I got this All American off Facebook for $150. It needs a good cleaning, and a few parts replaced. I’ve never done pressure canning, and know very little. If you look through my pictures, can you tell me what it needs before I can safely use it?
Currently on my shopping list:
A new handle
A new valve
A new gauge
A weight
Two new L shaped clamp things
Anything else? Also, any advice for removing the rust inside and getting the outside looking nice?
by roxannearcia
7 Comments
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Please bring it to your local extension and get it checked out, and get their advice.
I have a bunch of spare parts. Check dms.
Disclaimer: I’m only an engineer on a technicality (computer engineer), so I don’t have any direct knowledge of high pressure systems.
The biggest standout to me would be if there’s any rust at all on the screw clamps. I did the math on my canner for fun, and the lid ends up holding right around 2,000 pounds of force when it gets up to pressure. Those screw clamps are the only thing standing between you and a temporarily 2,000 pound lid. If there’s any signs of damage, I’d strongly consider replacing all of them.
I like to retrofit these to use the weight and machine a hole for the 1/2″ rubber safety plug. You can buy the weight, weight stem, and rubber plugs online. It’s not worth the time, but it is kinda neat to bring the antiques up to modern safety standards.
https://preview.redd.it/q974aa84ghic1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3062f057d2ff1070d5df5ff0251d137916586631
These keep the jars off the bottom and allow you to stack pint jars for more capacity. The L brackets are a safety feature and needed. I would make sure that the lid and pot contact surfaces are clean and free of corrosion. The vent/valve can be cleaned… I think there is a little rubber gasket to replace. Very important to verify the pressure gauge is working.
If you’re in Utah you’re probably at altitude then you probably don’t need a gauge at all, you need the weight. Most come adjustable in 5 lb increments but your altitude probably means you can everything at 15 lbs anyway
Still replace your seals and all that and check with extension.