Made my third Caerphilly yesterday------not sure if I should post this under cheese making or Gizmos and Gadgets
I wasn't to happy with my previous attempts----so gave it another try from various recipes----I won't post my make notes, as they are pretty much the same as all the others-----will include some pics of make-----in those, you can see some of the devices I have come up with to make cheese making easier for us folks who have some physical limitations.
You may notice that my new vat is sitting on my new Max Burton induction cooktop---inside the plywood and sheet metal device----this is because, after receiving the cooktop, I discover it has a fifty pound weight limit (fine print, bottom of page)
----5 to 7 gal. makes go over that----this device supports most of the weight while keeping the cooktop in contact with vat through a spring loaded table----the set up worked great----induction is the way to go.
The next device is my auto stirring device----be aware that most of this has been cobbled together from stuff I have had laying around the house. Hanging on the wall is a 12 volt dc transformer---this connects to a variable on/off timer relay----I can change the amount of time it is on, and the time off---this works automatically----from there it goes to a motor speed controller and then to a power window motor from a car ( 11 newton meter-about 8 ft.lb torque) The device worked great on this make, PH milk, which has a tendency for the curds to fracture-----next I will see how it will work on a nice raw milk curd.
Notice the swinging hook over the sink for hanging bagged cheese.
Will answer any questions that I can for those attempting this type set up. Bare in mind I am obviously not an engineer and this setup is a prototype that I am still playing with. Any helpful insights would be appreciated.
Qdog
OK folks ---added some pics that might help.
In my all my testing so far ----the three most important things I have come up with are:
#1 Speed control---for most of us, that means DC----AC gets to expensive----this is app. 0 to 60 RPM
#2 The off/on timer relay---- with out this, you would have to hit a switch all the time and if you have to do that---you might as well stir by hand--- I can walk away now or make my notes or drink a couple beers
#3 The paddle configuration makes a huge difference----I first tried to imitate commercial cheese stirring paddles---I just couldn't get any to work.
Qdog