Machined-Steel Grinder

Machined-Steel Grinder FARM HOME Food 33-2-31 Unlike most grinders made of cast aluminum, Bitteroot Tool & Machine's GrainMaker is CNC machined out of steel. That's important to people concerned with food quality, says manufacturer Randy Jones. "Over time, the aluminum from cast grinders can end up in the ground grain." The burr designs - one stationary and one that rotates - are also unique and made of high-grade alloy steel. Since they started selling their GrainMakers 10 years ago, Jones and his partner, Rick Hixon, have never had to replace a part. Jones made the first grinder when a Montana neighbor wanted a mill to grind his own wheat. It takes about 4 min. to hand grind a 4-cup hopper full of wheat. The grinder works for all types of grain. Jones recently started grinding rice for a new grandchild. It also grinds coffee and turns peanuts into peanut butter. "Other grinders will do coffee and peanuts, but ours cleans up easier," says Jones. "You can take it apart without any tools at all. Pop off the dust cover, take the front burr off, rotate the back burr and it's easily disassembled." Some customers are health conscious and just want to grind their own food. Others have food allergies, but can consume wheat and other grains if they sprout before grinding. Jones also has had customers who use the grinder to make beer. The GrainMaker has sealed roller bearings for smooth maintenance-free operation, a handle extension for better leverage, and adjustable burr pressure control for coarse to fine grinding. It weighs 20 lbs., can be bolted or clamped in place, and is set up to attach a motor. They have a limited lifetime warranty and sell for $445, including shipping. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Bitteroot Tool & Machine, P. O. Box 130, Stevensville, Montana 59870 (ph 406 777-7096; sales@btm-mt.com; www.grainmaker.com).

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