I motorized my grain mill for $15

I picked up a varable speed drill from harber freight today and then and then attached a 2x4 to my grain mill platform and presto. Its hands free. The drill has a lock on function and a knob that adjustes the speed.

http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/drills/3-8-eighth-inch-variable-speed-reversible-drill-3670.html

I tried this approach, but sadly my mill apparently has a bit too much friction for this poor drill to handle. I had to get the rollers spinning before I started pouring in grain. The drill just didn't have quite enough umph to get things started.

To fix this problem I went back to Harbor Freight and put down another $25 for the larger 1/2" arbor drill. It's still not a DeWalt, but it definitely has enough torque to spin my mill. I think I'm going to turn the smaller drill into a stir motor for my HLT.

ryan0914 said:

I picked up a varable speed drill from harber freight today and then and then attached a 2x4 to my grain mill platform and presto. Its hands free. The drill has a lock on function and a knob that adjustes the speed.

http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/drills/3-8-eighth-inch-variable-speed-reversible-drill-3670.html

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I smoked that same drill trying to use it to power my mill. I've since switched to a gear motor. I would suggest getting the bigger 1/2" drill like this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/power-...le-speed-reversible-d-handle-drill-47991.html

HF will have it on sale occasionally for about $39 IIRC.

Catt22 said:

I would suggest getting the bigger 1/2" drill like this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/power-...le-speed-reversible-d-handle-drill-47991.html

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+1...this drill is a beast w/ plenty of torque at low speed, works well to power a mill, a great value at only about 35 bucks on sale at HF.

wilserbrewer said:

+1...this drill is a beast w/ plenty of torque at low speed, works well to power a mill, a great value at only about 35 bucks on sale at HF.

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Wow I just got this drill. Can't say enough good things about it. Plus the price is right. Thanks guys

Yeah, I'm using the 3/8th drill right now, unfortunately the thing is going to burn up if I continue using it for grinding grain. I have a 20% off and my plan is to use it for that 1/2 inch drill.

Jawbox0 said:

Yeah, I'm using the 3/8th drill right now, unfortunately the thing is going to burn up if I continue using it for grinding grain. I have a 20% off and my plan is to use it for that 1/2 inch drill.

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Just in case anyone else needs it, 20% off any single item coupon expires 12/31/2010:

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/html/SingleMagLanders/americanprofile/images/20_c.jpg