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Corking problem
My first real wine will be ready to bottle in a couple of weeks. I have my new corker and am doing a practice bottle or two. I'm using 9 x 1 1/2" Nomacorks and a double lever corker with regular 750 ml bottles.
The problem so far is that the cork doesn't completely enter the bottle. About 1/4 inch is sticking up and there's a major round indentation from the corker metal plunger. I was thinking about putting a nickel between the plunger and the cork to prevent the indent and get a longer travel...but before I do something to hurt the new corker (and donate a nickel to the top of every bottle), I thought I would ask for suggestions.
Thoughts? Thanks.
jacab
I've made a mess of my last corking job, but if I had it to do over I'd do exactly what you suggest. Only, I'd use a dime instead of a nickel and then change to adjustment on the corker so the cork goes in further. There is an adjustment on the corker that you can play with while you're practicing to get it right.
joseph
You're right- the adjustment is the two screws on the top.
I've heard that corking is much easier with a floor corker, but I don't make that much wine to justify that expense ($60 or so). I have a friend who just syphons into gallon jugs to avoid corking! I soaked the corks briefly in campden solution to sanitize and I think that made it a bit easier.
My LHBS told me to use #8 corks next time to make it easier but I was concerned that I wouldn't get the right seal. So, I'm just plugging along with a corker like yours. I'm guessing that it'll be easier as time goes on
daniel
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