CrushGrind-WOOD-mechanism

Prototype mills made with this mechanism - Yew wood

The advantage of this mechanism lies in the Wood turner's ability to create a mill of whatever length required, without the constraints of a metal stem with a fixed length. However, skill is required in order to get the two main parts to fit together cleanly without binding together at a later stage. Wood must be properly dried in order to avoid warping at a later date. If either or both of the two parts, which join together, should warp, then the body will lock up and the finished job will be ruined. The dimensions of the main body are the same as the dimensions of the SHAFT models but the dimensions of the joint are better shown below in the series of three pictures which follow. The neoprene washers are NOT necessary! Better to create an attractive, wooden stopper of a contrasting colour.

These diagram shows the main component parts of the finished mill. The style is basic for the purposes of this limited instruction. The top, green piece is the stopper and can be fitted with a neoprene ring, which can be supplied or with a round section ring from a plumbers' supplies store. Alternatively, the stopper could be threaded. In fact, if the stopper and the hole are tapered then nothing else is required. The blue section rotates within the red bottom section.

Dimensions in mm:

Base dia. - 44 mm.
Base depth minimum 19 mm. to the shoulder.
Body, internal dia.38 mm + 0.03 mm. or 1.5" .It is important for the splines to grip.
Depth of body - 36 mm. from shoulder to base of upper section.
Depth of docking joint-15 mm.
Dia.of docking joint - 25 mm. 7.Dia./depth of inner groove:- 30 mm by 5 mm.

Finished Mill

The finished mill should resemble the picture above in so far as the internal fittings are concerned. The actual prototype shown in the website photograph, above, is just one example of what can be done. The dimensions are critical. The base should be a minimum of 70 mm from bottom to top - i.e.19 mm plus 36 mm plus 15mm. Otherwise you will have difficulty in getting the top section to clip onto the 3 spring clips. The future is in your hands!