For what it's worth, I haven't used the WDT for years, however...

Ken Fox wrote:...you are spreading the grinds around in the PF thinking you are breaking up clumps, but in reality what you are doing is causing the coffee to be "distributed" evenly without holes or voids in the coffee puck.

I agree with what you wrote, but to clarify my use of terminology:

distribution: the position, arrangement, or frequency of occurrence of particles throughout a space.
redistribution: to spread to other areas.

Thus the WDT is a means of eliminating non-uniform particles, i.e., eliminating clumps. Redistribution, on the other hand, is a means of spreading an already uniform medium evenly throughout a space, i.e., eliminating hills and valleys. For new baristas who own grinders that clump, the WDT can serve both purposes by eliminating clumps as well as hills and valleys. However, more experienced baristas owning non-clumping grinders like the Vario can less employ less fastidious techniques like the Stockfleth's Move or nutation.

The threads Why don't pros use the WDT? and Home barista techniques that the pros shun elaborate further.

Ken Fox wrote:Perhaps I was not clear. I use a teaspoon to transfer the grinds between the ramekin and the PF. This means that it takes 4 or 5 spoonfuls to get most of the grinds into the PF, then the small amount that remains is poured in.

Yes I understood. What I meant was that one of my hand mills has the drawer of such shape that just a flip over to pour the grinds to the basket is enough- the drawer is narrow and rounded at the back. Yet a shallower basket (like a 43mm or similar) doesn't allow this, yet a 53mm does.

I dig the name FDT - it is great! And I think this may be particularly useful to understand what is really needed to be done to the grinds in the basket - instead of how to this or that magic move, what is the purpose of them.

nitpick wrote:If the Vario is a turbine-powered M1A1 tank, Rocky is a diesel-powered Soviet T-72. One may be able to shoot-on-the-go, the other won't leave you stranded in the desert while you reboot its computer.

Actually, T-72 with its gyroscopes, laser and Bofors firecontrol can shoot-on-the-go, also on moving target.

Follow-on discussion Fox Distribution Technique split to a separate thread.

Got my Baratza Vario today! Had no grinder before.

WOW what a difference. Thick dark crema first time! I had the same coffee pre grounded but did not have such crema at all!

Can't wait to try the different beans and settings with this grinder!

What a little beauty. Looks great in a small kitchen like mine (beside my Bezzera BZ 07).

I have the macro setting 1 to spare and the micro setting in the middle. And I run about 23 seconds with my first bean. What do the vario owners set at average?

I run mine on the finest macro setting and about five clicks down from the finest fine setting for decaf Black Cat. I'd go finer on the vario but the micro grind lever will drift down on its own if I do.

I'm wondering if my machine needs to be calibrated or what...?

Maybe, but I am just a Vario rookie.

I guess one will choke the machine with both ends at the top fine range?

jammin wrote:The difference in coffee quality(grinding fresh) is going to change your whole outlook on espresso:)

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actionhost wrote:Got my Baratza Vario today! Had no grinder before.

WOW what a difference. Thick dark crema first time! I had the same coffee pre grounded but did not have such crema at all!

Can't wait to try the different beans and settings with this grinder!

What a little beauty. Looks great in a small kitchen like mine (beside my Bezzera BZ 07).

I knew you were headed for a revolution!

Jammin u were right!

Just had another 2 cappu's. 10 times better and my latte art is beter also because of much better crema.

Anyone without a good grinder doesn't know what good espresso is all about.

By the way I LOVE THE VARIO.

Just a picture of my setup with my new vario.I think I need some more space