How to Build a Flour Mill

A flour mill---also known as a grain mill---is used to pound whole grains into a flour or paste. Wheat grains are first dried then placed in the mill to make the flour. Fresh grains are pounded to make a paste. Corn and soybeans can also be processed in the mill to make cornmeal or soybean flour. Making your own flour mill is a simple project and takes less than an hour to complete. This mill will process a half-pound of wheat in four minutes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Steel pipes
• Pipecutter or hacksaw
• Vice
• Metal file
• Sports tape
• Juice can
• Whole grains

1. Cut three 3/4-inch diameter steel pipes into 30-inch-long lengths. Hold the pipe steady with a table vise and use an electric hacksaw or pipe cutter to cut the ends as flat as possible.

2. File the cut ends smooth with a metal file. When stood on end, the pipes should sit flush against a flat surface.

3. Wrap the length of each piece of pipe completely in slip-resistant tape. Sports tape for hockey sticks and other equipment works well.

4. Hold the pipes together in a tight bundle. Set the cut ends on a flat surface to ensure they are even. Wrap duct tape tightly around the entire bundle to hold it together.

5. Cut the top off a large juice can or use a coffee can to hold the grain. Choose a can that is at least four inches in diameter and seven inches high.

6. To use, fill the can one inch deep with the grain of your choice. Place the can on a hard flat surface. Sit on a chair and hold the can steady with your feet. Grip the pipe bundle at a comfortable height and set the cut end in the can. Lift the pipe up three inches and pound in short rapid strokes until the grain is the desired consistency.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves to avoid blisters while pounding. Use a sieve to separate the cracked grains from the fine flour.
• Wear goggles and protective gloves when cutting pipes.

References

• The Farm

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