Today I came across a handgrinder for about $75 that was called Back to Basics. Has anyone used this? Hand grinder is top of my list right now, and would appreciate any input on handgrinders.

-- Mumsie (Lotsakids@home.com), June 30, 1999

Answers

Mumsie:

I have just ordered the Back to Basics grain mill from NitroPak. It seems to be a good grain mill for the price. I would also like input from anyone who has one. Mumsie, from the looks of your address, you're really going to need a good one!!!

-- Scarlett (creolady@aol.com), June 30, 1999.

We have 2 of those grinders. We don't use them much right now, but have ground about 30 pounds of Hard Red, and Hard White wheat. They work fine.

My only quibble is that the hopper is pretty small.

But all in all, works ok. For fine flour - just grind twice. I cannot say anything about longevity, however.

Jolly

-- Jollyprez (jolly@prez.com), June 30, 1999.

ebay has grain mills in the $35 range. Go to ebay.com and do a search for grain mills. I'm still shopping too. Most of the ones on ebay are Corona Tradicional brand from Colombia. Anyone know about these?

-- Mommacares (harringtondesignX@earthlink.net), June 30, 1999.

The Corona and similar inexpensive mills are okay for occassionally grinding a bit of grain, but not for grinding all off your flour every day for years. We still have a corona -used to have 2, but sold one with stones when we got a Diamant mill, made in Denmark, very heavy cast iron and cost around $300 ten years ago. We kept one corona with the steel burrs to use for grinding peanuts, sticky seeds, etc. We expect our Diamant to last to give to our grandchildren someday.

Jim

-- Jim in WI (jiminwis@yahoo.com), June 30, 1999.

I have modified hoppers on grain mills by getting a piece of ductwork joint that steps down a bigger size to a smaller size. Take your grinder into the hardware store with you to measure. You will also need an adjustable round clamp, the kind that goes on dryer exhaust hose connections. Clip the bottom ( smaller end) of the duct piece with tin shears lengthwise about 1-2 inches in several places, so that you can fit it snugly around the existing hopper or the hopper cuff if there is no hopper. Secure with clamp(s). Have done this with coronas, I'm no mechanical genius, if I can you can! good luck!

-- seraphima (seraphima@aol.com), June 30, 1999.

If wheat grinders grind wheat, what do hand grinders grind? What about organ grinders?

-- A. Hambley (a.hambley@usa.net), June 30, 1999.

check out Emergency Essentials- www.beprepared.com

-- farmer (hillsidefarm@drbs.net), June 30, 1999.

Gee, all this time I was happy with the small hopper and thought it was designed that way on purpose.

Stopping to refill the hopper is the only way I get a moments rest when grinding!

There must be some HUGE arms out there.

-Greybear

-- Got Muscles?

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), June 30, 1999.