Is double crush a waste of time?

[PeteSeattle]

I measured a couple of credit cards with a micrometer, they measured .032 I might start with that although I was thinking of setting it a little closer.

While revisiting this thread I just had a hunch to check Craigslist. Sure enough a home brewer was parting with his Grain Crusher for 40 bucks. So I just ran out and picked it up. Goodness sometimes things just work out. Now for a lottery ticket ...

A credit card can clear the rollers but not 2. After re-reading posts I’m thinking this is just about the right crush size. Unless you all think it needs to be more fine. I’m just paranoid to adjust this thing. I’ll guess find out next batch since I dont have grain right now.

Thanks for all the great info.

 

[LittleRiver]

...A credit card can clear the rollers but not 2. ... I’m thinking this is just about the right crush size. Unless you all think it needs to be more fine. I’m just paranoid to adjust this thing...

Adjusting it is not hard, and in doing so you'll familiarize yourself with your new mill.

Depending on how thick that credit card is (they vary), and how loosely it fit between the rollers, the gap could be wider than you want it. At an auto parts store you can buy a feeler gauge set, it is made up of little tabs of sheet metal of various thicknesses. You can combine different tabs to measure most any small gap. They are cheap, and really handy to have.

I use a gap of .025, and one of Wilser's bags. I get 80+% efficiency, with no sparge and no bag squeezing (I just let the bag hang & drain over the kettle during the boil). It's so easy it's like cheating.

Edit: I do not recirculate, so the fine crush does not cause me the problems it might cause in a recirculating system. Conversion of a fine crush happens quickly, so I don't need a RIMS or other to maintain temps, insulation put over the kettle works just fine. Simplicity has its benefits.

 

[PeteSeattle]

Adjusting it is not hard, and in doing so you'll familiarize yourself with your new mill.

Depending on how thick that credit card is (they vary), and how loosely it fit between the rollers, the gap could be wider than you want it. At an auto parts store you can buy a feeler gauge set, it is made up of little tabs of sheet metal of various thicknesses. You can combine different tabs to measure most any small gap. They are cheap, and breally handy to have.

I use a gap of .025, and one of Wilser's bags. I get 80+% efficiency, with no sparge and no bag squeezing (I just let the bag hang & drain over the kettle during the boil). It's so easy it's like cheating.

Edit: I do not recirculate, so the fine crush does not cause me the problems it might cause in a recirculating system. Conversion of a fine crush happens quickly, so I don't need a RIMS or other to maintain temps, insulation put over the kettle works just fine. Simplicity has its benefits.

Thank you. Very helpful.
... if my credit card was thick I’d be buying an entire eBrew system!

 

[North_of_60]

While revisiting this thread I just had a hunch to check Craigslist. Sure enough a home brewer was parting with his Grain Crusher for 40 bucks. So I just ran out and picked it up. Goodness sometimes things just work out. Now for a lottery ticket ...

Good find. I’m a big fan of Craigslist. Just last Saturday I searched Co2 bottles on Craigslist and found a 20 pounder for $40. I bought it and drove straight to Home Depot and exchanged it for a full one for $32.

 

[PeteSeattle]

Good find. I’m a big fan of Craigslist. Just last Saturday I searched Co2 bottles on Craigslist and found a 20 pounder for $40. I bought it and drove straight to Home Depot and exchanged it for a full one for $32.

Awesome. I Always remember to check CL. There’s another one on CL in the Snohomish area if anyone is near and interested. That one is going for $70 as of this post.

 

[allanmorgan]

I do, but I don't remember if it's after the first run or the second. I was just taking pics for friends but I want to say it's just one run.
I am getting roughly 90% efficiency in my BIAB setup.
here are a few pics though.

As soon as I saw the pic, I smelled the grain in the hot water. Looks good!!