making hop plugs

[Phil185]

I've been harvesting my hops the past few days and got to wondering, does anyone make their own hop plugs? I was thinking about trying to make .25 oz plugs, then put into 2 oz packages. I'm just not sure how much PSI would be required to make a plug. Anyone have any thoughts??

[kezgin]

you could try going low tech and getting a piece of pvc pipe, i'm thinking 1" or 1 1/4", weighing out the hops and compressing them by hand, similar to muzzle loading rifle

[Phil185]

exactly what I was kinda thunking...using an old beer can crusher or making something simular with a ram rod, depending on how much PSI would be required, I could also convert and old hydralic jack.

[usmcruz]

If you can get ahold of some designs on hop plug machines, I can build you a smaller version.

[bikefoolery]

I think BYO or Zymurgy had a simple plug maker gadget using pvc pipe, an end cap, a bolt, a couple washers and a nut. make a small hold on the end of the cap, thread bolt through cap. Place a washer on the inside. Then just use a drill or socket wrench to create the plug. Sure, it may have a hole in it, but it can be packed pretty tight and is easily mechanized.

-------------------------------------------------|
nut- washer - hops - washer - cap - bolt head
-------------------------------------------------|

Good luck

The Fool

[foomench]

Hmmm. Now how to adapt this to work with my neighbor's 12 ton press?

[bikefoolery]

Hmmm. Now how to adapt this to work with my neighbor's 12 ton press?

Norm Says "Let's take a moment to talk about shop safety..."

Most likely be replacing the pvc with something stronger.


Good luck. Please post any photos from the ER trip. A 12 ton press sounds like a lot of fun.

[Phil185]

Hmmm. Now how to adapt this to work with my neighbor's 12 ton press?

Where's Tim the tool man Taylor when we need him most Really my main hold up is how much PSI is required to form and maintain the plug once compressed. Half ounce plugs instead of quarter ounce, (not sure why I posted that one), I'll find the answer eventually and let you all know what I was told. .....hmmmm 12 ton press huh