KitchenAid Model KCM Coffee Mill

[rp2813]

I decided to start a new thread rather than revive yet again my old thread about a reproduction KitchenAid A-9 coffee grinder.

 

After about a month of kidding myself, I've decided the repro A-9 grinders may look cute, but they're a total joke and major annoyance, in addition to being lousy at what they're supposed to do.  I'm going back to the KCM (pictured below in our previous kitchen). 

 

When I first got the KCM, the smoked plastic cylinder that comprises the hopper had become unglued from the base.  I'm wondering if that's how I was able to get at the motor.  I see no screws on the bottom other than the one that appears to fasten the grind selector.  Does anyone who owns one of these have information on how to access the motor?  I recall having it apart and the brushes out, and that due to my large hands and fingers, I had a difficult time reinstalling the brushes back the way they were before I removed them.  I had to reverse them to get them back in place.  I think this has caused the motor to make more noise than it should, particularly right as it's switched on, since in their current situation the flat ends of the brushes contact the commutator instead of the countered ends. 

 

The mill grinds fine, but I'd like to try to correct this issue.  However, I can't even figure out how to get at the motor.   Can anyone provide some instruction, or advise if this brush issue should even be a concern?

 

[wiskybill]

Hi Ralph,

I have a KCM on my kitchen counter too, and use it daily.

I have never had to take it apart, but I suspect that there are screws hiding under the four "button" feet. They appear to me to be pressed into place, and unfortunately with age are hardened and would be destroyed in the removal process.

Just my guess, I could be wrong. Anyway, found this on the bay.

Bill

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[rp2813]

Thanks Bill! 

 

I felt the same way about the feet on the bottom.  They're not hardened, but they sure don't seem to be removable either.  I think I would remember if I had removed them, and I'm starting to think that the only way I was able to get at the motor was from the top and not the bottom.  Since I glued the hopper back in place after having the machine apart, I have a feeling that the job isn't going to be so easy. 

 

Maybe the manual you linked to will provide the necessary information and I would hope there are no special tools required.  I have it on my watch list for now, but first may take it to a local small appliance repair shop for their thoughts.

 

[rp2813]

UPDATE

About a month ago, the mill stopped dead on me one morning immediately after flipping the switch.  I unplugged it and emptied the hopper, at which time I could hear something rattling around in the base.

 

I ordered the shop manual that Bill suggested, since well-used KCMs were going for $75 and up on eBay and they were damaged and/or missing parts.  It turns out that the speed nut that secures the large, flat-sided threaded slug in the center of the base also secures the base plate.  With that nut pried off, the plate lifts off to provide access to the motor assembly.

 

Once I had it opened up, I found the source of the rattling sound:  a motor brush with a diagonal chip in the end that rests against the spring.  This was the brush that I had installed backwards when I first got the machine (see OP -- I don't remember the details but there were visibility issues and it only wanted to go in backwards), and somehow it finally chipped and went flying.  I reinstalled the brush properly and even with a chipped back end, the spring holds it in place securely.

 

What I didn't realize is that the center threaded slug that protrudes through the base cover plate is the adjuster for the burrs.  I reassembled everything without realizing that the slug, which turns easily, had gone out of adjustment in the process of making the repair.  The manual contains instructions for adjusting the burrs, and after correcting the problem with the brush and adjusting the burrs as instructed, the mill finally after all these years is operating as it should with a solid, throaty grinding sound and no more rattly, ear-splitting noise.  The grind adjustment setting now matches the finer grind that's required for my coffeemaker's system.  Before, the setting was right in the middle.  Now it's set a couple of notches away from the finest grind.

 

While the KCM was out of commission, I hauled out the repro A-9 for temporary use.  To reduce the spewing, I used my thumb to put light pressure on the flap over the chute during the entire grinding process and that seemed to have an effect on the grind it rendered, which was much finer than when I only applied light pressure in the beginning.  That made it tolerable to use, but my KCM is a much better behaved machine and I'm not going through beans as fast as with the A-9.  I hope it will keep grinding for many more years now that its main components have been restored to proper specs.

 

Thanks again Bill!

 

[sandxssun]

Hi Ralph,
You mentioned your Repro A-9 was terrible at grinding.
What about an original A-9? I was wondering if you had any experience with those? Personally, I would never have bothered with a repro. And the plastic KCM doesn’t go well with all my other vintage equipment.
I have have an extra vintage A-9 that’s complete except for the missing swing door(should be easy to make)
Your profile has inspired me to list all the vintage equipment in my kitchen, but it’s a long list.

Regards, Matt

 

[rp2813]

Hi Matt,

 

It's my understanding that the original A-9 grinders don't have the spewing problem.  I don't know what changed with the reproduction models, but the motor RPM would seem to be the likely culprit.

 

I know there are members here who have original A-9s.  You may want to start a new thread to inquire about the performance of those particular models.   I don't know if they are capable of rendering as fine a grind as the KCM can though.  Your mileage may vary depending on the brewing method you use.

 

Everybody likes to read about what others have in their collection.  A complete profile adds to your cred with other members too, so I encourage you to start listing things.  You don't have to do it all at once.  Just add stuff as you think about it.

 

Ralph