One of the most time-consuming and tedious tasks is plucking feathers from the birds after they have been slaughtered. It can be a messy and unpleasant process, but there is a solution – building your own whizz bang chicken plucker!
In this article, I will be discussing plans for building your own whizz bang chicken plucker, including the materials needed, the steps involved, and some tips for success.
Why Use a Whizz Bang Chicken Plucker?
A whizz bang chicken plucker is a machine that quickly and efficiently removes the feathers from a chicken after it has been slaughtered. It works by using rubber fingers that rotate and grab the feathers, pulling them out without damaging the skin of the bird. Using a whizz bang chicken plucker can save you a lot of time and effort compared to plucking feathers by hand.
Materials Needed
To build a whizz bang chicken plucker, you will need the following materials:
- A plastic barrel or drum
- A motor with a pulley
- Rubber fingers or plucking fingers
- PVC pipe
- Bearings
- Bolts, screws, and washers
- Electrical wire and connectors
- Switches and power supply
- Rubber tubing
- Wood for the frame
Steps to Build a Whizz Bang Chicken Plucker
Step 1: Prepare the Barrel
When preparing the plastic barrel or drum for the whizz bang chicken plucker, it is important to make sure that it is clean and free of any debris or contaminants. Once the barrel is clean, the first step is to cut a hole in the top of the barrel that is large enough to fit the motor. This hole should be big enough to allow the motor to be inserted and mounted securely on the top of the barrel.
After the hole has been cut, the next step is to drill several evenly spaced holes around the circumference of the barrel where the rubber fingers will be inserted. These holes should be sized to fit the rubber fingers snugly, but not so tight that they cannot be easily inserted or removed. It is important to make sure that the holes are evenly spaced and aligned around the circumference of the barrel to ensure that the feathers are plucked uniformly.
Once the holes have been drilled, it is a good idea to smooth the edges of the holes with sandpaper or a file to prevent the rubber fingers from catching or tearing on any sharp edges. After the holes have been smoothed, the barrel is now ready for the next step in the process of building the whizz bang chicken plucker.
Step 2: Install the Motor
After preparing the barrel, the next step is to install the motor. You will need bolts, screws, and washers to attach the motor to the top of the barrel securely. The motor will be responsible for powering the rubber fingers, so it’s essential to make sure that it is fastened tightly.
Once the motor is in place, you will need to attach a pulley to the motor shaft using a set screw. The size of the pulley should match the size of the pulley on the shaft of the rubber fingers. This will ensure that the motor and the rubber fingers are properly aligned and that they will work together efficiently.
It’s important to take care during this step to ensure that the motor is installed correctly, as any misalignment or instability could cause the machine to malfunction. Double-check that all bolts, screws, and washers are tightened properly before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Insert the Rubber Fingers
Step 3 of building a whizz bang chicken plucker involves inserting the rubber fingers into the holes that were drilled around the circumference of the barrel in Step 1. These rubber fingers will be responsible for grabbing and removing the feathers from the chicken. It is important to ensure that the fingers are evenly spaced apart and extend into the barrel by about 1-2 inches.
To insert the rubber fingers, simply push them into the holes from the outside of the barrel until they protrude from the inside. Then, secure them in place using nuts and bolts or screws, making sure they are tightly fastened. It is essential to ensure that the rubber fingers are securely fastened in place to prevent them from coming loose during operation, which could damage the plucker or pose a safety hazard.
Step 4: Install the PVC Pipe and Bearings
To install the PVC pipe, first, measure the length of the motor shaft and the rubber fingers. Cut the PVC pipe accordingly and insert it in the center of the barrel. Make sure it runs from the top of the barrel down to the bottom.
Next, insert bearings into the top and bottom of the PVC pipe to support the shaft. The bearings will allow the shaft to rotate smoothly and prevent it from wobbling. Be sure to securely fasten the bearings in place so that they don’t move or fall out during operation.
Make sure that the PVC pipe is aligned properly and centered in the barrel. This will ensure that the rubber fingers rotate evenly and pluck the feathers effectively.
Step 5: Build the Frame
To build a frame for the plucker, you will need to gather some wooden beams or planks of suitable size and strength. The frame should be designed to support the weight of the barrel and motor, as well as any other components that you may have added.
Begin by cutting the beams or planks to the required length, and then assemble them into a rectangular shape using screws or nails. Make sure that the corners are square and that the frame is level by using a spirit level.
Next, attach cross braces to the frame to add stability and prevent it from wobbling or twisting. You can also add legs to the frame if needed to raise it to a comfortable working height.
When you have finished building the frame, place the barrel and motor assembly onto the frame, making sure that the motor pulley is aligned with the pulley on the rubber fingers. Secure the motor to the frame using bolts, screws or brackets.
Finally, test the frame for stability and make any adjustments as needed. Your plucker is now ready to use.
Step 6: Connect the Electrical Components
To connect the electrical components, start by mounting the switch on the frame in a convenient location for easy access. Then, connect the wiring from the switch to the motor and power supply. Make sure to follow the wiring diagram or instructions carefully to avoid any electrical mishaps.
Next, connect the power supply to the motor. This can be done by attaching the positive and negative wires to the appropriate terminals on the motor.
Before turning on the plucker, double-check all of the connections and make sure that everything is properly secured and insulated.
Step 7: Test the Whizz Bang Chicken Plucker
After completing the assembly of the Whizz Bang Chicken Plucker, the next step is to test its functionality. To do this, turn on the plucker and let it run for a few minutes. Observe the motor and rubber fingers to ensure that they are rotating smoothly and without any obstructions. Additionally, check to make sure that the rubber fingers are successfully grabbing and removing the feathers from the chicken. If the plucker is not functioning properly, double-check all connections and make any necessary adjustments before testing again.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality rubber fingers to ensure that they last longer and work more effectively.
- Make sure that the motor and pulley are properly aligned to prevent excessive wear and tear on the components.
- Clean the plucker regularly to prevent buildup of feathers and debris, which can affect its performance.
- Use the plucker on birds that have been properly scalded, as this will make the feathers easier to remove.
Conclusion
Building your own whizz bang chicken plucker can be a fun and rewarding project for chicken owners. With the right materials and some basic tools, you can create a machine that will save you time and effort when it comes to plucking feathers from your birds. By following the steps outlined in this article and using high-quality materials, you can create a whizz bang chicken plucker that will efficiently and effectively remove feathers from your chickens.
With some patience and effort, you can have your very own whizz bang chicken plucker up and running in no time. So why not give it a try and see how much time and effort you can save when it comes to plucking feathers from your birds?
