Biltong Box Schematics / Scrawl :)

[the munt]

Hey guys,

First post I'd thought I'd share my wall mounted biltong box project.

I'm opting to use a computer fan with LED's (when we were kids we always used an old single light bulb to get the air moving so interested to see the difference).

I used to hate that the meat dripped on the bulb as it had to be down low to make the air rise, and I know I won't be getting the heat to move air with LED's so they are more an aesthetic this time round.

BOX.PNG

• the munt
• Jan 12, 2017

Found a piece of Perspex 1400mm long, in case you were wondering why I didn't make the whole front Perspex. The other measurements are just the sizes of the materials to reduce cutting. GOing to use a nice Wood Grain colored Melamine for the box, with Oak trim around the Perspex viewing window.

sku_21631_vert.jpg

• the munt
• Jan 12, 2017

Would love to hear your ideas / criticisms with this design, I'll be hopefully getting started tomorrow!

Cheers

Dan 

 

[crankybuzzard]

Should be sexy looking. What's the plan to hang the meat?

 

[the munt]

Just 2 rows of thick dowel.. I've always used plastic covered paperclips in the past but will be looking for some better hooks this time round.

Was going to set the dowel into the box at either side and have 1 bracket in the middle connecting it to the top of the box. Should handle a good few Kgs (lbs) then.

Cheers

Dan

 

[dirtsailor2003]

I'd use plywood, but probably not what you have.

I suppose it would be fine, and we do know a guy that makes his in his RV closet. Biut it freaks me out!

That's just me. I'm sure it's fine!

 

[the munt]

I'd use plywood, but probably not what you have.

I suppose it would be fine, and we do know a guy that makes his in his RV closet. Biut it freaks me out!

That's just me. I'm sure it's fine!

Do you mean the Melamine freaks you out? 

What exactly do you mean? Structural integrity wise?

 

[crankybuzzard]

HA! He's probably thinking formaldehyde.

Since you have almost zero heat, no issues.

Just a thought, think about how to rotate the meat from end to end since you are going horizontal and will have greater air flow at one end over the other.

 

[the munt]

2 fans it is! :)

 

[sqwib]

My first was a cardboard box and 40 watt bulb. No probs dripping on the bulb.
The bulb was under a shelf with holes.
I have been wanting to build another one but keep putting it off because of storage. I may draw up a collapsible box.
Anyhow, keep us posted, looks like fun.

 

[the munt]

HA! He's probably thinking formaldehyde.

Since you have almost zero heat, no issues.

Just a thought, think about how to rotate the meat from end to end since you are going horizontal and will have greater air flow at one end over the other.

Actually I might just put it up top in the center.

 

[crankybuzzard]

Actually I might just put it up top in the center.

Using a phrase from my old physics professor...

"Consider this; air being forced or drawn through one location makes a path..."

That path will take the least resistant route available. I would rotate the meat every couple of days just to be sure of even drying and to prevent case hardening.

 

[the munt]

Since it's 1800mm long what do you think about putting one of these at either side facing inward towards the center of the box, with the 120mm computer fan up top in the middle.

FAN.jpg

• the munt
• Jan 12, 2017

Like so:

AIRFLOW.jpg

• the munt
• Jan 12, 2017

Do you think too much airflow ? Is that an issue ?

 

[the munt]

Actually I'l no doubt have my head in it every day, I'll just rotate it like you said!

 

[crankybuzzard]

Actually I'l no doubt have my head in it every day, I'll just rotate it like you said!

That should work.

 

[pc farmer]

Too much air flow will cause case hardening. 3 fans seem like to much to me.

I have a curing chamber and have no fans. I just open the door a couple times a day.

Just opening the box to look should work. Ha

 

[BGKYSmoker]

You really only need 1 fan and a small heat source like a 40 or 60w bulb. Dont know where you are in the world but watch for bugs. With all the salt that is used in the biltong mix you wont need any cure but thats your call. Yes i do all my biltong and fermented dry salami/charcuterie in my closet of the rv. Down here in S, FL the temps and humidity are perfect and i have no need for fancy equipment.

GL in whatever you decide.

 

[the munt]

Thanks for the advice, going to keep it to 1 fan as suggested!

 

[the munt]

Righto almost done today!

20170121_182910.jpg

• the munt
• Jan 21, 2017

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• the munt
• Jan 21, 2017

20170121_182857.jpg

• the munt
• Jan 21, 2017

20170121_182844.jpg

• the munt
• Jan 21, 2017

Just gotta wall mount and add some light and she'll be laughing!

Pretty happy with the result so far!

 

[crankybuzzard]

Now that's a man serious about his biltong!

Great looking work!

 

[the munt]

There's no kill like overkill....

Hahahaha...

20170122_160740.jpg

• the munt
• Jan 22, 2017

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• the munt
• Jan 22, 2017

 

[alfa01]

Very interesting build.  Have you tried it yet?