Salt & Pepper mills

[Donny Lawson]

I'm wanting to make some salt & pepper mills. I've never tried this yet but wanted to for some time now. Just have a few questions. Are they hard to make? Where is a good place to buy the mill kits? I'm looking at CSUSA right now. I would like to make 6"-8"ones. Any advise on quality? Any pictures out there of some you have made?

[Greg Just]

Pepper mills are basically spindle turning with a hole drilled down the middle. I use Crush Grind ceramic mechanisms and get them from Packard Woodworking. They seem to have the best prices.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Donny I use the deluxe pepper mills, these http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Projects___Pepper___Salt_Mills___Deluxe_Pepper_Mil l_Mechanism___dlx_pep_mill?Args= and they work well. Really easy to do. The first couple take some time but once you get it figured out it goes quickly.

[Kathy Marshall]

Donny, I've made a few sets and they're not hard, you just need to be sure to take your time so you get all the steps in order (I've found myself rushing and almost forgetting important steps). I think I bought the kits from Craft Supplies and I've done both the standard mill kits and the crush grind. I like the crush grind (shaft-less) since it's much more versatile in regards to size and shape.
If you go to the Craft Supplies site you can look at (and print) the instructions which also show what size drill bits each kit needs.
Here are some links to a couple of sets I've posted.
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?178102-The-first-of-the-Salt-and-Pepper-Mill-sets
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?173489-1st-Salt-amp-Pepper-Mill-Set

Have fun!

[Dave Stoler]

I find peppermills one of the most rewarding turning projects! A useful project that actually has a useful purpose.. :)235529235530

[Donny Lawson]

Thanks, I just ordered one of the Deluxe 6" kits from Craft Supply along with some other items. I'm still deciding on a wood choice right now for the mill.

[Jim Burr]

I make a lot of these. The most important thing I've found so far is measurements. Wood, style, function and hardware matter little if the parts don't fit. Purple heart is a fun one! Any of the maples, Spalted stuff is cool...just make sure the fungus is dead! Freezing is a good way to solve that per the USDA. Friut woods are cool if they hold together!