A couple of weeks ago I saw this:
I wasn't particularly impressed, because it didn't look in such great condition, but, beggars can't be choosers :-) It had this weird pattern on it...
And it looked pretty rusty...
But the grinding receptacle / drawer looked OK...
... and my on-line bid won it on the auction...
So, when it arrived I set to work - well, with the help of RMan.
The painted pattern came off quite easily, but they had put a chalky white layer below the pattern - that took forever to remove (and that's where RMan's help came in.) 60 grit sandpaper - and it still took about an hour to clean off. RMan said it was a bit of a grind... LOL
The grinding mechanism was stripped out and wire brushed - there was even old dried ground coffee in the grinding cogs.
Then we sanded with a finer sandpaper, and gave it a coat of food-friendly wood preservative.
What am I left with...
... an absolute beauty :-)
The collection bowl is polished bright and sparkling on the outside - I didn't want to contaminate the inside of the bowl with wood ash, so I gave that a good wipe and just a whisper of olive oil...
... the grinder works perfectly, thanks to a grinding adjuster (it's visible on the first photo - it's the nifty little lever thingy below the grinding handle which slots into a tooth on the tensioner according to how fine / coarse you want to grind things ...
Here is a view of how finely it ground coriander seeds...
Don't you just love it :-)The ugly duckling became a swan - and all it took was about 2 hours of TLC. It just shows you - if one can see the potential in an ugly duckling, then the results are limitless...
One for coffee and one for herbs - now I'm all set!
And best of all it's re-using something which is in perfect working order. In place of buying the latest electrical appliance which will needlessly drain our (currently) limited power I have something which will allow me hours and hours of quiet contemplation whilst I work...
I can't wait to try it on my dried home grown herbs.
I love it! It came out so nice.
ReplyDeleteJane - LOL - thanks - I think so too :-)
ReplyDeleteIts a beaut! well done..
ReplyDeleteAfrican Bliss - Thanks :-)
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful, what a transformation....good job.:)
ReplyDeleteMr H - Thanks - I am totally happy with it :-)
ReplyDeleteNice job!! That looks very much like a Zassenhaus. The only thing that would harm the burrs is a small stone. I carry one of these grinders when I travel so that I can make perfect coffee.
ReplyDeleteFallerya - Welcome :-)
ReplyDeleteAh now, a Zassenhaus is the creme de la creme of grinders - maybe I'll own one in my next life... LOL
I will always check the spices for small stones - thanks for the tip.
Wow- That looks great!! I have an old second hand cabinet in my bathroom that needs some love- you have reminded me and provided me with some much needed motivation!!
ReplyDeleteThat's lovely. I bought a plastic one from the op-shop that works but would love one like that. Not sure I would have seen the potential though...
ReplyDeleteBarb.
The transformation is amazing! I would never have thought it was the same grinder. Good Job!
ReplyDeleteGillie - Thanks - and very glad to have been of inspiration LOL
ReplyDeleteBarb - Keep you eye out on the site I gave you - you may find another one on offer...
Tami - Thanks - promise you, it is :-)
effing stunning You should send pic to seller!!! hahahahaha
ReplyDeletewickets - LOL reckon you should be called wicked.
ReplyDeleteLovely! That is a great transformation. Job well done! Emily
ReplyDeleteYou and Rman did a brilliant job on 'restoring' this! Wishing you many hours of contemplative grinding as a reward for your labours :).
ReplyDeleteEmilysincerely - Thanks and thanks LOL
ReplyDeleteStitchin' Time - Welcome. You're right - RMan was a g-r-e-a-t help! :-)