salt/ pepper grinders

[Woodmonkey]

Has anyone used these
http://www.axminster.co.uk/crushgrind-s ... sel=952587

Or want to recommend an alternative? I like the idea of the ceramic which apparently is guaranteed for 25 years.
Cheers.

 

[Rhossydd]

We've got a pepper grinder that uses one of these specific mechanisms and it's only lasted about ten years. Fine when it worked, but.....
Have you checked out how complex and precise the fitting procedure is ? not exactly the easiest of turning jobs.

 

[Spindle]

Hi

I've used these:

http://www.turners-retreat.co.uk/access ... epper-mill

Ideally you'll need a scroll chuck to make them, don't worry about jaw size, if you don't have the correct ones it's easy enough to make jam chucks. Quite a satisfying project in which you'll learn to match components.

Regards Mick

 

[Woodmonkey]

Rhossydd - that's why I was asking really, wondering how hard they would be to use, quite hard by the sound of it.
Mick - thanks that looks like a well priced kit I think I will try those. I'm going to do a few craft fairs over the summer so I'm looking for projects like these that I can knock out in a reasonable time

 

[duncanh]

I use the Crushgrind Shaft version a lot and really like it. It's a bit fiddly to fit but once you get the hang of it you shouldn't have any problems. You'll need several different diameter sawtooth/forstner bits (minimum I use is 3 I think but it's easier with 4).
You would usually also need a tool for creating the groove which holds the mechanism in place although it's possible to remove the retaining lug and glue it. A few places sell a ready made tool but I made a cutter to fit on the end of my RS200 hollower.

Full instructions http://www.constablewoodcrafts.co.uk/cr ... .1.05..htm


What I like about these mechanisms is that you don't have the adjustment knob on the top and so you're not restricted in the shapes that you can make. They give a very good grind and everyone who has bought one from me has been very happy.
Mu uncle recently had an issue with one that he he bought at an ideal home show 20+ years ago - it still works but isn't quite as good as it used to be.

 

[Woodmonkey]

Thanks for that Duncan. Looks like a bit of a faff, how long roughly would you say it takes you to make a pair start to finish? (Same question to Mick for the other set if you're still watching)

 

[Spindle]

Hi

It would take me about two hours to make the first one, I'd need to refresh my memory of the process and knock up the jam chucks, subsequent ones would take about an hour.

Regards Mick

 

[sammo]

Hi - I have used the crush grind mills, find them easy to use, bit of messing about with drill sizes (I used the other crush grind that Axminster sell) but ok if you follow the recommended steps. the biggest pain is when one of the drills wanders (which has just happened to me) then getting things aligned turns out to be a royal pain.

 

[duncanh]

I guess if I got into production mode I could do a couple of small ones in an hour. It helps if you have a couple of jacobs chucks for drilling. I now use the mill drill and it makes things a lot faster, particularly in saving working out drilling depths and giving you a shoulder to work up against when cutting the groove.. It's a bit pricey though.
The grinders I tend to make are fairly complex (about 60cm tall with 4 separate pieces of wood) and take most of a day to finish. I couldn't do this design with another mechanism as I couldn't have the knob visible.

 

[gregmcateer]

Nice job, Duncan.

I bet the flirty Italian waiters have a field day with those bad boys!