Chriso
Broken Robot Brewing Co.
Yo. As discussed over here, I use a JSP MaltMill model P (Pre-set).... This means that I have a non-adjustable .045 gap, and as a result, am getting a fairly minimal/conservative crush, and my efficiencies are stagnating in the low-to-mid 60%'s. I ain't buying a drill. My 18V Coleman cordless won't turn it, and the cheap plug-in drill I bought started smoking instantly on the first use. I don't want an expensive drill, as I don't do projects around the house, and have no need for a Cadillac of drills. So, since I have wimpy arms and 9 lbs of grain tires me out, I want to motorize my MaltMill, that way I can easily run my grains through twice for a better crush. I have virtually no electric skills, virtually no math/physics skills, and my past DIY projects have come out uglier than BierMuncher's junk.
So where do I start? I need a motor. I need suggestions - cheap is best. I'd like to keep the entire project, including pulleys, under $60. I've heard of people using wiper motors from cars? I found This Site linked to from the MaltMill home page... and from there I found This Site that sells motors... but the motor that the guy in the FAQ bought is no longer sold, and I can't seem to find anything comparable. He used a 1/3 HP, the best I've found is a 1/15 HP? ... This one is 1/30 HP but is pre-wired. It's a bit high RPM though.
I know I'll need to fabricate a base, I think I can handle that part with a 24"x24" pre-cut shelf from the hardware store, and then use my jigsaw to cut an appropriate opening. Then, glue the shelf base to the existing JSP base, and clamp tightly.
I found this post to help with the pulley sizing and belt sizing... and I used to work at an auto parts store, so I have at least basic familiarity with V-Belts. I'll gladly take a cheap source on pulleys though, if anyone has one - I saw the $30 mamma jammas over at Grainger and nearly peed myself. But mostly, I need some help filling in the first half of this project. Thanks.
So where do I start? I need a motor. I need suggestions - cheap is best. I'd like to keep the entire project, including pulleys, under $60. I've heard of people using wiper motors from cars? I found This Site linked to from the MaltMill home page... and from there I found This Site that sells motors... but the motor that the guy in the FAQ bought is no longer sold, and I can't seem to find anything comparable. He used a 1/3 HP, the best I've found is a 1/15 HP? ... This one is 1/30 HP but is pre-wired. It's a bit high RPM though.
I know I'll need to fabricate a base, I think I can handle that part with a 24"x24" pre-cut shelf from the hardware store, and then use my jigsaw to cut an appropriate opening. Then, glue the shelf base to the existing JSP base, and clamp tightly.
I found this post to help with the pulley sizing and belt sizing... and I used to work at an auto parts store, so I have at least basic familiarity with V-Belts. I'll gladly take a cheap source on pulleys though, if anyone has one - I saw the $30 mamma jammas over at Grainger and nearly peed myself. But mostly, I need some help filling in the first half of this project. Thanks.