Scratter Assembly

As all the Batch18 apples are now prepared (54lbs sweet, 30lbs sharp and 36lbs bitter sweet for those last 2*20 litres - got the 2 containers 'sweet' in the end with a caustic solution) ready for scratting (milling), I thought it might be of interest to include some pics of the very effective but cheaply-made scratter.

Back plate slotted in position:



A thin ply spacer fits on top - (push fit)



(note scuffs from screw heads)



then front plate slides into...



...position:



followed by the feed plate:



cover:



and 'hopper' (only shaped thus by using up scraps of 12mm ply... but does allow access for a 'paddle' to encourage bigger apples through)



Ready for drill attachment:



Note arm prevents drill from acting counter clockwise:



Note direction of drill set to rotate away from feed plate:



and in use:



after scratting 90lbs apples - feed plate slid back, showing tendency to clog (though didn't on this occasion)