made a grain roller

[blackstrat5]

I tested out this contraption and it seemed to really shred the husks. I noticed that with only one roller being driven, the grains go through and it takes a bit of the grains to go through before the undriven roller catches, but everything is shredded. I haven't set the gap yet, I still need to put the set screws and springs in. The rollers are 2 1/2, should I consider putting a gear to drive both rollers?

 

[GodsStepBrother]

That looks awesome, did you machine the rollers yourself? Post a pic of the crush you are getting.

 

[blackstrat5]

I know it took a long time to post this But I just haven't had time til now. Getting married can really put a damper on brewing.

Anyway yes self machined rollers. Here's some pix of the crush. I'm wondering is it too shredded? I'm thinking if it is I'm going to need to drive both rollers rather than one.

 

[GodsStepBrother]

Looks good to me.

 

[bottlebomber]

Yeah, that looks great. I'm a machinist by trade, and have thought about machining some rollers but haven't got to it yet. What did you make them out of?

 

[Bobby_M]

If you pre-dampen your grain, aka conditioning or wet milling, you'll shred it less.

 

[blackstrat5]

Turn ground and polished. Scrap from a previous job that had been weathered and no longer "polished".

On the wet milling, wouldn't that cause a lot of build up with the dust and all? And how does it affect the grain in terms of brewing performance?

 

[Bobby_M]

It only gums up the works if you use too much water.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUyifHMy9Fs#t=1m23s

 

[outside92129]

conditioning the grain with water is a huge benefit. Just let it sit for a bit to absorb into the husk, it makes them more malleable and less likely to shred. Actually a little less mess, nothing sticks to the rollers, though there is still dust.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/wiki/index.php/Malt_Conditioning

 

[blackstrat5]

Guess I'll give conditioning a try. I still need to build a stand. Something easy to put away. Still live in an apartment and I don't see the wife taking kindly to a mill in the dining room.