This is the finished product. Had to redo the top since I didn't drill the insert hole deep enough the first time. Maple with 8 coats of WOP. Kinda plain but it will go to a good home. 8.5" tall.
Looks good to me. I assume it is a crush grind, no metal knob on top. You can cut the metal shaft to length pretty easy, it is aluminum. I had same problem on one and that is how I did it.
The crush grind is the only pepper mill kit I use... they allow for all kinds of designs.... yours looks to fit the hand just right and be very comfortable... and "plain" is beautiful.
I like plain and simple when it is done well. You have allowed the wood to be beautiful without the unnecessary clutter of beads and coves that seem to frequent so many grinders.