Picked up a used grain mill....

[Ragman]

And it looks like the seller didn't take very good care of it. When I look down at the rollers I notice what looks like rust on them. Now I really don't want rust particles in my grain. Does anyone know what I can do about this. Am I worrying too much?

 

[Ragman]

Yeah I know she needs a good cleaning - Just picked it up - havent used it yet.

 

[Hoppy2bmerry]

That rust should come right off the rollers by milling a sacrificial pound or two of malt. The rust is a normal result from lack of use particularly in humid environments. The shoot needs a cleaning.

 

[Golddiggie]

Take the hopper off and use a stainless wire brush on it (by hand). That will tell you more about what it is.

I hope you got it for cheap.

 

[Ragman]

Thanks guys will try both of the above. Yeah I picked it up for $50 - its normally $130

 

[Golddiggie]

Which barley mill is it?? There are some that I wouldn't call a bargain even at $50 (or ~1/3 the normal price).

 

[Ragman]

its this one.... The Barley Crusher Grain and Malt Mill | MoreBeer

I think $50 for a $150 mill is a decent deal. Cheapest Ive found anyway

 

[Ragman]

if I use a wire brush, should I use any kind of liquid to help or no? (star san)?

 

[Golddiggie]

Do it dry.
Zero need to use StarSan on a crusher.

BTW, I got rid of the Barley Crusher I had originally bought back in 2011 since it just wasn't really good enough to do the job. Went with a Monster Mill (original two roller version) with the 2" hardened steel rollers and haven't looked back. Serious upgrade from the first crusher I had.

At $50 you'll be OK for a while. Until you get frustrated with it and decide to spend the money for something significantly better.

BTW, Monster Mill is 100% USA made (made in the USA with USA made materials). IMO, that's a company (and product) that deserves our business. Especially with how much is "assembled in the USA from globally sourced parts" these days.

 

[Ragman]

Thanks for the recommendation on the Monster Mill. This is my first mill, I have been brewing double 10 gallon batches over the past year. Unless I can find good deals on bulk grains it may not get much use.
Cant afford the $200 right now. Ill see how this one works and if it proves too frustrating I will look to the Monster.

 

[Ragman]

Hopper cleaned up real good...

 

[camonick]

Here’s a tip to help improve a little design flaw... put small pieces of duct tape or the silver metal tape
in the areas I circled to prevent whole grain from going backwards behind the rollers and into your crushed grain.