How To Make Mini Dal Mill Machine from Cardboard! DIY Dal Mill


 

If you’re looking for a fun and educational DIY project, making a mini dal mill machine from cardboard is a perfect choice! This simple project will allow you to explore the basic functioning of a dal mill and learn how grains are processed. The best part? You can create this machine right at home with minimal resources and materials. Let's get started!

Materials Needed:

  • Thick cardboard sheets
  • Scissors or a craft knife
  • Glue gun or strong adhesive
  • A pencil and ruler
  • Small wooden dowel (for the axle)
  • Mini plastic or wooden wheels (or homemade cardboard wheels)
  • Rubber bands (optional, for movement)
  • A small motor (optional for automatic operation)
  • Dal (lentils) or other grains (for testing the mill)
  • Paper clips or small metal pieces (for the grinder mechanism)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Create the Base of the Mini Dal Mill

Start by cutting a piece of sturdy cardboard for the base of your dal mill. A 10-inch by 10-inch square is a good size, but you can adjust it based on your preference. The base needs to be solid to support all the other components.

2. Build the Support Frame

Cut four equal-length pieces of cardboard to form the vertical supports. These supports should be 4-6 inches tall. Attach the supports to the four corners of the base using glue. Allow the structure to dry completely for a strong frame.

3. Make the Grinder Wheels

Cut two identical circular pieces from the cardboard to make the grinding wheels. Each wheel should be about 4 inches in diameter. Once the circles are cut, carefully cut a hole in the center of each wheel large enough for the axle to pass through.

4. Prepare the Axle

Take a small wooden dowel or stick to serve as the axle for the wheels. This axle should be long enough to fit through the holes in the wheels and extend beyond both sides for easy rotation. Insert the dowel into the holes of the wheels and secure them with glue.

5. Create the Grinding Mechanism

Cut small pieces of cardboard or use paper clips to create a basic grinding mechanism. Attach them around the edges of the wheels, so they can push and crush the dal when the wheels rotate. Be creative with how you arrange these components to ensure that they can crush the grains effectively.

6. Assemble the Mill

Insert the axle with wheels into the vertical supports of the base, making sure the wheels are positioned so they can rotate freely. Use glue or tape to secure the axle in place. The wheels should spin when rotated by hand or a motor if you are using one.

7. Set Up the Dal Chamber

Build a small funnel or chamber above the wheels where you can add the dal. The chamber should be wide enough to allow the dal to fall evenly onto the wheels as they rotate. This will help in grinding the dal into smaller pieces. Use a funnel or create a small chute from cardboard to direct the dal.

8. Test the Mill

Once everything is assembled, place a small amount of dal into the grinding chamber. Rotate the wheels by hand or use a small motor to turn them. The wheels should grind the dal into small pieces as it passes through the grinding mechanism.

9. Final Touches

Now, decorate your mini dal mill by painting it or adding labels for a more realistic appearance. You can also add extra features like handles or a collection tray to catch the ground dal.

How It Works:

The mini dal mill works by rotating the wheels against each other, crushing and grinding the dal into smaller pieces. The wheels are designed to push the dal into the grinder, where the pressure and friction break down the grains. As the wheels turn, the processed dal falls into the collection chamber, ready to be used.

Conclusion:

You’ve now created your very own mini dal mill machine from cardboard! This fun and educational project not only shows how grains are processed but also provides a hands-on learning experience in mechanics and simple machines. Whether you're working on a school project or just exploring creative DIY ideas, this project is both practical and rewarding.

Happy crafting, and enjoy grinding your dal!