Quick Answer
To adjust a hand mill for different grain textures, you need to experiment with grind settings and burr spacings. Start with a coarse setting for whole grains and adjust to fine for flour. Regularly cleaning and maintaining the mill also affects performance.
Adjusting Grind Settings
To adjust the grind setting on your hand mill, you’ll typically need to loosen a locking screw or nut, turn the grind adjustment knob, and then tighten the locking screw. The number of turns required to achieve different grind settings will depend on your specific mill model, so consult your user manual for guidelines. For example, a grind setting of 1-2 may produce a coarse grind suitable for whole grains, while a setting of 8-10 may produce a fine flour texture.
Burr Spacing and Maintenance
The distance between the burrs, or grinding plates, also affects the texture of the ground grains. To adjust burr spacing, loosen the burr retaining bolts, and then turn the burr adjustment screws. A general rule of thumb is to space the burrs 0.005-0.010 inches apart for a coarse grind and 0.001-0.003 inches apart for a fine grind. Regularly cleaning the burrs with a soft brush and maintaining the mill with oil will also help ensure optimal performance.
Testing and Refining
To refine your grind settings and burr spacings, start by testing the mill with a small sample of grain. Evaluate the texture and consistency of the ground grains, and then make adjustments as needed. Repeat this process until you achieve the desired texture, keeping in mind that different grains may require different settings. For example, wheat and rye may require a coarser grind than corn or rice.
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