Crush grind pepper mill

This is a prototype of my latest product, which will soon be available on my website. It’s quite a departure from my usual work and has got me a little bit excited!

For the past two weeks I’ve been having pepper with just about every meal, in an attempt to test its design! It’s the first time I’ve made something ‘technical’, so do need to make sure the mechanism works perfectly.

I liked the idea of a single sculpted shape, where the lid blends into the base. The curves and crisp edges echo some of the design features present in my other turned work and I’ve left out any unnecessary detailing.

It essentially consists of two wooden components, with a dovetail joining them together. This connection has to be precise, so that the lid moves accurately and smoothly. The lid can easily be removed, so that the grinder can be refilled. The high quality ceramic internals clip in place, without being seen from the outside. Only the grinder is visible underneath - and this is even adjustable!

The photo below shows a view from the top, although this will be modified on the final version. I intend to use inlays of sycamore and walnut, so that the salt and pepper can be differentiated. The version in the above image is made from beech with elm being available as an option...

The grinder is rebated into the base. The size of the crushed particles can be adjusted...

As soon as I am happy with the design, production will begin! – expect to see some photo’s appearing on my blog, as I take you through each stage of them being made…