Making Mill table thoughts

[Willy]

I am considering making a mill table in an outdoor storage shed. It already holds a bunch of shovels, tools, brewing equipment, and garden stuff. The shed has a work table in it with room to make a milling station on the work shelf/table.

Easiest thing to do would be to put the Spike mill on the table and cut a hole to let the grain fall into a bucket below. Just cut a slot about 4"x6" and mount the mill on the table. I was also going to get a restaurant stainless steel small trash chute to mount into the slot for the grain to fall. (So I can clean it up nicely.) Here's a link.
https://www.webstaurantstore.com/la...steel-in-counter-trash-chute/475TCCSQ642.html

Any thoughts? Not sure if this is a good idea or not. I now just use a custom made bucket top to hold the mill firmly in place with a slot to drop the milled grains in the bucket.

 

[BeerNsteadofH2O]

I built a grind station for my new mm grain mill back in December, the details in the post might give you an idea or two

 

[Willy]

I built a grind station for my new mm grain mill back in December, the details in the post might give you an idea or two

@BeerNsteadofH2O Found it. Here's the post you mentioned. Looks great. Here's his DYI post.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/monster-mm-3-g-grind-station-build.735009/#post-10430354

 

[IslandLizard]

I made my mill portable, so I can mill outdoors, avoiding dust inside:

 

[Willy]

I made my mill portable, so I can mill outdoors, avoiding dust inside:

View attachment 871257

My current method is very much the same. Plywood board tweaked to do what I want it to do. I am on the fence.... Current method works fine, why give yourself another job to do. But I like the idea of a stainless steel chute (made from a restaurant supply trash chute, see above )

 

[FloppyKnockers]

I think it's a great idea. I would think about mitigating the dust with a canvas sleeve or something though.

 

[MaxStout]

I am considering making a mill table in an outdoor storage shed. It already holds a bunch of shovels, tools, brewing equipment, and garden stuff. The shed has a work table in it with room to make a milling station on the work shelf/table.

Easiest thing to do would be to put the Spike mill on the table and cut a hole to let the grain fall into a bucket below. Just cut a slot about 4"x6" and mount the mill on the table. I was also going to get a restaurant stainless steel small trash chute to mount into the slot for the grain to fall. (So I can clean it up nicely.) Here's a link.
https://www.webstaurantstore.com/la...steel-in-counter-trash-chute/475TCCSQ642.html

Any thoughts? Not sure if this is a good idea or not. I now just use a custom made bucket top to hold the mill firmly in place with a slot to drop the milled grains in the bucket.

You could mount some channel to the underside of the table to use as tracks to slide that stainless tray thingy in and out like a drawer.

 

[IslandLizard]

But I like the idea of a stainless steel chute (made from a restaurant supply trash chute

Yeah, I understand why you're targeting that area. But it will not prevent dust from getting out:

Chute or no-chute, to keep dust from escaping to a minimum, there needs to be a well-sealing connection between the bottom of the mill table/platform and the top of the receiving container underneath!

Since the flat bottom of my milling platform rests on the flat rim of the bucket, there's very little dust escaping (if any) while milling. Except for a little when I rap the milling platform onto the top of the receiving bucket, to shake off the dust that collects there, before removing the bucket.

 

[Willy]

You could mount some channel to the underside of the table to use as tracks to slide that stainless tray thingy in and out like a drawer.

Which would allow me to move the mill easily and store it somewhere else. Slide the disappearing drawer for milling with the SS chute. Clean ... And no hole/chute in the table. Love that idea. A+

 

[MaxStout]

Which would allow me to move the mill easily and store it somewhere else. Slide the disappearing drawer for milling with the SS chute. Clean ... And no hole/chute in the table. Love that idea. A+

Only thing to look out for: if the pan is mounted just underside, you'll need to watch to make sure the mound of crushed grain doesn't rise up into the rollers.

 

[Willy]

Only thing to look out for: if the pan is mounted just underside, you'll need to watch to make sure the mound of crushed grain doesn't rise up into the rollers.

Well aware of the too much grain in the bucket back flow issue. Happened once(ugh... Not good. Mill froze up, still had a bunch a grain in the bin which had to get emptied before clearing out the stuck flour) , and I know now to NOT do that unless I need to post in the "Don't Do That" thread.

 

[MaxStout]

I've done that, too. While 20 lbs. of uncrushed grain will fit in a single 5 gallon bucket, 20 lbs. of crushed grain tends to be fluffier.

 

[hottpeper13]

to help mitigate the dust situation I precondition the malt by spraying water and rotating the bucket. It also leaves the husks in larger pieces.

 

[Deadalus]

I didn't build mine but the person who did used an air duct outlet galvanized fitting to collect and drop into the bucket. Might have a real name for the fitting. The transition from round duct to rectangular vent. Perhaps not food safe? I also condition my grains, really cuts down the dust.

 

[Yesfan]

I've thought about an unfinished kitchen cabinet base on a dolly for mine. Add a top with the cut out for the mill and chute to the bucket. Everything stores in the cabinet that can be wheeled away to storage when done.

 

[shoengine]

I printed out my chute but I don't see why that one you linked would be an issue. How are you going to attach it to the table? Of you don't use some sort of seal you'll get a bunch of junk building up in it interfaces.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/mill-motorization.730050/post-10446519

 

[Willy]

I printed out my chute but I don't see why that one you linked would be an issue. How are you going to attach it to the table? Of you don't use some sort of seal you'll get a bunch of junk building up in it interfaces.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/mill-motorization.730050/post-10446519

I saw your 3D post when it came out... Very cool indeed.
Leaning now toward the under shelf, slide out drawer(see MaxStout post above.) One the drawer I would cut out a space for the ss chute to fit in and put a bucket underneath. Clean and easy.

 

[BeerNsteadofH2O]

Mine has the hose extend down just into the bucket, I cut a hole in the side and added a 3" computer fan, i mounted with double sided tape a merv 11 HVAC filter, any fine dust can be vacuumed off when I clean the rollers, I've run a little over 100lbs through it and have not had to clean it yet, there is a small amount of dust inside on the floor of the cabinet, but not enough for me to feel compelled to clean it up.ive added a digital tach as well, slower grind 150 rpm) seems to create less dust as well, the whole unit is on casters and can go where I want it

 

[Deadalus]

I've thought about an unfinished kitchen cabinet base on a dolly for mine. Add a top with the cut out for the mill and chute to the bucket. Everything stores in the cabinet that can be wheeled away to storage when done.

I didn't build this, I bought it used. There's a chute which is the rectangular to round duct adapter I mentioned. It feeds into a brewing bucket (inside) through the lid. It needs to be better sealed though, they cut the lid hole poorly. I got a great deal on it. The cabinet isn't cheap but the idea is similar to what you propose. The switch runs to a junction box and outlet inside the cabinet where the motor is wired into and the scale plugs in.

 

[OakIslandBrewery]

A different approach, I mill directly into the mashtun.

I built a plywood base, a little wider than the MT, with the mill/motor on top. When I'm done I tap the base a couple times to knock off any dust. I then lift the base slightly and slide it off to a table. I vacuum the mill base on any grain debris.

The base is heavy but movable.

 

[Yesfan]

I didn't build this, I bought it used. There's a chute which is the rectangular to round duct adapter I mentioned. It feeds into a brewing bucket (inside) through the lid. It needs to be better sealed though, they cut the lid hole poorly. I got a great deal on it. The cabinet isn't cheap but the idea is similar to what you propose. The switch runs to a junction box and outlet inside the cabinet where the motor is wired into and the scale plugs in. View attachment 871277

I've thought about that cabinet. I like that it's stainless. That would look great with my stainless table.

 

[Deadalus]

I think it looks good with a stainless table.

The cabinet is slightly boxier than I can fit. There are several storage shelves projecting left from the right wall so it doesn't fit well in my available space. Currently it sits behind the unitank table. I have to clear out some space near my grain storage and I may put it there. I considered a narrow, 18" wide SS table which I was going to add wheels to but then this setup was offered up used.

 

[OakIslandBrewery]

I think it looks good with a stainless table.
View attachment 871407
The cabinet is slightly boxier than I can fit. There are several storage shelves projecting left from the right wall so it doesn't fit well in my available space. Currently it sits behind the unitank table. I have to clear out some space near my grain storage and I may put it there. I considered a narrow, 18" wide SS table which I was going to add wheels to but then this setup was offered up used.

Looks like you need dark glasses on in that area with all that beautiful shiny stainless steel! Very nice brewery!!!

 

[Yesfan]

Can't go wrong with stainless. Very nice brewery setup Deadalus!

 

[Willy]

Alright... Still have a bit of cleaning up to do but I got the mill table sliding drawer done this morning. Thanks for all the posts with good advice, especially @MaxStout - I did the sliding drawer that disappears idea you had.

Drilled 4 holes for the 6mm screws on the mill to drop into for added stability. It won't go slipping and sliding. Gonna brew again soon - can't wait for the first real use.

The height works out fine, I just use an upside bucket, a flat piece of wood and put the grain bucket on that. Enough room to see but little room for stray dust. When I am done, I just put the mill away and slide in the door. I made the hole in the side of the table to allow the SS chute to just stay there. Slips out easily to clean. Yeah!!!!

Included some pix. Time to clean up and get a beer!!!

 

[OakIslandBrewery]

Alright... Still have a bit of cleaning up to do but I got the mill table sliding drawer done this morning. Thanks for all the posts with good advice, especially @MaxStout - I did the sliding drawer that disappears idea you had.

Drilled 4 holes for the 6mm screws on the mill to drop into for added stability. It won't go slipping and sliding. Gonna brew again soon - can't wait for the first real use.

The height works out fine, I just use an upside bucket, a flat piece of wood and put the grain bucket on that. Enough room to see but little room for stray dust. When I am done, I just put the mill away and slide in the door. I made the hole in the side of the table to allow the SS chute to just stay there. Slips out easily to clean. Yeah!!!!

Included some pix. Time to clean up and get a beer!!!

Very nice!

How did you like the Spike mill?

 

[Willy]

Very nice!

How did you like the Spike mill?

I love the Spike mill. Works quite well especially in controlling how fine to mill. I do base Malts at 3 and Carmel and roasted malts a little "coarser", usually set to 5. Cleans up easily. Yeah, expensive but I already blew some money on a cheap crappo single roller model with ridiculously stupid gap controls. No more. Last mill I will own assuming it holds up over time.

Just DON'T put the grain in the bin until you got the motor running. Start the mill and get it going, then... Fill the bin.

 

[VTMongoose]

I didn't build this, I bought it used. There's a chute which is the rectangular to round duct adapter I mentioned. It feeds into a brewing bucket (inside) through the lid. It needs to be better sealed though, they cut the lid hole poorly. I got a great deal on it. The cabinet isn't cheap but the idea is similar to what you propose. The switch runs to a junction box and outlet inside the cabinet where the motor is wired into and the scale plugs in. View attachment 871277

Hey I think I recognize that, it's Ben's, right? I bought a bunch of stuff off him too, what a great guy. Where are you located? I'm in Greenville, always looking for other local homebrewers to network/brew/trade brews with. You have a sick setup BTW.

 

[Deadalus]

Hey I think I recognize that, it's Ben's, right? I bought a bunch of stuff off him too, what a great guy. Where are you located? I'm in Greenville, always looking for other local homebrewers to network/brew/trade brews with. You have a sick setup BTW.

Thanks! Yes, great guy it was his. I remember seeing your name in that thread and thought that you might be somewhere nearer to me (VT) but then saw you mentioned Greenville. I had to drive 4 hours to get it! The price was too good to pass up. It has the Aleworks motor that is no longer available and I didn't have to figure out the motor and coupling or pulley.

 

[Yesfan]

Thanks! Yes, great guy it was his. I remember seeing your name in that thread and thought that you might be somewhere nearer to me (VT) but then saw you mentioned Greenville. I had to drive 4 hours to get it! The price was too good to pass up. It has the Aleworks motor that is no longer available and I didn't have to figure out the motor and coupling or pulley.

Just curious. What is the noise level running with that motor (or similar, since the Ale works isn't available) compared to using a cordless drill? I use a Bosch 18V cordless on my Malt Muncher 3 roll mill.

 

[BeerNsteadofH2O]

Just curious. What is the noise level running with that motor (or similar, since the Ale works isn't available) compared to using a cordless drill? I use a Bosch 18V cordless on my Malt Muncher 3 roll mill.

I've never used a drill on mine, but use and own a plethora of cordless drills of several makes, every day IMHO, the noise level will be the same, that wonderful crunching sound of grain getting ready to give up the goods.

 

[ClaudiusB]

I never had a mill table, I started with a simple setup 30 years ago. Moving the milled grain from the outside into the brewery and 5 feet up into the mash tun was no fun. After redesigning the mill and integrating it into the brewery automation it was a lot more fun brewing.

 

[Deadalus]

Just curious. What is the noise level running with that motor (or similar, since the Ale works isn't available) compared to using a cordless drill? I use a Bosch 18V cordless on my Malt Muncher 3 roll mill.

I've only run a small batch of grain through it. It made short work of it. I haven't ran the motor long enough to pick its sound out separately from the mill. I used a variable speed drill on my 2 roller. I think the motorized 3 roller is a little louder but it's a lower rumble. The motor is low speed. I'll be using it this weekend on a five gallon batch, I will keep in mind to note the noise level.

 

[Willy]

Just did my first mill in the shed - 21 lb total fermentables. (2 1/2 lb of flaked corn, that I didn't mill). So actually, about 18 1/2 lbs of grain milled, which was about peak capacity for my 7 g bucket. Worked perfectly. Dust was kept to a minimum and not an issue with the bucket an inch or two before the chute.

Tomorrow is brew day - a pre-prohibition lager to enjoy this summer. But today... Milling the grains wasn't a pain in the butt. Yes!

 

[JohnDBrewer]

I use this setup. Added a cabinet to help contain the dust. Drilled a hole and tried to use the shop vac to suck up some of the dust as I milled, but no real success with that. The cabinet also help support the top of the cart as it started to sag after a few years, since it is plastic.

 

[Yesfan]

That's a pretty slick setup. Is that an Aleworks motor too?

 

[ITV]

My mill table consists of a repurposed buffet cabinet with an Aleworks motor.
The chalk paint gave it a new look.

 

[ITV]

I didn't build this, I bought it used. There's a chute which is the rectangular to round duct adapter I mentioned. It feeds into a brewing bucket (inside) through the lid. It needs to be better sealed though, they cut the lid hole poorly. I got a great deal on it. The cabinet isn't cheap but the idea is similar to what you propose. The switch runs to a junction box and outlet inside the cabinet where the motor is wired into and the scale plugs in. View attachment 871277

I would be cautious about having live voltage (junction box/outlet) in an area where grain dust may be present.

BTW I like your shiny brew kettles!

 

[Deadalus]

I would be cautious about having live voltage (junction box/outlet) in an area where grain dust may be present.

BTW I like your shiny brew kettles!

Noted. I condition my grain but may consider moving the box. There's a very significant amount of dust reduction when conditioned. I have to evaluate the chute and bucket lid further too. The hole cut in the lid was a little out of round.

Thanks!

 

[Willy]

Noted. I condition my grain but may consider moving the box. There's a very significant amount of dust reduction when conditioned. I have to evaluate the chute and bucket lid further too. The hole cut in the lid was a little out of round.

Thanks!

Milling dust is not only flammable but combustible too. Be careful.