks Dan, glad you like it. FYI, I made a couple of changes and the video will come out in a couple of days so stay tuned. I'm also working on a scalder for it that will post in about a month. Thanks for watching..

[@DS-kn4bs]

Hey I made mine out of an old Rockwell drill press and it stoped once I throw the bird in. Could it be the size of the pulley? Yours is about 12 inch from the looks of it but mines just the pulley from the drill press. Any suggestions? Motors 3/4 hp.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Dan. Before I started the project I had reviewed many YT video's to determine a starting rpm based on the best functioning pluckers, I had estimated ~300-350 RPM seemed to be near optimum. I ran some quick numbers and considered 1/2 HP motor would be a minimum to accelerate a 10lb chicken to 314 ft/min. you have a considerable drag imposed in the system from the chicken tumbling and scrubbing against the fingers. With all that said the final drive ratio is 5:1, the large driven pulley is 15" the small driver is 3". So, check to make sure you have a 1/2 hp but 3/4 is better, make sure it is a 1700 RPM motor, 5:1 ratio, and no belt slippage. Hope that helps. FYI, I have a new video with massive amount of details on building Plucker. It explains, how, why and rational to my design. Check it out, it may give you more insight and help solve your problem... Later, and thanks for watching..

[@DS-kn4bs]

Southern Engineering thank you much!

[@SouthernEngineering]

Your very welcome, good luck and let me know how it works out..

[@traslapropina7567]

El paso a paso me da la idea bien como hacerlo gracias

[@SouthernEngineering]

Bienvenida, gracias por mirar. I hope that is correct..

[@traslapropina7567]

@@SouthernEngineering gracias es un vídeo muy práctico porfavor sigan con más ideas.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Tengo más por venir, creo que disfrutarás. Manténganse al tanto. Espero que Google translate esté haciendo un buen trabajo, gracias por mirar.

[@kodiakfarmsbrianhoadley8152]

Man that's awesome, and it works great!!

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks, I had fun designing it..

[@JDLarge]

Genius! Now to mass produce, because everyone deserves a “chicken plucking” good time!

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks, Joe. The reality is that I looked at all the homebrew pluckers on YT and gleened what I felt was the best feathers to integrate into my design. FYI, I made a few changes and made a detailed video of them, also I'm working on a scalder to match. Thanks for watching, I do appreciate it.

[@rodolfoplasencia9739]

@@SouthernEngineering And notice, it only took 11 secs for your friend to clean that chicken!

[@SouthernEngineering]

He is good at it.

[@josstremblay7605]

Very good job...

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks Joss, glad you like it. Stay tuned I'm going to make a couple of small changes to it and build a matching scalder. Thanks for watching

[@marcsimard2723]

Doing gods work here

[@neal0071234able]

Is it possible to make a hand crank powered plucker ? Some sort of gear ratio setup to where you could throw chicken in barrel.. Crank a heavy handle and chicken is plucked at some point..

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi J. You could, but, have considered using an old bicycle. two legs are much stronger than one arm. If I recall, someone over in Africa, Zimbabwe I believe was working on such an adaptation.

[@neal0071234able]

@@SouthernEngineering thats even better... My idea was a plucker that doesn't need electricity.. I would think bike pedaling could maybe come close enough to what a powered one could do or close enough.. Thanks

[@stephenhooper7362]

You're a hero.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks Stephen, I take it you like it. Thanks again. Did you check-out my update video on the plucker? F.Y.I. I'm working on a scalder to go with it so stay tuned if your interested. Thanks for watching..

[@lamontadkins9947]

It may have been stated in previous vids but what are your pulley sizes and motor rpm?

[@oconnaugh]

my question as well. The designated motor is frame 56. It is a 3/4 hp and 1800 rpm. But we need a final rpm, pulley sizes or reduction ratio. Oops, just saw the final rpm is 300. So using circumferences, you can work out the math. 1700rpm divided by 300rpm is 5.6 making the circumference that much "longer". So a 2" pulley (2 pi R is 6.28) multiply that by the 5.6 you get the slave pulley circumference of 35.3 (divide that by pi) is 11". so, you COULD use a 2" drive pulley and an 11" slave pulley.

[@ericmerkkey6641]

I am having a hard time finding the 15'' pulley. So with the 15'' large pulley and the 3'' small pulley on a 1725 rpm motor. The drum is turning about 345 rmp is that about right?

[@CrisdeeLuDeen]

you should sell this!! I have no skills!!! Great job! :)

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Crisdee, Thanks, it was a fun project. I have had a number of people ask me to build them but I really don't have time for production, I have considered a basic kit but don't know if I can handle the extra work. I am working on the scalder for my friend and should post the video soon, so stay tuned if you're interested. I have some cool projects I'm working on and I hope you will consider subscribing to see what I'm up to. Thanks for watching and commenting, I do appreciate it. P.s. I post updates, previews, and other random stuff on Instagram @southernengineering

[@rodolfoplasencia9739]

@@SouthernEngineering Consider patenting one product, it'll change your life!

[@SouthernEngineering]

I would consider it, but this design is open source, my only goal was to share it.

[@kurtcooper3699]

Would subscribe & purchase this model for $700. Would like the same size & model with any upgrades for efficiency & longevity. I'm counting on it doing multiple type birds for quick packaging & home freezing. Would consider more of an investment for the "engineers" critical design perfectionist model which must always be respected. [e-mail] I'm looking to invest in modernized & mechanized creations that can be incorporated into off-grid living in the near future back in the Ozarks. Thanks for your video & look forward to owning one.

[@oliveagee6215]

where would i buy the aluminum plate. I'm a female and am learning to do a lot, but need help with some things as this question suggests

[@annelyncaspe4080]

Good morning sir can i ask ? What is the size of your rubber finger you are using? Thanks have a nice day.

[@SouthernEngineering]

They are 3" long. Thanks for watching

[@petermcfelin5979]

Im 66. An old engineer among a lot of other trades. This man is brilliant. I am buying K F C in future even though I have chickens and geese. He reminds me of why I left school. Boring for 2 minutes. Boring for 20 yrs. Run for mayor or governor. Get out of peoples faces

[@richardbritt2281]

The polycarbonate white plate you put in the middle of the barrel, what is that, how thick and where did you buy it at? Please and thank you

[@SouthernEngineering]

I used HDPE, it's 0.5" thick, I purchased it from a local supplier, you should be able to find it online.. Thanks for watching..

[@mblankenship15]

This is by far the best engineering solution that I've seen. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thank you

[@railwaybob1886]

How long are the rubber chicken fingers? I see there are different lengths. Does the length make any difference?

[@SouthernEngineering]

The fingers I used are 3"; I don't know how length effects use.

[@terrier53]

Excellent video. Thank you so much.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@herbertlucanas2311]

How many pieces na be put inside in one

[@SouthernEngineering]

One or two. Thanks for watching.

[@juliecavers1500]

By the way awesome design!

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks, I had fun with the build. Stay tuned I have a scalder project for the same friend coming up this winter. Thanks for watching

[@guillermovazquez3982]

Thanks for sharing us your knowledge.

[@SouthernEngineering]

My pleasure

[@BrianBerriosOne]

How do you cut the aluminum plate? And where did you get yours from?

[@SouthernEngineering]

Saber saw for cutting and local metal store for the plate.

[@flagbabygirl]

According to the beginning of the video I am assuming 20 seconds of scald at what temperature? I didn’t catch that part if it was shown ? Thank you for sharing right now I live in suburbia however moving to property shortly. Going to be plucking chicks at some point !

[@psychedelicsociety80]

from another video I watched it stated not hotter than 150, over that and it causes the skin to tear easily.

[@subungulate]

Did I miss how the on/off switch also controls the water?

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Thomas, no I had a video camera failure (operator error 😳) and lost that part. The power switch also activates a lawn sprinkler valve. I am going to make a couple of changes to it in a few weeks and I'll post a video. I'm also working on a scalder to go with it. Stay tuned. Thanks for watching..

[@daniell886]

What are the specs on your drive shaft? Is it hollow iron pipe, or solid carbon? Diameter?

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Jennifer. The shaft is 1.0" solid mild steel. FYI, I have the unit in the barn for a couple of small changes, I will be doing an update video in a view days with more detailed specs and observations. Thanks for watching and for subscribing..

[@loudreger5011]

i built something like your design .I used black bungi cords cut at 5 inches. The dolly and the water jets are a nice feature.

[@SouthernEngineering]

thanks

[@NCRealEstate]

I scanned comments for cost to build questions, but did not see. What is you estimate of the cost of materials? Great job!

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Joel, sorry for the delay in responding to your question. The cost is hard to nail down for this build; It depends on what you have on hand, and what you will need to purchase. But, a few things you will definitely need to purchase are the Rubber fingers, they are ~$50 for 150qu. I am a bit of a packrat so much of what you see are things I have saved from other projects, i.e., drum, aluminum, conduit, spare lawnmower wheels, I had a motor, but my friend purchased a new one, that was ~$120. Also, I bought the bearings ~$30, the sprinkler valve is a spare for my lawn sprinklers. Sorry if I can't be more precise, my friend had a minimal budget and asked me to keep it low cost, as much as possible. I have a 2500 sqft workshop that is packed full of stuff accumulated from 40+ years of work, and I rarely throw things away until I strip it down for parts. Thanks for watching and commenting, I hope this helps.

[@thomasmacias6816]

You have 2 slotted holes in the barrel one for feathers to come out and one for belt to go into the shaft what are the measurements height and length

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Thomas. The spoilage slot is 16" wide and 3" tall, the belt way slot is 12" wide and 2" tall. Thanks for watching..

[@jarodmorris611]

Would you tell Matthias Wandel that a bandsaw can't be made from wood?

[@cain5549]

You can use an old washing machine dryer just put some rubber extensions on sides and bottom and instant plucker, EASY :)

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Cain. You could most likely do just that, there are several designs online using a washer drum; I had a drum and know washers so improvizing was the best route. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@paulcoffman9514]

Never seen a wooden Welding table before….

[@SouthernEngineering]

It's state of the art; likely, you would not know about it... 😁

[@paulcoffman9514]

@@SouthernEngineering 😂 Just be careful my man. Nice job on the chicken plucker 👍

[@keirokeiro1976]

I'm just a little confused. In the description it says 1/8 inch plate. The feather plate in the video is stamped with 0.125 (1/8), but he says the plate is 3/16.

[@redhog8419]

Me and my grandpa literally just bought a junk washing machine from the dump and modified it it cost about 50$ in total it works well

[@SouthernEngineering]

Great congrats. Thanks for watching and commenting; I do appreciate it.

[@Betty-qd8st]

I wondered how those things worked 😊

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Betty, I hope that was interesting. The back story is when my friend asked me to build one I was completely in the dark as to what I was or how it worked; when I was a little boy Grandma plucked the chickens. Thanks for watching and commenting, I do appreciate it.

[@ringerson4x4]

So what is the precise dip duration and temperature for scalding a bird to not damage the skin in your plucker?

[@SouthernEngineering]

I built this for a friend so my experience in it's use is limited, with that said he worked out ~40secs dip time and 140 def F. seemed to be the ideal. Thanks for watching.

[@juliecavers1500]

Can you explain how the belt is hooked up to the pulleys? Was there a tensioner involved? What size shaft did you use? What did you use for the partition plate? Trying to build one but having trouble finding things to duplicate what you used. Any ideas?

[@SouthernEngineering]

The belt is A link type and simply follow the pulleys there is no tensioner, a small spring pushes the motor away at its pivot point. The link belt was selected because it sheds water. I am planning to change it to a tensioner system over the winter. The shaft is 1.0" diameter. The rotating plate is 0.125" T6 aluminum, the divider partition is 0.5" UHMW plastic I purchased from a local supplier "ALRO Steel". The flange welded to the shaft is a pulley hub you can purchase from most farm stores, bearing blocks are from an industrial supply but you can find them on Amazon. Hope that helps, Have fun with your build. And thanks again for watching..

[@aonmatt6901]

What made you say you needed a 1/3 hp? Why not 1/4 hp?

[@stickmancreator1993]

i wish i could have one of this

[@SouthernEngineering]

May I suggest a handy friend, that's how this came to be; a less than handy friend asked if I could build him one. Pro-Tip, good friends usually work for beer and pizza. Thanks for watching.

[@lelandfallon8273]

Can you do a 25 lb turkey in this do you think?

[@SouthernEngineering]

My buddy tried a 15 Lb turkey and it did not do a clean job, you will need a larger diameter drum for larger birds. This unit was designed specifically for average size chickens. Thanks for watching.

[@mikemele9941]

What size shaft did you use?

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Mike, The shaft is 1.0". Thanks for watching, stay tuned, I have a scalder I'm building to go with it..

[@mikemele9941]

The rows of fingers on the side of barrel how far apart are the rows? And in row about 2.5 inches? Thank you

[@SouthernEngineering]

The rows are staggered and stacked ~3.5 in, I have also added a 4th row closer to the finger plate. Spacing can vary relative to the size of you drum.

[@davidderijke1]

How many fingers in total you used and what was the hardness or how long do they last? Thank you in advance

[@SouthernEngineering]

I used 150 fingers, I don't have a durometer number, my best estimate is between 60A and 70A on the Shore scale. As for longevity, I expect they will last for many years, or 3 - 5 thousand chickens. They are easy to change and in-expensive. Thanks for watching.. P.s. I am working on a scalder for my friend for next season..

[@davidderijke1]

Thank you for your quick answer 3-5 thousand chickens would work for the two f us and two dogs so two more questions where does the stability of the machine come from and would you have a check list of all the material you used as I am not from an English speaking country I have some trouble sometimes to understand or translate and if you have sizes of the material that would be wonderful if not I will figure it out but I will start building it soon it looks wonderful and I look forward to your scalder project. I just subscribed to your site. Have a great day

[@SouthernEngineering]

Let me address your questions in order. Stability: Inverting the plastic drum allowed for a wider base, thus enhancing stability, However tumbling a 8 to 10 Lb / 3.5 to 4.5 Kg object(chicken) at 300 R.P.M. is inherently unstable with this type of unit, the best you can hope for is to minimize the effect, if you notice the operator holds the handle of the machine as it process a chicken ~20 to 30 seconds. Material dimensions: This will vary principally because the size of the barrel, all components are scaled to it. Two points, the spinning plate that holds the fingers should be located close to the middle of the barrel top to bottom. The plate diameter should be ~1" or 25 mm smaller then the barrels interior diameter at that point Bill of material: Plastic for much of the parts, aluminum or stainless for the rotation plate, I used electrical conduit for the structure because it is easy to work and inexpensive. Miscellaneous: Motor 1 hp, 1760 RPM Pulleys / shivs are 3" and 15 inch, reduction ratio is 5:1 Water valve: lawn irrigation valve Hope that helps. Thanks for the subscription.. Stay tuned..

[@davidderijke1]

The unibit is what size and you drill it all the way through or you stop at a certain diameter to get a bevelled edge?

[@SouthernEngineering]

The unibit size is 3/4". The hole for the fingers must be no larger than 3/4" or the fingers will not stay in position. Very important..

[@duckdog38]

I built a chicken plucked out of an old Pratt and Whitney jet engine. It worked great until the afterburner kicked in. The nice part was the chicken was cooked and ready for the table when it came out. Really saved a lot of steps. Lol

[@peacefulscrimp5183]

Definitely making a smaller lighter one for quail and dove, the part at the beginning looks like it will eat a small game bird.

[@SouthernEngineering]

I think the fingers should be closer together for small birds. Thanks for watching.

[@jamesshort5812]

that is fabulous.well done no need for one here in good ol blighty..(Uk) but, i am amazed well done sir.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks, James, it's much appreciated, and thank you for the sub. I have an eclectic range of projects and interests so you never know what will pop up next, I'm glad you're going to hang around to see, I'll do my best to make them interesting, informative, and worth your time. My current project is a pond and waterfall for my patio, I feel it's going to be my best project to date. That video should be out in about a month, I also have some random short projects about to post as they fill in to keep me busy when I can't work outside. Thanks again for watching, commenting, and especially the SUB. P.s. I post updates, previews, and other random stuff on Instagram #southernengineering

[@jamesshort5812]

@@SouthernEngineering hi I will be watching g the pond and waterfall with a big amount of interest as I am currently rebuilding our front room after a burst loft tank which wrecked most of our house which I have rebuilt room by room over the last year, unfortunately I fractured my elbow in Feb and that has held me back anyway the back yard/garden is our first project and we want a fountain like water feature so yes really pleased your doing that. Will watch with pleasure and hope it helps me even more to get some ideas for ours.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi James. WATER damage that really sucks! It's the worst thing next to fire; sorry your working with one arm, that's so frustrating when you have work to do, so be safe and don't bang up any more body parts. I think you will really like this project, I'm a little behind schedule, (work and weather) so far I have moved ~ 2 yards of heavy clay soil, (With a shovel). You should be warned, I have never build a pond and fountain but not doing something has never stopped me before. I have a few pictures on Instagram if want to check what 've done so far. Take care of you, and don't break any more important parts 🙃

[@chezpoulethomestead]

How many fingers did u use. Im going to build one. Thanks for sharing.

[@SouthernEngineering]

I believe it was around 120. Thanks for watching.

[@karenbrown6825]

Could this be powered manually for off grid??? Either foot pedal or hand???

[@SouthernEngineering]

Perhaps you could with a converted bicycle, I think hand powered would be to physically demanding. This unit worked best at 300 rpm's so a bike would be my first choice for manual power. Thanks for watching.

[@waltlars3687]

@@SouthernEngineering getting the drum up to 250 to 300 RPM is possable under a no load but keeping up that speed with a bird in the plucker would be hard I would suggest a horizontal sharft gas engine IE. A gas lawn mower work out the RPM witch would be variable with the throttle on the engine since the plucker will be on and off with each bird I would inculd a moveable idler pully to engage and disengage the drum At a MSRP of $99.00 the Harbor Fright 212 CC predator motor would be perfect

[@SouthernEngineering]

That a perfectly go idea, especially for people that have limited A/C options. That little engine is a great bargain and has a built-in governor, so I would try using a centripetal clutch and see if that would work. FYI I have one of those engines torn-down in my shop, I have a crazy project that I'm about to start on once I finish I a have a couple of other things.

[@waltlars3687]

@@SouthernEngineering I didnt think of a centrifugal clutch I was thinking of keeping the costs down and simplify the build by useing a idler wheel and a lever I have nevered worked with a C.C. so I don't what it can and can't do

[@Kistilan]

Do you have recommended places to buy the 24"x24" 1/2" thick PC sheet and the t6 alloy plate? Amazon's prices are very high on those two components. And can the polycarbonate sheet go down to 1/4" thickness? Also, I've estimated/calculated that you've used approximately 100 chicken fingers to assemble this, is that correct? Again, Amazon sells in 100 or 150 fingers so I'm trying to determine what's the right amount.

[@SouthernEngineering]

I purchase my material from Alro steel and plastic : www.alro.com. Polycarbonate is to brittle use 0.5" HDPE or Nylon. I added 2 additional rows, 1 to the finger plate and one row lower on the drum, this was to keep the chicken wings from breaking. Total count 145 fingers. Hope that helps. FYI, I'm going to change the motor mount to a rigid mount and tension rollor, also working a scalder for my friend. Stay tuned. Thanks for watching.

[@Kistilan]

Thank-you! I know you used 1 hp motor, but I've found some decent electric motors on craigslist in the 2-2.5 hp. Any caution on More Power? *tool time grunts*

[@SouthernEngineering]

Never being one to turn down more horse-power, as in More+Better=MOREBETTER!. A few cautions are, motor mount strength, weight of the motor and the extension cord if applicable. 1hp=746w ~6amp circuit, 2hp~12amp, 2.5hp~17amp. Have fun with your build. p.s. there is a little Tim Taylor in all of us... 😄

[@jacobmillard7286]

What are the specs on the drive shaft? Is this iron pipe, or solid steel?

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Jacob, The shaft is 1.0" solid mild steel. FYI, I have the unit in the barn to make a couple of minor changes and I will upload a more detailed video in a few days with specs, dimensions and observations, so stay tuned. Thanks for watching...

[@jacobmillard7286]

That would be great. I have been wrestling with the Whizbang design for a few weeks now. I just came across your video and much prefer this design. I look forward to cutting plastic soon!

[@SouthernEngineering]

Great to hear it. I've started a design for a scalder as a companion unit for the plucker, I think you will like the design. Without interruptions I should have it out in a month so stay tuned..

[@laillagynplang8444]

All I can s wow , to much informative, thank u 😍😍

[@SouthernEngineering]

My pleasure 😊

[@babsoneverything3060]

It seems as though that contraption would really bruise the meat. Do you find that to be the case?

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Babs, Actually I have little experience using it, the friend it was built for has used it 3 times since and processes roughly 100 birds each time; he is very happy with the operation and the condition of the birds, however, it has been known to break the end of a wing on rare occasions. If you want more details on the construction of the `contraption' I have an update video kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpKWoYmIgr2Eg80 I when into more detail on the construction made a couple of changes in preparation for the scalder I'm building for him. That will be delivered by April. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@lawrencevincent-oc2se]

what size are the pulleys you use and the motor rpm

[@sandhiller49]

do you have an exit chute for the feathers to come out of the plucking tub?

[@SouthernEngineering]

They come out the front opening

[@stephenhooper5704]

Your commentary at 26 minutes interests me greatly. So the fine balance. What temp and time worked best in your experiments?

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Stephen. My friend found that the best result was water at 140 F. and ducking the chicken for 45 seconds, of course this may very with different birds but for the ones he processed that worked best. F.Y.I. I'm working on a scalder that will work as a companion to the plucker and should be an order of magnitude better than the one he used. Thanks for watching.

[@anthonysierra1]

I just subscribed to your Channel really liked your project hoping to see more was wondering if you have a materials list so I can purchase and make one but I don't want to make one with a motor I want to have a rod in the middle with a handle to spin it. Hope you can help

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi John and thanks for the Sub.. After watching the unit in action I can say you would need or have huge arms to do that. May I suggest using parts of a bicycle, the pedals and gearing would offer easy speed adjustment and the leg would be better suited to spin the plate at the necessary RPM and duration. What do you think? Thanks for watching.. P.s I have scalder i'm building to compliment the plucker..

[@anthonysierra1]

you're very welcome but thank you for demonstrating and building 1 I thought of the bicycle but I have no idea how it would connect to a pulley because it's facing the wrong way if you have some plans that could help me I would really appreciate it

[@bonnievarnes2822]

Use an old washing machine. Then you can buy the rest of the items that go into making a chicken plucker. Very easy to build.

[@con-can571]

Great video.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks, glad you like it. The unit is in the barn right now for a couple of small updates, I'll have an update video in a few days. Thanks for watching..

[@missmix48]

I sure wish I had a friend like you to make me one. Thanks for the video.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks, he is a good friend. Stay tuned, I'm making a couple of changes and adding a Scalder to this project. Thanks for watching

[@mikeburdick2709]

what was the measurement from top to the drain scuttle? thank for the video, I have a farm with 150 chickens to process, this is the ticket...

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Mike. The drums can vary in height from 33" to 36", what I did was set the bearing partition plate 1/3 up from the bottom of the drum then cut the drain/scuttle above the plate to what I thought was a suitable size. My friend and a helper processed around 120 chicken in one long day. You should watch my video on updates and changes I made to this unit, it has a little more information. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpKWoYmIgr2Eg80 Also, I have committed to deliver a scalder by April for his next batch, so stay tuned for the video. Thanks for watching and commenting, I do appreciate it. P.s. I post updates, project previews, and other random stuff on Instagram @ southernengineering

[@DeeInTheHouse]

...what was your final pulley sizes and motor speed? thx

[@SouthernEngineering]

The final ratio is 5:1, Motor 1720 rpm. 3" drive pulley and 15" driven. Thanks for watching. Stay tuned, I'm working on the Scalder this weekend.

[@KCSnuff]

What do you think about using this for Turkeys? Some of ours have gotten up to 45 lbs :/

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi KC, I don't think it would work for a bird that size, my friend did 2 chickens at once and that is about the limit. If your willing to experiment I think a large size cloths washer drum would work for such a large bird.. Thanks for watching. P.s. I'm working on scalder to work with this unit, video will be out soon so stay tuned..

[@KCSnuff]

@@SouthernEngineering will do! Loved this video. Consider yourself plus one subscriber. I'll let you know if we have any success with the washer drum idea. Thanks!

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks so much KC, I'll do my best. Let me know how you project works out...

[@joestamper5649]

You should patent that it is nice design in the market for one if you want to build me one. thanks

[@SouthernEngineering]

Maybe one day! LOL

[@loriborner2177]

What speed does the plate need to go at or what size pulleys?

[@SouthernEngineering]

3" X 15" plate speed it ~300 RPM

[@Thea_MojaveOutliersWhipmakers]

I'm all like "What's a chicken plucker??" Hahahahaha! Bout fell outta my chair. Fortunately, the grandfolks had a farm with livestock and we spent the summers there, so the trauma was only momentary...Ima laugh for about a week, though.

[@SouthernEngineering]

That was my reaction when the maintenance guy ask me if I could build one. `A what' ???

[@Thea_MojaveOutliersWhipmakers]

@@SouthernEngineering I sent this vid to my mother in law. She said, "I raise chickens for the eggs. No violence required, unless the rooster gets uppity. Maybe I'll get one of these and show him how it works, keep him on his best behavior!" Hahahahah!

[@SouthernEngineering]

LOL A little dose of reality may keep him in line.