I was going to use a 5 gallon bucket as a hopper for my new Monster Mill. Anyone have pictures or design of a similar setup?
I recommend buying the hopper from monster. It’s relatively inexpensive and fits very well.
I actually do have it. I’m just not jazzed that the included hardware for the hopper isn’t stainless steel. I’m not sure I love the fact that the grain is running over cadmium.
I always thought that was galvanized steel. Anyway, do you think that hard kernels of grain would really pick any up?
The hopper is steel. I’m talking about the screws. Probably not, just being OCD. Although you wouldn’t find that in any other food industry applications.
How could you tell the hardware is cadmium?
You can always rivet the hopper with whatever metal you prefer.
I tasted it. I called them earlier and they said they are not SS. Unless I misunderstood the rep., I believe he said cad. coated.
Either way, they aren’t SS.
Good point. A quick order from McMaster Carr would be easier compared to building a hopper and getting it attached well. LowesDepot might even have machine screws in stainless that would fit well.
edit - honestly, the cadmium is likely electroplated and should be very stable under normal usage. Your not applying hear or running abrasives through.
The hopper is made from “G90 hot dip galvanized steel”. Just looked up my emails with Fred (where I asked if aluminum or steel rivets would be preferred). Aluminum rivets are fine. I used 1/8 inch rivets with a 1/8 inch rivet washer (the rivets without the washer are barely too small for the hole and will creep out otherwise).
Now I’m thinking about riveting mine. Not for concerns of material, just to make it a cleaner install. Heading to harbor freight this weekend.
Awesome. Poor Flick. 
Wait a minute. You are worried about hard dry grain passing over it but your OK with TASTING IT?!
Only joking…didn’t eat the screw :
Ha, I guess I was gullible this morning, I thought you really licked it.
That’s exactly why I did it. Rivets are far less obtrusive.
Man, wish I’d thought of riveting mine together sooner. Should let the grain feed better as well, no more grains stuck behind the screw head. I’ll have to swing by the hardware store for some pop rivets.
I’m digging the irony of this statement with your “if its not broken, don’t fix it” tagline at the bottom.
;D
It’s a rule that pretty well sums up my approach to brewing…but it’s really more of a guideline. Geeky tangents and over-engineered solutions are half the fun of the hobby.