Pressing cider using a 20-ton arbor press from Harbor Freight

This is how I modified my Harbor Freight 20 ton arbor press so that I could press cider.

Uni-strut is also known as "channel", and you will usually find it in the electrical section of a Home Depot. Lowes sometimes carries it, but they are clueless and don't usually stock the nut clips that you'll need.

Use countersunk bolts for the plywood so that the press surface stays smooth. Use countersunk nylon bolts for the HDPE sheet so that no metal comes in contact with the apple juice.

Harbor Freight has two 20-ton presses that look identical but have a $50 difference. You'll have to go to the store, measure them, and see what you want. They both list identical dimensions on the web site, so I'm thinking that the arbor plates that come with the press are different.

Links you will want:

Racks http://www.goodnature.com (pn 14732)
Tray http://www.belart.com/shop/162730000-tray-p-162730000.html
Press http://www.harborfreight.com
Cloths http://stores.shop.ebay.com/The-Bruhaus-Brewing-And-Wine-Supply__W0QQ_armrsZ1
Drain http://www.marineeast.com/a_sch/sch_caty.asp?pid=05_03&cat=6540W

Have fun!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• cider press
• arbor press
• harbor freight
• goodnature
• roadsider

[ayelvington]

I'll have to dig around for my paperwork on the racks. I don't remember paying anywhere near that amount for a single rack.  I'll get you a part number and cost if i can. aly

[OldGreggggggg]

Called Goodnature and finally got someone to answer. They want $65 per tray which seems crazy to me.

[ayelvington]

@OldGreggggggg For a rack or a tray? It's a good price for the tray, but too much for a rack...

[OldGreggggggg]

Ok, I see you posted a link lol. How about the plastic spacers?

[ayelvington]

@OldGreggggggg The spacers (racks) are still supported by Goodnature since they are used in their other presses. Please let me know (via YouTube) if you have difficulty getting them from Goodnature. ay

[ayelvington]

I have a portable bandsaw (Harbor Freight) that goes through the channel like a hot knife through butter!

[AnasaziAl]

Excellent detailed instructions.

[OldGreggggggg]

$91.25 for the tray from bel-art as GN no longer carries them. $65 is the rack from GN.

[OldGreggggggg]

I called good nature today to order the parts. They discontinued the roadsider and no longer have the tray. I wasn't able to find it on the site you mentioned that produced it. Any ideas?

[2LateIWon]

"You'll waste your life trying to cut it with a hack sow" LOL Great Vid!!