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mr x · 11-17-2007, 11:15 AM

I wouldn't consider geared rollers an 'upgrade', and ball bearings have more potential for causing problems than the bushings. With bushings, you will get some play in them, with quality bearings, there is no play, so alignment will be critical. Think CNC and a 100% level mount. Not as easy as it sounds.

Old_Brewer · 11-17-2007, 11:36 AM

Hi Fred

I had this one man shop do some work for me, about a year ago. I have moved since then.

Tin Shop
maps.google.com

201 N Main St
Findlay, OH 45840
(419) 422-2213

jdoiv · 11-17-2007, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monster Mills

What I really have considered is to sell a kit that comes with the right pulleys, a motor, and belt. The cabinet would be up to you. I might possibly design something, and include plans with it. That's as far as its gotten. If you look far and wide on this board and others, there's tons of ideas. I've decided to work first toward the other mills that I need in my product line to compete better with my old partner. A hopper and Base being a key item to have, because many folks would rather take it out of the box, and mill right away. This is the biggest reason I can see that the Barley Crusher is popular, and why I sold so many BCC mills when I was selling CrankandStein.....did anyone ever guess what the CGM-BCC meant that I used to sell?

It was the Barley Crusher Crusher....

~~fred francis
Monster Brewing Hardware

I would be happy with a kit that came with all the pulleys and stuff. That would make setting it up much easier than trying to do the research and buying stuff that may or may not work. Building a cabinet or table to mount it on would be fairly easy.

I do think that a base and hopper would do your business wonders. I am wanting to upgrade my old mill and have looked at the BC just for the fact that I could get it with everything ready to go. Just haven't justified giving up on the old mill yet, but it won't be long if it keeps giving me trouble.

mr x · 11-17-2007, 02:01 PM

I don't think a pre-made hopper is a good selling point. A plastic water bottle does the same job, and has some advantages over a hard fastened hopper.

Oedipus Rex · 11-17-2007, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr x

I wouldn't consider geared rollers an 'upgrade', and ball bearings have more potential for causing problems than the bushings. With bushings, you will get some play in them, with quality bearings, there is no play, so alignment will be critical. Think CNC and a 100% level mount. Not as easy as it sounds.

I intend to turn the rollers on a CNC lathe and mill the base plates on a CNC mill. Doing so will make bearings and an accurate roller lash a viable option. BTW, I do own my own shop.

mr x · 11-17-2007, 02:37 PM

If you have your own shop then you're all set. The reason I don't like geared motors is that somewhere along the power train you should have something that will slip if you get a piece of metal jammed in the rollers. You never know what will fall out of a bag of grain. Thats why I like the pulley and belt system.

Oedipus Rex · 11-17-2007, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr x

If you have your own shop then you're all set. The reason I don't like geared motors is that somewhere along the power train you should have something that will slip if you get a piece of metal jammed in the rollers. You never know what will fall out of a bag of grain. Thats why I like the pulley and belt system.

Ok, that makes sense. Any other suggestions?

mr x · 11-17-2007, 05:43 PM

Take a look at this Monster Mill motorization. I am very happy with it:

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/swing-up-crankandstein-table-42598/

hocus-pocus-by-focus · 11-18-2007, 04:30 AM

I've dealt with Fred recently. And got one of the last CrankenStein mills fom him. He offered to let me back out of the deal because of the problems he was having. And was very helpful after the sale.

For anyone wishing to motorize a mill Fred also pointed me to this site and I'm build something similar.

http://www.byo.com/departments/1123.html

Monster Mills · 12-04-2007, 06:41 PM

Wanted to give everyone a heads up with what's going on with me here at Monster Brewing Hardware.

I want to let folks know that the MM-3 is going into production as of tomorrow, and I should have mills ready to ship some time late next week....can't commit to an exact date, but release is immanent. MM-3 will retail at $149

303 stainless rollers with 3/8" and 1/2" drive shafts will come available at the same time.... It'll be a $50 upgrade for the MM-2, and $75 for the MM-3. Availability will be limited initially. Only getting 15 sets.

Crank handle is designed and submitted, just waiting for the prototype for checkout, and pricing.

Thanks to EVERYONE!!! With all that I've been through over the last several months, I don't think it could have gone much better.

Good feedback here is really helping get the word out. I appreciate your kind words of encouragement, and especially telling your friends about Monster Mills.

Please let me know if anyone has any questions.

~~fred francis
Monster Brewing Hardware