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Estimated Cost after Mods and Tools For Maintenance etc. etc.

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bradenl123:
I have read through all the maintenance and mods forums and wondered what is the actual cost of the Huky? It seems that the standard set up is around 1600 and then around 1800 for another drum and motor. After reading the forums it seems like I also need a new gauge ( Dwyer 3.5 or 5.0), something similar to a variac (rose city speedster), maybe a cyclone, a new regulator for the propane tank, better tools for maintenance, extra lube, gas teflon tape, and insulation. Have I missed anything? So would it be closer to 2000$?

I am still debating the BC-1 and the TJ-066. I honestly love the look of the Huky and the fact that in maybe 10-20 years Mr Li won't be making them then they become nostalgic and possibly collectible. Susan, I have seen your posts about the same debate and that is what I am going through. I plan on learning how to roast before going bigger and that might be awhile (a few years) Can the Huky make really nice City roasts? Will I get the itch to upgrade within a few months or years? (Years is okay)

Thanks,

Braden

SusanJoM:
Look at the Pricing and FAQs in the Resources section.

I stuck with the HUKY. 
I don't think there is a better roaster for me.

bradenl123:
Maybe I misspoke. I have almost read everything on this forum. I am familiar with the pricing and faqs. I am asking what have most users spent in total since buying their Huky? Yes, 1600-1800 seems to be the normal initial price but after all the modifications and tools for maintenance what is the realistic price I am looking at. As I stated, it looks like most of the things I mentioned above are highly encouraged if not necessary for more control of the roaster. I am still contemplating between the BC-1, Huky 500, and TJ-066. Yes, price seems to be the biggest factor but what has everyone spent roughly since buying it?

edtbjon:
One setup will take you a long way. With that I mean that you only need to order one drum/motor combo. While you are learning the aspects of both using the Huky and roasting various beans, trying to minimize other factors is a must. You cannot fix a roasting problem by switching drum setup, as you have to learn the new dynamics of the now different roaster.
Given that, I recon that $1600-1800 is just about right. Apart from the order from Mr Li, a fan speed regulator (You already got yourself a Variac) and a TC interface (Phidget in your case) is pretty much standard. You don't need to upgrade the gas gague, but it's nice. :) (I got me a better one when the original broke down after a year...) You seem to be aware of maybe needing a slightly better gas regulator too.
While on the subject, the only spare parts that I really needed was one TC and the above mentioned gas gague. I have roasted on my Huky for almost three years now.

I guess many of us have contemplated the other roasters you mention. For myself, if I decide to upgrade, it will be to a larger roaster (a TJ-67 or larger). But the Huky is good enough for me to do any type of roast that I want to do, from very light roasts to dark roasts.

Wayneg1:
To add to the previous responses, I didn't buy any extra or spare items from Mr. Li.  Variac, Phidget, propane adapter were additions. I've since made only two additional purchases; a quick disconnect and a special made T pipe without dampers.  Both were shipped very quickly and the shipping costs didn't give me heartburn.  I don't see any reason personally to store extra parts for the Huky.  My total investment is around $1900.  I didn't replace the original regulator either but I did buy an adapter for the propane tank (there is an image of it on this forum).  Considering other roasters is good but you aren't comparing apples to apples.  The TJ066 is a $3500 machine plus tax and shipping.  A stock Huky with a couple extras will provide you with some very nice roasts across the spectrum.  In my opinion of course.   :P

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