Hey everyone,

So while I started out with a Duetto II for my first machine, I've keept my eyes out for a used lever just for fun. A used Faemina just popped up on Craigslist (earlier version w/ribbed handles but white rocker switches for $450) and the owner says it just needs new gaskets ($40 on orphanespresso).

So this leads to lots of questions:

1. Is it difficult to change various gaskets? I'm a physicist by trade (like to take things apart), but tend towards theory (some difficulty getting things back together). Things do eventually get put together, just not always prettily.

2. What questions should I ask to determine if it might need more extensive repairs? I don't think the owner has used it in the last few years, although I've asked that and am awaiting his answer.

3. Is the Faemina a good first-lever machine? More or less difficult to learn on once it's up and running?

4. Is the steam wand pressure stat test gauge a good investment for debugging?

Of course, once I get the machine, then I follow up w/lots of other questions, like how do I use it. But first I need to explain to my wife why I need two. I sold her on the Duetto w/promises of endless lattes. Not sure what to promise her for the second one.

scott

I can't answer the technical questions because I never tried one. The value most certainly won't drop however, and I doubt it will last long. They are highly collectible.

PC

The Faemina is a beautiful piece of equipment. I have one at the moment that I've repaired for someone else. Orphan Espresso has a terrific guide on rebuilding as well. If it heats, you're in good shape. It does have a high and a low element, so hopefully both work. It is not easy to work on, and I had to build a couple tools to get the cylinder sleeve out, then you may have to heat some pieces to take apart the multi-part piston. Much easier to put together than take apart in my experience.

Once it's running, I think it's a good lever for anyone. It has some neat features and a powerful spring. The flavor is excellent from the shots I pull, better I think than my Europiccola. I don't think there's any point to the steam wand pressure stat, the machine doesn't have one, it high, low or off. As mentioned, this is a highly collectible machine, if you change your mind I'm sure there are many here who would be happy to take it off your hands, if they haven't found it already. Took me all of two seconds.

Good luck!

so did you get it? pics?