How to set my Barly Crusher

[raysmithtx]

I bought a used grain mill (The Barley Crusher brand) and need some help on how far apart to set the wheels. I didn't get a user manual but I have figured out how to adjust the wheels, just need to know how far apart to set them.

If possible I would like to know the setting for a BIAB as well as a standard AG brew.

Thanks.

 

[bknifefight]

You need to crush some grain, and determine if you want to open or close the gap more. You need all the grain to be cracked and broken but as minimal powder as possible. It's really easy to readjust to get it right where you want it in my experience.

 

[danielbt]

There is a screw on each side of the roller that needs to be loosened. Once you do that, the roller adjusts by rolling it one way of the other. I used feeler gauges to set mine to .033". You can use a credit card as well, which is .03". I wouldn't go tighter.

Make sure you measure on both sides of the gap before tightening the set screws.

 

[raysmithtx]

Thanks for the replies. I have read conflicting threads on how to crush the grain for a BIAB. Some say run it through the mill twice at its 'normal' setting. Others say to set the mill to a very fine setting (so fine that 'dust' is ok).

As a new brewer this is a little confusing. Can anyone help clear this up for me?

 

[duboman]

Thanks for the replies. I have read conflicting threads on how to crush the grain for a BIAB. Some say run it through the mill twice at its 'normal' setting. Others say to set the mill to a very fine setting (so fine that 'dust' is ok).

As a new brewer this is a little confusing. Can anyone help clear this up for me?

Mine is set at .035 which is the same or about the same as my AMEX card. Efficiency is always 82%.

If your crush is too fine you increase chances of a stuck sparge or a lot of fine debris that gets into your beer. If the crush is too course you lose efficiency

 

[TrubDog]

+1 on setting the BC to .035. I get great efficiency and have never had a stuck sparge. Go buy a set of feeler gauges from your local auto parts store and you are set!

 

[raysmithtx]

Thanks for the replies. Since my Dad was a mechanic I have feeler gauges already, plus I even have a credit card too.

I'm buying grain today to give it a try.

Thanks.

 

[WilliamShakesbeer]

Mine is set to around 0.030 - haven't had any issues with stuck sparge. When I do BIAB I just double-crush instead of readjusting.

 

[bknifefight]

I have no idea what the gap measurement is on my mill. It's more of feeling the grain to see if it is good enough. The only time I adjust it is when I am milling rye because it seems to need a tighter gap.