1HP Gear Pump Style Cream Machine Under $900 - Pics/Parts List/Build

[WoodButcher]

As a way to pay it forward for the help I get on this site, I decided to document my latest build, a gear pump cream machine. That way I can make the job soooo much easier for the next guy who does this ;) .

I have put off making one for years… mainly since I didn’t want to source all the parts for a paddle machine: washing machine motor, pulleys, etc… I am glad I did a pump style instead! Not only does the cream come out smoother than paddle machines, its easier to build.

The build was simple. I copied the design of Lapierre’s 3/4 HP unit and just beefed up everything a bit- motor, reducer, pump, piping, etc.
I used the camlock on the piping idea from Meadster on the forum, which helped break it down a bit. The 1” to ¾” reducer at the bottom of the 3-way valve helps when filling the cream jars, plus you just remove it when done and the entire footprint of the unit will sit flat when storing it.

The tough part was finding out the specific parts needed… so that's done.
For example, I emailed and called around to find out the proper RPM to run the gear pump at. I found out there was no real difinitive answer; a Lapierre dealer said 175rpm, a couple on here said around 60-100 rpm… so when I found one for around $40 that would bring me down to about 120rpm I was ok with that.

I built up the motor/reducer platform so the big N9000L 1” gear pump would rest perfectly on the base via its street elbow on the bottom/output side of the pump. .. wired in a 15A cord to a watertight work box and all is good.
I went with the N9000L since its 1" NPT= less restriction, faster taffy-to-cream turnaround, and.. well why not? i also took apart the pump and washed out the factory grease and replaced with my high-temp food grade grease. It was only 8 screws to break it down. It may have been food grade grease from Oberdorfer, but i didnt want to chance it. Plus, it was really cool to look inside the pump!


Yes, this isnt the cheapest build, but its better than paying retail. And I get a kick out of fabricating.

Below are the pics and parts list. Have fun!



1hp motor (USA customer support, replaceable parts, start and run cap, 110 or 220, same as a Dayton): $179
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-hp-electric-motor-56c-single-phase-tefc-115-230-volt-1800-rpm-new-/181728880111?hash=item2a4fe2a5ef

Gear Reducer: $41
If you cant find locally, sourcing a gear reducer at NRI is your best bet (think 15:1, 18:1, 20:1, 25:1… all should work fine with a 1725rpm motor.)
I chose this 15:1 gearbox (120rpm reduced) was 1hp max, 56c face, 473 in/lbs torque, newly refurbished)
https://www.nriparts.com/power-transmission/gear-reducers/sterling/2175bq015562-58-in-78-in-1026hp-151-56c-gear-reducer
http://www.sterlingelectric.com/products.php?mode=view&product_type=rars&model_number=2175BQ015562

Mobil 1 SHC634 synthetic wormgear oil… don’t cheap out here ($24)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111900471491

Oberdorfer N9000L pump with 1" ports and a PTFE teflon seal good to 480 degrees: $424
https://pumpsforless.com/product/oberdorfer-pump-n9000l

Lovejoys ( L099 Size, 5/8 x no keyway for oberdorfer, and 7/8" x 3/16 keyway for motor, Urethane spider due to 400+ inches of motor torque) $50
https://www.mrosupply.com/couplings-collars/jaw-couplings/1797581_68514411340_lovejoy/?utm_campaign=Order-Acknowledgement-Auto&utm_source=Transactional-Email&utm_medium=Email
https://www.mrosupply.com/couplings-collars/jaw-couplings/1797613_68514444174_lovejoy/?utm_campaign=Order-Acknowledgement-Auto&utm_source=Transactional-Email&utm_medium=Email
https://www.mrosupply.com/couplings-collars/jaw-couplings/237722_68514411499_lovejoy/?utm_campaign=Order-Acknowledgement-Auto&utm_source=Transactional-Email&utm_medium=Email

1" 3-way ball valve $35
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O5D1IUE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

1" camlock male and female $11
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007YZIIQC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
http://www.amazon.com/Dixon-Aluminum-Global-Groove-Fitting/dp/B0080JP0TO

2" tri clover to 1" male npt adapter $21
http://www.ebay.com/itm/401080390577?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Stainless funnel and tri clover clamp and 2 gaskets (one for backup)$112
http://moonshinedistiller.com/large-stainless-steel-funnel-filter-tri-clamp (The funnel's volume capacity is ~3gal… so a 2gal batch would be no problem)
http://moonshinedistiller.com/2-inch-stainless-steel-tri-clamp
http://moonshinedistiller.com/distillation-equipment/still-parts-connectors-packing/2-inch-tri-clover-parts/silicone-tri-clover-gasket-2-inch

Misc pipe fittings and electrical

24x20 3/4" pressure treated base

[WoodButcher]

more pics...

[Ontario Ian]

very nice, Good Job

[Russell Lampron]

I like it! Subscribed

[West Sumner Sugar]

Very nice job! How are these to clean? Seems like a lot of cream would get caught in the pipe. What is your batch size?

[WoodButcher]

thanks guys.

i make a 2gal syrup batch size, before its reduced.

No matter what unit you buy, you're going to have cream stuck in the pipe above the valve when you're done filling. its less than you think. Some people chase it with a bit of water and use that with another batch. i dont... i just fill the last jar until it stops dripping, and dump hot tap water in the funnel, let it circulate, dump the water out the valve, then refill with hot tap water again, and drain. its clean!

[Sugarmaker]

Nice documentation on the build!
You did a great job, and saved some funds doing the work yourself.
Thanks for sharing the design and specs!
Regards,
Chris

[WoodButcher]

Thanks again.

Here is a batch I made over the weekend. This was a 2 gallon batch pre-reduction. The speed of the pump at 115rpm works fine. The cream came out so smooth there it really no waste in pipe when done. I just let the leftovers drip in a bowl below the valve. I turn the 3-way valve halfway between the downward and upward flow and that will get it all out, including the water you flush through after your done making cream.

I would highly recommend a glucose meter form Amazon. This one was only $7 and will allow you test the invert sugar level in your syrup so you make consistent cream. http://www.amazon.com/TRUEResult-Blood-Glucose-Starter-Kit/dp/B002CGT08S/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1458569297&sr=1-1&keywords=TRUEResult+Blood+Glucose+Starter+Kit

You really don’t want to go over 2.5% invert sugar (3% max). To test, just take an empty cup, put it on a gram scale, zero out the scale, drip in 10 grams of syrup, and then 90 grams of warm water (100gr total). Stir it really good, and then dip the test strip in the liquid quickly and hold vertically until the reading comes up. Use this chart to convert your number and you’re done!

[lpakiz]

Jeremy,
Where did you find that neat chart?

[WoodButcher]

Its the Cornell Maple Bulletin maple cream guide. It's super helpful for calculating invert sugar when blending syrups.

Here are a couple docs i like.

http://www.nnyagdev.org/maplefactsheets/CMB%20201%20Making%20Maple%20Cream1.pdf

http://maple.dnr.cornell.edu/pubs/confections/Confection%20Notebook%20section2.pdf


Here is the CDL cream machine manual, but page 4 and 5 have some nice instructions... plus some troubleshooting tips.
http://www.cdlusa.net/Data/Sites/8/media/manual-cream-machine-2.pdf

[miohman]

Very nice. Going to build one myself. Is there any reason that you couldn't use a 3 phase motor and a vfd and just run it at your desired rpm?

[WoodButcher]

Hey there. You can do that no problem. In fact, the machine from Sunrise Metals has a variable speed gearbox i heard. Speed it up when mixing, and slow it down when canning. 115rpm's works fine for me. I fill 1/2lb jars in about 3 seconds, and thats with the valve throttled a tad more than half way.

[Romeo]

Beautiful job!

[SognSyrup]

Great build. Thanks for sharing!!

[jakeleveto]

Thank you for this post Jeremy, it has saved me $2000 from buying the Lapierre 2HP model. I just finished the machine last night and made my first batch this morning, it worked amazing. The only thing I changed was the gear reducer and coupler since that one was out of stock, I forget what I got but it was almost the same ratio and had a slightly different sized output shaft. Time to get serious about cream, it was such a PITA making it last year on my candy machine!

Pictures - http://novamaple.com/maple-cream-machine/

[Ryan Mahar]

awesome post!!!

[WoodButcher]

Jake,

just saw your reply now. great build man. im glad my post helped. I have a blast seeing if i can build things like the pros do.

Cream accuracy tip: Drill a hole in a cheap ss pot and get a ss 1/4" thread-on bulkhead fitting (http://www.ebay.com/itm/282346916304?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT) , or weld on a bung and use a long shaft syrup thermometer with a +50 degree scale and use that. i used a hand held digital thermometer last year and i pulled the pot off too early... cream came out fine but separately slightly.

This year i took an old 5 gallon ss brewing pot and installed this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/282346916304?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT), bought a 1/4" reducer , and threaded the thermometer in. it was dead on. the cream came out incredible. pulled it off at +22/23 fyi. as always, zero it out with tap water first...

the simpler way is just take your evap thermometer and dip it in your boil pot from the top, but if youre only making 1 gallon of finished cream, sometimes the stem isnt submerged enough to be accurate.

enjoy!

[jakeleveto]

Great tip on the thermometer. I've played with a dozen types for making sugar/cream/candy and I've learned that cheap digital probe thermometers are terrible. Glass candy thermometers work alright but the resolution isn't the best. The long shaft syrup thermometers work great to but I never installed a bulkhead fitting, that would definitely make things work better. For cream I use my syrup draw off probe since I'm boiling several gallons at a time, it's consistently accurate down to .1F, whereas sugar you can get away with ±5°F cream and candy need to be much more precise.

While this build, like most homemade projects, seemed a bit intimidating at first in the end it was a piece of cake (since you did all of the legwork finding the parts!). Next up I need to make an automatic maple sugar bottler, I'm packing 200 or so pounds a week by hand and it gets a bit repetitive/tedious!

[jakeleveto]

Also, I've since added some legs to the bottom of the base so that you can fill containers on a level table. The machine has to weigh 80 pounds, which was intentional so it wouldn't vibrate around. I glued some oak 5x5's together that were thinned from my sugar bush. I wouldn't mind finding a larger funnel or creating a better way to pour the condensed syrup in, uncrystallized cream is so sticky!

[DocsMapleSyrup]

I love the design but am having a real problem finding a gear reduction unit for a reasonable price. I can't seem to find anything less than about $200. Anyone have any ideas on where I could locate a gear reducer?

[minehart gap]

Chad, if you look at the first post that Woodbutcher Jeremy had, it has a link to one that is $58.67.

Jeremy, that is awesome.

[DocsMapleSyrup]

I've looked at the thread. They don't have that worm gear reducer. It was a refurbished unit.

[NH Maplemaker]

Does it have to be a 15 to 1 gear reducer? there is a 20 to 1 gear reducer at www.surpluscenter.com for $49.23 ! They also have 10 to 1 for $71.15.

[DocsMapleSyrup]

No it doesn't have to be 15:1. It just needs to gear down so rpms are around the 60-150rpms from what I've read. I did order my gear pump from Surplus Center. Thanks.

[NH Maplemaker]

Chad, which one did you decide on?

[DocsMapleSyrup]

I ended up getting the 15:1 gear reducer.

[DocsMapleSyrup]

I finally got all the parts for the maple cream machine and got it finished today. We used 1/2 gallon of maple syrup as I was unsure of how it would turn out. My machine ended up costing a total of $1100. definitely more than I was hoping for but it's a 1 hp 1 inch machine. I think if I were going to do it again I would consider going down to a three-quarter inch three-quarter horse machine just to save some money. The cream turned out awesome! It was light tan, creamy, and had no grit as far as mouth feel goes. Here are a couple photos.

1686416863

[WoodButcher]

Chad, glad it worked out. looks clean and shiny!

[NH Maplemaker]

Chad , very nice job ! Looks great .The only part I'm having trouble finding is the funnel with sanitary fitting ! Were did you find yours ? They were no longer available at Jeremy's link. Thank you for any help!

[WoodButcher]

looks like it moved to here, but its not in stock..
https://moonshinedistiller.com/large-stainless-steel-funnel-w-tri-clamp-ferrule

[NH Maplemaker]

Thank you Jeremy. I sent them a request to inform me when back in stock.
For those folks looking to build one of your cream machine. they should check out this site. Buyfittingsonline.com they have 1" stainless steel pipe all length with sanitary fittings on each end. Also 3 way valves with sanitary fitting and more!

[wiam]

looks like it moved to here, but its not in stock..
https://moonshinedistiller.com/large-stainless-steel-funnel-w-tri-clamp-ferrule

I think that is where I bought mine. Very easy to work with. I got a different one. Looked at it and changed my mind. I paid return shipping and they sent me one like in the photos above.

[Dennis H.]

Do you think a 1/2" gear pump would work? Not looking at overly large batches of cream and figured that a 1" or even a 3/4" gear pump would need a larger volume of syrup to work good.

[wiam]

Do you think a 1/2" gear pump would work? Not looking at overly large batches of cream and figured that a 1" or even a 3/4" gear pump would need a larger volume of syrup to work good.

Size of batch should not matter. Mine is 1”. I usually cook about 2.5 gallons each time. When I was gathering parts 802 Maple told me a 1/2” filter press pump to worn to build pressure to filter would work to make cream.

[DocsMapleSyrup]

With the 1" machine that I built, I wasn't sure it was going to work, so my first batch of cream used only 1/2 gallon of syrup to start with and the machine worked perfectly.

[DocsMapleSyrup]

I would also consider checking out Dudadiesel for 3 way stainless valves and ProFlowDynamics for the camlocks.

[Bricklayer]

I've been checking in on the funnels and they seem to be back in stock now

https://moonshinedistiller.com/large-stainless-steel-funnel-w-tri-clamp-ferrule?search=Funnel&sort=relevance&order=DESC

[DocsMapleSyrup]

The funnel is solid and sturdy. The bottom of the funnel is a 2" sanitary fitting (Not 1.5" like most our maple equipment.) I had to look for a while to find a 2" sanitary to 1" male NPT to fit the pump, but smaller sizes were readily available. I did find one on Ebay after much searching. Just an FYI for those building a cream machine.

Additionally, I've now made two batches of cream and the second batch was cooled to 46 degrees. It barely went down into the 1" opening on the Oberdorfer pump. The take away is either keep the taffy a little warmer (my first batch was 65 degrees) to use in a smaller pump, or go with the 1" pump. In fact, I blew a breaker because it was so thick initially. I'll also say, I had no difference in outcome of the cream between 46 degree or 65 degree taffy. Both had no crystal feel to them.

[Dennis H.]

If you want to reduce the funnel down from 2" tri clover to 1 1/2" triclover then here is an option.
https://www.brewershardware.com/Tri-Clover-Compatible-Clamp-Style-Concentric-Reducer-2_5-X-1_5.html

If you wan to reduce the 2" tri clover down to 1" then here is an option.
https://www.brewershardware.com/TCCRED20X10.html

I think I would use the 2" to 1" reducer then get a 1 1/2" by 1" male Threaded tri clover fitting. The 2 x 1 reducer would flow better I think. Yeah it would add some to the overall height but not too much.

[Bricklayer]

What are the lengths of the pipe sections or nipples you used. If I go by eye from your picture it looks like you used a 6" nipple off the pump then an 18" nipple off the valve going up then another 6". Is that close?

[DocsMapleSyrup]

The vertical ss pipe is 16" and the horizontal pipes are 6".

[Bricklayer]

Where did you get the 16" pipe length. Hard item to find. Looked everywhere

[DocsMapleSyrup]

Pipingnow.com

[NY Maple]

Has anybody found another place that sells the stainless funnel. I just talked to Moonshine Distiller and they said they wouldn’t have another in stock for at least two months. I have all the other parts, just missing the funnel. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[WoodButcher]

Hey New York. Honestly your best bet is putting in keywords on Google, or call them back and ask for the manufacturer. You can see who else they distribute to. I remember it being difficult for me to find a while back. But rest assured, you can always get a tri Clover fitting with threads on the end, and just drill a hole with a step bit in a big ss salad mixing bowl and you're good to go in the interim :)

[Bricklayer]

You could order the replacement CDL hopper. It shows it as being $99 on their website. Product number 678111029

16944

[Kevin Plew]

I'm building this machine and having a heck of a time finding the 5/8 no key lovejoy. The link in the beginning has them but the minimum order is 5 and I just need one. Anyone have as source for these? Can't wait to make cream with this machine!!

[unc23win]

Have you tried Tractor Supply or Grainger?

[Kevin Plew]

Found it locally at a place called Applied Tech in Rutland.

[WoodButcher]

If you strike out finding one, I couldn't see the harm in using one made for a keyway and using the set screw to see if it can reach to the flat spot on the shaft and tighten away.... or just buy a new allen key set screw for it at Home Depot for a dollar

[Amber Gold]

Building a cream machine was my project this year, but I keep picking it up and putting it down and never making any progress. Holiday season is coming up, so this is shooting up my priority list.

I looked into ordering the materials at the start of the thread, but some of the items are no longer available...gear reducer comes to mind. Is there another source for these at a reasonable price? I don't know anything about them, so I don't know how specific they are.

Fortunately, the funnel is still in stock (https://moonshinedistiller.com/large-stainless-steel-funnel-w-tri-clamp-ferrule). How much taffy can you put in this funnel?

Woodbutcher. Thanks for putting the leg work into building this, and then taking the time to post everything. Very handy.

[WoodButcher]

you can make 2 gallon batches if you wanted (2g raw syrup). its a big funnel. i just did a 2g batch this spring and if i recall it was getting up there but doable.

as for the reducer, the best place i found ebay. lots of industrial warehouses wanting to get rid of them. just follow my general guidelines in the initial posts on what to get. dont get too wrapped around the axle about the ratio. im sure if you get one within the range of 50-200 rpm youll be fine.

good luck.

[wiam]

Reduction on my homemade. 18807[ATTACH=CONFIG]18806[/ATTACH

I like this because I can adjust the speed. I turn it up when running hot syrup to clean sweet out and water after to clean.

[Amber Gold]

Great. Thanks Jeremy. I haven't used ebay in years...kinda forgot about it. I did find some there.

Any reason not to use a 3/4" gear pump w/ a 3/4hp motor? Figure it might be a bit cheaper and weigh less?? I have to carry this from the basement to the kitchen.

Here's one (https://www.amazon.com/Lexar-Industrial-MRV050-Worm-Gear/dp/B01BRYWX7A/ref=pd_sbs_328_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01BRYWX7A&pd_rd_r=8de68c21-b55e-11e8-8742-1712fd196554&pd_rd_w=hXkTR&pd_rd_wg=BaGjh&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=0bb14103-7f67-4c21-9b0b-31f42dc047e7&pf_rd_r=FJEHH2VRSSG0J1NAW50T&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=FJEHH2VRSSG0J1NAW50T) I found on Amazon. Price isn't bad. Weird that it doesn't come with an output shaft though.

This one is on ebay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/DODGE-TIGEAR-15-1-RATIO-GEAR-REDUCER-56C-496-INCH-POUNDS-TORQUE/153158147860?epid=12023163613&hash=item23a8efdf14:g:fEkAAOSwh49bhoaX:sc:UPSGroun d!02132!US!-1). Will it work? Used, but includes output shaft.

This is the best price I found on an electric motor...including shipping. Amazon motor (https://www.amazon.com/PowerTech-1401C-Electric-Overload-Protector/dp/B018ACQA7Q/ref=sr_1_3?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1536629126&sr=1-3&keywords=56c+1+hp+tefc+electric+motor+1750)

So, does the shaft of the motor fit into the hole in the input side of the reducer? Assuming there's a key on the shaft.

Wiam. I've never heard of a power block before. I did a quick search online, but the ones I found were for much smaller motors.

[wiam]

I just googled zero max Y2. Found I got a wicked deal. Mine was used with a 3/4 hp for $125.

Found this though https://m.ebay.com/itm/DODGE-TIGEAR-15-1-RATIO-GEAR-REDUCER-56C-496-INCH-POUNDS-TORQUE/153158147860?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.M BE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20180306143914%26meid%3D232db2 4c41a14807a177bd33fa746eed%26pid%3D100935%26rk%3D2 %26rkt%3D2%26sd%3D332654426222%26itm%3D15315814786 0&_trksid=p2056116.c100935.m2460

[tonka]

Very good post here, very helpful with making a good quality machine. I found a funnel (5 gallon) http://www.bubbasbarrels.com/tri-clamp-funnel-5-gallon-0, that Im looking to use, the funnel can be ordered with a 1 1/2" furrel on it. Glad to have come across this post, thanks all who have all put their input.

[tonka]

All you guys who are running a 1hp, have you guys run into it where it seems like 1 hp ain't quite enough power? or havent you run into any issue with it whats so ever?

[DocsMapleSyrup]

Tonka

I run a 1 hp motor and have never had it bog down a bit. In one of my earlier posts on this thread, I commented that if I were to make another one, I would consider downsizing to a 3/4" and 3/4 hp motor. I wouldn't go larger than a 1 hp motor.

[BigJon]

Wow is there some sticker shock looking at the price increases on some of these parts (if they are even available). Almost makes getting an actual cream machine look like a steal. 😑