Recommend me a good mill

[admin]

I think it's time I started crushing my own grains, so I'm in the market for a mill.

Not interested in getting a workout every time, so would prefer one that I can hook up a drill to. Also not really interested in building anything, would prefer just to take out of the box and go.

Anyone got any suggestions? Homebrewwest's one any good, or should I look for something a bit better?

[Jacob]

Using similiar one at home and not sure if I need any better.
You can hook it up with a drill but it have to be at least 750W.
Tried with a cheap 500W from Argos and burnt it :/

[Ciderhead]

Should this not be under equipment
The homebrew west one is fine otherwise you are looking at 150 for a roller mill HBC started selling them.
With homebrew west model take handle off put in a m6 or is m8 bolt :-/, anyway cut the end of bolt off and hey presto. As Jacob says you need a meaty drill to get of the initial torq required.
A bit of adjusting of the gap to make sure you have cracked grains but not made flour and some kind of hood to stop stuff flying everywhere.
I crack mine using workmate with a bucket underneath.
Even having to stop 4 times I can crack 4 kgs in 10mins

I am Looking for something to feed hold 4kgs of grain as the hopper only holds about 1kg
I tried a cut plastic bottle but wasn't great.

[Rossa]

I can't remember where  exactly I got mine but it was in the US. It is fantastic but it did cost over €100. I can attatch a drill which is essential if you are doing 40l+ or a dirty big brew. Invaluable  [smiley=engel017.gif] can't stress that enough. I went with the pasta roller mill for a few brews until it broke my heart. I'll try find where I got the mill if anyone wants to spend a few quid. Although I think this may have been it http://www.crankandstein.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=11&zenid=1758589a61bf7fb67a2c12ea1d5b2df0

[Will_D]

I have the adjustable, 2 roller, Crankenstein

Dogs and spherical object similies apply

Will

[Spud395]

I've been using the HBW one for a while now, not 100% happy with it to be honest. It's very difficult to adjust just right.

A tiny adjustment makes a huge difference, I've noticed a bit of a drop off in effiencey since using it. Got a bag of crushed this time just to see.

Dont get me wrong it's not bad, but I'd consider a roller mill for a more accurate crush

[blunt]

I got this one. Very happy with it but its not cheap. 


http://www.ebay.ie/itm/MiniMill-Stainless-Steel-Grain-Mill-home-brew/180849590830?ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1&ih=008&category=150752&cmd=ViewItem

[Will_D]

I got this one. Very happy with it but its not cheap. 


http://www.ebay.ie/itm/MiniMill-Stainless-Steel-Grain-Mill-home-brew/180849590830?ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1&ih=008&category=150752&cmd=ViewItem

Looks very similar to the Crankenstein mill but at nearly twice the price!!

Will

[Ciderhead]

I've been using the HBW one for a while now, not 100% happy with it to be honest. It's very difficult to adjust just right.

A tiny adjustment makes a huge difference, I've noticed a bit of a drop off in effiencey since using it. Got a bag of crushed this time just to see.

Dont get me wrong it's not bad, but I'd consider a roller mill for a more accurate crush

You can make simple mods to it to give a more consistent grind
http://www.instructables.com/id/Corona-Mill-Mods-for-All-Grain-Brewing/step2/Another-Minor-Fix/
I wanted a shiny roller type but for 100 in the difference and 75-85% efficiency with my existing corona and fly sparge, I can't justify that just yet  :

[Spud395]

I had put washers in the gap before I ever used it to be honest and I still reckon it's difficult to control the grind. I fact I reckon thats the key, its a grinder not a mill.

As I said before it's not bad (I've only crushed 50kg of malt yet, I may still nail it) but it often works out cheaper if you buy what you want initially

[MAF]

I use the basic Crankenstein. It has 2 rollers which are apparently adjustable but I've never bothered trying. I've found the factory setting does the job fine. That said I've never tried any wheat, which I beleive is harder to crush (?) I have done raw rye and no problem with that.

[Ciderhead]

Great info here for those struggling with consistent crush
http://fratermu.freeshell.org/mouse/brewing/corona.html
I will also be looking at my rpm on the drill to ensure steady rather than rapid grind
I also have solution to my hopper problem which will be the top sawn off a water cooler bottle nobbled from work

[Rossa]

Jaysus, dunno what to do now.

Should I ask Santa for a Crankenstein?

yep.

[Ciderhead]

borrow mine
if it works save 100   8-)
if it doesn't get ready to face stress of rushing home first to get the an post "parcel has arrived for you in the depot card" or having the response prepared for when she asks, a parcel came for you from the states today what is it? oh its nothing just something small   :

[Ciderhead]

No bothers pm me when you want it