grain mill

[abracadabra]

I'm just on the verge of confirming an order for a CrankandStein grain mill when I over hear my LHBS owner laughing about a conversation he had with the guy who makes the things. So I ask him what the deal is.

He says something to the effect that the little rollers are too small to do the job. So the rollers are made with basically teeth to pull the grain thur which results in the grain being shredded rather than crushed. Which in turn makes for poor filtering action of the grain husks.

I don't I want to pay $800+ for something with 2" or 3" rollers but I also don't want to fork out over $300 for a toy.

My question is, is this LHBS owner being an EAC or am I on about to blow a large chunk of change on something less than optimal.

 

[mr x]

I have a three roller model and it seems pretty good so far for me...

Here's a pic from a really really fine crush

http://i13.tinypic.com/4ztlo4g.jpg

 

[abracadabra]

I have a three roller model and it seems pretty good so far for me...

Here's a pic from a really really fine crush

http://i13.tinypic.com/4ztlo4g.jpg

So even with a crush that fine you are not having any problems with stuck sparges? And you are not having to add rice hulls.

 

[mr x]

I use a ss manifold for a steam heated MLT, and I can't see any way to stick a sparge with that setup (although I have yet to try a wheat beer). Haven't used rice hulls either.

That crush was from my first brew, and it was superfine because I was using metric feeler gauges instead of standard. What I thought was .035", was really .35mm...stupid metric system.

 

[Evan!]

If you're concerned, just go with the best.

 

[Brewer3401]

I have the 3 roller detent model, powered by a 1/3 hp gear motor turning at 90 rpm.

I sent samples of my crush to a professional brewer and he said the following:

"the mill itself seems to do a kickass job - lots of grits with very little
flour given the thoroughness of the crush"

I'm very happy with my mill. I wanted to buy one only that I'd be happy with. I still sometimes think about making one with 3-4" rollers, but for homebrewing that would be slight overkill.

 

[mr x]

I think the 3 roller setup is better than any 2 roll out there.

 

[Dustin_J]

If you're concerned, just go with the best.

The rollers on the crankandstein are 1.5" diameter, where the barley crusher is 1.25". If the concern is roller diameter, this may not be the best choice.

Regardless, I think the homebrew shop owner is full of it. I know a lot of people, myself included, who have their own mills and having nothing but good things to say about them. This includes people with Barley Crushers, Crankandsteins, PhilMills, etc... You may get some husk shredding, but I'd guess that depends much more on gap, mill speed, etc...

Don't worry about not being able to form a good filter bed using a Crankandstein, you'll be just fine as long as you control the gap width and speed OK.

 

[iamjonsharp]

I have a crankandstein. It does great. It costs about $100 bucks from http://www.crankandstein.com. I am sure most (if not all) of the other similar grains mills work just as well or better.

 

[abracadabra]

Thank you for the replies

I told Fred to go ahead and make the mill for me.

 

[mr x]

You won't be sorry.

 

[pedalbiker]

I have a two roller that works great> I would buy again...

 

[Brewer3401]

I have the 3 roller, and have a friend that has a 2 roller. We are both happy with the crush.

Ask Fred if he can do a 10" for you. Maybe movies are in your future.

Just get it if it is what you want. I've had mine since 2004 and I have no buyer's remorse.

But................I'd love to fabricate a 6" job, with 3 - double rollers, with the screens.............

I'd also like Kathy Ireland to come over and sit on my ****. I think I'll fab the mill before that happens.

Put your emotions on the side for a while, then make an educated decision - you'll be happy doing that.

 

[Iordz]

I bought the standard mill for $69 and built my own hopper and base. I use a drill at around 200rpm and I get 80% efficiency using the double batch sparge method. I am very happy with the mill and the guys at Crankenstein.

 

[abracadabra]

I have a two roller that works great> I would buy again...

Thanks,

I've done business with you on Ebay and was happy, so your recommendation carries a lot of weight with me.

Also Thank you to everyone else that responded.

 

[ErikH]

It looks like crankandstein is now Monster Brewing Hardware. From the new website (same address as linked above)...



We have changed manufacturers in an effort to bring you a better product, better availability, and a better value.

Monster Mills are coming soon!

Completely NEW product!!!

Would a completely CNC machined grain mill interest you? Our new mills are being built on modern equipment with state of the art accuracy. They feature:


6" long 1.5" diameter rollers
Superior steel, almost as hard as stainless, "Stressproof"
Large diameter 303 stainless knobs that are lightly knurled for a positive grip
Aluminum frames with SAE 841 oil impregnated bronze bushings - long life
3/8" axles, larger and stronger than the competition
precision machined shafts and bearings for an accurate fit
Integral drive shaft, fine with CW, OR CCW rotation
3/8" standard drive shaft, with 1/2" as an upgrade option for motorizatorization
*The new mills should be ready in the middle of this month. As soon as the web site changes are done, we'll be taking pre-orders, at the low introductory price of $99. Pictured below is our pre-production model. As soon as production mills are ready, we'll have the photos updated.

Initially we will only offer a 2 roller model, with 3 roller, base/hoppers, and even larger models on the way in the future. We will also be expanding our product line outside of grain mills. Look for sanke keg conversion kits (mash/HLT, and boil), motorization packages, as well as pumps, and fittings. We've changed our name and our products, but not the friendly customer service, with your satisfaction being of the utmost importance. Its all for the beer!

ALL outstanding CrankandStein orders are packed and will be on their way Thursday (10/4)

 

[Cheesefood]

Those Monster Mills look nice, but I'm completely satisfied with my 2-roller Crankandstein. My efficiency shot through the roof and my beer tastes great. I can power through 12 pounds in about 2-3 minutes or less (never timed it). I hear the quality of the BC is just as good.

Mills are pretty simple pieces of equipment. I don't think you're going to notice bells and whistles. Enjoy your mill!