DIY E-Boiler for Euro Skulls

[Grizzle]

I bought a cheap propane burner for this job and just use a stock pot with it.

That's how everyone I know does it with great results.
Reading this thread has me shaking my head wondering why everyone is complicating it so much. I mean these units look like they would work great but seem like way more effort than needed. Also sounds like guys are cooking them way to long. Clean the skull up best you can before simmering it then Powerwash it with a good pressure washer and your done in a couple hours start to finish. The better you are with the knife work the faster it goes but simmering for 10 hours is beyond unnecessary.

 

[ShakoMako]

Reading this thread has me shaking my head wondering why everyone is complicating it so much.

Did you read the thread, or the title? The OP started this one to talk about DIY E-boiler builds:

In the interest of not detracting from the Grakksaw E-Boiler thread, starting a new one for DIY E-Boiler builds.

The reasons cited by others for preferring something like this DIY E-boiler over a cheap propane burner are better temp control, less supervision of a propane burner, perhaps better portability in the field. I’ve done the turkey fryer and power washer method, and as others in this thread have shown, results may vary.

 

[NV HUNTER]

Which sous vide is this?

I have lots of tots. Was wanting to try this. Do you recommend putting skulls in game bag or something to keep bits from getting into the circulation unit?

I have the insta-pot brand.

Not gets in the unit.

 

[Clarktar]

I'm going to try the sous vide I guess. Add some rigid foam around a tote. Seems like it should work...

 

[Grizzle]

Did you read the thread, or the title? The OP started this one to talk about DIY E-boiler builds:


The reasons cited by others for preferring something like this DIY E-boiler over a cheap propane burner are better temp control, less supervision of a propane burner, perhaps better portability in the field. I’ve done the turkey fryer and power washer method, and as others in this thread have shown, results may vary.

Yup read it and like I said those units will work great and if your into going to those extents to build one that's cool, but it's worth stating for guys that may be new to this that it's not hard to control temp with a propane burner and pot, at all.. and you can easily do a great job in much less time and still get a great result without much skill or challenge. Less supervison isnt really an issue especially being able to do multiple heads in a day or have one done in couple hours and I'd definitely argue the portability thing but to each their own. I think these units are kinda cool along with the method of bagging skulls and steaming with an external boiler but it can be done really well with a very simple method of simmer and spray. Hell for moose I use a galvanized garbage can sitting on cinder blocks sealed around the top with a garbage bag and tiger torch underneath its not rocket science. Little dawn dish soap helps break down to.

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

Yup read it and like I said those units will work great and if your into going to those extents to build one that's cool, but it's worth stating for guys that may be new to this that it's not hard to control temp with a propane burner and pot, at all.. and you can easily do a great job in much less time and still get a great result without much skill or challenge. Less supervison isnt really an issue especially being able to do multiple heads in a day or have one done in couple hours and I'd definitely argue the portability thing but to each their own. I think these units are kinda cool along with the method of bagging skulls and steaming with an external boiler but it can be done really well with a very simple method of simmer and spray. Hell for moose I use a galvanized garbage can sitting on cinder blocks sealed around the top with a garbage bag and tiger torch underneath its not rocket science. Little dawn dish soap helps break down to.

Done the propane burner and spray method twice now. Not impressed. Beetle skull is much higher quality and the e-boiler method seems to be the best way to get that quality at home. Hence the thread.

Theres no way the propane burner method is more efficient with your actual hands on time than this.

 

[MThuntr]

Was one enough or did you have two?Thinking of using one of those Costco 27gal black and yellow totes.

I did a raghorn in that exact tub. I used a single sous vide machine. It can't remember the setting but a single one did do the job. I did mine in my basement to keep temps as constant as possible

If I have to time and weather to do a simmer in the backyard with a propane burner, I prefer that since I get faster results

 

[elkhunter505]

I have the insta-pot brand.

Not gets in the unit.

Do you have any issues keeping the temperature high enough for the method to work when the ambient temp is between 30-40 degrees? I live up north and do euros for friends. I’m really interested in this set up and have an ozark trail yeti knock off that I think would work fantastic to keep the water insulated but it likely wouldn’t allow the sous vide to be attached to it without some type of modification.

I use the pressure washer method right now, but if I could minimize my washing time, I’d be really happy and I’m sure some of my neighbors would be as well.

 

[NV HUNTER]

Do you have any issues keeping the temperature high enough for the method to work when the ambient temp is between 30-40 degrees? I live up north and do euros for friends. I’m really interested in this set up and have an ozark trail yeti knock off that I think would work fantastic to keep the water insulated but it likely wouldn’t allow the sous vide to be attached to it without some type of modification.

I use the pressure washer method right now, but if I could minimize my washing time, I’d be really happy and I’m sure some of my neighbors would be as well.

I live in las Vegas, so the temps don’t really get that cold. But I do mine in the garage.

 

[HoosierHunter07]

What PSI is best for pressure washing skulls after this process?

 

[Ultracarry]

Amazon fish heater and a black tote from Home Depot - 95 degrees - no pressure washer - needed and 2 weeks start to finish -this is a diy thread so I won’t go I to why I want a second grakksaw e-boiler now that I have one.

Side note- that’s some fat on the antlers I just had to use some dawn and a brush to clean them -

 

[SlimCreaper25]

This is my favorite way to clean skulls. A crab cooker works good too (bigger volume than a chicken pressure cooker). Leave a pinhole in the bag so it doesn't explode, but all the nasty stuff stays inside the yard debris bag. Wrap horns tight with electrical tape. Pressure wash after.

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

Amazon fish heater and a black tote from Home Depot - 95 degrees - no pressure washer - needed and 2 weeks start to finish -this is a diy thread so I won’t go I to why I want a second grakksaw e-boiler now that I have one.

Side note- that’s some fat on the antlers I just had to use some dawn and a brush to clean them -
View attachment 993354

I'd be curious as to why the Grakksaw is worth the money over your DIY setup. There are a few obvious pro's in my mind but nothing that overcomes the price tag.

 

[N.ID7803]

I'd be curious as to why the Grakksaw is worth the money over your DIY setup. There are a few obvious pro's in my mind but nothing that overcomes the price tag.

Me too! Spill it!

 

[2rsquared]

This is my favorite way to clean skulls. A crab cooker works good too (bigger volume than a chicken pressure cooker). Leave a pinhole in the bag so it doesn't explode, but all the nasty stuff stays inside the yard debris bag. Wrap horns tight with electrical tape. Pressure wash after.

I've heard this method produces good results, especially when doing moose skulls.

Some have converted an old propane tank into a steamer/pressure cooker and stuck the hose in the garbage bag.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

Just don't do this in the house if you want to stay married.

 

[SlimCreaper25]

I've heard this method produces good results, especially when doing moose skulls.

Some have converted an old propane tank into a steamer/pressure cooker and stuck the hose in the garbage bag.

Oh that’s a good idea. I got an old one of those laying around. Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[N.ID7803]

This thing worked awesome! Tried it out on my brother’s buck from last year.

Put the heating element in between a couple bricks in the bottom and it stayed put. Did 11.5 hours at 175 and most everything fell of the bone. Cranked it up to 180 and put it back in for about an hour to get the last little bits loosened up. I also ended up pulling the earbuds like I usually do to get everything out from behind them. I think a slightly higher temp of 180 would probably be better, I will try that next time.

The heater and thermostat worked flawless and I verified it was reading proper temp with a thermometer. It was very nice being able to control temps this precise, way better than using a propane burner. The insulation worked great too, I pulled the skull last night and the water was still warm this morning.

A lot less hands on time than my old method of simmering. You also don’t have to keep such a close eye on it and worry about it getting too hot. For about $100 in materials and a little time, I’m happy with it!

View attachment 991636

Did you follow the same procedures for whitening as Ryan typically does? Pool oxidizer bring to boil pull out etc or something different with this method?

I did a DIY similar to yours but with a 1500w, Costco black and yellow 27gal tote, wrapped with insulation and covered what I could with a piece of plywood. It took about 6 hours to get up to 175, but by the time it got their the elk skull was pretty much done. Any longer and I would have lost the nose piece. This bull had been sitting outside since late October though.

 

[Qholum37]

Did you follow the same procedures for whitening as Ryan typically does? Pool oxidizer bring to boil pull out etc or something different with this method?

I did a DIY similar to yours but with a 1500w, Costco black and yellow 27gal tote, wrapped with insulation and covered what I could with a piece of plywood. It took about 6 hours to get up to 175, but by the time it got their the elk skull was pretty much done. Any longer and I would have lost the nose piece. This bull had been sitting outside since late October though.

I just did water for the first part and then dumped out the nasty water and added dawn dish soap to fresh water for the last hour or so. Then after it dried I brushed on 40 volume hair developer paste, let that sit for about 12 hours and rinsed off. Basically the same degreasing and whitening steps I’ve done in the past with a propane burner. The nose bones are nice and tight and it’s also nice and white. Didn’t get any pics before giving it back to my brother.

 

[Pilsner]

Follow up - Igloo said their plastic is good for up to 165 degree liquid temps...

Glad they gave an actual answer, bummer it's 5-10 degrees too low. Might be close enough to try on a cheap used one.

Regardless of what Igloo said we have been dumping in boiling hot crawfish water into coolers and closing the lid on em for decades now. Don't recall ruining a cooler yet. Although its only at that temp and lower for the 15-60 mins of "dwell time" not for 8-24 hours at a time.