Pepper Mill

[solderpot]

About a year ago I turned a pepper mill using the Woodriver-Stainless Steel Grinder Kit. My problem isn't a turning issue but the mechanism itself. It seems to clog up quite often and to clear it you have to take the mechanism apart. I've looked on line for answers and it appears that is not uncommon to many pepper mills and several posts indicated that peppercorns can absorb moisture which can cause the grinder to clog up. If its not the peppercorns could it be the species of wood? Is there a type of wood BEST suited for mills? Problem there is I can't recall what wood I used to make the one I have. I'm planning on making some for Christmas gifts and before I invest in several Woodriver kits like the one I used, does any one have a kit they prefer, if so have the users of the mill ever had issues? I've looked at PSI and Craft USA and they both have several types of kits, some ceramic or what appears to be plastic. I'm hoping the turning community could provide me with input of kits they have found successful. Like a nicely turned pen I would like my turned mills to work well as much as look great.
I appreciate any and all feedback.

Thanks and stay safe,

 

[1080Wayne]

I`m not an expert , but I think the problem is the oils within the peppercorns . Humidity may well contribute though . I don`t think species of wood or whether or not it was stabilized would have much effect because the mill is open to the atmosphere , so the peppercorns cant help but adjust to its changes .

I don`t know of any easy cleaning methods , but others may .

 

[jrista]

The ceramic is necessary for salt, as salt would corrode metal. For peppercorns, you can use metal grinders. I have several sets of salt and pepper mill kits that I recently purchased. Haven't turned them yet, but I chose fairly hard woods for them (Macassar ebony for a couple sets, I forget what for another, its browner but also a hard wood.) I'm not sure the type of woods will really play a role, though, as I doubt any of the mills will actually be airtight...

 

[Valin6210]

Turned a pepper mill a couple years ago (Jan 2019) and have never had it clog up. Used black walnut for the pepper mill and maple for the salt shaker.

 

[BCnabe]

I've had a problem with one customer's mill clogging up. They were using Himalayan salt which seemed to have a higher moisture content when I took it apart.

The other thing I think might contribute to clogging is when the grinder is used over a pot of hot water, pasta, etc. The grinder is held in a cloud of steam and it will naturally cause some moisture and condensation in the grinder which could lead to clumping/clogging.

 

[solderpot]

I`m not an expert , but I think the problem is the oils within the peppercorns . Humidity may well contribute though . I don`t think species of wood or whether or not it was stabilized would have much effect because the mill is open to the atmosphere , so the peppercorns cant help but adjust to its changes .

I don`t know of any easy cleaning methods , but others may .

Thanks, never thought about the oils. Thanks again.

 

[jecinco]

I've turned 100+ peppermills over the past few years. I like the CSUSA Turners Deluxe Kits as well as the Crush Grind Kits depending on my design. If I want the adjustment Knob at the top I use the Deluxe Turners kits and if I want a Knobless top based on my design I use the crush grind kits. Lately I've made the switch to using just the ceramic salt versions for both pepper and salt to give the customer the option for salt or pepper. I make a 3/8/ tenon on the top of the mill and recess the turning plate inside the tenon. I also drill a 3/8 hole thru the mill top and add a 3/8 brass tube from a pen kit. Just a design preference for me.

As far as wood goes I use about anything but have a preference for the Harder denser woods like Cocobolo, Ebonies, Desert Irownwood Hard Maple. Get a bit pricey but people seem to pay for the quality and uniqueness. Done some with splated woods (Maple, Mango, Tamrid and they look interesting but I finish the center where the salt/pepper goes with a food grade finish just to make the buyer feel safe when they ask what causes the lines in the wood. My exterior finish on all the mills is Waterlox, about 10-15 coats and then polished using Yorkshire grit, both the brown and white and then paste wax. Good luck and a warning....turning pepper mills can be addictive...

I attached a few quick pics (not very good) of a Mill I did as a wedding gift out of Mun Ebony (prep and post finish) and a few others ( olive wood, Buckeye burl, walnut burl and Blackwood)