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Skotrat
Senior Member
Username: Skotrat
Post Number: 2352
Registered: 04-2003
Posted From: 24.128.118.170
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 03:08 pm: | 
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Hey Now,
So then...
I have decided that I am in need of a new mill and I am going to go with a Crankandstein.
My question is...
Which model is the favored Crankandstein model?
Why did you go with that model Crankandstein?
What is you average batch size?
Did you build your own hopper and base or just buy the Crankandstein equipment?
Thanks
-Scott
"I used to do a little, but the little wouldn't do it, so the little got more and more
I just keep trying to get a little better, said, a little better than before"
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Paul Erbe
Advanced Member
Username: Perbe
Post Number: 726
Registered: 05-2001
Posted From: 12.27.22.67
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 04:06 pm: |
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I have had a CnS mill for a long time. I do not think my model is made anymore. It is a 2 roller mill with 4 inch rollers. The same as the current CGM-2s but mine is not adjustable. I get 70-75 % efficiency out of the crush at this setting.
I just bought the mill and mounted it in the lid of a 5 gallon bucket. My hopper is a 2 gallon cookie tin.
I like his new hopper options. I thing chumley bought the package deal. |
Paul Erbe
Advanced Member
Username: Perbe
Post Number: 727
Registered: 05-2001
Posted From: 12.27.22.67
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 04:09 pm: |
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Sorry I forgot batch size, 5 and 10 gallon batches. Would want a bigger hopper if I was going to bigger batches. |
John Baer
Member
Username: Beerman
Post Number: 165
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 141.158.20.2
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 04:27 pm: |
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I bought the three roller CnS about a year ago and love it. I decided to go with the three roller since it was not that much more expensive that the two roller models (CnS and others) and after doing a little research it seemed more rollers, generally speaking, would give a better crush. I also liked the fact that it is set up to be chucked onto a drill, as I didn't want to go through the hassle of motorizing it and building a stand that would take up my already cramped basement.
I usually do 10 gallon batches and crush 15 pounds, + or -, of grain in a few minutes with a 1/2 horsepower corded drill. I built my own base out of plywood so the mill mounts under the base and fits a five gallon pail. I use a five gallon plastic water jug for a hopper and the grain pours down a narrow shoot into the rollers.
The only problem I have had is the mill can be a little difficult to start when full. But, as discussed in the other thread, I'm planning to add a trap door so I can start the drill then drop the grain in.
JB |
dhacker
Advanced Member
Username: Dhacker
Post Number: 551
Registered: 11-2002
Posted From: 72.4.22.214
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 04:35 pm: |
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I order the CGM-3D on Tuesday
FWIW, the reason is I bought that model is because it's a 3 roller mill, looks well constructed, has a very nice detent gap adjuster, lifetime re-knurling service, (if I ever need that) it has gotten good reviews, and the biggy . . has a 1/2" shaft option which works great because I already have 1/2" shaft sheaves of the right size. Average batch size is 10 gal.
I will build my own stand and hopper (or at least modify the broadcast spreader to be my hopper)
. . maybe add a propeller or two . . . |
Geoff Buschur
Senior Member
Username: Avmech
Post Number: 1317
Registered: 06-2004
Posted From: 208.8.57.2
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 04:36 pm: |
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Hi Scott,
As you know from the other thread I have the CGM-3D. I chose this model because I like the fact that it goes through two different gaps. To me it is like milling your grains twice in one pass. And I figured if I was going to spend the money I might as well throw in a couple extra bucks to get the detents on the adjuster.
I have only used the mill once and that was for 26 Lbs of grain. My grain bills range from 15lbs to 35lbs.
I bought the hopper from CnS but that was only because I needed something quick and easy so I could brew right away. CnS emailed me after I purchased the mill and informed me that I could get a better deal on the hopper (really funnel) at Northern Tool. I had CnS ship the hopper simply because I didn't have time to run to Northern Tool. As soon as I get a water bottle I will use that for a hopper. I like to measure my grains in a 5 gallon bucket so it just makes sense to have a 5 gallon hopper. I also want the mill to be tucked away nicely for storage. The bottle can removed and placed under the mill.
"I've been drunk for 14 years...my judgment isn't what it used to be."
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Steve Funk
Member
Username: Tundra45
Post Number: 231
Registered: 06-2004
Posted From: 209.216.190.38
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 06:14 pm: |
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Pics, pics, please show us |
Scott Folsom
Member
Username: Sfolsom
Post Number: 162
Registered: 03-2004
Posted From: 66.159.76.84
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 07:06 pm: |
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I got the CGM-2S with their mounting board and hopper. This was before they came out with the package deal, or I would have just gotten that. I do 10gal batches and have to fill the hopper 2X, but it's not a big deal. I get 75% eff. from the factory gap setting. Fine by me. I screwed 3 small blocks on the underside of the board to keep it stable on a 6.5gal plastic bucket. I use a Milwaukee corded drill to run it. I'm very happy with the mill.
If I were doing larger batches or high gravity brews regularly, I'd get one of 5" models and use a larger hopper. |
Flobey
Junior Member
Username: Flobey
Post Number: 66
Registered: 06-2004
Posted From: 205.160.53.158
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 07:44 pm: |
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Hey Skot:
I have the CGM-3. I typically do 11 gal batches, however seem to favor higher gravity beers. Typical grain bill is in the 30-35 lb range.
ScottDeW recently harrassed me because I'm also a woodworker with a decent shop and table saw, yet I'm running my mill with only a drill and a base I clamp in a vise.
Cheezy install:
Cheezy install mount:
A more slick, permanent install is in the planning stage, but I digress...
I picked this model because it's their base 3 roller, however I didn't feel the need to constantly readjust my gap. In fact, I've not needed to adjust it once. I get efficiency well into the 80s, with no stuck (batch) sparge.
To paraphrase Cruz:
BUY THE CRANKANDSTEIN!!! 
Edited to include the following disclaimer:
Don Obenauer - Dr. Crankandstein - is in the same HB club as me. He is not a Rat. This fact aside, I would look anyone in the eye and honestly tell them I would have bought a Crankandstein without knowing Don. He gives me zero kickback. He's a good guy. He makes his mills the hard way - by hand in the good ol' US of A, on big iron he keeps running himself. It's a great product - 'nuff said.
(Message edited by flobey on November 09, 2006)
(Message edited by flobey on November 09, 2006) |
Tom Meier
Intermediate Member
Username: Brewdawg96
Post Number: 415
Registered: 03-2003
Posted From: 65.1.96.85
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 09:41 pm: |
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(Message edited by brewdawg96 on November 09, 2006) |
Brews and Views Archive 2006 
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