Crab Bait Grinder

Bought a #32 grinder but it was to much work hand turning it. The grinder plate it came with had small holes and it jammed a lot.  I added a 3/4 inch grinder plate and a motor and now it works a lot better.  I need to cut the fish up in smaller chunks but it grinds it really good.  Now there is zero waste when I come home with fish and have heads and guts left over. 

Filling crab bait jars with ground fish has increased our crab catch lately and works great for short soaks when you want the oils to get out quick. 

I put the Motor and grinder on different blocks so I can adjust the tension of the Pulley by moving the wedge between them and using a ratchet strap to connect them both.  Then when I am done it is a lot easier to move the parts separately as it is not one heavy unit.  Also helps with cleaning. 

Thought I would post in case anyone was interested in making one.

Was the grinder already set up to accept the motor or was that a DIY thing?

Was the grinder already set up to accept the motor or was that a DIY thing?

They offered one with a turn handle or a wheel that could accept a belt and that's the one picked. 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005ZHUYVI/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/182-9195278-7221246

Look legit

You might want to put a shield on the pulley/belt assembly before a shirt sleeve or other item of clothing gets caught up in there.   

You might want to put a shield on the pulley/belt assembly before a shirt sleeve or other item of clothing gets caught up in there.

I tested it by grabbing the wheel while on and sticking wood in the grinder and the motor pulley just spins.  I am going to add a kick switch to stop for emergencies though.  Thanks for thinking safety. 

I'm loving that. Never thought of that before

That's great DG.  Not sure if I could swing that at my current house but cool otherwise.

That thing looks badass!! Want!!

-FF

sweet..you can tension the belt with the ratchet strap
I use the Cuisinart and it works well but always get the evil eye from the wife

sweet..you can tension the belt with the ratchet strap
I use the Cuisinart and it works well but always get the evil eye from the wife

Yeah I used our expensive blender to grind some fish and that was the last time for that.  It was like $60 for large grinder and another $20 or so for 3/4" grinder plate.  I got a free motor and had the blocks and other parts laying around.  I like being able to change the tension with the wood wedge and strap. 

I had an old grill that rusted out so I kept the stand and threw away the rest.  Now I can put this whole contraption up high to keep from bending over while grinding it.  Save my back.