Build your own dehydrator.
 

My wife makes her own special cat and dog food. It keeps them healthy and prevents trips to the vet. She was using the oven to dehydrate the kibble, but it is slow, costly, inconvenient and expensive. So she was on my case about getting a "real" dehydrator. Of course they are generally pretty slow as well, and unless you got the bucks, they don't provide a lot of volume.
So I put on my "resource and survival hat" and meditated for a while while sipping my favorite $6.00 sherry. This serves to blend the conscious with the subconscious and I became aware of the clothes dryer I had in storage.
A plan was formulated and in the morning after the sherry had worn off, I popped the top of the dryer and removed the drum and internals, leaving just the motor and fan, as well as the heating coil. I ripped a few pine boards to make 2 inch slats and made 5- 18" X 24 " square frames. I airnailed 18" pieces of the 2"slat edgewise to the bottom side of each frame (two sides is adequate). This provides stackability and separation. I procured some wire mesh (1/4 inch squares) at the local hardware store and cut them to size and stabled them to the bottom of each frame. I overlayed the edges with 1/8 X 1" slats cut from the pine boards, to protect the fingers from sharp wires.
These frames now stack atop a slat frame that I attached to the dryer walls, high enough to clear the motor and fan. This provides approx
1200 square inches of drying area.
I wired in a bathroom fan to create a higher air flow past the heating coil to provide better air circulation and keep the element from overheating.
TA DA!!
All the controls were left as is, and depending on the model, you can utilize the heat settings to provide a gentle 140F.I have a meat thermometer sitting on a tray and can provide temp control by cracking the top lid to provide extra air escape. Three to four hours and the load is done. We have also dried apples, bananas and mushrooms with great success. With carefull planning, it might be possible to stack 6 frames.
Allow room to remove trays easily and for good airflow.
Our cat and dog are happy:23_30_104: , and my wife, well :36_1_32v:

Re: Build your own dehydrator.
 

QWAK,Golden Buoy Great IDEA!:thinkey::applause_

I have a small dehydrator that I have not used in years except for storing things :yes: the slide out shelves are good for lots of small things and can always be moved IF I want to make some JERKEY.:yes:

IF one were to HUNT (I don't) your IDEA would be the perfect solution for high volume.:yes:

Very CREATIVE!!:congrats::emotions16:

the DUCK :15_1_70v:

Re: Build your own dehydrator.
 

How abouts some jerky recipes? Anyone want to contribute their favorites?

Re: Build your own dehydrator.
 

WOW!!!

I've wanted a food dryer for ages, but haven't gotten around to it due to the expense and the fact that I had other more pressing needs on my survival list. And as luck would have it, I happen to have a very old and very ugly but perfectly servicable clothes dryer sitting out in the garage! Looks like this could be my next project. Thanks for the info, GoldenBoy.

By the way, I don't suppose your wife would be willing to share her recipe for kibble, would she?

Re: Build your own dehydrator.
 

Could one take a floor stand (small personal space) type heater, build a similar box for it, stick on a fan and thermostat of some sort and viola - dehydrator?

p.s. - I' d be interested in the recipes as well. I've prepped for the pets but it's always good to have a backup plan.

Re: Build your own dehydrator.
 

Leadfoot -- it's possible to use a construction heater or other to build a dehydrator. My wife spent $20.00 on plans for such a unit. But it required several sheets of plywood and looked heavy and awkward. You can pick up used dryers for cheap and you've got a nice light metal box to work with, and a lot less work.

Your dog might not mind, but unless you enjoy a linty texture on your apple slices, I recommend cleaning your dryer thoroughly before putting it into use.

Wifey thinks I should have written an ebook for the plans and be collecting a shiny maple per copy.

Our dog kibble recipe is designed for a Chihuahua sized pup. If you want a recipe, please pm me stating cat or dog recipe required. I will persuade wifey to part with it, but you know women and their recipes. :36_1_25:

Re: Build your own dehydrator.
 

Your resourcefulness is an example to many. I'd say "everyone", but many can't get past the word dehydrator.

Re: Build your own dehydrator.
 

pictures!!!