I picked this little lady up off eBay for my girlfriend.


The seller wasn't very specific as to which model it actually was;
I was assuming it was the PL042LEN with the stepped lux grinder,
but when I looked at the adjustment screw support I was stoked
to find a worm drive -status! I believe this is comparable to the
PL041 machine & the PL053 grinder (sans metal dispenser chute)
-correct me if I'm wrong.

I have to say, I'm envious. In that I wish I had started out with
such a relatively heat-stable machine. The group is bolted directly
to the boiler -see exploded drawing: link.

My question is about the grinder doserless chute assembly and switch.
This is no boulder producer as it is, but I'd like to eliminate as much
of the potential for static and clumping as I can. Has anyone toyed with
the notion of modding this (or other lux/PL043/etc,) grinder by attaching
the metal chute assembly from the PL053? Is this even feasible?

Bear in mind that I'm a one-armed amputee,

and some, more dexterous,
efforts can be trying. Also, as more of an afterthought than a need, I
wonder if the microswitch from the PL053 could be used as well, as the
one on this model is a hair on the short side and distributes off center.

I've already got my setup down pat, a BrewtusIII and an Elektra NINO;
but I'd like to get this setup as close to perfect as I can for her. I'm hoping
I can get her hooked to the joy of making and perfecting her own espresso.

As it is, she won't even touch my setup for fear of breaking something.

Thanks in advance,
--Jeremy

Perhaps the title was off-putting or smacked of a possible newbie question. At any rate, I've faith in this site. I love and appreciate what you guys are doing here.

Or a simple matter of no one having used that machine. I have no experience with combo machines. However, given the issue you could look at replacing whatever switch triggers the grinder with a foot switch. Then you simply step on it to grind while holding the portafilter under the grinder. Think sewing machine, foot activated pedometer to vary the speed of the machine while using both hands to work the fabric. Any switch can be replaced. Just make sure that the replacement is rated for the maximum power draw of the circuit you are putting it in. Higher is usually better, when in doubt, be safe.

The_Left_Hand wrote:My question is about the grinder doserless chute assembly and switch.
This is no boulder producer as it is, but I'd like to eliminate as much
of the potential for static and clumping as I can. Has anyone toyed with
the notion of modding this (or other lux/PL043/etc,) grinder by attaching
the metal chute assembly from the PL053? Is this even feasible?

No offense, but this sounds like a solution in search of a problem. Before hacking the machine, why not use it for a while?

Early in my espresso journey, I owned a similar combo grinder-espresso machine (Nemox Napoletana). It was a capable little package. I cannot recall any problems with the grinder (basically a Nemox Lux).

cannonfodder wrote:Or a simple matter of no one having used that machine.

I felt that may be the case, so I more so expected educated guesses.
The footswitch idea would be cool. I'd considered a servo controlled
by a footswitch for the steam wand of my BrewtusIII down the line
but not for this. A self adhesive rubber foot will do for now; though
it will look cheap.

Thanks for the idea.

RapidCoffee wrote:No offense, but this sounds like a solution in search of a problem. Before hacking the machine, why not use it for a while?

Early in my espresso journey, I owned a similar combo grinder-espresso machine (Nemox Napoletana). It was a capable little package. I cannot recall any problems with the grinder (basically a Nemox Lux).

You could be right. This may just be my need to tinker.
She likes it just fine as it is right now. I just have that
feeling that she's going to arrive at these conclusions
herself as soon as she discovers sites such as this.

Please allow me to offer this brief meta-comment...

The_Left_Hand wrote:Perhaps the title was off-putting or smacked of a possible newbie question.

cannonfodder wrote:Or a simple matter of no one having used that machine.

Having followed online forums for years, I've noted many times that threads with "cute" titles like yours tend to get passed over by regular posters. While it may not be as amusing, practical, succinct topic subjects will get you answers more quickly. This is why this hint is displayed to new members in the posting window:

• Please choose the title of your topic carefully. Topics with well-chosen titles receive faster responses from a greater percentage of the community. It also increases the likelihood that visitors will find the information they seek, which reduces the number of repeat questions.

For example, "Reducing static of built-in grinder" or "Making the best of espresso/grinder combo" would garner more views and responses than a vague title like "Help a one-armed barista? lol".

Confession: I advise good topic titles not only for your benefit, but also because I'm the most avid searcher on this site, and good topic titles dramatically increase the probability of me (re)finding a previous answer. When there's a good thread on a subject, I much prefer to briefly comment on it and post a link than repeat myself.

Examples of particularly bad topic titles I've seen over the years:

• "I have a question" (duh)
  "Grinder question" (in the Grinder forum - double duh)
  "N00b with lots of questions" (er, so you're new, and you have questions; imagine that! triple duh)

Example of not as bad, but not overly helpful title:

• "Mazzer Mini" (or other product name but devoid of any verbs)

Final tip: As a writer, I find that if I struggle to create a good topic subject, it's usually because the text lacks focus or is meandering among several sub-topics. Internet readers have very little patience with wandering authors, unless they know from past experience that the writer eventually leads to worthy subject matter, or the presentation is amusing enough to justify the extra mileage.

I tried many times to be specific with the thread title. But the similar posts message thwarted me. I looked at the posts that purported to be similar in topic, but didn't see a clear inlet to these issues. So I just went with it -adding the lol, as I vaguely amused myself with the knee-jerk title choice.

cannonfodder wrote:Or a simple matter of no one having used that machine. I have no experience with combo machines.

My knee-jerk response to these is to shun them, but that's probably because my first combo machine was total crap and was returned within a week. I know, not useful input.
OTOH, it sounds as if you were asking for advice on how to get the machine to work well with a one armed operator? Call any OT shop, and the first questions they'll ask is where is the amputation, and what kind of (if any) prosthetics you tend to use.
Other than that, though, I have nothing...

^ Right on. I was a little sceptical myself about a combo. But after considering that it was basically a Lux/Pl053 and a Le'lit PL041... For the price, how could I resist?
Good call on giving a shop a ring.

I appreciate the responses -even if it's just hypothetical pondering
or advice on creating threads that may be more well received
I've been reading for over a year now and it's helped me a lot;
I just haven't really had any questions that couldn't be answered by reading.

I find myself really interested in this little thing -lots of potential.