Pepper Grinder Spices Up The Student Experience at Algonquin College

Posted on Thursday, August 14th, 2014

Variety is the spice of life. And, as nine Algonquin College Cabinetmaking and Furniture Technician students recently found out, a little variety in their program (in the form of a special assignment) is helping to bring a lot of spice to Algonquin College. 2.47 million peppercorns worth.

The students were challenged with building something large that would test their hands-on skills in new and interesting ways. They decided to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest pepper grinder, which is currently held by a restaurant in Etobicoke with an 11′ grinder.

Today they unveiled a functioning grinder measuring at 16’4″, and sent official photos and videos to Guinness to help them certify the Grinder as the World’s Largest. Official measurements were also taken by independent industry members, and the mill was used to grind pepper onto scrambled eggs.

“The challenge was thrown at the students early in the program. All of our time was given after hours, mostly on Friday nights,” says Rodrigue Dagenais, one of the student craftsmen.

After researching their options, and with assistance from their Professors, John and Mike McKinlay-Key, the team decided to take on this peculiar challenge. “Our students rose to the challenges of the project. We were only really part of the project for safety and mentoring. I am pleased and impressed with the workmanship and dedication” says faculty member John McKinlay-Key.

Student craftsmen include Eric Beuman, James Brint, Andrew Carver, Liam Cluff-Clyburne, Rodrigue Dagenais, Jihad Farhat, Cameron Larsen, Spencer Olivastri and Declan Thomas.

Next steps for the team include wheeling the grinder over to the lobby of the Hospitality building on campus (where it will be on permanent display) and awaiting confirmation of the record from Guinness.

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