Corn mill that I need help with. Newbie alert

Hi all. Thanks for addition to the group. Reason for my adding is that I have inherited a corn mill from my grandfather and have no idea of its value or if they are common etc. I'm not sure what to do with it if I'm honest

You do not say what model it is but in general the smaller ones are more desirable due to their size. I restored a Rapid Grinding mill earlier this year it was a model 1C and was still a handful even on steerable castors due to the weight. Yours seems to be in good condition but I would take a look at the fixed and revolving grinding plates as if these are worn down it will not grind anything (check the back side of the two larger outer plates as these are reversible so may be OK on the other side). It has an incorrect sticker on the hopper and the sack hanger is missing. Also check the bronze bearings at either end of the drive shaft for up & down movement and check if the feed shaker mechanism is working OK.

After a full restoration mine sold for £550

The grinding plates should look like this:





Mine restored:



And grinding corn:

Oh fabulous. Thankyou so much matey

[quote="Garak"]You do not say what model it is but in general the smaller ones are more desirable due to their size. I restored a Rapid Grinding mill earlier this year it was a model 1C and was still a handful even on steerable castors due to the weight. Yours seems to be in good condition but I would take a look at the fixed and revolving grinding plates as if these are worn down it will not grind anything (check the back side of the two larger outer plates as these are reversible so may be OK on the other side). It has an incorrect sticker on the hopper and the sack hanger is missing. Also check the bronze bearings at either end of the drive shaft for up & down movement and check if the feed shaker mechanism is working OK.

I bought a Bamford no1 mill at a sale yesterday, so before I go any further I thought I better check the things you suggest. I have the cover off the grinding plates but am confronted with a large nut which I can't move on the shaft holding them together. Before I start using 'heavy persuasion' can you tell me is it a right or left hand thread please.
Philip

philipagri wrote:
I bought a Bamford no1 mill at a sale yesterday, so before I go any further I thought I better check the things you suggest. I have the cover off the grinding plates but am confronted with a large nut which I can't move on the shaft holding them together. Before I start using 'heavy persuasion' can you tell me is it a right or left hand thread please.
Philip

If I remember correctly it's a left hand thread

Thanks, I'll try that
Philip

Hello,

Hope you don't mind me tagging on to this post. I've just recently picked up one of these at auction and hoped for some advice on how to take it apart. Specifically, how to get the grinding plates off/apart. Is that large nut really removable? Mine just won't budge at all and I'm worried about forcing it. One of the smaller bolts has already snapped. Looks like someone has had it off before at some point though - notice odd square nut there. The thing about the large nut is that it looks like the drive shaft isn't a complete circle (?) see picture. So then I started worrying thinking maybe it doesn't come off, and that there's some other trick here.

OK. Unfortunately I can't share a photo as I'm a new member I must wait 7 days?! Anyway, perhaps you can help otherwise I'll try posting a picture once the probation has elapsed!

Any advice/help would be very much appreciated. I don't want to damage it!

Many thanks.

Gareth.

https:// drive.google.com/file/d/19gpkD42JM-6B-iNAHzqo1pREvzreKHFU

Hi Gareth and a warm welcome to the forum.

Best to start a new thread in New Projects/Restorations rather than tag onto an old one. I'm sure someone will be along with some advice soon.  
Please post a couple of pictures when you are able.
Tutorial here:  https://ukengineforum.forumotion.com/t9665-how-to-upload-images

Good luck