Crankandstein 320 (1/2"driveshaft) vs. 3D (3/8"driveshaft)

[BJT]

My husband is asking for a grain mill for Christmas. I have been researching and reading your posts on which grain mill people like best. My husband makes about 2 batches of beer a year and wants to use grain. Which crankandstein would you suggest for him? Does the size of the driveshaft make that big of a difference for a casual home brewer?

Thank you so much for your help!!!!!

 

[abracadabra]

If he wants to motorize the grain mill then the 1/2" option is a better way to go as the pulleys for a belt drive are generally 1/2"

If all he ever plans to do is use a drill to power the mill then 3/8 in. will do.

Some people have reported the grain mill burning up their drills.

So I motorized mine. Look at www.byo.com and search motorized grain mill for ideas.

 

[Bobby_M]

Wait a sec... 2 batches a year? I'm afraid a grain mill would be highly impractical for this level of use ....unless they're 100 gallon batches. Why not just order premilled grain every 6 months?

 

[rdwj]

Wait a sec... 2 batches a year? I'm afraid a grain mill would be highly impractical for this level of use ....unless they're 100 gallon batches. Why not just order premilled grain every 6 months?

I was thinking the same thing. Unless he wants to step it up and start buying in bulk, a mill is not really necessary.

 

[EvilTOJ]

OR, maybe he's making two batches a year because he's handcrushing his grain and it's a PITA. Once he sees how quick and easy it is to grind his own grain, he'll start making more batches. BJT is being an 'enabler'

Wasn't there a guy recently who was buying a RIMS system and had yet to make a single batch?

 

[Cheesefood]

She wasn't asking if it was practical, she was asking for model advice.

 

[John Beere]

That new 320D is a beast - but it also happens to be the one I would buy if I were looking to buy a new mill...

Eccentric stainless steel bearing carriers click through 9 positions when turned changing the gap .005" each. Ranges .040"
Three rollers 5" long, 2" diameter.
The triangular configuration of the rollers forms two gap. The first fixed at .070" softens the grain interior and speeds up throughput. The adjustable second gap can then more readily open the husk and separate it from the starch. This promotes easier sparging and higher brewhouse efficiency.
Driveshaft 1/2" diameter
Approximate throughput 12 lbs/minute at 200 rpm
$260.00

 

[Bobby_M]

It's just me, but when someone asks a rather pointed question with an either or answer, I can't ignore the sanity (or lack of) of the premise and just answer the damned question.

It's like getting asked "what's the best gun to use when holding up a liquor store?". I mean, you might even have an opinion on that but questioning the original premise is still logical.

 

[Lil' Sparky]

I prefer a good ol' 44 Mag when holding up liquor stores. Big guns make me feel bad!

 

[cheezydemon]

I agree. 2 batches a year? Get him a good rolling pin and some heavy duty ziploc bags! Or maybe a really good food processor. $200 buys one hell of a food processor and it is a multi tasker.

 

[Bobby_M]

Brew shops will mill the grain for you where it's a mom and pop or internet. It's usually free or a 10 cents per pound charge.

In any case, I'd bet there are 20 more practical ways to spend $150 on brewing to improve those two batches per year.

 

[the_bird]

I'm in love with my BarleyCrusher, and it came complete with everything needed for $126, shipped. I can't comment on the Crankandstein models other than to say that they LOOK like they kick some major ass, but if he's serious about improving his brewing or improving the process there are lots of other things I would buy first; kegging gear, for one.

Why don't you send your husband here and we'll talk to him? Two batches a year... Psaw!

 

[Monster Mills]

Why not get him a Monster Mill instead?

http://www.monstermills.com/

~~fred francis

 

[jdoiv]

Hey Fred,
When is your three roller mill coming out?

 

[bradsul]

Hey Fred,
When is your three roller mill coming out?

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?p=463562#post463562