My Ugly Junk- Corona Mill Station...

[ODI3]

I live in an apt so storing extra stuff is difficult.
I just use the side of a crappy chair to mount the mill, and fasten a clear bag with a coiled coat hanger.
My "grain bin" is the drawer out of my fridge. Since my fridge usually has kegs in it, There is no room for the bin in the fridge anyhow.

I think the mill that implements the KFC bucket gets my vote for ugliest haha

 

[Beezy]

The water carboy on top of mine doesn't actually sit straight up which actually works out because it stays out of the way of the crank. And the post sits on the second bucket so as I crank the bucket rotates. I took off the handle for the bucket so it can just go around. I suppose I could notch it out so it won't move but I don't care.

 

[Accidic]

I just cut off that "finger lip" on the side of the bucket to give my handle clearance works pretty well

I'm good on the lip part. The problem I ran into was the slant of the iron makes it an EXTREMELY tight fit. At least on the Corona model I have with the free floating disc.

 

[kmk1012]

I finally have some time to build my ugly mill, it has about half an inch of dust gathered on it. I can't wait, haven't been able to brew in almost six months-my 8 month old had/has some serious health issues-they are nearing an end-thank God. Can't wait for Sunday, new ebay aquarium temp control, chest freezer, new mill, and some time to use it for the first time! Wish me some luck.

 

[Clifton]

I'm sorry to hear about your little one and glad to hear things are better. I have three little boys 4 years and under. The littlest is 7 weeks and I thank God they are all healthy. A close friend recently had another miscarriage. Life makes you grateful for what you have.

 

[DrBudro]

More Pics

I have since switched out the bottom bucket for a 6 gallon so I can get my whole 10 gallon grain bill in one container.

 

[bwomp313]

I know it's probably been discussed but what type and size of thing do you put into where the handle is so that you can attach the drill?

 

[rico567]

I know it's probably been discussed but what type and size of thing do you put into where the handle is so that you can attach the drill?

I took the auger (the twisty part inside that shoves the grain through) out and to the hardware store, and found a 13mm bolt (it's metric!) that would fit in that hole. It's about 2-3" long, enough to reach out of the bucket. I put a 13mm socket on the bolt with an adapter (I already had those) to an ancient Craftsman 1/2" drill I have. Works like a charm.

 

[bwomp313]

I took the auger (the twisty part inside that shoves the grain through) out and to the hardware store, and found a 13mm bolt (it's metric!) that would fit in that hole. It's about 2-3" long, enough to reach out of the bucket. I put a 13mm socket on the bolt with an adapter (I already had those) to an ancient Craftsman 1/2" drill I have. Works like a charm.

awesome, thanks!

 

[kmk1012]

Will a 3/8" 110v drill have enough guts to grind my grain on an infrequent basis? I'm not sure of the hp rating but it is a newer Dewalt brand drill.

 

[rico567]

Some folks seem to have problems with the battery powered drills, but with yours being an AC model and a DeWalt, I'm guessing it'll do OK.

 

[djt17]

Will a 3/8" 110v drill have enough guts to grind my grain on an infrequent basis? I'm not sure of the hp rating but it is a newer Dewalt brand drill.

I use a 3/8" Dewalt, works great.

 

[kmk1012]

Thanks for the quick advice-I just got my ebay aquarium temp controller done last night. Now to mount my mill in the buckets that I have and I'm ready to oreder bulk grain! P.S. my 8 month old is doing awsome and will be getting his trach (breathing tube) out in less than a month!

 

[Clifton]

Great news!

 

[cadarnell]

I'm in

I guess I cant post a link ... anyway ... I got a knock off from santa and I rigged it up in a bucket using only a skill saw ... it's pretty ugly .. haha ... this thread was a great help .. thanks all !!!

 

[kennethm]

!

 

[Charlieatthedisco]

Just got a corona mill, might be a dumb question but what do you mean when you say "tighten" it another twist? What exactly am I tightening? The wing bolts?

 

[JoeyChopps]

Just got a corona mill, might be a dumb question but what do you mean when you say "tighten" it another twist? What exactly am I tightening? The wing bolts?

Yeah the wing bolt. If u look at some of the pics on here some people myself included stack washers between the 2 grinding plated (small wing nuts) that will give u some space to not turn ur grain to flower. Then u fine tune with the large "wing nut" hope this helps Chopps

 

[Charlieatthedisco]

I got that part figured out! Thanks! How about all the photos I see of a 2x4 inside the bucket with the mill, how is the mill being mounted inside the bucket? A close up photo would be good enough to figure it out I think! Thanks guys

 

[rico567]

This pic is about as good as i could find....Check out the orange bucket partway down....

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/my-ugly-junk-corona-mill-station-90849/index27.html#post1538892

 

[borden]

Not quite done yet, but here it is: some ugly junk. I plan on adding a bigger hopper of some sort, and will probably just use some aluminum foil as a shield to prevent grain from flying out. Also considering going the power drill route -- just need to see if I can find the right pieces at the hardware tomorrow.

Really proud of those screws in the last photo. When life gives you lemons -- or a variety of fruits -- might as well work with what you have available!

 

[borden]

So I got a 5/16 8" full threaded bolt, but the head on it is too big for any of my drill bits/adapters... I'm not all that handy, so I tried to cut off the head with a hacksaw, but didn't have any luck, given the girth of the bolt (and my lack of a vice). What's the easiest way to cut off that head so I can directly hook up my drill to the bolt shaft? I'm sure I can borrow some bolt cutters, but will a small, single hand one do the job? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Rivenin]

Dremel? Angle grinder? Hack saw with out a vice won't be easy

 

[borden]

Dremel? Angle grinder? Hack saw with out a vice won't be easy

Thanks. I mostly needed to know what to ask to borrow from SWMBO's dad.

 

[Rivenin]

Ah yeah. If you have an angle grinder it'll be maybe 5 seconds. A Dremel might take around 20-30. But very much under a minute. If you go to harbor freight an angle grinder is around 20 and comes in handy during multiple DIY brew stuff FYI.

 

[rico567]

I'd just use my angle grinder.....as it turned out, I had a 13mm socket that fit the bolt head and a 3/8" adapter that chucked into my drill. Works fine.

 

[CidahMastah]

I'd just use my angle grinder.....as it turned out, I had a 13mm socket that fit the bolt head and a 3/8" adapter that chucked into my drill. Works fine.

+1

Chucking the drill on a threaded shaft may not be the best of solutions (it may wear down relatively quick and or slide). Might be worth getting the socket instead.

 

[wyzazz]

+1

Chucking the drill on a threaded shaft may not be the best of solutions (it may wear down relatively quick and or slide). Might be worth getting the socket instead.

+2

I wore my first bolt down pretty quickly, the second one I left the head on and just use the socket adapter.

 

[starrfish]

Motoroized my corona today for under $1.

2" x 5/8" galvanized lag bolt. 1 5/8 nut. .67¢

cut off rounded head leaving square base. (fits perfectly into chuck of my old B&D corded electric drill) Cut off with a dremel cut off wheel and a hack saw.

no more hand cranking 10+ lb grain bills. can easily put crank back if needed, no permanent mods.

 

[borden]

Did my first crush with the new station yesterday night, and am currently 10 mins into the boil on the brew. Unfortunately, I got way lower efficiency than I'd hoped: 60% or so. The crush looked good to me, but I suppose it could be finer, since I do a stovetop BIAB. Next time I'll crank the plates a bit closer.

Still, mighty satisfying to be able to mill in the same room that I brew in. Thanks for all the help, people!