Heavy duty Chinese electric grain mill review

In this video, I assemble, modify, and review the Chinese made big blue electric grain mills you can buy under various names on the internet. The mill has turned out so far to be worth the money.
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[@donniepowell7146]

You’re a better moonshiner than electrician. You switched the neutral. That being said, thanks for your videos. I really enjoy them.

[@StillnTheClear]

Thanks for the input.

[@StillnTheClear]

In what way is it bad to switch the neutral?

[@donniepowell7146]

It’s common practice to switch the hot side. In this case there is 120v sitting all along the circuit even when off. Functionally it will work fine the way you wired it.

[@danthemann]

@@StillnTheClear there's a significant shock hazard that way. Best to swap it. Power can come only from the hot (black) side. Neutral can be ANY path to ground.

[@StillnTheClear]

@@danthemann thanks. It looks like I may be making another video about all the great advice and comments I've been getting.

[@lifeisthebestteacher]

I could not agree more about missing components, missing instruction manual, missing on and off switch on the grinder. Have just assembled my grinder today, thanks to your video which helped me in the process. I managed to get it to work without making your very sensible adaptations because i am not as tech as you are. I got a rough grind the first time around but managed to use instructions in your video to adjust the fineness of the chick - pea flour. I would have struggled without your brilliant video. Many, many thanks.

[@StillnTheClear]

I'm happy to hear the video was so helpful for you. Thank you for the comment.

[@EpicValleysStill]

Im a couple of sugar washes away before I need a grain mill but this is a great vid. Since Barley and Hops has taken a break, you've become my go to for the DIY side of this hobby. Thank you!

[@mikekelly1144]

I have had mine a bit over a year and use it 1 time a week to grind a bit of pig feed. Works great..very useful for other grinding needs as well

[@StillnTheClear]

Thanks for the comment. Did yours come with a switch or no?

[@mikekelly1144]

No..I had to add the switch myself as well..did have all the hardware though

[@jorgerdrgz9967]

How long yours last?

[@StillnTheClear]

@@jorgerdrgz9967 mine is still new and going strong. @mike Kelly said he's had his over a year.

[@mikekelly1144]

@Jorge Rdrgz still running it today..seems to hold up really good..needs a heavier power cord..tends to be a lil warm after 100lbs of corn

[@robertvoss1365]

Thanks for this video. I bought the same unit two years ago and had your same experience mostly. My cord was already attached when I received it. My biggest difference from your first milling was that the grinder would jam if I tried to do a fine mill from whole corn. Clearing the jam is not difficult fortunately, just open the grinder door and spin the plate. I ended up doing three grinds from coarse to medium to fine. Also had to keep a close watch on the gate opening. Too far open and the machine would jam again. Even so, I like this grinder.

[@rockymntain]

Find some food grade lubricating grease for the bearing. It is a highly refined paraffin base with friction modifiers and is usually white in color. Just put a dab on the bearing before using the grinder.

[@StillnTheClear]

Cool, thanks for the tip.

[@5x535]

The Hot leg(black wire) is the one that should be switched, and there should be a pigtail added to the green and bonded (screwed) to the box. Thereby the entire tool will be grounded. That is code in the four states that I have worked in. The white wires go under silver screws and the black wires go under gold screws. The dust from grain is amazingly explosive. I can smell fresh bread even now.

[@StillnTheClear]

Thanks for the comment. I have had many like yours and have since made another video making these corrections. Thanks for your tips

[@jimwhipple9784]

I've got one too. I run through about 200lbs of feed corn a month and it works Great.

[@StillnTheClear]

Nice. Did you have to make any modifications to yours?

[@arkvalleydistillery2697]

We've been using a grinder like that for a couple of years in our tiny distillery. After about 300 lbs of corn, that ball bearing gets dry, and it starts eating away at that soft cast iron door socket - keep her lubed up!

[@StillnTheClear]

Okay, thanks for the heads up.

[@Miata822]

This hobby really does favor people with what my wife calls Figure "Stuff" Out Skills.

[@Jake_B74]

Nice mill Cyrus. Seems cheap made in China stuff is usually lacking clear instructions, and takes a little fiddling to get it right. Switching the nutral instead is not that big of a deal in a plug-in appliance, but definitely switch the hot for household wiring. Always test for voltage, I once changed a light fixture in a rental, and found out they had the switch wired to nutral, with my meter. A year later, the house was sold, and the new landlord went to work on it. He was going to do it without testing. I told him it was still hot when switched off. He didn't believe me, but I convinced him to test before touching it... Saved him an unpleasant experience... When switched from the hot, the circuit will have no voltage when switched off. If wired the other way, it works, but the hot side is still hot. For something that plugs in, not a deal breaker, just unplug it before servicing. For household wiring, always confirm with a meter. There are several ways a circuit could still be hot when it shouldn't be.

[@StillnTheClear]

That's a great explanation. Thanks for the comment.

[@Jake_B74]

@StillnTheClear Anytime, man. Your videos and help over at MFB have helped develop my home distilling. I'm always happy to pay it forward where I can, it's the MFB way.

[@TheHeraldOfChange]

I bought two of these (green ones) when I lived in Hanoi 2008-2012, one was steel bur, the other composite stone. They are easy to assemble. The little bent angle piece of aluminium is the grain shute control slider. The biggest issue with both mills was dust control, and cleaning. Apart from that, they were solid items that never missed a beat even after 10 years of operation, when I onsold them to other people. and afik they are still using them to this day without problem.

[@TheHeraldOfChange]

Incidently, to adjust it, you sinch it up under operation until the metal starts to squeal then back it off until the squealing stops.That's your closest gap. To get a finer crush you pass the ground grain a second or third time through, like with a meat mincer. The stone mill grinds finer flour than the steel mill, but the steel mill is better for wet grinding (eg. nut butters)

[@stevep1613]

Loved your video. Try to always switch the black hot wire and line side of the switch is always on the top, and the load side going to the motor is on the bottom side of the switch. Make sure switch says on and off and not no and ffo. It's all good anyway.

[@StillnTheClear]

Thanks for the tips. I did end up changing the switch after so many corrections .

[@robertlewis3336]

I have this model in 220v. It didn't come with a power cord, so I had to figure that out. It does a great job & will chew through whatever I feed it. If it died, I'd buy another one.

[@StillnTheClear]

Thanks for the comment. I figured 220v was just a bit more than I need at this point.

[@richardcoplin4103]

Not a wire man by anyone s imagination. I had a new on off switch put on. Get it rolling and pour in the corn moderately, otherwise my mill might short. Now, works great, glad I got it.

[@StillnTheClear]

For sure, this thing just keeps on chewing through the grain.

[@JBernhard72]

Just to add... the ground (green) wire shall be bonded to the metal box... this would also be a great addition to ground the grinder. Lastly keep in mind dust CAN become explosive!

[@StillnTheClear]

Thank you. I'm going to be making a new video with all the helpful tips folks have been giving me.

[@amyr1366]

I recently bought a grinder, but this one comes with a power switch, I have tried it with dry wheat and corn (not dry) and it hasn't given me any problems, as for the loading hopper, mine comes with a plastic one that fits into the body of the grinder so you don't need additional screws.

[@cremenectar]

Thanks for the video. Mine just arrived today and there's no manual either. The ball bearing and a bunch of stuff were lying loose in the box and I'd no idea what to do. Do you know if the disc can be washed (will it rust)? It has a layer of thick industrial grease. I'm thinking of washing them off and grease with cooking oil instead. Will be grinding oat to flour and cant have them smelling like engine oil

[@franklinwaynejohnson2161]

An EZ way to make a gasket is to put a bead of silicone on one side then cover with Saran wrap. Now put a bead of silicone on the other side and cover it with Saran Wrap. Close the door and leave it for 24hrs. You may be able to remove the Saran Wrap but just trim if you cannot.

[@Xx__SHADOW__xXl]

Thank you for your video.

[@steved1489]

Would it void the warranty modifying the electrical connection?

[@StillnTheClear]

I imagine it probably does.

[@wadebarnes6720]

Does it grind small enough to make flour

[@wadebarnes6720]

Was that a yes

[@StillnTheClear]

No it doesn't

[@pauldoyle4852]

I'd leave that in the review on Amazon just so others know

[@StillnTheClear]

Good idea. Thanks.

[@joaquin698]

Bro.. Just a FAN-FRICKING-TASTIC VIDEO.. 💪🏻🇺🇸💪🏻.. Tks a lot for sharing your knowledge 🙏.. God Bless/Stay Safe.. pd. Would You list the items you bought for me to follow step by step what you did on this machine? I will buy one.. by the way as of today I’m your faithful follower.. Take Care 🙌🏻

[@BarryMiller-j3x]

i bought one it works good check the motor for switch

[@RK_Kong69]

Well its time to do a 1yr update did it hold up or we buy a different one

[@StillnTheClear]

@@RK_Kong69 I have run literally tons of grain through. It's still chewing through everything I give it. I've had no problems or issues at all. I highly recommend it still.

[@RK_Kong69]

@StillnTheClear alright good deal prob gna buy one so i can do cracked corn an store in barrels for mashes

[@jeffemehiser8749]

It's common practice to switch the hot ( black) wire. This is to keep the 110v away from the device when it's turned off.

[@StillnTheClear]

Thanks for the info. I guess I'll go back and rewire it.

[@herlindasebastian3516]

Can someone tell me how to find that hopper standing pls can't find it 🤔

[@BillMcGirr]

Is there not an American made mill? Just recently I was looking for an onion head for my 26 gallon still…3” connection. I could have bought a Chinese one. I found a gentleman from Ozark still works in Indiana to make me one. For around the same price. I’m not one to ever tell anyone else what to do… But it would seem an American company would make one… And probably better.🤷‍♂️😊👍🥃 Best wishes. Love the channel and content.

[@StillnTheClear]

There are American made mills, but for three times the money.

[@StillnTheClear]

I agree. American made is typically better quality, but sometimes budget is the deciding factor.

[@robertbeaulieu8721]

Your so correct if it was American or Canadian made it would be top notch but because our standard of living in a democracy is much higher its hard to compete with overpopulated countries. I hope to see their standard of living go up so we can return to making our own products once again like after WW2 before the Japanese figured it out. Their stuff was well made also they had a good teacher, USA.

[@ChefDan1981]

I'm looking at buying one of these. What's your opinion on after (almost) a year later?

[@StillnTheClear]

It is worth every penny. I have ran thousands of lbs of grain through mine with zero issues.

[@demsrchildabusers7959]

The lack of a switch is a safety feature. Be careful it doesn't get switched on when you have your hand in it or have the face off! If you are gonna keep the switch, you may want to make "off" the down position. But I wouldn't have the switch.

[@johnalmendarez7343]

Thank for your video

[@StillnTheClear]

You are welcome

[@jfcasebere]

With a 3000W motor, how does it operate on a standard household 15A or 20A circuit? 3000W/120V=25A or 3000W/110V=27.3A Is your circuit breaker constantly throwing out?

[@StillnTheClear]

Lol, can't be right but that's what the box said. I bet it's probably around 1200 is

[@abrad3061]

I have been contemplating that one and the one from tractor supply. Did you consider that one and why did you decide on this one

[@StillnTheClear]

I did look at the TSC mill. It was only $50 more, but it just seemed to have too much plastic. I have no experience with the TSC mill to really know for sure. I chose this one because it seemed like the best bet $ for $. Time will tell. Some of folks in the comments seem to like this one too.

[@abrad3061]

@Still'n The Clear okay, thanks.I just hate giving my money to the Chinese. But the tractor supply one is probably Chinese also.

[@StillnTheClear]

@@abrad3061 yeah, it most likely is a Chinese product.

[@abrad3061]

@Still'n The Clear like everything else! I swear if China fell off the edge of the world tomorrow, not just us but the world would be screwed. We don't know how to do anything anymore

[@Veemack21]

Nice video

[@StillnTheClear]

Thanks

[@ronaldgroves9037]

You should tape the wire nut on so it doesn’t vibrate off.

[@StillnTheClear]

Thank you for the tip.

[@rockymntain]

Yes. On stranded wire it would be a good idea. On solid wire, the wire below the nut would be twisted 2-3 turns below the nut to prevent them from coming apart.

[@masterofnone6620]

I have one for grinding rock salt for making brine for ice clearing. Amazing so far n

[@gamingwithmr.fregles8802]

one thing I am going to say, is if it lets you go metal on metal, that's a hunk of junk. Because, if it can, it will, and that would be hazardous to sell or give to animals.

[@joebrent2762]

If it has a capacitor start on the motor, you cannot put a rheostat on it.

[@StillnTheClear]

Cool, thanks for the info. I'm glad I didn't do that.

[@rockymntain]

Most AC motor windings are set up to run most efficiently at the rated voltage. Reducing the volts/amps would be the same as using a supply cord that is too small. It would run less efficiently and the motor would heat up and most likely be damaged. There are wave -form AC reducers, but they are a bit pricy for a small application. There are DC motors that would be more efficient for speed reduction but again the cost might be out of reach for practical home use.

[@sevenmile]

@@rockymntain I see these mills calling themselves 3000 W. Can a 110v AC motor even generate 3k watts of power? I recall something from 45 years ago regarding P=IE...but that is about all LOL

[@rockymntain]

@@sevenmile You'd be correct in questioning the wattage. I was taught the same formula. Volts X Amps = Watts. Given a good day on a 20 amp circuit at the highest supply voltage in the US at 120V you'd achieve 2400W of power. Any induction motor can pull 4 to 5 times their rated power at startup for 1 to 2 seconds. Any longer than that will blow fuses/breakers. If they are using the start Watts, that is a dishonest rating, as the concern is the running amps not starting amps. For most households, the only way around this is if it was wired up to and capable of being attached to a two leg, 220/240 single phase line.

[@sevenmile]

@@rockymntain Thanks for laying it out!

[@jacobharris6378]

Would it work on wood chips?

[@StillnTheClear]

I've not tried it.

[@omayoza]

Can this grand tomatoes

[@OSCARE38]

Sometimes if you go internet they put the instructions manual threre I bought one similar ball ache to put together when I finely finished my wife says the instructions are on line couldn’t have told me an hour before 🤦‍♂️

[@StillnTheClear]

Well, as an Ozark hillbilly, I don't read instructions anyway. 😂

[@jimmelton7299]

Black is the hot wire. White is the neutral. Green is the ground.

[@jimmelton7299]

Black to gold screws on switch. White to silver screws.

[@StillnTheClear]

Thank you.

[@cyberanswer]

I guess it doesn't mill as fine as a Victoria Corn Mill to make fine corn flour for Nixtamalized corn for fresh homemade corn Masa tortillas?

[@johntexan4165]

FYI... there are extension cords with a built in switch..

[@StillnTheClear]

Oh, that would have been easier, lol. Thanks for the tip.

[@markshipley4538]

you do know you did that back words black is the hot wires they go to the yellow sc

[@StillnTheClear]

Yes, several folks have let me know. Thank you for the comment. 👍

[@longpham8916]

That’s can make Cracked Corn sir?

[@StillnTheClear]

Yes it can. It is adjustable.

[@Jamison-]

As a professional electrical with 352 years of experience and member of 130 unions worldwide and 2 extraterrestrial galactic unions, your electrical work is bad and you should feel bad! Lol great vid man

[@StillnTheClear]

😂 thank you very much. I'll try to feel bad.

[@ETsBees]

Looks bad, works great and still safe. No reason wasting money on unions that help put garbage politicians in place

[@MCQUEENFIT]

I ordered one and it doesn’t have a spring loaded plate

[@baraaali1320]

But when I finish grain I seen some ston on it please let me know why

[@StillnTheClear]

I'm sorry, I don't understand your comment. Can you please clarify.

[@baraaali1320]

@@StillnTheClear thanks for relpayWhen I grind with sage, small pebbles come out with the flour

[@StillnTheClear]

Maybe the small pebbles are mixed in with the corn.

[@baraaali1320]

@@StillnTheClear no its come of the grainer small whait one

[@baraaali1320]

Do you think when is too tied

[@johnkillen588]

immediately order another set of steel burrs

[@StillnTheClear]

I've ran thousands of lbs of grain through this mill and haven't needed a new set yet. I think it's because I don't grind my grain too fine.

[@thejollyfrog640]

Re: Switch. Just plug the machine into an individually switched power board and use the switch on the power board....Simple.

[@StillnTheClear]

Thanks for the tip.

[@mojomujica]

How much was it?

[@StillnTheClear]

I gave about $250 US. Here's the link amzn.to/3RovvnZ

[@timburris3758]

What Horsepower Motor?

[@StillnTheClear]

There is no labeling on the motor to indicate what horsepower rating it has. Sorry.

[@Deehaiti]

Thank you for the video I am looking to buy one just like if thank you

[@AT-qe5wf]

If you purchase, you will never find parts if you need to replace anything that you can't find at hardware store. Throw away equipment that can't be repaired. They work, just be aware

[@wadebarnes6720]

You just got one that was supposed to go where safety is not a big deal

[@devilsanus3510]

Im suprised nobody noticed he put the S.O cord connectors in wrong

[@KailasnathEkke2007]

Your back back is very high.

[@StillnTheClear]

?

[@gamingwithmr.fregles8802]

wtf

[@kenbedley5758]

Cyrus, if you got instructions, you probably couldn’t read them anyways Chinese

[@StillnTheClear]

You're probably right.

[@chip63us]

I got a blue one it has a on off switch

[@themaximusone]

I went thru 2, the second one quit and smoked after the 3rd time yes the blue and red one they are garbage.

[@StillnTheClear]

Wow. I've been using mine weekly for over a year and it's still chewing through grain.