Maintenance Schedule?

[sight]

Hi guys and gals,

I am currently getting my setup all put together and before I started roasting I just wanted to see if anyone had a maintenance schedule for the Huky? Maybe on a per roast basis?

Thanks,

J.Catt

[dickcoffee]

The only consistent maintenance I do is vacuum around the heat source after every session, and after no more than 3 roasts.

[venerablemonster]

After doing my back to back roasting recently, I think I figured every ten or so roasts the pipes should be washed out. The buildup of oils on the inside of them started causing chronic chaff clogging issues. Additionally, after the monster pre-christmas roasting binge (40+ lbs), I found that my fan will need to be disassembled and cleaned as well.

So, you can come up with a cleaning/maintenance schedule based off how many roasts if you'd like. That'd probably help with making yourself actually check all the equipment regularly, or you can do what I did and wait way too long and realize you have to clean everything.

I honestly don't think the Huky needs too much regular attention, but on the flipside, the more proactive you are, the less issues will arise during roasting.

[rodraguirre]

I figured every ten or so roasts the pipes should be washed out.

And how do you wash them?

[venerablemonster]

And how do you wash them?

I run warm water through them with a small amount of mild soap. If you have a soft brush, you could use that to try and get into the deeper parts of the pipe. Honestly, my goal isn't to have it sparkle but to reduce the sticking of chaff.

[Wayneg1]

I put the pipes in a container with hot water and Oxy Clean.  Rinse them out and they look shiny and new.

[edtbjon]

There seem to be a few aspects about the airflow/smokey parts of the Huky. The residues that stick inside the pipes creates drag and impedes airflow. I.e even if you calibrate and measure your airflow with clean pipes that airflow is lower after some 10-20 roasts. And yes, the residues are sticky, so chaff will eventually start to build on that residue. If it's gone that far, there's an obvious risk for fire! So cleaning the airflow system every 20 roasts or so is a very good idea.
One other thing is to wipe off the old excessive grease from the bearings and apply new grease at about the same intervals (say 20 roasts). You can go further and dismantle the roaster and take out the bearings for a more thorough cleaning. (There's an old thread on that subject somewhere...) It's easy to see the bearing in the front plate, but don't forget about the back of the roaster.
Anyhow, the Huky is very easy to maintain, as everything is very easy to dismantle. A few basic tools and a clean workspace, a nice mug of freshly brewed Panama Geisha (important!!! ) and you're ready to go.

[hankua]

I put the pipes in a container with hot water and Oxy Clean.  Rinse them out and they look shiny and new.

Holy Cow! I used the dollar store variety, two scoops in hot water worked just like Cafiza but way less expensive. For the J-pipe I have a rubber bumper that plugs one side, pour in the solution with it upright; repeat and brush clean.

On the chaff fan I used goo-gone and alcohol with a rag.

Heck, I even dipped the aluminum funnels and screens in the ersatz oxy; squeaky clean.