sheygetz wrote:Why HB thinks measuring the temperature would be insufficient escapes me - though of course installing a boiler manometer is the easiest way to go, if you have the cash. Regulating temperature is what the ps is - albeit indirectly - all about.

The OP said the machine "was lent to me by a friend who said that if I could get it working, I could use it until I got my own machine." That indicated to me that he has no experience and why I said:

HB wrote:My recommendation to have it serviced / install a gauge is because you're not familiar with the machine; if you had lots of experience with it or other HXs, I would be inclined to "wing it" since you'd know by prior use when you were in the right zone. Attempting to learn how to use an espresso machine that's maladjusted would be a frustrating experience.

It boils down to a tradeoff of time / frustration versus money. Given that his friend reported the machine had been inoperable for awhile, having it serviced to confirm it's in good working order makes sense to me.

Thanks for all the replies. HB, you are correct in your assessment that I am a total newbie, but I'm also a do-it-yourselfer and I have a strong desire to learn, so I've decided to order a Mater from Chris'. I spoke with Jason the other day and he told me the factory set point should be pretty much where I need it since I am at sea level. I'll probably do the styrofoam cup method to check the temperature and adjust accordingly. I can't wait to eventually get my own machine. In a few years I hope to get something from Quick Mill like the Anita or Andreja Premium.

Greased Lightning - Since you are a DIY person:

Here's a way to measure boiler pressure on a TEMPORARY basis, with the standard safety disclaimers:

Remove the steam tip, measure the size and pitch of the male threads on the steam arm.

Use teflon tape or teflon paste on all thread connections except use tape on the steam arm.

Screw a 1/4" NPT brass plug into a 1/4" brass coupling.

Drill & tap the 1/4" NPT brass pipe plug to match the threads on the steam arm.

Screw a 0-25 psig gage (that has 1/4 male threads into the coupling.

Warm up the machine and bleed off any trapped air in the boiler.

Trickle some water into the pressure adaptor assembly and then screw the assembly onto the steam arm.

Open the steam valve and you should be able to easily read boiler pressure with 1.0 bar = 14.5 psi. Its really 14.5038 but you don't need that accuracy for what you're doing.

Eric S.

Great information...
I was having trouble with my Oscar and I figured it was because the new-ish p-stat was not adjusted. Following recommendations from here and other sites, I tricked me up with a gauge-to-the-steamwand-setup. I guess I was throwing a lot of pressure, because the beast sprung a leak from the piping that leads out of the pump. I don't know what the thingamagig is called (it's part #07300363 in the picture). 'Course this happens in the middle of Thanksgiving (no shots for you, invited guests). Do you think the pressure build up caused this leak (i.e should I not ever try this again) or is it because the old, hardened o-rings inside couldn't handle the stress? I will order a replacement part and see if I can fix it up. I am unwilling to spend more than $50 bucks on this hog (I bought it used for $450 and spent $450 on repairs... education is expensive, eh?!). If this doesn't work I'll post it if anyone wants it for parts... new p'stat and good guts otherwise! And then I'll start shopping...

Thank you for any insight oh coffee gods and goddesses,

Heidi