Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
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Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
Which grinders do you use? Pictures please.
Mesh bags - Which manufacturers do you use? What size mesh is good?
I intend to use it with cracked corn and rolled oats that have been milled down a bit.
Mesh bags - Which manufacturers do you use? What size mesh is good?
I intend to use it with cracked corn and rolled oats that have been milled down a bit.
Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
I’ve used cheap paint straining bags…that’s what I’d recommend.
I use a corona grinder for corn (not near it for pics but easy to find online). I just got a grinding stone add on for that but haven’t used it yet. Should grind to meal in a single (significantly slower) step. I’ll reserve judgment on that.
I’ve got a little roller grinder for malts. Don’t recall the price but works well. Sorry for no pics…
I use a corona grinder for corn (not near it for pics but easy to find online). I just got a grinding stone add on for that but haven’t used it yet. Should grind to meal in a single (significantly slower) step. I’ll reserve judgment on that.
I’ve got a little roller grinder for malts. Don’t recall the price but works well. Sorry for no pics…
Good judgement is the result of experience.
Experience is usually the result of bad judgement..
Experience is usually the result of bad judgement..
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
Most websites that sell brewing supplies can sell you grain bags, I got one that can fit over the rim of a 5-gallon bucket, so I can dump one bucket mash into it, then raise the bag out and let it drip, and squeeze it dry. They are fairly cheap, just takes more work than you'd think.
I use this grinder for cracking corn, it's pretty cheap on amazon, $40 where roller-mills cost a good deal more and aren't recommended for corn? anyways this one is a pain in the ass, but it works, we have welded a steel frame, mounted this grinder on a steel plate, in a tube, and fed it with a 20-30 gallon grain hopper, and then added an electric motor to turn it, elevated it all, put steel sq tubing legs on it, and a bucket under. Mostly from scrap off the farm, much more invested into it, than it's worth, but when the grinder fails, its another $40 and 10 minutes to pop a new one in there.
Then I've got a small stone-wheel grinder on the way from the 1970s that my memaw used to make breads with.
I use this grinder for cracking corn, it's pretty cheap on amazon, $40 where roller-mills cost a good deal more and aren't recommended for corn? anyways this one is a pain in the ass, but it works, we have welded a steel frame, mounted this grinder on a steel plate, in a tube, and fed it with a 20-30 gallon grain hopper, and then added an electric motor to turn it, elevated it all, put steel sq tubing legs on it, and a bucket under. Mostly from scrap off the farm, much more invested into it, than it's worth, but when the grinder fails, its another $40 and 10 minutes to pop a new one in there.
Then I've got a small stone-wheel grinder on the way from the 1970s that my memaw used to make breads with.
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
This was recommended on a previous post. I myself just purchased it and cannot say enough good things about it, I got it off eBay. I’m in Canada so it cost about 330$ With shipping and everything. I wouldn’t waste my my money or time buying anything smaller. I have bought a ton of stuff for this hobby only to be replacing it with bigger or more efficient items. Just go big to begin with and you won’t need to waste a ton of money.
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
These Google searches should help shorten your search.
homedistiller corn grinders
homedistiller grinders for corn
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
+1 to Justin.
I have the same mill. Don’t waste time and money searching for something cheaper. That powered mill is perfect. Pricey, but robust and it will easily mill whole corn to a powder, or a nice uniform cornmeal.
I plug mine into a switched powerstrip because the unit does not include a switch. Otherwise, it’s a 10 out of 10!
ss
I have the same mill. Don’t waste time and money searching for something cheaper. That powered mill is perfect. Pricey, but robust and it will easily mill whole corn to a powder, or a nice uniform cornmeal.
I plug mine into a switched powerstrip because the unit does not include a switch. Otherwise, it’s a 10 out of 10!
ss
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
That is a fine piece of equipment. No way in the world could I ever justify getting one at my hobby level. A corona grinder knockoff for less than $30 delivered from Amazon and modified for a 1/2” corded drill to run it is more than enough for me. I can go through 17 pounds of whole malted grain & pre-cracked corn in about 10 minutes. Takes longer to load the hopper than to turn it into coarse grind ready for mashing.Justinthunder wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 9:16 am 8BBD0AEB-119E-4CF8-A841-9622356EFA51.jpeg
This was recommended on a previous post. I myself just purchased it and cannot say enough good things about it, I got it off eBay. I’m in Canada so it cost about 330$ With shipping and everything. I wouldn’t waste my my money or time buying anything smaller. I have bought a ton of stuff for this hobby only to be replacing it with bigger or more efficient items. Just go big to begin with and you won’t need to waste a ton of money.
🎱 The struggle is real and this rabbit hole just got interesting.
Per a conversation I had with Mr. Jay Gibbs regarding white oak barrel staves: “…you gotta get it burning good.”
Per a conversation I had with Mr. Jay Gibbs regarding white oak barrel staves: “…you gotta get it burning good.”
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
I'm in the same boat. I was hesitating over the Vevor 3 roller mill which seems to sit at a Too Good To Be True price point, but the reviews are mixed at a level that makes it seems like the consistency just isn't there. I'm going to make a stand for my corona knock-off to reduce the amount of flour that ends up covering every nearby surface and then probably buy a cheap corded drill to power it.8Ball wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 10:32 am That is a fine piece of equipment. No way in the world could I ever justify getting one at my hobby level. A corona grinder knockoff for less than $30 delivered from Amazon and modified for a 1/2” corded drill to run it is more than enough for me. I can go through 17 pounds of whole malted grain & pre-cracked corn in about 10 minutes. Takes longer to load the hopper than to turn it into coarse grind ready for mashing.
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A little spoon feeding *For New & Novice Distillers
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
I had a specific need, had to have a 150 gallon BIAB to fit my stainless strainer.
The BIAB guys have that size because they make it for my big assed strainer.
Good people, great product.
The BIAB guys have that size because they make it for my big assed strainer.
Good people, great product.
Cranky's spoonfeeding:
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=52975
Time and Oak will sort it out.
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=52975
Time and Oak will sort it out.
Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
Holy cow, Nerdy! You’d need a hoist to lift 150 gallons of wet grain!nerdybrewer wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 11:06 am I had a specific need, had to have a 150 gallon BIAB to fit my stainless strainer.
The BIAB guys have that size because they make it for my big assed strainer.
Good people, great product.
Good judgement is the result of experience.
Experience is usually the result of bad judgement..
Experience is usually the result of bad judgement..
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
Yes, that is what works for me.
Cranky's spoonfeeding:
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=52975
Time and Oak will sort it out.
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=52975
Time and Oak will sort it out.
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
Mine came with a nice big red switch for on and off, maybe they have upgraded since you bought yours, and it plugs into a 110v plug which is awesomestill_stirrin wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 10:26 am
I plug mine into a switched powerstrip because the unit does not include a switch. Otherwise, it’s a 10 out of 10!
ss
I can grind that in about 2 minutes and into a fine powder instead of a course grind. The finer the grind the better the conversions, I find anyways. This grinder is well worth it, the less time grinding the more time I have to make more alcohol
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
A vote for the Agristore grinder - turns everything into flour, meal, or a more coarse grist depending on which of three plates you install - I just use the flour one and it works very well... I had a corona that also worked well but 70-100# of grains took some hand holding and after the mods was sorta janky IMO... Hopefully i'll never need another but might could go for a roller mill for large batch barley to lauter some day..
Cheers!
-j
Cheers!
-j
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i prefer my mash shaken, not stirred
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i prefer my mash shaken, not stirred
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
Like I said, it is a fine piece of equipment. But, if you put a premium on saving 8 minutes of your time so you can “make more alcohol,” then I think you are misguided at best. I’d have to literally grind at least a ton of grain to justify the expense, and my pockets are deep enough but the NEED for more alcohol just isn’t there.Justinthunder wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 1:41 pm I can grind that in about 2 minutes … the less time grinding the more time I have to make more alcohol …
🎱 The struggle is real and this rabbit hole just got interesting.
Per a conversation I had with Mr. Jay Gibbs regarding white oak barrel staves: “…you gotta get it burning good.”
Per a conversation I had with Mr. Jay Gibbs regarding white oak barrel staves: “…you gotta get it burning good.”
Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
I modded a Corona. It does well enough and I can have 70# of corn and grain ready well before the first keg of water is up to temp.
Running it by hand SUCKED though (before I upped my amounts for AG) so motorizing was a must and I was really discouraged by the potential investment to apply a rather janked up solution to a cheap mill. I didn’t see better options, either, though.
Then I lucked out and fell into a motor with a drive that was within my electrical supply capabilities. It’s still a bit hokey but I don’t have but $10 invested over the cost of the mill.
As for dust and the nature of the Corona to spew everywhere I just cut the end off of a plastic shopping bag and wrap the the handle cuts around the mill ears to make a little shrouded tube drop.
Running it by hand SUCKED though (before I upped my amounts for AG) so motorizing was a must and I was really discouraged by the potential investment to apply a rather janked up solution to a cheap mill. I didn’t see better options, either, though.
Then I lucked out and fell into a motor with a drive that was within my electrical supply capabilities. It’s still a bit hokey but I don’t have but $10 invested over the cost of the mill.
As for dust and the nature of the Corona to spew everywhere I just cut the end off of a plastic shopping bag and wrap the the handle cuts around the mill ears to make a little shrouded tube drop.
Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
I also use mesh paint strainer bags for multiple things. When I siphon into my boiler, when I macerate, and when I press my pomace when making apple juice..
I have four grinders the one I use the most is my Monster Mill 2: I also have a very large coffee grinder that works great: I also use two other grinders, this krebs for my botanicals when making gin: Last when making apple cider I use the following crusher:
I have four grinders the one I use the most is my Monster Mill 2: I also have a very large coffee grinder that works great: I also use two other grinders, this krebs for my botanicals when making gin: Last when making apple cider I use the following crusher:
Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
+1
What I see as an advantage to this mill is the ready availability, here in the US, of replacement parts. If/when it breaks, and I've been using mine steadily for 2+ years, there are domestically-available parts that won't require me navigating a nebulous web of offshore vendors.
________________
I drank fifty pounds of feed-store corn
'till my clothes were ratty and torn
I drank fifty pounds of feed-store corn
'till my clothes were ratty and torn
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
I can vouch for their support as well. I certainly don't use it every day and It had been a few months when the motor failed and they troubleshot via email and advanced shipped a replacement without any bills fast no issue.greggn wrote: ↑Fri Jun 25, 2021 6:41 am+1
What I see as an advantage to this mill is the ready availability, here in the US, of replacement parts. If/when it breaks, and I've been using mine steadily for 2+ years, there are domestically-available parts that won't require me navigating a nebulous web of offshore vendors.
Cheers!
-j
————
i prefer my mash shaken, not stirred
————
i prefer my mash shaken, not stirred
————
Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
You could also check the antiques section on ebay and craigslist
Of course you need to power it although it did also come with a crank if you like the armstrong method.
I still need to get a longer belt to finish hooking it up but I already have the power source I used for my cane press and a meat grinder
I picked this up for about $80Of course you need to power it although it did also come with a crank if you like the armstrong method.
I still need to get a longer belt to finish hooking it up but I already have the power source I used for my cane press and a meat grinder
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
That flat belt set up is awesome!!
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
The washing machine motor is a friend of mine
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
This is one of my many unfinished projects. I got as far as disassembling it and hopefully one day I will derustify it, paint it, and put it back together. I bought it at a thrift store some time ago for about $50. Can't remember the brand name.
I also have a Victoria (Corona type) mill and a roller mill. I use an electric drill to drive the roller mill and will probably do the same for the Victoria mill.
Sorry about the sideways view.I also have a Victoria (Corona type) mill and a roller mill. I use an electric drill to drive the roller mill and will probably do the same for the Victoria mill.
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
.
That's a great little unit, Demy. I'll bet it chews through a batch of grain in no time.
That's a great little unit, Demy. I'll bet it chews through a batch of grain in no time.
Last edited by Twisted Brick on Fri Jun 25, 2021 7:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
Thank you guys! The pics are great.
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Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
I have my eye on one of those at a friend's place they just purchased. The previous owners left it behind in an old shed. I'm going to try to weave a deal on it this weekend and see if I can have it in working order before the fall rains co.e and it's time to start stillin'.S-Cackalacky wrote: ↑Fri Jun 25, 2021 11:15 am This is one of my many unfinished projects. I got as far as disassembling it and hopefully one day I will derustify it, paint it, and put it back together. I bought it at a thrift store some time ago for about $50. Can't remember the brand name.
20171124_165800.jpg
Sorry about the sideways view.
I also have a Victoria (Corona type) mill and a roller mill. I use an electric drill to drive the roller mill and will probably do the same for the Victoria mill.
Fear and ridicule are the tactics of weak-minded cowards and tyrants who have no other leadership talent from which to draw in order to persuade.
Re: Grinders and Mesh Bags? Which ones?
For my little quantities it is very good, if the quantity was very high it would be necessary to a more powerful engine, the induction washing machine engine is robust but has little power. I had to arrange me with pieces I found. In any case it's nice to see the photos of all of you guys!Twisted Brick wrote: ↑Fri Jun 25, 2021 11:22 am .
That's a great little unit, Demy. I'll bet it chews through a batch of grain in no time.