Looking for Grain Mill

DeanRIowa · Post by **DeanRIowa** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 8:15 pm

I am thinking of getting into whole grain and would like some recommendations on a grain mill?

I would prefer a used and reasonable mill, but if new what would you buy and cost?

thanks,
Dean

brownbeard · Post by **brownbeard** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 9:13 pm

I really like my barley crusher. Get the large size hopper. I did not, and wish I had.

JimF · Post by **JimF** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 8:10 am

brownbeard wrote:I really like my barley crusher. Get the large size hopper. I did not, and wish I had.

I've got a barley crusher too and really like it also. I do 5 gallon batches and get by with the smaller hopper. The larger one would be nice, but so was the extra $$ I kept in my pocket...

davidw · Post by **davidw** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 9:11 am

From reading the forums it seems that most all of the mills available these days are of good quality. Although, I recall one manufacturer (Monster mills maybe?) had a split between the two co-owners, they went their separate ways, and were making similar mills and one of them was known to have some problems. But I think it comes down to finding the features you want for the price you want to pay. I have a non adjustable JSP Maltmill that I got 14 years ago, I've probably put a few thousand pounds of grain through it and done nothing more than put a few drops of 3 and 1 oil on the bushings once or twice a year. A mill is a pretty straight forward design in so far as equipment goes, not a lot of moving parts means there isn't as much to go wrong.

hoboscratch · Post by **hoboscratch** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 9:29 am

This is the one I have. I had to get a high torque drill to drive it, a regular corded drill couldn't turn the 10" rollers under load. I like the mill as well but it's only got a 3lb hopper. I have the stuff to build a bigger hopper but I haven't done it yet.

On Nov 15, 2011, at 9:11 AM, davidw <brew-equipment@crbeernuts.org (brew-equipment@crbeernuts.org)> wrote:

From reading the forums it seems that most all of the mills available these days are of good quality. Although, I recall one manufacturer (Monster mills maybe?) had a split between the two co-owners, they went their separate ways, and were making similar mills and one of them was known to have some problems. But I think it comes down to finding the features you want for the price you want to pay. I have a non adjustable JSP Maltmill that I got 14 years ago, I've probably put a few thousand pounds of grain through it and done nothing more than put a few drops of 3 and 1 oil on the bushings once or twice a year. A mill is a pretty straight forward design in so far as equipment goes, not a lot of moving parts means there isn't as much to go wrong.

The Lincoln Highway Brewery & Tavern

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davidw · Post by **davidw** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 9:31 am

A quick search reveals that it was the Monster Mill vs. the Crankenstein mill "battle" that I was remembering and ultimately the Crankenstein was having issues with the rollers binding up and overall quality of the mill. Apparently they were legitimate issues as I don't find the Crankenstein available at a four different HB shops that I searched.

Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 9:40 am

I heard Crankenstein had a falling out and now Monster Mill is basically Crankenstein. Crankensein no longer exists. I have had a two roller Crankenstein since 2003 and never had any issues and have done nothing to it. I power it with a cordless drill now but plan to power it with an electric motor in the future. I have the motor and pulley's so just need to make the time. It has detent adjustments but once I found the gap that worked for me I have not adjusted it even for wheat or rye.

Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 9:46 am

A good easy to make hopper is to take the big 5 gallons water jugs, cut off the bottom and mount it upside down. The grain comes out of the spout and spreads out over the rollers for a nice crush. I have one I might try that with before my next brew. This picture isn't mine but it is where I got the idea.

hoboscratch · Post by **hoboscratch** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 9:59 am

Yep, I have had a jug for that purpose for about a year now.

On Nov 15, 2011, at 9:46 AM, Matt F <brew-equipment@crbeernuts.org (brew-equipment@crbeernuts.org)> wrote:

A good easy to make hopper is to take the big 5 gallons water jugs, cut off the bottom and mount it upside down. The grain comes out of the spout and spreads out over the rollers for a nice crush. I have one I might try that with before my next brew. This picture isn't mine but it is where I got the idea.

Matt Franklin
Slappy Brewing North

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tompb · Post by **tompb** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 6:47 pm

I have a Barley Crusher. It's done it's share of grain in the last 5? years. Only thing I've done is take it apart once this year and clean the shafts. I run it with a cordless Dewalt, though I've got a geared motor to put on it if I get my shit together.

I'm not sure it matters what kind you get. The concept is pretty straight forward. Ajustability is a plus, but shouldn't be the ultimate point if you can get a deal.

Oh, sometime I'm going to bend up some stainless to make my hopper hold at least 20#.

kjball · Post by **kjball** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 8:00 am

I, too, have a barley crusher. I do adjust the gap for wheat and it'a not really that big of a deal. I only have the small hopper and don't find it a problem to fill it multiple times. I don't have anything to compare it to, but it seems to do the job just fine. I run it with a cordless drill and it will knock out 20# with no problem.

DeanRIowa · Post by **DeanRIowa** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 12:21 pm

I am just wanting to try all grain to start at low cost, if I like it, I then would purchase a better Barley Crusher.

What about the modified Pasta Machine.

i.e.: http://www.amazon.com/Marcato-8308-Atla ... 464&sr=8-8

I actually have the Marcato pasta machine it appears in the picture, wonder if I could use it somehow, it appears the only different are the tubs, one up top and bottom.

Has anyone used a pasta machine?

Dean

JimF · Post by **JimF** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 12:40 pm

DeanRIowa wrote:I am just wanting to try all grain to start at low cost, if I like it, I then would purchase a better Barley Crusher.

What about the modified Pasta Machine.

i.e.: http://www.amazon.com/Marcato-8308-Atla ... 464&sr=8-8

I actually have the Marcato pasta machine it appears in the picture, wonder if I could use it somehow, it appears the only different are the tubs, one up top and bottom.

Has anyone used a pasta machine?

Dean

I have a I have an old corona style mill that you can have if you want it. I got it as part of a batch buy from a guy that quit brewing.

DeanRIowa · Post by **DeanRIowa** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 1:18 pm

JimF, I would love to use it on loan til I decide if or what I would buy.

Do you plan to be at tomorrows meeting?

I am thinking of attending, if I get off work in time.

Dean

JimF · Post by **JimF** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 1:42 pm

DeanRIowa wrote:JimF, I would love to use it on loan til I decide if or what I would buy.

Do you plan to be at tomorrows meeting?

I am thinking of attending, if I get off work in time.

Dean

Dean, I'm not sure I'll be able to make it to the meeting. If I can get there it will probably be later. I might just stick my head in to drop off checks for my dues and BYO subscription... Otherwise, I'll be around home on Sunday, if that works.