RR, I really enjoyed the videos. Thanks for posting.
I have a some questions:
What was the "sanitizer" that you used? I noticed that you did not rinse after sanitizing. Why not?
I use a probuct called 'Star San.' I mix a couple gallons at a time and keep it in an Igloo cooler, one with a spigot. I like it cuz you dont have to rinse.
I noticed that there was what appeared to be water in the overflow on your vacuum pump. Is this required or does it make the process work better?
I feel if I am not anticipating much overflow with what I am doing the water reduces the total volume of air there is to evacuate. Kinda speeds things up.
If I understand your experiment, you were trying to see if there was a difference in the wines using fresh or frozen cranberries. What differences were you seeking? taste? time to ferment? appearance? ABV? Other? It also seems to me that your wine made in the blender alternative had about half of its juice from the "extra" wine that you brewed from cranberry juice.
All the above. Let me explain. I am very new to this. I was just interested as to the difference in the two methods of juice extraction. As for the total amount I racked off the one that I blended, the lees held alot of juice. If I was to wait I am sure it would have settled more. Taste, they taste similar. Color, the blended one is darker.I think it is from the seeds. Specific Gravity, the blended one had higher SG the next morning ( I added sugar to 1.090 for both). Fermentation time, they were the same. Conclusion, freeze and chop with slicing blade in food processor.
I really like the stand that your built. Where did you get all the parts?
I ordered the valve online and welded the stand part form stuff I had. If you want I can PM you the link to the valve. I was asked not to post links to "non-site venders." I think it was like $45.
I think we have the same or at least similar vacuum pump. My only issue with mine is the location of the on/off switch. Yours seems more convenient or did you alter that somehow?
I picked up that pump off Ebay and have not altered it in any way. If you wanted I am sure you could put a switch inline on the power cord.
Thanks again for the videos. I think things like this are great for the forum and I wish there was more of such postings.