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Grind Your Own Coffee Beans
by Myron Joshua
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Zassehaus Hand-Operated Coffee Mill Instructions by Tom Owens,
SweetMarias.com
To adjust your grinder
Turn the knurled adjusting nut on the handle shaft counter-clockwise until it cannot go any further (don't force it), then turn it clockwise one turn. Operate the handle by turning it clockwise (remember, always crank your grinder clockwise!) and if you feel resistance, turn the adjusting nut further clockwise. When you no longer feel resistance or hear any metallic sound from the burrs, you are set to grind for Filter Coffee. One half turn clockwise from this position will produce an excellent filter coffee grind. With the adjusting nut turned all the way clockwise, you are set for your coarsest grind.
Filter Drip
Turn the adjusting nut fully counterclockwise, then turn it
clockwise just to the point where the burrs no longer contact each other.
French Press
Turn the adjusting nut 3/4 turn clockwise (coarser) from
the filter drip setting; adjust according to taste. I know, it looks fine.
But try it! Finer is better! Remember, the optimal grind for any coffee
brewing method is the finest setting possible that will still keep
sediment from escaping the filter/screen into the brew.
For the Zassenhaus Turkish Mill Grinder:
The burrs should rub continuously when set correctly. Your adjusting nut is underneath the burrs.
For the Zassenhaus Grain Mill Grinder:
The adjustment dial is marked for Fine and Coarse.
The adjustment on a Grain Mill is a bit different even though
the burrs are the same high quality machined type. The auger shaft is spring loaded. Be
aware that sometimes fine sediment can start to impede adjustment of the mill, and
jam up the spring. All you need to do is remove the adjustment dial and washers
(taking care to note their position for re-assembly) and then push the auger out the front
of the mill (away from the side with the crank handle). Then you have total access
to the burrs and can remove any accumulation of fine powder.
Other Tips:
- Can the Zassenhaus grind finer? Sure! The burrs are tool grade
steel. Personally, I use my box mill for espresso, and set it at a point
where the burrs meet fully! Don't be afraid; they can handle it.
- Don't forget: Always turn the handle clockwise while grinding beans.
- Dont fret too much about the burrs rubbing at some point in the
cycle, if that setting produces the grind you want. These are hard steel
burrs and the rotation speeds are slow, so little heat is generated.
- Some mills require breaking in; the knurled adjusting nut
may move a bit stiffly at first, and the crank arm may get hung up in its
setting. This is normal, and will clear itself up soon! When setting the
grind from finer to coarser, push down on the nut at the center of the
shaft on top.
- The easiest way to grind coffee is to hold the mill between your
thighs or knees while seated and crank away. I do this even with my box
mill. Your great-grandmother could have told you that!
- Zassenhaus mills can be used for milling specialty flours,
grinding hard spices (pods, etc.) and pepper. But these will affect the
coffee flavor so you may need to thoroughly clean the burrs by running rice
through the mill after using for other purposes.
To keep your grinder in good condition:
- Clean the exterior finished wood with Murphy's Soap, or the equivalent.
- The drive shaft has nylon and/or brass bearings and does not
require lubrication.
- Every 3 months, grind 1/2 cup of "minute rice" to keep the
burrs clean. Some people prefer to use Grape Nuts cereal for this!
- You can grind peppercorns, spices, etc. in the mill, but you
might risk tainting your coffee with these aromas. Rice will help clear out
other odors.
- The burrs never need sharpening and do not need cleaning if you
use the "rice method" above, unless the deposits of coffee oils and
sediment become so thick that the burrs are not fully adjustable (this
would occur first in the finest grind). Set the grinder to its coarsest
setting. Remove the 2 or 4 phillips screws in the top of the grinder and
remove the grinding mechanism to access the burrs. Clean them with a
bottlebrush or toothbrush. Do not use any water-based cleaning liquids!
Related Resources
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turkish
zassenhaus
mill
blade
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