Help select a new Ace Hardware drill, please

[sfrisby]

Today there is a groupon for the local Ace Hardware. I can get $60 for $30. My current corded drill is on its last leg when I crush my grain. I really am not sure what characteristics to look for in a new drill for grain. (90% of the use of my drill is crushing grain so those characteristics are the driving force behind the drill).

If anyone has the time and willingness, would you mind looking at the link below to see if you have a recommendation? This link should take you to the 3rd page in the Ace Hardware drills which will all be in the $60 area.

Thanks for any help.

http://www.acehardware.com/family/index.jsp?page=3&categoryId=1259337&cp=2568443.2568450.2628094

 

[day_trippr]

What size drill chuck do you need for your mill? If it's going to take a 1/2" chuck, that's going to narrow down your options in a hurry, as there's only one 1/2" model listed at your linked page that isn't a hammer drill...

Cheers!

 

[mikescooling]

The problem with all the drills on that page is they go to fast. It's hard to only pull the triger a little, you need gears like on a dewalt cordless 18V, it has 3 speeds, this drill (tool only) can be found on crageslist or ebay for a $100 + battery and charger.
http://www.quill.com/dewalt-xrp-cordless-drill/cbs/270760.html?cm_mmc=SEM_PLA_270760
Or you need a big slow drill.

 

[passedpawn]

Get that Black & Decker 7A drill (DR560). I have it and it's a workhorse. I use it to turn a JSP MaltMill.

 

[sfrisby]

Ive seen posts where it is recommend to go about 800RPM's. So it sounds like I need to look for a drill that has some form of manual setting to set the RPM's closer to 800 than the 2500 standard that all these seem to have.

Mikescooling-you recommend a cordless? I specifically was looking for a corded to handle the load. If my corded starts dying before the grain is done, I figured a cordless wouldn't stand a chance.

Day Tripper- That's a good question. I use a cut off thumbscrew that the drill grabs onto. I would assume both a 1/2" or 3/8" would be able to grip it.

 

[mikescooling]

What kind of mill do you have? The 18v dewalt is a strong drill, some of the guys on this board broke the mill shaft off in the cordless. Here is what MM has to say.
http://www.monsterbrewinghardware.com/faq.html#q3

 

[passedpawn]

Ive seen posts where it is recommend to go about 800RPM's. So it sounds like I need to look for a drill that has some form of manual setting to set the RPM's closer to 800 than the 2500 standard that all these seem to have.

That B&D is variable speed with the trigger.

I have run my mill full speed through a batch of grain without any issue whatsoever. No affect on crush or resulting efficiency, etc. Of course, that's with my mill and my lautering system, etc. YMMV.

 

[MNDan]

A lot of guys like this one for bigger mills, so would be fine for yours...

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

 

[Monster Mash]

A lot of guys like this one for bigger mills, so would be fine for yours...

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

That drill will work fine and you can get an extra 20% off with this coupon.

http://www.savings.com/Harbor-Freig...HMgodvDMAsA&searchTerm=harbor+freight+coupons

 

[Gartywood]

I have this one http://www.harborfreight.com/power-...inch-heavy-duty-spade-handle-drill-93632.html

0-550 rpm with a dial in the trigger to keep a consistent speed