Enterprise No 105 Restoration Project

We just finished up a total restoration project for a Gentlemen in Florida (named Lee) on his Enterprise No 105 Antique Coffee Mill that was used by the US Military back in 1898. The Mill's base was stamped with "U.S. Q-M D." (United States Quarter Master's Division). The rare and unique Mill is a great piece of American history.

The restoration project started in January after the holidays and was finished up at the end of February. The Mill came from an estate sale of a Gentlemen that collected Military historical pieces in California. The Mill was manufactured by Enterprise around 1898, the same time the United States was involved in the Spanish-American War. We suspect the Mill was used to grind coffee for soldiers at a Fort on the West or East coast.

We completed a total restoration project on this Mill and brought it back to the original design intent including painting the same colors, all the accents and details. This is truly a treasure and exceptional antique coffee mill.

We truly enjoyed working with Lee on this project !!

Chuck Kowalski

John Wright Vintage Coffee Mill Reconditioning Project "The Three Sisters"

We just completed two wonderful coffee mills reconditioning projects. Our family enjoys a good cup of coffee, it's been a tradition between Vicki and two of her (Sharryl and Robbi) sisters for many years. I enjoy sitting down and talking over their favorite cup of coffee. So to make a great cup of coffee, the burr grinding of a antique coffee mill is the best way to go, nothing better than making a true cup of coffee.....

We picked up a couple un-restored small John Wright Mills to make a matching set that I call "The Three Sisters". For the project, we wanted to create unique coffee mill for each of them and a fully functional mill in order to grind fresh coffee beans. The John Wright Mills are excellent small kitchen counter top mills that don't take up much room. In addition, they we great decorative pieces of American history. Each Sister has individual taste in color and decor. Sharryl's favorite color is red and Robbi prefers more of the neutral colors. Robbi and Roger also travel in their RV, so we need to match not only their home kitchen, but also the RV. What better than having a fresh cup of coffee with a lake or mountain view in the morning !!

For the Mills, we went through our process for a full reconditioning to make the Mills new again. The project included striping the old paint with electrolysis, sand blasting the cast iron with fine grit media, painting the Mills, custom wood working for the bases, catch drawers and handles. In addition, Vicki hand painted the trim and accents to create a beautiful vintage Coffee Mill.

This was an enjoyable project, each sister have their own Mill and can pass it on as a heirloom to their daughter's someday...

The the left is Robbi's and Roger's., Vicki's in the center and Sharryl's on the right.

Reconditioning and Restoration completed by usacraftsman.com

Thanks for your time,
Chuck Kowalski

Antique Coffee Mills usacraftsman.com: Antique Coffee Mill cast iron Hopper Removal Proce...

Antique Coffee Mills usacraftsman.com: Antique Coffee Mill cast iron Hopper Removal Proce...: "For all the Antique Coffee Grinder and Coffee Mill enthusiasts, we finally figured out a way to successfully remove the Cast Iron Hoppers wi..."

Antique Coffee Mill cast iron Hopper Removal Process

For all the Antique Coffee Grinder and Coffee Mill enthusiasts, we finally figured out a way to successfully remove the Cast Iron Hoppers without any damage to the Mill. The process works for removal and resetting the Hopper. To start, we take the steps to remove all the paint, back in the 1890's the Mill manufactures may has used Lead based Paints, with all the Mill we recondition or restore at usacraftsman.com, we first use Electrolysis, Bronze high speed wire brushing and Fine Grit Media Sand Blasting to remove all Paint. Once the paint is totally removed the steps can proceed to remove the cast Iron Hopper from the Mill Body.

Tools & Material needed for this process
- Set of acetylene / oxygen torches (best to use a brazing type torch tip for this process to prevent damaging the surfaces).
- Heavy duty welders gloves (to lift the hopper free)
- Medium size bucket of ice cubes
- Clamp set up to hold the Mill Body securely while performing the process.
- As always Safety Gear and a Safe work environment.

Skill Level
- Mechanical ability and skills with a torch set, also, understanding of metal properties.
Note: People without the proper skill sets should not attempt this process....

Hopper Removal Process
Step 1.) Using an acetylene / oxygen torch set, carefully heat the joint surface between the Body and Hopper. Keep the torch moving all the way around the joint (typically heating approximately a band one (1) inch wide. Heat the surface until the outer area is glowing cherry hot (red in color)...
Step.2) Quickly fill the Hopper with Ice (we used regular ice cubes from the home freezer).
Step .3) Lift the Hopper with a slight twisting movement up and off.

The objective is expansion of the Mill Body joint and contraction of the Hopper joint. By heating the Mill Body joint and then "shocking" the Hopper joint with ice, the joint can be easily separated. The picture shows an Elgin No 42 with the Body and Hopper separated.

If you have a Mill that you need to remove the cast iron hopper (or re-assembly one), go to usacraftsman.com and send us an Email (from the contact page).. We can provide the service to you or other restoration/reconditioning needs for the Antique Coffee Mills and Grinders for an affordable price, all estimates are free for Mill work.

Thanks, hope this helps and please be careful if you attempt this process. Best to have someone with the Skills and Equipment to complete this task.

Chuck

Reconditioning Antique Coffee Mills - Quality in the Detail

It's a Labor of Love, a passion for detail & quality in restoring 100 year old Antique Coffee Mills and Grinders that were "Made in the USA". We take great pride in regaining life in each of our Antique Coffee Mills. We spend and average of over 100 hours reconditioning each Mill and the detail is that makes them unique, functional and beautiful works. We developed a process that is followed in great detail for each Mill to ensure all Lead Based Paint is removed. All mechanical components are restored to exacting specifications for functionality.Surfaces that come in contact with the Coffee Beans, Grounds or Spices are food safe with our seasoning method. The finish work is finely detailed. We polish the fasteners. The wheels and bodies casted lettering are hand painted. The wood work is finely finished like fine furniture. And the Mill's history is documented. We take the time, use only the best materials and processes to ensure quality for our Customers. At usacraftsman.com we work to restore and recondition the great Mills & Grinders and the history of a true American made product. If your looking for a unique Christmas Gift for a special person, that believes in Made in the USA with quality with American history, please go to our Website and take a look http://shop.usacraftsman.com/main.sc, if you have any questions, please contact us at vickiandchuck@usacraftsman.com... Our strategy is to produce unique gifts, we do not duplicate any of our Mills, these are truly 'one off', hand worked collectibles that are fully functional. Our Mills are "Burr Grinders", the coffee grounds make exceptional coffee, I recommend you check out the coffee experts on the difference between "Burr" grinders and the new style electric "Blade" grinders...

Thanks for your time.. Chuck

Meeting Great American's Along the Way

We've meet many interesting and great people with our new endeavor with usacraftsman.com while searching out pieces of American history, like the antique coffee mills and restoration service. In these difficult economic times, small business and individuals have been hit hard. As we travel the country, we see the signs of the times with vacate building that were once a thriving business supporting families, streets with rows of houses for sale that were once homes and our country's infrastructure falling apart..And, empty parking lots for manufacturing facilities that produced products that were 'Made in the USA'  Time are tough, the Country's shortfalls in the 1990's were caused by greed and short sighted people like; Wall street Financial egotistical self centered people, corrupt politicians, poor business leaders and people excepting hand outs for doing nothing through taxpayer entitlement programs. But, the spirit of our great Country can be and will be regenerated through true Americans.  We've meet and talked them great American people along the way.....

What is the make up of great people in my opinion:
1.) Truth and Honesty with integrity
2.) Willing to work hard with pride and quality
3.) Passion for "doing what is right, not what is easy"
4.) People that 'shake our hand' and it has meaning of honor.
5.) Creativity and calculated risk taking
6.) Striving to learn and grow through eduction and life experience
7.) Living within the Laws, Standards and Rules set forth by our Faith and Country
8.) Supporting the Women and Men that serve our Country and Freedoms
9.) Value Diversity with Compassion and Empathy for others
10.) Positive Attitude and the Willingness to try without excuses and willingness to learn from shortfalls

Thankfully there are people that live by, believe in and walk the talk. There is hope for the future. We've had the opportunity to see this first hand. In the past months we've seen the passion within people that is inspiring. We've seen signs posted in people's yard and in the front lawn of businesses stating "Buy American and Made in the USA" .... We've seen small business owners struggling to 'make it through the tough times' by extraordinary efforts to stay in business making scarifies. We've talked to people that are going their part to survive and regain control over their lives without hand outs.. In searching for quality materials & components to restore the antiques and make our products that we produce, listed below are some of the great American small businesses we've came across:

- Armstrong Millworks Inc. in Highland Michigan - hard working people, a quality company that supplies excellent wood materials (specializing in beautiful hardwoods and custom trim work). They'll cut, size and plane wood to meet your requirements, true Customer satisfaction and service.

- The Collector's Corner Antiques and Collectibles in Birch Run Michigan - Patt the owner is a great person and true American. Patt's shop specializes in Black Americana & the Cookie Jars (I have never seen some many cookie jars in by life in one spot...). Patt offered us positive advise with our business. In addition, Patt support our restoration service by allowing us to restore her Rockola Penny Scale, a treasure she found and trusted us with a hand shake to complete the project for her. Patt is a true patriot, good person and has a neat antique store... She also knows a lot about her antiques and has passion.

- Scott Iron Works in Hazel Park Michigan - This is a small business specializing in Doors, Railings, Gates and Fencing hand made with wrought and forged iron. What makes them special, a quick story: Larry and I needed to purchase wrought iron for a stand project with one of our larger Antique Coffee Mills, the supplier we have been doing business with in Texas is not stocking the ornate panels anymore (sign of the times with building construction down), so we needed a new source, so our search began locally in Michigan. Larry found Scoot Iron Works in the yellow pages and we traveled to the shop to see if there was an opportunity. Then we entered the store front, there was a sign stating " we only sell completed work, we do not sell pieces", my first thought was 'let's leave and travel on.." But, we were greeted by a Senior Lady with a warm welcome and told her what we needed, she went out of her way to help us and allowed us to purchase the materials we needed at a fair price. She was sharp as a pin, offered creative ideas and worked hard to assist us. At 85 years young, she had passion for servicing a Customer and a true patriot.

- Bill from Arizona Silhouette, in Arizona - A small business owner for wood turning materials. Bill is helped us with advise on starting up our web-site. Bill took the time to personally call us and share experiences. Bill is a true patriot, a Vet with great pride in our Country. Bill supplies high quality products at fair prices. Bill's website is well worth a visit, take a look at not only his products, but his values in America.. Bill is inspiring and we thank with for who he is.... Check out the website at www.arizonasilhouette.com/

- Mikes Antique & Old Goodies Quality Antique Mall in Millington Michigan (a small town in the center of the Michigan 'thumb' farming community. The own Mike Bott

- In our endeavors to bring back American Manufacturing History with the Antique Coffee Mills, we have came across many true Americans and great people. We joined ACME (Association of Coffee Mill Enthusiasts) www.coffeehouseinc.com/acme.htm. We found many helpful, knowledgeable and passionate people that collect the great prices of American history with the coffee mills and grinders. We've found new friends along with way. One of the most interesting and knowledge people is Fred Schmidt of New York. Fred has true passion not only on the mills, but the history of the companies and how the mills were used. Fred also is a true craftsman taking great pride in each mill he collects and sells. Some many mills are sold on Ebay and Craig's List, many times the mills are missing parts or in bad shape... If you ever see one of Fred's Coffee Mills or parts on Ebay, you can count on it is what he states in the description. Fred is a man of his word and a hand shake with Fred has value. Fred is one of many of the great people we've had contact with through the coffee mill endeavors.

Thanks for your time. There is hope for the future., get involved and "Do what is right" .. And support America by purchasing items 'Made in the USA'
Chuck Kowalski
usacraftsman.com

Restoring American Made Coffee Mills - Elgin No 42

At usacraftsman, we take great pride in restoring and reconditioning pieces that were Made in the USA. Our latest project is a great piece from back in the late 1890's, an Elgin No 42 Antique Coffee Mill. The owner of this Mill is Larry Itoney, our partner with usacradftsman.com. This Mill is special not only because it was Made in the USA, but as any great collection piece, it has a story behind it.. Years ago, Larry reconditioned two coffee mills and kept them for years, situations changed and the Mills were lost... One Mill was a deep hunter green and the other rich, deep red burgundy, both were cherished pieces, reconditioned by Larry himself (a true craftsman_... Through our hunts for treasure, Larry found a rusted, old Mill with great design and appeal, the Elgin  No 42, but the Mill was in rough shape. The wheels were frozen solid to the body, nothing would move, rust head to toe and it looked like it was left out in the elements for years. But Larry had a vision for this Mill, he wanted to restore it and made it 100% functional. Most important bring back the rich deep red burgundy and gold trim memories of the antique coffee grinder he lost years ago..

We set the Mill up on his bench table in the work shop and talked about his vision. The project came to life... We placed the rusted treasure into Electrolysis, a week later pulled it out and still nothing would move (typically electrolysis can break down severely rusted materials within a week in the tank).. So, Vicki and I broke out the torches and attempted to break it free with some "heat", two hours later, nothing moved... And we heated it up 'cherry red'..  Back into the tank for another week..

A week placed and we pull it back out to see if we could get it apart, again no luck. Vicki, Larry and I all know, nothing good comes easy.. We developed a special application fixture and used an impact wrench adding heat and torque to free it up. Once we dis-assembled the wheels and body, we found the internal hardware totally rusted away.. We can make just about anything between Larry and I, but we can not duplicated the grinding plates of the antique mills (that we could afford anyway).. Now the fun begins, we need to track down a set of 1890's Elgin No 42 grinding plates (or burr plate). More to come on the story and new found friend along the way on the grinding plates to follow in an up-coming blog on the great people we meet..

We work through cleaning up the mill, sand blasting, machine parts and working to duplicate fasteners used 100 years ago.. After 200 hours of detail work, the Mill regained it's life and is now fully functional like new.. The deep red burgundy paint, gold trim and polished solid brass came out great. Vicki found a solid brass Eagle finale (from a other antique coffee mill on Ebay) to rest on the top... As all projects we complete, the detail is outstanding, each and every fastener is high polished, the mating thread re-tapped and lubricated (anti-seize to prevent future corrosion) . The hand painting on the trim and accents by Vicki are exceptional. The wood working by Larry for the base and handles is beautiful. The mechanics are perfect, the Mill is smooth are silk and fully functional, the coffee beans are burr ground perfectly (burr grounds make the best coffee vs the grind blends from the modern electric coffee grinders)..

Attached is a picture of the Elgin No 42 before the restoration process. We'll follow up with the completed pictures in the blog on 'meeting great people' in a couple days... We need complete the fabrication of the receiver cup (the catch cup from the coffee grounds. We are fabricating a cup with highly polished copper to finish off the vision of Larry's treasure.

Thanks for your time, if you need help with restoring an Antique Coffee Mill (that's was Made in the USA) feel free to contact us on our website at usacraftsman.com

Sorry, this one stays with Larry, it's not on our website store..  (It's a prize piece once you see the completed pictures.. )

Chuck Kowalski

usacraftsman.com