Hello all,

I've done a lot of searching, and can't seem to find a answer. So if I'm missing something please point me in the right direction.

I have a 2 group Linea AV which I'm in the process of rebuilding and would like to potentially, if possible, convert one head to a paddle group.

Is this possible? If so has anyone done it, and what parts would be needed to make it work?

Appreciate everyone's time!

-Justin

I wanted, at one point, a new single group Linea Paddle. Espresso Parts NW, a official L.M. shop said they could build me one so they may be able to help.
KDM
See thread 1 Group Linea Paddle????

Duke, Thanks for the info.

I've found that Espresso parts sells some of the parts for paddle version that LM currently makes, but not all of them. It looks like it should be a straight forward design, and the "paddle" would sit where the current keypad is. I'll have to send a message to Terry to see if this is possible.

Euology101 wrote:Hello all,

I've done a lot of searching, and can't seem to find a answer. So if I'm missing something please point me in the right direction.

I have a 2 group Linea AV which I'm in the process of rebuilding and would like to potentially, if possible, convert one head to a paddle group.

Is this possible? If so has anyone done it, and what parts would be needed to make it work?

Appreciate everyone's time!

-Justin

Justin,

Yes, I believe it is possible.

I am working on a custom 3 group with planned MP in the center and AV on the sides. Of course on the AV Linea you have to cut the front panel out to accept the MP, there is a Black Linea on the Espresso Parts Blog they they customized for a shop in Japan.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/429...c637cf.jpg

Eric

Eric,

That photo is actually part of the reason why I'm asking this question. I know this is possible, just wondering what it would take. I have a 2 group and would like to have one be a paddle and the other just be a Chronos. Have you looked into any of the group head parts?

The Paddle grouphead is significantly different mechanically than the standard linea group. To do this I would suggest trying to buy the entire grouphead and mounting it in place of your old one. It will be potentially expensive but not more than a new machine (by a longshot). It will likely save you some serious headache in the end. If you check out LM's website you can look at parts diagrams. from pictures it looks like the paddle is simply a replacement for the group cap, in fact there are also some changes in the water inlet/solenoid as well. Check out these two links, they should be helpful for trying to mod.

http://www.lamarzoccousa.com/LM%20USA/d...atalog.pdf
^Standard Linea

http://www.lamarzoccousa.com/LM%20USA/d...20V1_3.pdf
^Mechanical Paddle

Good luck, I hope you get it figured out!

Thanks Kenny,

I've looked at those a few times to see the differences in what was needed. I emailed Terry from EP and he responded with the following (in case anyone else is interested)

TerryZ wrote:Justin, Anything is possible. We have completed this conversion a few times Joe, however it requires re machining of the group. The cost of the parts are high and the machine work adds to the cost. A better solution honestly is to purchase a complete boiler group assembly via EP.

Now I have access to a machine shop myself, so i may almost be willing to look into it, but I'll save that for down the line when I have the machine restored and working again.

Thanks for everyones advice, I'm really surprised more people have not looked into this.

Justin, I have a single group Linea. Maybe a better mod for you would be the Piero cap mod? That way, you shorten the brew water path and can install a gicleur for better pre-infusion. Unless you were considering the paddle just to do something unusual to your machine?

Mitch,

I was actually looking for something a little unusual, I drink straight espresso more often than not, but my significant other likes Caps, so I figured why not have best of both worlds with a AV on one group and MP on the other. I have looked into the Piero Caps as a "next best thing", but correct me if I am wrong, it will require re-machining of my group. If I'm going through the trouble of re-machining my group, I might as well go all the way with an MP retrofit.

If your Linea is a newer model with stainless guts and welded groups the Piero cap will fit right on, if it's an older model with bolted brass groups I believe some modification is necessary but only to the Piero caps themselves. I planned to add a three-stage brew switch to my Linea EE with manual line-pressure pre-infusion in the middle, will work just the same as a paddle only you will not be able to open the valve gradually.