130 Year Old Coffee Mill Restoration

This restoration video has a bit of everything: Sandblasting, lacquering, wood working, fabrication, metal turning, tapping, welding, and more.
Restoration of a very old Imperial Coffee Mill manufactured by Arcade Manufacturing Company of Freeport Illinois, USA in the late 1880s. These coffee mills were a practical kitchen implement and were never intended to be antiques. The top and coffee grinding mechanism are cast iron but the body is made from some species of Fir, a softwood.
The cast iron was originally Japanned. Japanning is a European version of a Japanese lacquer common at the time. I replicated as best I could with high quality instrument lacquer. The finish turned out very very close to what it would have looked like when new.
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[@AcmeRestorations]

I always try to answer all questions/comments. Please feel free to post below. If you enjoy this content, please subscribe. I am working to put out a new restoration video every week.

[@ammarzakaria2925]

This was absolutely Awesome 🤩 But I wish to ask for a favor if it is possible, I hope that you could change the white background to something a little bit dimmer or darker because it really hurt the eyes when switching between the scenes 😅 BEST REGARDS I'll be waiting for more of your awesome restorations 🤩😎

[@AcmeRestorations]

@@ammarzakaria2925 I will take that into consideration. Thanks!

[@laurigardner6227]

I have to ask what’s the coffee ground measuring spoon you’re using? I’ve never seen one quite like that before.

[@johnsonjohn4115]

6666z

[@alexandriavanhooser111]

😮😮😮😮

[@mflorest3]

Nice!!! All the way to the very end sipping on some coffee!! Ahhh!!!!

[@GaiaOne]

I have that exact coffee grinder. It's beautiful. Belonged to my grandfather. The only thing wrong with the one you restored, is the nut on top that's used to adjust the grind - fine to coarse. On the original, it's a decorative nut, a little iron bird in a nest. I like the one you machined as a replacement. It's simple and doesn't detract from the design. There was also a paper lable glued to the front above the drawer. The original drawer pull was a small wooden knob, similar in shape to an old-fashioned dresser knob. Yours is very close. Nice job. (And they're great for grinding coffee. Still use mine.)

[@AcmeRestorations]

There are about 10 companies that made coffee grinders that look identical to this. Also each company had many models. I haven't seen any photos where the nut was a little bird nest. Would love to see that. I did identify the model, but was unable to find a photo of an original label good enough to reproduce, so I didn't include the label as part of the restoration. Thanks for the input and for watching!

[@cherylbeyer5132]

That’s a well loved coffee box. Lots of character and history in all those little dings

[@nicolepala8617]

I just adore antiques, and I adore how well you give them a new lease on life. The world needs more people like you. Bravo!

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thank you!

[@ciriloescueta5111]

Very valluable.of any item during century. And restorate..antique..😃😃😃

[@LeMans512]

Fabulous! My mom had that exact grinder. She used it weekly to grind coriander. Enjoy the coffee. You earned it.

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thank you!

[@American_Jeeper]

Wow, really nice job. I love it when the time is taken to properly and meticulously restore an item, using the original materials, when possible.

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thank you very much!

[@channelsixtysix066]

Hmm, how shall I proceed ..... VERY CAREFULLY 02:21 That's a great idea, a folio of sandpaper. I'll start doing that myself. 👍06:23 What a great restoration and how you kept all of the original wood, even the nails. Only the base is new. The result is stunning. Beautiful job. The idea of the overhang of the top and bottom of the grinder is so that you can hold it between your knees when you grind the beans.

[@AcmeRestorations]

"overhang of the top and bottom of the grinder is so that you can hold it between your knees when you grind the beans." I did not know that! Makes sense. Thanks for watching.

[@Timmytheman87]

Every one of your videos shows an example of the phrase “they don’t make things like they used to”. There’s no restoring a lot of the modern versions of items that you put your time into because everything is made to be disposed of these days. I absolutely love this channel and your work. Please keep them coming!!!

[@dianejohnson9904]

So true. I’d love to own one of these old grinders!

[@AcmeRestorations]

That grinder is one of my favorite tools. It's a beast!

[@giovannirazza9938]

Questo Macinino del 1880 è veramente meraviglioso,di un altro pianeta!hai mantenuto l'originalità restaurando persino i chiodi! parabéns pelo teu trabalho ótimo!!!!!!

[@tstrong7910]

Thank you!!! For using the green camera lens green filter. So many youtubers aren't aware that sudden flashes of bright light can trigger seizures for those that suffer with a variety of disorders.

[@JonSherman-Entertainer]

I had already commented about the brilliance of your work regarding the ice cream maker, but the other thing I wanted to mention is the set-up and care of your videos. Just as your craftsmanship on the item you’re restoring, each shot and Video sequence is also so carefully and lovingly considered taking great care to show each step of the process. Just fantastic work all around

[@dok418]

I prefer hand grinders, and this is definitely one of my favorite of your restorations...

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thank you!

[@channelsixtysix066]

Agreed. Burr grinder, quieter, doesn't damage the coffee with heat. More reliable.

[@ЛюбовьТроцевская]

Здравствуйте уважаемый супер мастер, я пишу Вам свои слова огромного восхищения, как же красиво вы работаете, какой вы умелец. Я с таким наслаждением смотрю все ваши работы ,дай бог Вам здоровья и благополучия!!!!

[@LJB103]

I didn't think that there would be anything hard or out of the ordinary to restoring the metal parts. What I wanted to see was how you handled the wooden pieces. Great job!.

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thanks!

[@marinadrobyschew8059]

Разве думала эта вещица, что ей подарят вторую жизнь и молодость? Наверное нет... Но чудо произошло, благодаря умелым рукам, и вот чудо свершилось... КЛАССНО!🤩👍👍👍❤

[@jrand2631]

A very well and sympathetic done restoration - I like you used all the old wooden parts, and not just threw them in the bin. 👏👏👏

[@AcmeRestorations]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@DavidGrassSr]

My grand mother had one of those when i was 10 years old , wish i had it now? Nice Job, See ya

[@celesgutis7639]

😳 Wow! Impresionante restauración, un consumado artesano, pleno dominio del oficio.

[@StrangerHappened]

*GOOD* that you have shown a classic book for mechanics, it is rare in such videos.

[@AlbertoRodriguez-iw4sq]

I love restoring old coffee grinders. You made a great transformation. It looks fantastic. 🎉😮😮😮😮😮

[@EIbereth]

I absolutely loved your work. The way you saved and transformed that wooden broken part was brilliant. Bravo. 👏👏👏

[@AlbertoRodriguez-iw4sq]

❤ I love restoring old coffee grinders. You made a great transformation. It looks fantastic. 🎉

[@sharonedge716]

I really enjoyed watching this I love the way you turned an everyday item into something useful again absolutely brilliant you are very clever 😀

[@guy4462]

My past working life came back to me when I saw the Machinery's Handbook. Good restoration.

[@ljubomirhristoski8808]

Odlicna restavracija , cestitam i na zdravje kafe !

[@jalechavez6042]

Guauuu....Café...mmmm..Lo Mejor...!!...ji ji ji ....Muy Bien Amigo....Saludosss...ji ji j i

[@jpeabody1155]

Let me start by saying that you did an awesome job and the restoration turned out beautiful. As a furniture restorer I do understand that there are a number of different grades of restoration. Personally I would have left a lot of the 130 year old patina in place and not sanded it all away because it all tells a story. However that's my choice. But for someone who wants a "Looks like new" restoration you did an excellent job.

[@CaptainTwitchy]

Oh man, I feel the same way. He really did do a wonderful job, but it literally hurt to see that sanded away. Personally I would have done a soft soap and water cleaning then a nice hand rubbed wax finish.

[@StephenR-sz7pl]

I, in my completely uninformed mind, I figured the original wood to be too jacked with age to be used. 😵‍💫😵😝😖BOY WAS I WRONG!!!! This sir is a true restoration. Thank you for your time and thank God for your talent. Please keep on chooglin!!

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thank you so much.

[@PLuMUK54]

I most definitely would not eat or drink anything from the critics who went on about patina. This is meant to be used, not stuck in a glass case. Anyone who thinks that in the state it started was suitable for use needs to seriously reconsider their attitude towards hygiene! Another excellent job. I rarely drink coffee, but I'd love something like this in my kitchen.

[@AcmeRestorations]

Exactly!

[@LadyLeigh]

Beautiful restoration! I can smell the coffee all the way to Australia!

[@georgebrown8312]

What an awesome job restoring the antique coffee grinder. Great skill restoring the old wood as well.

[@whitneylake2107]

Sweet. Nice cup of Joe. Thank you

[@elaineminotti4851]

You are an artist! Great job!

[@Galuc342]

Insuperabile! Un poeta! Io ho un vecchio macinino appartenuto a mio padre...era già un vecchio macinino quando lo porto a casa tantissimi anni fa. Lo tengo in bella vista sul camino e guai a chi lo tocca. Mi piacerebbe restauralo e sono certa che il mio papà ne sarebbe molto felice. Non saprei a chi rivolgermi però, lo terrò così. Sei veramente bravo. Complimenti!

[@diygeneration5566]

*I watched your video and remembered that I have an old iron coffee grinder. Not as old as yours, but still). I will have to try to restore it ;-)*

[@AntoniaGranados-r6c]

Especular. Here's un artista me encanta como trabajas.

[@salahedinbouketir9476]

Fantastic ❤❤job❤❤you are a professional,restorater,,I like your job❤❤ so much,,,❤❤. From Algeria.😊😊😊😊

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thank you so much 😀

[@michaelak1719]

Wunderschön 🤩✨👍👏✌️💝😊

[@nabilkandil1847]

New as before perfect work

[@albaldinette]

... Parabéns ... Magnífico ... Hummmmm Amoooo Café ...

[@churlepatakha]

Extraordinary, with innovation. I could smell the ground coffee aroma.

[@AcmeRestorations]

Glad you like it! Yeah, my shop smells awesome now!

[@BRVCarrillo]

Good job👍

[@TroubledTimes2024]

Awesome restoration, the last little sigh of satisfaction from it's coffee, well, that was a perfect ending :)

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@axelwulf6220]

Coffee was the staple of many, many events in history

[@navpreetkaur1975]

Great...simply beyond imagination

[@Restorology]

Incredible camera work and editing. Your channel has been an inspiration for me to start my own. Cheers.

[@AcmeRestorations]

Wow, thanks!

[@ERNESOY]

Bravo! Fantastisch!

[@janelloyd4332]

Fantastic restoration

[@williegibbons9926]

Great job

[@brendaalbaugh8927]

Great work! I know what to do with mine now

[@soniadeguzman790]

I'm impressed 👍😁

[@amberlytheharpyqueen]

I don't drink coffee but I would love one of those for decoration.

[@elizabethkizzar5489]

Actually nowadays I don't think you would have to use it as just a coffee grinder. I could see using it to grind spices or dried chilies.

[@amberlytheharpyqueen]

@@elizabethkizzar5489 Ooo I would definitely use it for that.

[@dantejaiudijr2792]

Terrific!!! Nice job on all of your restored pieces of this "puzzle". Regardless of the positive criticisms and the suggestions, the restorative process is difficult one, no matter what's being worked on. It take time, patience and discipline. Outstanding work! 🤔👍

[@chazzcombs]

Wow you have a lot of cool toys! Awesome work!

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thank you 🤗

[@bronzewing1965]

Stunning ❤

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

That came out beautifully!! I love the attention to detail and you even made new parts too! I restore antique woodworking hand tools and I do not have a milling machine. So I am left having to look everywhere to find original replacement parts. Needless to say, I have a lot of plane bodies, saw harps, etcetera lying about.

[@othmanothman-nl9mn]

Good working

[@mauraleticiachillemi6403]

Wow ! Fantastic work !!

[@donnaleveron6511]

Beautiful restoration! Loved that you repaired and used the old wood to replace broken pieces. Subscribed.

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thank you very much!

[@gaynorjackson8857]

Stunning restoration just love restoration of the wood nothing got forgotten wow just Stunning your a very talented person ❤xx

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@marlenebonazzio3911]

Esse café deve ter ficado ainda mais gostoso.! Maravilhoso esse trabalho.! Amo café a moda antiga.!☕️

[@charitybrown4274]

Great Job!!

[@jagrutbhatt3301]

Excellent work Sir!

[@sn_all_test]

excellent work. i love that tiny pry bar for nails!!!

[@malcolmsmith8694]

Been watching all video's. Trying your technique on things. Great video much love from Wheeling West Virginia.

[@zahratcharifzahratcharif9956]

Bravo, merci beaucoup. Rabat Maroc

[@43painter]

Very nice job ! When the gov turn off the electricity due to 'climat change' you're still be able to prepare a much needed cup of coffee ! ;-)

[@Ирина-с6з2и]

Это мастер на все руки. БРАВО!

[@luizalbertorodrigues4560]

You the best master

[@rehmandawood]

Marvelous

[@jilldavies7094]

You made a lovely job of that grinder, but I wish you had occasionally run at the bottom of the screen details of what materials you were using and for what reason. Things like what grade of sandpaper you used, etc., all add to the appreciation of the process.

[@AcmeRestorations]

Noted! I'll keep that in mind for future videos. Thanks for watching.

[@Blue.Willow7]

Excellent work! I knew you were going to do the “Ahhh” at the end. 😂❤️

[@AltafKHAN-xl3dz]

Really Awesome restoration...

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thank you very much!

[@alvarocabreravillalon3363]

great job !!!!!!!! beautiful finishings

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thank you! 😊

[@razorboyXVII]

Nice work!

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thanks!

[@stuarts4673]

Amazing job

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thanks!

[@charizardop5831]

Nice, good stuff.

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thanks!

[@hovikmalians3523]

Excellent restoration. regards from Armenia🇦🇲

[@jojeanje]

Nearly perfect. Thanks.

[@alvine8811]

mouth watering ...

[@pfadiva]

Just an FYI: Hand Tool Rescue has some good recipes to replicate japanning. Very nice resto. I think your lacquer idea was the better choice so the ornate metal work on the top shows up better. Japanning tends to be thick.

[@AcmeRestorations]

I've seen that video. It's fantastic that he did the footwork, and I'm going to be using some real japanning on some old wood planes I've got. Seemed WAY overkill for this project and I had the lacquer. Thanks for watching.

[@Gadget67SD]

Just beautiful! You are a craftsman's and artist!

[@peterevosirch7047]

Nice Work

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thanks

[@5phutsangtao-iQ]

👍nice

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thanks

[@katiebellmichelle]

This is absolutely gorgeous 🤩 amazing job

[@AcmeRestorations]

Thank you so much!!

[@bonniehayward7939]

Love to have this.

[@topvideospa8333]

Muito show Nunca tinha visto um desses Parabéns

[@saragranje5150]

Excelente!!!! Se siente el aroma del café ☕ 😌!!!!

[@hullabaloo-hcd]

You always do an amazing job however sometimes I feel you could leave a little bit more of the old patina that shows the items age

[@AboElAmraaas1987]

Great job man.. Go ahead ❤

[@christakrebs5790]

Unglaublich Goldene Hände ❤❤❤❤❤

[@marselaselenesantoslopez]

Beautiful 😍😍😍😍 Very nices 😊👋👋👋👋👋

[@paudarcopacificador3705]

PARABÉNS...!!! Suas restaurações são perfeitas...

[@barbarajohnston5400]

beautiful

[@wokohedgehogs]

Superb restoration, looks amazing.

[@f.javierrealros1723]

Great job bro. Congrats.

[@blainebuffington]

Nice 👍

[@rococo9342]

素晴らしい。🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@restorationconstantines7731]

a very beautiful thing, a talent for finding such👍