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Milling: Difference between revisions
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A hand crank is available for many models, and attaches to the drive shaft with a screw. It is operated by turning the crank handle. This may get tiring for milling large amounts of grain. | A hand crank is available for many models, and attaches to the drive shaft with a screw. It is operated by turning the crank handle. This may get tiring for milling large amounts of grain. | ||
=== Electric | === 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?] HomebrewTalk 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]). | 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?] HomebrewTalk 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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=== Non-drill motors === | |||
Some brewers prefer using a dedicated non-drill motor. See [[Motorizing a mill]]. | Some brewers prefer using a dedicated non-drill motor. See [[Motorizing a mill]]. | ||
=== Reducing torque requirement === | |||
If your drill/motor is having issues with stalling, or you'd like to reduce the load on it in order to extend its life, or you are wanting an easier job of hand cranking, you can reduce the amount of torque needed to drive the mill by reducing the amount of grain feeding into the rollers. All you need to do is create and affix cardboard inserts into the bottom of the hopper. | If your drill/motor is having issues with stalling, or you'd like to reduce the load on it in order to extend its life, or you are wanting an easier job of hand cranking, you can reduce the amount of torque needed to drive the mill by reducing the amount of grain feeding into the rollers. All you need to do is create and affix cardboard inserts into the bottom of the hopper. | ||
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File:Clear-flow-limiters.png | File:Clear-flow-limiters.png | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
'''Roller speed differential'''<br/> | '''Roller speed differential'''<br/> | ||