How do millstones work

Photocopy the millstone pattern onto an overhead transparency and cut out the circular millstone pattern. Assemble as shown in the diagram to the right click to enlarge , using the brass paper clasp.

Once assembled, rotate the transparency to see how the patterns intermesh. What is the path of the grain through the stones as they grind? That is, which way does it seem to "flow"? Which way does the grain seem to flow when you rotate the runner stone?

Does the grain seem to flow the other way when you rotate the runner stone the other way? What does this suggest about running a millstone in either direction? Flip the transparency runner stone over and see how having the patterns identical or reversed affects the flow. Grain drops from the shoe into a hole in the runner stone and spreads out over the bedstone. The grain is ground into flour as it moves outward until it reaches the edge of the stones. There the flour is trapped between the stones and the vat a wooden covering for the millstones.

The freshly ground flour is moved by the turning stones until it falls into a hole in the floor, leading to an elevator that will take it to the next stage of the process. The operating millstones at the Old Stone Mill. Although not from the Old Stone Mill, this c. Plan your visit What's on Shop Gift vouchers Learning. Toggle Mobile Menu Visibility Enter your keyword s :. How Do Mill Stones Work? Share this page Print. Follow us. The hopper, of course, is the receptacle above the grinding stone.

The hopper releases an average of three bushels of corn an hour for grinding. An enormous tonnage, considering that one was imported from France. As the top stone rotates, the grain first gets cracked in the middle of the two stones, then is pushed to the outside by the spoke-like pattern.