[tygo]

I've gotten around 75% using the factory settings on mine over the last few batches but I'm also conditioning the grain. 

[euge]

I've gotten around 75% using the factory settings on mine over the last few batches but I'm also conditioning the grain. 

Conditioning? How is it done?

[Hokerer]

I've gotten around 75% using the factory settings on mine over the last few batches but I'm also conditioning the grain. 

Conditioning? How is it done?

Kai's got a good description of the process...

http://braukaiser.com/wiki/index.php?title=Malt_Conditioning

[euge]

I tried something like that a few times to make the husk stretchier. I agree with Kai as it really isn't required to make good beer. Got my own brewing approaches so I knows about preferences in certain small things.

[a10t2]

I just got a Barley Crusher and brewed an APA back to back, first with the default setting, then with it at 0.030". Mash efficiency went from 79% to 87%. I did have a slow sparge with the tighter gap, but I've used Kai's spray-bottle conditioning method since then and had much faster runoff. Running the pump wide open fast, actually.

[euge]

I'll give it a try.

[dave97402]

I tightened up my gap just a little from original. Works well!!

[euge]

Watch those fingers kids...

Awesome!

[beerstache]

I like your motorized setup for the Barley Crusher.  Can you give me the details/plans for it?  Looks like bicycle gears and chain?
What kind of motor is that?

[dave97402]

It is just a 1/4 hp gearmotor I bought from www.surpluscenter.com. It was just the right size that I was able to mount it right to the stock board, sideways like that. It came with the RC25 pitch sprocket on it, and I just bought the little sprocket for the crusher, a little chain, and viola. I think the little sprocket it like 19 tooth? After calculations, final rpm, 276. I just used some little "L" brackets for mounting to the board. It was a must to do this cause, well I'm lazy....I mean pragmatic.

[tygo]

Today my sentiments are "jeez, it's just a little crankin, who needs a motor for that?"

Tomorrow, while grinding the grain for my next batch I'll be thinking, "So, what do I need to do to motorize this sucker?"

[dave97402]

Today my sentiments are "jeez, it's just a little crankin, who needs a motor for that?"

Tomorrow, while grinding the grain for my next batch I'll be thinking, "So, what do I need to do to motorize this sucker?"

Exactly my progression of thinking! Hahaha.....figured I can crank my mill manually for $20 or more. After a couple times grinding up grain for a fairly big beer.....that $20 seemed pretty cheap!

[bluesman]

Old fermentor bucket here.  Fits like a champ

Fred

+1

I want to motorize my JSP Maltmill someday. Something like a cabinet on wheels.

[jwatkins56550]

I just got this mill recently, but have had problems with the drills I've been using.  The first drill was just not powerful enough, so I got a corded drill.  I was too nervous to give it full power, but this drill wouldn't start the rollers without giving it full power quickly then backing off.... eventually both drills started smoking and I finished the grist off with the hand crank.  What do you think?  A drill with more torque?

[mikeypedersen]

What do you think?  A drill with more torque?

I doubt it.  I use a 12v cordless Dewalt and sometimes a super cheap 18v cordless no-name brand.  With either one, I can start the rollers extremely slowly.

It sounds like you have some kind of other problem going on.