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Milling: Difference between revisions
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* '''Control''' - Adjusting the gap allows you to tailor the crush to your own system and maximize [[efficiency]]. | * '''Control''' - Adjusting the gap allows you to tailor the crush to your own system and maximize [[efficiency]]. | ||
* '''Consistency''' - The crush size may be inconsistent with pre-milled grain. | * '''Consistency''' - The crush size may be inconsistent with pre-milled grain. | ||
* '''Grain conditioning''' - Milling | * '''Grain conditioning''' - Milling on site gives you the option to condition your grain (see below). | ||
* '''Cost savings''' - A personal grain mill eventually pays for itself because A) you avoid a milling fee and B) you can buy grain in bulk. | * '''Cost savings''' - A personal grain mill eventually pays for itself because A) you avoid a milling fee and B) you can buy grain in bulk. | ||
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[[File:Knurled-rollers.jpg|thumb|right|Knurled rollers on a 3-roller mill (bottom view)]] | [[File:Knurled-rollers.jpg|thumb|right|Knurled rollers on a 3-roller mill (bottom view)]] | ||
*'''3-roller vs 2-roller''' - In a 3-roller mill, the grain is pre-crushed in the gap between the top two rollers, and then the grain flows into the gap between the drive roller and bottom roller, crushing it further. The top gap is fixed at around 0.060–0.070" which easily pulls in both wheat and barley, providing superior feed, and softening the starch without tearing up the husk.<ref name="monster">[https://www.monsterbrewinghardware.com/store/pc/FAQs-d2.htm FAQs.] Monster Brewing Hardware. Accessed May 2020.</ref> The lowered husk damage aids in lautering among other things (see below). The double crush also more fully separates the husk from the starch. The downsides to 3-roller mills are that more power (torque) is typically required to drive them and they are generally more expensive. 2-roller mills are more budget friendly. | *'''3-roller vs 2-roller''' - In a 3-roller mill, the grain is pre-crushed in the gap between the top two rollers, and then the grain flows into the gap between the drive roller and bottom roller, crushing it further. The top gap is fixed at around 0.060–0.070" which easily pulls in both wheat and barley, providing superior feed, and softening the starch without tearing up the husk.<ref name="monster">[https://www.monsterbrewinghardware.com/store/pc/FAQs-d2.htm FAQs.] Monster Brewing Hardware. Accessed May 2020.</ref> The lowered husk damage aids in lautering among other things (see below). The double crush also more fully separates the husk from the starch. The downsides to 3-roller mills are that more power (torque) is typically required to drive them and they are generally more expensive. 2-roller mills are more budget friendly. | ||
*'''Bearings vs bushings''' - Sealed ball bearings generally require no maintenance and can have a significantly longer lifespan than bushings, particularly if you drive the mill with a pulley.<ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/grain-mill-recomendations.662727/post-8529641 Grain mill recomendations.] | *'''Bearings vs bushings''' - Sealed ball bearings generally require no maintenance and can have a significantly longer lifespan than bushings, particularly if you drive the mill with a pulley.<ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/grain-mill-recomendations.662727/post-8529641 Grain mill recomendations.] Homebrew Talk website. 2019. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/quality-corona-hand-crank-mill.645349/post-8224674 Quality corona/hand-crank mill?] Homebrew Talk website. 2018. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/tell-me-about-grain-mills.666252/post-8598698 Tell me about grain mills.] Homebrew Talk website. 2019. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/grain-mill-recomendation.672926/post-8734778 Grain mill recomendation.] Homebrew Talk website. 2019. Accessed 2020.</ref> On the other hand, bushings have more friction and may wear over time, such that they will need to be replaced at some point.<ref>Layosa C. [https://blog.misumiusa.com/introduction-to-working-with-linear-bushings-bushings-vs-bearings/ Introduction to working with linear bushings: bushings vs. bearings.] Misumi website. 2016. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://youtu.be/fJVGlvZQvGk Ball Bearings vs Bushings.] ServoCity on YouTube. 2017. Accessed 2020.</ref> Therefore we recommend a mill with sealed ball bearings. However, bushings are still an acceptable option when using a direct drive system such as a drill. Bushings may benefit from periodic cleaning and lubrication with a drop of food-grade mineral oil; check with the manufacturer.<ref name="LOB-1069">[http://www.themodernbrewhouse.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=1069 Choosing a malt mill.] The Modern Brewhouse website. 2018–2020. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/monster-mill-problems.102809/post-1141303 Monster mill problems.] Homebrew Talk website. 2009. Accessed 2020.</ref> | ||
*'''Roller material''' - For most brewers, hardened steel is the best option for roller material due to its durability.<ref>[https://www.reliance-foundry.com/blog/carbon-steel-versus-stainless-steel Carbon steel vs stainless steel.] Reliance Foundry. Accessed June 2020.</ref> However, stainless steel has better protection against corrosion (although it is also more expensive). If you live in a damp or coastal region, stainless might be a good option.<ref name="bison">Green T. [https://bisonbrew.com/grain-mill/ The best grain mills for homebrewing.] Bison Brew. 2020. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.monsterbrewinghardware.com/store/pc/3-Roller-Homebrew-Grain-Mill-p86.htm 3 roller homebrew grain mill.] Monster Brewing Hardware. Accessed June 2020.</ref> | *'''Roller material''' - For most brewers, hardened steel is the best option for roller material due to its durability.<ref>[https://www.reliance-foundry.com/blog/carbon-steel-versus-stainless-steel Carbon steel vs stainless steel.] Reliance Foundry. Accessed June 2020.</ref> However, stainless steel has better protection against corrosion (although it is also more expensive). If you live in a damp or coastal region, stainless might be a good option.<ref name="bison">Green T. [https://bisonbrew.com/grain-mill/ The best grain mills for homebrewing.] Bison Brew. 2020. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.monsterbrewinghardware.com/store/pc/3-Roller-Homebrew-Grain-Mill-p86.htm 3 roller homebrew grain mill.] Monster Brewing Hardware. Accessed June 2020.</ref> | ||
*'''Roller diameter''' - Larger diameter helps the grain feed through the rollers.<ref name="Kunze"/><ref name=mashing>Evans E. [[Library|''Mashing.'']] American Society of Brewing Chemists and Master Brewers Association of the Americas; 2021.</ref> | *'''Roller diameter''' - Larger diameter helps the grain feed through the rollers.<ref name="Kunze"/><ref name=mashing>Evans E. [[Library|''Mashing.'']] American Society of Brewing Chemists and Master Brewers Association of the Americas; 2021.</ref> | ||
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[[File:Star-6-16.png]] = Editor's Pick | [[File:Star-6-16.png]] = Editor's Pick | ||
Crankandstein has a few barebones mills that are suited to the DIY | Crankandstein has a few barebones mills that are suited to the DIY-inclined brewer. You can get a basic mill and mount it in any mill housing design of your choice. They offer a [https://www.crankandstein.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=11 2-roller] mill, [https://www.crankandstein.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=13 3-roller] mill, and a [https://www.crankandstein.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=9 2-roller mill that can also crush corn]. All of these have knurled hardened steel rollers and bronze bushings. | ||
=== Mills to avoid === | === Mills to avoid === | ||
*'''The Barley Crusher''' - It has soft rollers and soft/cheap bronze bushings, which lead to relatively frequent problems and a short product lifespan.<ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/grain-mill-stopped-working.654248/ Grain mill stopped working.] | *'''The Barley Crusher''' - It has soft rollers and soft/cheap bronze bushings, which lead to relatively frequent problems and a short product lifespan.<ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/grain-mill-stopped-working.654248/ Grain mill stopped working.] Homebrew Talk website. 2018. Accessed 2020.</ref> Their customer service is also very poor.<ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/barley-crusher-customer-service.297352/ Barley Crusher - customer service????] Homebrew Talk sebsite. 2012–2018. Accessed 2020.</ref> | ||
*'''Suspicious budget mills''' such as the [https://www.vevor.com/products/electric-grain-mill-barley-grinder-malt-crusher-hold-up-to-11lbs-crushing-dy-368 motorized] and [https://www.vevor.com/products/grain-mill-barley-grinder-malt-crusher-3-roller-wheat-home-brew-food-industry 3-roller] mills at Vevor - These cheap mills have a number of {{amazon|B07D1Y51WT|bad reviews}} and generally don't have a strong track record, so we don't recommend these products at this time.<ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/anyone-try-those-cheap-ebay-motorized-grain-mills.688262/ Anyone try those cheap eBay motorized grain mills?] | *'''Suspicious budget mills''' such as the [https://www.vevor.com/products/electric-grain-mill-barley-grinder-malt-crusher-hold-up-to-11lbs-crushing-dy-368 motorized] and [https://www.vevor.com/products/grain-mill-barley-grinder-malt-crusher-3-roller-wheat-home-brew-food-industry 3-roller] mills at Vevor - These cheap mills have a number of {{amazon|B07D1Y51WT|bad reviews}} and generally don't have a strong track record, so we don't recommend these products at this time.<ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/anyone-try-those-cheap-ebay-motorized-grain-mills.688262/ Anyone try those cheap eBay motorized grain mills?] Homebrew Talk website. 2020–2021. Accessed Jan 4 2021.</ref> | ||
*'''Non-roller mills''' such as food processors, rolling pins, or Corona/Victoria style disc mills ({{Amazon|B00JZZKLHI|example}})<ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/my-ugly-junk-corona-mill-station.90849/ My ugly junk- Corona mill station.] | *'''Non-roller mills''' such as food processors, rolling pins, or Corona/Victoria style disc mills ({{Amazon|B00JZZKLHI|example}})<ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/my-ugly-junk-corona-mill-station.90849/ My ugly junk- Corona mill station.] Homebrew Talk website. 2008–2020. Accessed 2020.</ref> - These tools are not designed to create a proper crush, they're not easily adjustable, they tend to create a mess and/or require significant modification just to be useable.<ref name=bsp/> Corona-style mills are generally low-quality products (e.g. they may add metal shavings to the grist). Buy pre-milled grain until you're ready to invest in a roller mill. | ||
== Mounting the mill == | == Mounting the mill == | ||
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=== Electric drill === | === Electric drill === | ||
[[File:Milling-drill.png|thumb|Driving the mill with a cordless drill. Photo by Rob Stein.]] | [[File:Milling-drill.png|thumb|Driving the mill with a cordless drill. Photo by Rob Stein.]] | ||
For most home brewers a drill is the preferred method to drive a mill. It is easier to set up and more economical than using a non-drill motor, and significantly less laborious than hand cranking. Low RPM drills provide the best torque. We don't recommend using an external speed limiter ({{Amazon|B00U3LD1WA|example}}) on a high RPM drill because they significantly reduce the torque.<ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/speed-controller-for-corded-drill-used-for-milling-grain.629645/ Speed controller for corded drill, used for milling grain?] | For most home brewers a drill is the preferred method to drive a mill. It is easier to set up and more economical than using a non-drill motor, and significantly less laborious than hand cranking. Low RPM drills provide the best torque. We don't recommend using an external speed limiter ({{Amazon|B00U3LD1WA|example}}) on a high RPM drill because they significantly reduce the torque.<ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/speed-controller-for-corded-drill-used-for-milling-grain.629645/ Speed controller for corded drill, used for milling grain?] Homebrew Talk website. 2017. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=23703 Monster mill drill question.] American Homebrewers Association website. 2015. Accessed 2020.</ref> Affixing a zip tie, 2" tri-clamp, or U-bolt to the trigger of a variable speed drill can help control and maintain a constant speed. A corded drill is generally more powerful than a cordless one, and will usually last longer. However cordless drills can also work well, and they are more convenient for tasks around the house.<ref>[https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/need-drill-recommendations.581479/ Need drill recommendations.] BeerAdvocate website. 2018. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=9367 Proper drill for milling grain.] American Homebrewers Association website. 2011. Accessed 2020.</ref> The one requirement to using a drill is that the drill chuck fits onto the mill drive shaft (which range from 3/8" to 1/2" [9-12mm]). If you are holding the drill while milling, you must also hold down the base of the mill. Otherwise the torque may cause the mill to flip over, causing damage and/or injury. | ||
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=== Milling speed === | === Milling speed === | ||
In general, a milling speed between 50–300 RPM is considered appropriate for | In general, a milling speed between 50–300 RPM is considered appropriate for small scale milling.<ref name="lob271"/><ref name="LOB-1069"/><ref name="monster"/><ref name="bison"/> Be aware that it usually takes a little more torque to get the mill going. If your drive method is struggling, use the method to reduce torque described above. | ||
Some home brewers have found that milling at a lower speed reduces damage to husks.<ref name=lob993/><ref name=lob271>[http://www.themodernbrewhouse.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=271 Conditioned grain mill gap.] The Modern Brewhouse website. 2017–2018. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/so-what%E2%80%99s-the-right-harbor-freight-drill-for-a-mill-20-off-coupon-out-now.673941/ So what's the right Harbor Freight drill for a mill? 20% off coupon out now.] | Some home brewers have found that milling at a lower speed reduces damage to husks.<ref name=lob993/><ref name=lob271>[http://www.themodernbrewhouse.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=271 Conditioned grain mill gap.] The Modern Brewhouse website. 2017–2018. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/so-what%E2%80%99s-the-right-harbor-freight-drill-for-a-mill-20-off-coupon-out-now.673941/ So what's the right Harbor Freight drill for a mill? 20% off coupon out now.] Homebrew Talk website. 2020. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/best-place-to-get-a-grain-mill.700592/post-9272893 Best place to get a grain mill.] Homebrew Talk website. 2022. Accessed May 27, 2022.</ref> Other brewers have not noticed a significant effect of milling speed on the grist (appearance or granulometry),<ref>[http://www.themodernbrewhouse.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1929 Milling test results.] The Modern Brewhouse website. 2020. Accessed July 2020.</ref><ref name=bittner/> which is in agreement with professional literature.<ref name=Warpala/><ref name=Mousia/> | ||
=== Oxidation === | === Oxidation === | ||