Antique Pepper Mill Construction Suggestions

1. The mounting screws that come with the grinder protrude only 3/8” into the base and stripped out the first time I used the grinder...embarrassing! I recommend using 1”, #6, pan head, Phillips head screws to mount the pepper grinder. I drilled pilot holes with a #32 drill. I could not find a screw with the same finish as the grinder but purchased brass screws and “painted” the heads with a black marker. It is almost a perfect match. 2. The pepper mill mechanism I received would not fit in a 1& 11/16” diameter hole. A 1& ¾ hole worked fine. 3. When considering a design for the base, be aware that the grinder mechanism is relatively heavy and if the base is too narrow the mill will become top heavy and tip over easily. Provide for a wide, solid base. 4. Otherwise, the mill seems to be well made and is currently working nicely. I will reserve final judgment based upon longer term evaluation. 5. My 3 star rating is based upon problems one and two above that should have been anticipated by designers of the mill. The modified mill I would rate a four.

Antique Peppermill

I bought this item a bit over a month ago after reading a few of the reviews stating that it was a great product. I haven't put it together yet and I can already tell you that the instructions are marginal at best. If you are going to mount this to a turned piece of wood, Read and understand the part about making a Jam chuck, that part at least is true. However, Do not go with only a 2"x2"x4" piece of wood as the instructions say you CAN do. If you do, the wood will be too thin around the base of the mechanism by the time you get it turned decently. You need at least 2 1/2x2 1/2x4" as the instructions mention. you will have a much easier time of getting a desired profile. Also you need a 1" hole drilled through the top center of the wood NOT 7/8,if you use 7/8 the corns may get stuck and not flow freely. I hope this review helps you. I will update this review after I get it made (when I find a piece of 2 1/2x2 1/2x4" wood that I like.

Great seller with good profit

I was invited to spend seven weeks at Silver Dollars City's Harvest Festival last year and this was my best seller at 39.95 each I was selling all I could make.If you could not find any last fall it was because I bought all I could find from all the suppliers. The words from customers were cool and unique.

Peppermill

The peppermill was easy to turn. The only problem is the screws, they strip very easily. Out of 5 kits, I was only able to make 3 due to the screws.

WOW! WOW!

Is what I hear everytime. The shape is so unique it turns heads. Well constructed and on turned exotic hardwood it's a show piece. I'm planning 25 or more for Christmas gifts this year.

Antique peppermill

Myself and everyone who saw the finished product loved the Peppermill mechanism. It was also a beautiful finished product. My only recommendation is to re-write the instructions. They were very difficult to figure out. Specifically, it didn't say to drill the hole into the block before or after the rest of the project. For new turners, they need to be a little more user friendly. I look forward to doing my next one though. Jeff Mason

Make A Great Combination

I just finished one each of the pepper grinder and coffee grinder. I made them both from the same wood. They were in my inventory 1 day! Easy to make and easier to sell. Highly recommend you try these two.

Excellent

I have enjoyed turning the base for this project. Nice heavy duty piece. Quality built, and nice looking. Going to purchase more.

Good grinder

Not built for more than light to moderate use, but great as an accent or decorative kitchen piece. Problems I've encountered with making and selling several hundred are: Cap screws tend to come loose if not fastened with Loctite or finger nail polish. Mounting screws will strip or break if you aren't careful.

Beautiful Antique Peppermill

I ordered one just to give it a shot. When it came, it looked exactly as it did in the photos. Antique brass finish. It was easy to make the box... actually just a shaped cylinder with a 1" through hole. Mounting was easy... and secure...2 screws... but it could be drilled for four. The adjustment mechanism works like a charm. I love it! I'm going to get another half dozen or so, because they'll sell. If you like antiques, this is a winner!!