How to make Apple Cider with a Rack and Cloth Press

[@MBqOBnFB1ePkRia]

Hi Matt! I bought the cider press plans right after this video came out and made a slightly scaled down version made of softer wood. Every year we throw a cider pressing party, slowing growing in size over the years. This year I swapped the manual 12ton bottle jack with one that is Air/Hydraulic and used a compressor to drive it. Our first year we pressed 30 or so pounds to make just a couple gallons of juice as a trial. This year we had over 40 guests! We bought one bin ( 800-900 pounds ) of apples in bulk, and made about 60 gallons of juice! All in about 5 hours thanks to your plans! To get the apples into pulp I repurposed an 14amp electric chipper/shredder. It will chew through apples as fast as we can throw them in! Thanks again for creating the plans. The press has created memories that will last our lives. Next year we might tackle 2 bins, that's close to 1ton of apples, and over 100 gallons of juice!

[@MidwestManMountain]

Both this video and the build were terrific! Congratulations on making such an efficient high-yield machine. Beautiful.

[@jamessullivan7793]

Fantastic video and project!! I got married at this orchard in may and had some of this cider at my head table. Excellent stuff.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Ha! That is crazy, and looks like a lot of fun.

[@vtank81]

I live in apple country so I'm really excited about this build. Fantastic as always, Matt!

[@matthiaswandel]

I had been wondering how you would use all those extra frames (we always just used one). I see you only ended up using one as well.

[@mcremona]

I made the extra ones to make the prototyping process easier since I could use them as spacers to see how tall the stack would be when fully loaded. I figured it would be a good test of the box joint jig too. We may end up selling some of these presses or accessory kits so I won't have to make any forms for a while at least.

[@JolienBrebels]

That applecider looks great! Greetings from Belgium

[@Justin-hn1ik]

Do you have a link to buy the metal mechanical press device?

[@rexr9762]

Looks pretty solid. Glad to see it stands up to all that pressure. Love watching you build things.

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@pekkal6194]

Cheers! from Finland! That is the best looking press by far! I´ve made cider few times with my own hand made press, and you just can´t beat the taste! Once you figure the best way to work with your own press, it´s fun and very rewarding. Even better if you get your family and friends to make it with you!

[@RobRobertson1000]

Great project Matt. Hope you get lots of customers for that press.

[@mcremona]

+Rob Robertson thanks Rob!

[@AdamCraigOutdoors]

didn't think this would be all that interesting since i can buy apple juice or cider. But i was wrong. This was super cool and fun to watch. Great job Matt and Steve!!

[@mcremona]

I had the same thought at first :)

[@FredMcIntyre]

Thanks for squeezing out some more juicy details on making cider! 🍎🍏

[@mcremona]

lol good one Fred!

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Really cool Matt!

[@mcremona]

Thanks Andy!

[@MaxMakerChannel]

How do you store fresh apple juice and how long does it last? Or is this just for making cider?

[@mcremona]

I stored that pitcher in the fridge. There was some left after a week and it was starting to sour. You should be able to store it longer if you pasteurize it or can it or you could freeze it

[@BraxtonWirthlin]

That's awesome! I've made a few batches of hard cider with store bought juice, but never anything fresh pressed. I bet it'll turn out amazing!

[@johnsnyder4143]

Could you drill a hole in the top cross beam , tap it to put a wheel to press it. You know so when the wheel turns a shaft downward it can do the pressing. Does that make sense? If I’m lose just tell me lol

[@TheDboardman]

Your face when he said it was going to be for sale soon was pretty much priceless.

[@mcremona]

excitement :)

[@jeremiah3543]

I'm so proud that Matt didn't drop the camera in the grinder. Would have made an awesome shot but u can only do it once on that camera.

[@davidschwartz2398]

Wonderful video. My wife is anxious to add this project to my list.

[@mcremona]

Thanks David! I hope you build one

[@mikekernan5388]

I'm sure I'm not the first to say it was neat watching the fruits of your labor at work. Or perhaps more precisely, the materials you used in the making of the press bore fruit? In any event, really neat project and thanks for sharing. Mike

[@mcremona]

haha I like that. Thanks Mike!

[@Ian_Hay]

Needed a shot of JR sampling the end result. Or at least you. How was the juice? Do you need to refrigerate the whole yield, and do you have space for it?

[@reduniverse0]

OK. Now I want to build an apple press ! But a smaller one ;-) What kind of juice can we squeeze out with this type of press ? I think to pear, plum, grapes. Anything else ?

[@Kris_at_WhiteOaksFarm]

Definitely going to make a similar press. I've got grapes, pears and apples. They'll all make great juice and fermented beverages.

[@mcremona]

Oh nice! yeah, you'd love having one then

[@JackbenchWoodworking]

That was pretty cool! Is some way to make use of the pulp?

[@stephenhance5260]

Animals like to eat it. Its good fertilizer. Add water for a second pressing - and ferment it out to something called "ciderkin." Probably there are other uses...

[@doubledarefan]

Physical Challenge/Obstacle Course fodder!

[@Sho81]

My grandmother used to make what she called "slop apple pie" with the left over pulp. she would add water, sugar, and molasses to re-hydrate it (not sure the quantities though) and bake it into a pie. It meant a lot of extra work for us as we cored it and pressed the cores in a separate bundle. Those either went into our compost or we packed up in garbage bags and hauled to a pig farmer.

[@andrewmargeson6646]

The old ones had an acme screw for pressing with a big handwheel on the top. The jack probably works as well or better, but the acme screw would be a nice vintage touch. I have been to old cider mills where the press was powered by a water wheel turning a huge screw which I think was wooden, but I don't remember for sure. A question: If those are zinc coated bolts, won't the acid in the juice dissolve the coating?

[@stephenhance5260]

Yes. The acid would dissolve the coating. We used stainless which was expensive but as you will see - on this particular pressing, not much juice made it out that far....

[@erichaskell]

If you have a grinder that produces mush rather than chips would you get more juice?

[@edhorsegolfer4784]

Yep, I got to make 1 for my dad now. nice demo. It worked just great

[@brothyr]

I assume before there were bottle jacks, some sort of giant screw was used? Could the leftover crushed apple be used in pastry like apple fritter or a pie?

[@mcremona]

Yes, a screw press uses the same basic frame design. You could use the left overs for baking if you don't mind eating apple seeds.

[@thomaskelly1228]

That looked like it was so much fun

[@theresazelazny7445]

Nice video, well edited.

[@ManhattanWoodProject]

Great couple of videos! Now I'm thinking about how I can make a press to use for juicing AND for just pressing various stuff for fun...

[@mcremona]

haha yeah press whatever you need!

[@ManhattanWoodProject]

Barry Manilowa lol Nothing beats steroids from sugar maple. :)

[@starsafari9078]

Very informative video. One thing i didn't noticed mentioned is never use apples off the ground, as there are documented cases of e coli from using such apples for cider.

[@csgaming5142]

Great Video, I was wondering what Tonnage is your bottle jack?

[@MBqOBnFB1ePkRia]

I built this press and we use a 12ton.

[@perk3391]

Impressive press! What´s the approx. yield in percentage?

[@valken666]

68 liters divided by 210 kilograms equals about 32 percent.

[@philliptandymiller1058]

Hi Matt, it looks like at about the 1020 mark that the top left part of the upright was cracked. I'm wondering because I plan to have one made but wont if the design wont hold up to the pressure. I'd appreciate your input on this! Thanks

[@jimdent351]

What is the wood treated with?

[@dleland71]

To grind my apples and other foods, I built a small frame to hold a single stainless steel sink and a new food disposal unit high enough to direct the flowing juice to a container for processing. It is not as fast as this grinder, but using 'reclaimed' components (not the disposal unit!) you can save some $$$.

[@ogrerocks]

Any idea how much 6 bushels weighed? I just did cider for the first time. 175lb of apples yielded about 12 gallons.

[@mcremona]

+Jeffrey Rodriguez we didn't weigh them but Steve was saying the ballpark number is 40lbs/bushel

[@ogrerocks]

I've found that the weight of a bushel varies quite a bit, which is why I decided to use weight.

[@brownmatthewn]

The only thing I could think of the whole time I was watching this... "If it's cool and yellah, you got juice there fella. If it's warm and brown, you're in cider town!" - Ned Flanders

[@AlbosNoggins]

Matthew Brown you can stay, but I'm leaving :-D

[@mcremona]

lol

[@toutlemonde5017]

Cool video! A couple of questions. Where do you buy cheap apples to make this juice out of? Is the apple pulp good for anything after it has been fully squeezed out?

[@mcremona]

Thanks! You can get them from orchards. You don't need pretty apples so you could probably collect apples that have fallen on the ground or from trees that don't have great looking fruit. I'm not sure what else you could use it for. You wouldn't want to eat it since it's full of seeds, leaves, and stems.

[@stephenhance5260]

I like to go to the orchards and ask them what they have other than whats on display. Seconds, crab apples, brands that aren't famous. Of course blending is an art but that's how to find such apples. But bushel prices are probably going to still be 20 bucks or so if you come off the street.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Wow that was awesome, so much juice coming out!

[@stevelapp444]

Do you know where I can buy those cloth filter bags?

[@daveklein2826]

Amazon

[@judithfairchild8620]

This video is so much fun to watch. Apple juice the best way.

[@KagedBooks]

Wow, I'd love to try some cider from this.

[@mcremona]

I'm looking forward to trying the hard cider :)

[@philliptandymiller1058]

Hi matt, thanks for posting this video. I'm wondering if you know how much the press weighs(even approximately) when not full of apples. Wondering because I may have one made but want to know how difficult it will be to move around for one person. Thanks again for the cool video

[@mcremona]

130lbs. Its easy to walk it into position. Not exactly the most fun to lift and move alone. Thanks!

[@charleslawrence2018]

Great informative video! Was wondering how heavy of a jack did you use ?

[@Number12Cider]

This was a 12 ton bottle jack, which is what it was designed to handle. There is a little creaking when we crank it down completely so we might advise using a 10 ton jack instead.

[@philliptandymiller1058]

Hey matt, I'm wondering what strength of bottle jack I would use on this? In terms of tons. What did you use in this video? Thanks

[@mcremona]

I used a 12 ton here but an 8 ton could also be used

[@anthonydimoe]

Can you press wine grapes in that press also

[@mcremona]

yes, anything that needs to be squished

[@scotthaun8582]

what do you do with the mush after the juice is removed? just toss it?

[@mcremona]

We threw the pulp and discard apples out back. The deer and squirrels had a feast. The whole pile was gone within a day.

[@triblues7065]

just wondering what type of cloth you are using? tnx

[@mcremona]

Steve uses these ones: www.oescoinc.com/cider-press-cloths.html

[@motzemog]

Impressive juicing. Although with the trickling cider noise in my headphones, I now have to pee.

[@mcremona]

You have no idea how many times I had to go while editing this...

[@motzemog]

LOL!

[@PavelKraus_webdesign]

Amazing! tnx for sharing, this is inspiration for many people. Greetings from czech republic ;-)

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@zackiemay]

When switching gallons why not put alittle cork pull in the drain?

[@mcremona]

+Zachary May (Zackiemay) too much forethought ;)

[@ejrunion]

What did you use for cheesecloth? Was it 50g, or was it nylon?

[@mcremona]

www.oescoinc.com/orchard-nursery/rack-and-cloth-presses/cider-press-cloths.html

[@neilyeag]

OK Matt, how come you made so many of those outer forms when it looks like you only need one to progress along?

[@mcremona]

box joint jig practice ;)

[@matt_williams1015]

Great video guys!

[@tbernardi001]

Maybe use 2 wrought iron plates bent in a U and placed as caps over the uprights using the through bolts, to help with the structural integrity as the jack presses up on the crossbeam. Something hand hammered would have a nice look to it. Where is Alec Steele when you need him? :-)

[@mikevan1274]

Nice work you guys!

[@glenn549]

what about the hard apple cider?

[@protect.your.digits.creations]

That was GREAT !!!! I felt like reaching into my monitor and grabbing a glass full......Your boy is really getting big ( sorry I forgot his name) GOD Bless him ........ And a cameo by Pancake........Keep up the great videos , we learn something new with everyone you make.............and as always ....Protect Your DIGITS................Gregg

[@younggunz4081]

Oddly, I got absorbed into the whole Apple grinding conversation. Now I want to press my own Apple juice.

[@MichaelLawing]

Super cool, Matt!

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@ronron8464]

That was really cool Matt! But now I'm thirsty for apple cider!!! 👍 Ron, Littlewierdshop

[@ymrelang]

Awesome! I can do this!!!! You guys are geniuses!!!

[@LivefreeanddiyTv]

This is awesome... makes me wish I still lived up North so I could start pressing apples! 🤓👍🏼

[@mcremona]

Thanks! :)

[@azurealism]

That kid is fun. You should have him do more videos...

[@jamesonelam]

Just wait until it ferments a little bit, then you record a follow up Matt. I'm interested to see how the classic "Cremona laugh" gets more giggly 😜

[@BrianMcCauleyDesign]

10:22 Matt is always thinking about pancakes! Were you worried there would be too much pressure and the whole press would just explode out the top?

[@mcremona]

Heck yes! I was worried the whole time

[@BrianMcCauleyDesign]

Matthew Cremona I watched this one first. Then the other video on building it. Nice repair! 😉

[@doubledarefan]

You should get a load cell and use it to measure the jack's output. I doubt the unit wood explode. If anything, the top beams wood just break. Then it wood only be a matter of making beefier beams and swapping them in.

[@wdfwgagyfgagyga]

awesome video as always!

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@wdfwgagyfgagyga]

no problem, i should be thanking you for uploading these videos! ;)

[@alexander7591]

Hello. Great job. Loved it.

[@OdinX316]

That looks SO good!!!

[@redsresearch]

dont you have to heat it on stove b4 drinking it???

[@WinchesterWoodWorks]

An garden shredder will make a perfect apple grinder ;)

[@janell19]

This was so cool!!

[@mcremona]

thanks!

[@ruralaccentwoodcraft604]

Nice video, Matt. In the UK, we call it 'apple juice'. Cider here is alcoholic apple juice.

[@stephenhance5260]

Thank you! That is exactly what you should call it. I am making that juice into cider right now...

[@Sho81]

Yeah same here but some areas fermented juice is called hard cider where as the juice is called cider. Most juices bought in the stores here in the states are actually all of 10%- 25% actual juice and the rest is water, sugar, and preservatives. Our FDA is extremely slack comparing to the standard you guys have in the U.K.

[@StavrosGakos]

nice!

[@dpmeyer4867]

nice video

[@mnight207]

Matt, you live in Minnesota? So do I. Greeting from Minneapolis

[@mcremona]

Greetings from Brooklyn Center :)

[@mnight207]

I don't know much about woodworking but I have always been interested. Can I offer a hand ever and learn something?

[@reforzar]

The kid at the end was hilarious.

[@pj_fetscher]

Brian Prusa 11:18 lol

[@pj_fetscher]

Brian Prusa 11:18 lol

[@sipzter]

Did it taste good??? :)

[@mcremona]

Delicious!

[@stevenkofoed1698]

Makes me thirsty for cider! Right after I go pee! Great video, wish I had apples to squish. Thanks Matt and Steve for sharing!

[@mcremona]

hahaha plenty of pee sounds in this one :) thanks!

[@tiffanyjohnson3110]

Very interesting.

[@charlesholland6851]

that's great stuff!

[@franksmodels29]

Great vid..👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@mcremona]

Thanks Frank!

[@dascandy]

Perhaps a stupid question, but couldn't you just fill the layers with apples and go ahead with just pressing the whole apples? - Edit, answer at 6:45.

[@stephenhance5260]

No. The apples need to be crushed otherwise you will not be able to get the juice out with a reasonable amount of pressure. You can however, press apples that were frozen and thawed. They have broken down to a point where they can be pressed but it still takes much longer for the juice to extract - so you activate the press for such apples and just let it sit for a much longer time.

[@marcitecture]

why 6 racks, looked like you only used the one?

[@mcremona]

I made extras. Only one is required

[@robertevans6481]

That water fall of apple juice was awesome...now time to pee....lol

[@dalegosnell2511]

why did you make so many frames. he seemed to only use one for the entire process.

[@stephenhance5260]

Matt was feeling the groove on the forms... :)

[@ao235]

With 9 easy installments of $99.99 you too can squish apples in style!

[@mcremona]

Probably a few more than that

[@ao235]

Well of course the apples are $200 a bushel, that's how we get 'em!

[@worshipwatcher55]

The kid was great!

[@Pgcmoore]

juicy video ;)

[@dalegosnell2511]

btw Great Project.

[@ringerson4x4]

Time to let some ferment for hard cider.

[@ringerson4x4]

What does Steve do with apple pancakes after pressing?

[@stephenhance5260]

I use it for fertilizer or feed it to the farm animals. Some people add water and press it again for a more watered down juice then ferment it into a low alcohol product called ciderkin.

[@bernabegarcia2962]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned it, but Matthias Wandel at woodgears.ca has an awesome homemade wooden apple grinder that seems to work just as good as the professional one. Anyway, awesome job!

[@bernabegarcia2962]

Here it is: woodgears.ca/cider/apple_grinder.html As usual, Matthias precision!

[@doubledarefan]

A homemade grinder to go with the homemade press to make homemade juice/cider! Homemade all the way!

[@doubledarefan]

Have you thought of pressing other fruits? Oranges, grapes, cherries, mangoes, etc? Or veggies? Make your own V8 juice. Actually, you could kick it up a notch and make V10 juice!

[@charliebee2028]

great thnx

[@martinfisher7803]

Weird to have a massive fireplace outside and it doesn’t even seem cold

[@daveklein2826]

You don't need cold to have a fire

[@jeremiah3543]

And also I thought instead of an ending of "happy woodworking" you would say "happy Apple pressing".

[@tobykathan8277]

I smashed apples to press with a post and a big tub. Not as good as a grinder, but free.