Wiktor Wise
Building an electric pecan cracker can be a fun project, but it's important to note that they can be very expensive to build and buy. If you're tired of manually cracking pecans, there are a few options to consider. You could purchase a commercial electric pecan cracker, but these can be costly. Alternatively, you could pay someone else to crack your pecans for you, which is a more affordable option. If you're feeling adventurous, you could attempt to build your own electric pecan cracker, but it requires some metalworking and woodworking skills. You can find plans and tutorials online that can guide you through the process, but make sure to prioritize safety when working with electrical components and power tools.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commercially available electric pecan crackers | Kinetic Kracker, Texas Native |
| Cost of electric pecan crackers | $50-400 |
| DIY electric pecan cracker materials | Wood, plywood, acrylic sheet, aluminium strip, rubber feet, micro switch, power cord line, solenoids, wire terminals, shrink tubing, electrical tape, braided nylon fishing line, wire |
| DIY electric pecan cracker tools | Lathe, drill, hinge |
| Pecan cracker performance | 1,560 pecans per hour, 26 RPM, fan-cooled motor |
| Pecan cracker maintenance | Parts are easily obtained and replaced |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of pecan size uniformity
Pecans are classified into various sizes, including halves and pieces, with the pecans themselves varying in size, length, and color depending on the variety. The USDA has established a set of size classifications for pecans in their shells, with a separate set of classifications for shelled pecans. Each variety differs in the percentage of nut meat by in-shell weight. For example, a large nut that is 40% kernel will be smaller than a large nut that is 55% kernel when shelled.
In addition to size, the quality of pecans is also important. Well-cured pecans, for instance, are those where the kernel separates freely from the shell, breaks cleanly, and appears to be in good shipping or storage condition in terms of moisture content. The shells should also be fairly uniform in color, with minimal damage that could detract from the edible or marketing quality of the pecan.
The APC (American Pecan Council) has recommended revisions to the USDA standards for pecans, emphasizing the importance of size uniformity. These standards play a crucial role in US pecan marketing, and the recommended changes aim to modernize the standards to reflect current industry practices.
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Using a twin-solenoid power nutcracker
To build your own electric pecan cracker using this method, you will need to purchase two heavy-duty solenoids, such as the Dormeyer #7467S from Electronics Goldmine, which are 120VAC and can be purchased for under $10 each. You will also need various wood pieces, including a 2"x4"x8" block, preferably walnut or pecan wood, but pine will suffice. Additionally, you'll require plywood scraps, acrylic sheets of varying thicknesses for the sides and shield, aluminum strips for the centre rail and switch actuator, rubber feet or self-adhesive foam, a micro-switch, and a power cord line.
When assembling the cracker, ensure that you use female wire terminals that fit the male terminals on the solenoids. Insulate any exposed electrical parts with shrink tubing and electrical tape. Route the wires from the right solenoid to the back through a slot in the base and secure them with wire hold-downs or staples. Create a leg plate from ¼” plywood that is 1” longer than the base and attach it to the bottom using screws. Drill a 3/32" hole 17/8" from one end of a small piece of walnut or other hardwood about 6" long, and attach it to the leg plate with a hinge. Use braided nylon fishing line or thin wire to connect the lever to the right solenoid.
Once assembled, simply load a pecan between the solenoids and close the protective shield to activate the solenoids and crack the nut.
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The Kinetic Kracker electric pecan cracker
The Kinetic Kracker is handmade in America and features a wooden base and a wood box enclosing the motor to ensure safety and sturdiness. The motor is fan-cooled, preventing it from overheating, even during extended use. This electric pecan cracker is a great option for those who struggle with manual nut cracking due to a lack of strength or arthritis. With the Kinetic Kracker, multiple family members can join in on the cracking and shelling process with just a little supervision.
Building an electric pecan cracker from scratch requires some metalworking and woodworking skills. One approach involves using a steel tube with welded plates at both ends, with smaller holes drilled into the sides to fit a strong shaft. Crossbars can be welded onto the roller to improve the efficiency of nut grabbing. Another design utilizes twin solenoids to bash the shells and save the nut meats, with wire terminals, shrink tubing, and electrical tape used to insulate exposed electrical parts.
Compared to automated pecan crackers, which can cost thousands of dollars, the Kinetic Kracker offers a more affordable option with its upgraded design and increased nut-cracking power. The Kinetic Kracker is a popular choice, flying off the shelves and generating positive word-of-mouth among its users.
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Building an adjustable nut-cracking machine
To begin constructing your adjustable nut-cracking machine, you'll need to gather the necessary materials and tools. These include a regular steel tube, welding equipment, a lathe (optional), a strong shaft, crossbars, and other standard workshop tools.
Start by welding some plates to both ends of the steel tube to close them off. This forms the basic structure of your nut-cracking machine. Next, drill smaller holes into the closed sides of the tube to fit your chosen shaft. If, like the original builder, you encounter a discrepancy between the imperial diameter of the tube and metric bearings, you can use a lathe to trim the diameter of the shaft. However, this step is unnecessary unless you face such an issue.
The shaft you choose must be sturdy and robust because substantial forces will be exerted during nut cracking. It is better to overbuild than underbuild to ensure safety and durability. Weld some crossbars onto the roller or shaft to enhance the machine's ability to grip and handle the nuts efficiently.
You can now add the electrical components to automate your nut-cracking machine. Heavy-duty solenoids, such as the Dormeyer #7467S, are recommended for this project. Use female wire terminals that match the male terminals on the solenoids, and don't forget to insulate any exposed electrical parts with shrink tubing and electrical tape. Route the wires through the base of the machine, securing them with staples or wire hold-downs.
Finally, create a leg plate from plywood that is 1" longer than the base and screw it to the bottom. Attach four or five small rubber legs to this plate for stability. You can also add a lever to make loading nuts easier. Cut a small piece of hardwood or walnut, drill a hole at one end, and attach it to the leg plate with a hinge. Thread fishing line or thin wire through the solenoid and the hole in the lever to complete the mechanism.
Your adjustable nut-cracking machine is now ready for testing! With some fine-tuning and adjustments, you can crack various nuts efficiently and effectively.
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Commercial vs. homemade pecan crackers
Commercial pecan crackers are available on the market, but they can be expensive, often costing thousands of dollars. These machines are designed to handle a large volume of pecans and can be found in places like Bancroft Pecan House in Powell, TX. Commercial pecan crackers work best when the pecans are of a uniform size.
On the other hand, building a homemade electric pecan cracker is a feasible option for those with some technical expertise. Online resources provide detailed instructions on how to construct a pecan cracker using materials such as solenoids, wood, plywood, acrylic sheets, and electrical components. This DIY approach can be more cost-effective but requires time and skill for assembly.
One example of a homemade electric pecan cracker is the "Pecan Blaster," which utilizes twin-solenoid power to bash the shells while preserving the meats. The construction process involves wiring, insulation, and the assembly of various mechanical components.
Another option for those who enjoy baking is to make homemade pecan crackers as a tasty snack or accompaniment to a charcuterie board. These crackers are simple to make, with common ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and, of course, pecans. The dough is shaped into logs, chilled, and then sliced and baked, resulting in a lightly sweet, nutty, and buttery crisp treat.
In conclusion, the choice between commercial and homemade pecan crackers depends on individual preferences, budgets, and skill sets. Commercial options offer convenience and high volume processing, while homemade alternatives provide a customizable, cost-effective solution for those with the necessary technical or baking skills.
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Frequently asked questions
Building an electric pecan cracker from scratch requires some metalworking skills. You can start by welding plates to plug the ends of a regular steel tube and drilling smaller holes to fit a shaft. The shaft needs to be quite strong to bear the force of nut cracking. You can also use a twin-solenoid power nutcracker that bashes the shells and saves the nuts.
The parts required to build an electric pecan cracker include heavy-duty solenoids, wood, wood scraps, plywood scrap, acrylic sheets, aluminium strips, rubber feet, a micro switch, and a power cord line.
Yes, there are pre-built electric pecan crackers available in the market, such as the Kinetic Kracker, which is the fastest residential nutcracker and can crack 1,560 pecans per hour. However, automated pecan crackers tend to be expensive, costing in the thousands.
