I need a good, inexpensive mill

DonutBrew · 05-19-2010, 01:09 PM

Hello all,
I'd like to buy a mill, but I don't know really what I'm looking for and could use some advice. I don't need anything too fancy, just something that will crush my grain adequately and that will preferably be easy to run with a drill. Looks like everything I've seen online so far is $100+, which is too much for me to spend on one right now, unless someone can convince me otherwise

Thanks for your help!

**Pappers** · 05-19-2010, 01:18 PM

If you search here for "Corona Mill" you'll find some useful info. Can't speak from personal experience, but I know others use them effectively. Good luck!

**IrregularPulse** · 05-19-2010, 01:37 PM

+1. All I've seen are the Carona Mills and then the $150 range jumping big adjustable mills.

There is a big thread on modifying a pasta roller. Cheap from a crafts store.

carrotmalt · 05-19-2010, 02:54 PM

I don't have a mill yet either, but I bookmarked this as the cheapest I could find. I think this is the Corona style I've read about, but I can't make up my mind whether to bite or just save up for a better one.

http://www.grizzlyindustrial.com/products/Cast-Iron-Corn-Grain-Mill/H7775

**djt17** · 05-19-2010, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carrotmalt

I don't have a mill yet either, but I bookmarked this as the cheapest I could find. I think this is the Corona style I've read about, but I can't make up my mind whether to bite or just save up for a better one.

http://www.grizzlyindustrial.com/products/Cast-Iron-Corn-Grain-Mill/H7775

I have looked at that one as well; I opted to wait until I could afford a Barley Crusher. But, now I found out that my LHBS doesn't charge to mill their grain. So I don't know if I will purchase one or not.

**Revvy** · 05-19-2010, 03:14 PM

there are 2 alternatives with plenty of info and tips.;

My Ugly Junk- Corona Mill Station...

Or the 20 dollar pasta machine used for rolly polymer clay and cheap at any arts and craft store.

Using a pasta maker to mill grain.

Where someone posted that they get a consitant 83% efficiency with theres.

These are both great options for folks on a budget or looking to get their feet wet in PM's or all grain...Both can be motorized and can handle as much grain as their hopper can hold.

carrotmalt · 05-19-2010, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djt17

I have looked at that one as well; I opted to wait until I could afford a Barley Crusher. But, now I found out that my LHBS doesn't charge to mill their grain. So I don't know if I will purchase one or not.

My LHBS mills for free too, but if I could mill it myself, I could buy in bulk and cut my grain costs by about a third. Also, I'd like to try conditioning the grain first to maybe increase efficiency.

OK fine! The truth is I just think it's cool and I want one.

Catt22 · 05-19-2010, 03:36 PM

Crankenstein sells a bare bones malt mill for $76. This is basically the guts of a mill without a base or hopper, but those shouldn't be difficult to fabricate yourself if you have some basic DIY skills. You would also need a crank handle, drill motor or some other way to power it. Get a real mill and skip the junk. You won't regret it.

http://www.crankandstein.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_ id=12

pernox · 05-19-2010, 04:09 PM

I've used a pasta roller grain mill for six batches so far and have had efficiency in the mid 70's to mid 80's.

RandomSF · 05-19-2010, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catt22

Crankenstein sells a bare bones malt mill for $76. This is basically the guts of a mill without a base or hopper, but those shouldn't be difficult to fabricate yourself if you have some basic DIY skills.

and here is a nice example of a self-contained base and hopper.