After several months of frustration with consistently sour shots using coffee I know to be fresh, I've been thinking it's time to invest in a bottomless PF and get a better idea of what I'm doing wrong. From what I understand, there are basically three methods:

1) buy one
2) get my current PF chopped
3) DIY version of #2

Right off the bat I think I can eliminate option 3; my skills are not up to par and I don't have access to anything that can cut through thick metal anyways. As for option 1, my machine is no longer sold in the US from what I understand, and I don't know what other type of machine would use a compatible PF. And option 2 sounds like it might be more expensive than buying a pre-milled one, once shipping two ways is factored in; I have no idea where/if I could get it done locally. So, how should i proceed?

I read this article: http://coffeegeek.com/opinions/alanfrew/05-24-2003
It seems like the Brugnetti uses a standard 58mm PF, so you could probably buy a naked PF that fits for example the Rancilio Silvia.

Sir Anselm wrote:It seems like the Brugnetti uses a standard 58mm PF.

This has been my experience. I bought some portafilters that were supposedly brugnettis and they fit my 58mm Faema grouphead. Seems like Faema, Rancilio, etc should all work. Also, if you take your portafilter to just about any machine shop, they should be able to cut the bottom off very easily.

You can mail them out too. Lino modifies them for $35 including shipping. Espressoparts modifies them for $25 and shipping is extra. Lino's work is clean with all edges rounded; I cannot vouch for espressopart's modification. See Making bottomless portafilter for hire for other options.

Thanks for the feedback. Following the links, and looking up bottomless sellers, the Faema/Rancilio etc. 58mm PF is the one I need. I'll probably buy new rather than send out my current one; I'd still like to be able to make espresso while I'm waiting for the PF to arrive, frustrations notwithstanding. I can always keep the spouted one for reference, or get it chopped later and use it if I need/want to pull multiple shots in quick succession.

edit: I think I may have to order a new tamper as well while I'm at it. My current one is about 1mm too small and the shape is wrong/too small for my hands.

Mark, if you do want to modify one of your portafilters, all you really need is a hole saw and a drill.

sweaner wrote:Mark, if you do want to modify one of your portafilters, all you really need is a hole saw and a drill.

Good blog article with photos: http://www.atomac.net/journal/home-made-bottomless-portafilter

That method seems harder than using a hole saw of the correct size.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4714017_bottoml...chine.html

HB wrote:You can mail them out too . . . Espressoparts modifies them for $25 and shipping is extra . . . I cannot vouch for espressopart's modification.

I can -- I picked up an extra portafilter for my Elektra from Stefano's Espresso Car and had Espressoparts do the mod. Very smooth edges, well done, and I'm a satisfied customer . . . .

Just my 2 cents...unless you have the right equipment and skill, just mail it out. Lino does a great job. $35 w/ shipping is more than fair. Save the headache.