JmanEspresso wrote:Just addin my .02..

I am of the mind, that the problem lies not with your tamper at all, rather your dose. Simply try adding more then 14gs of beans, and your problem, with almost 100% certainty, will be solved.

I fell into the same kind of problem when ordering a silvia and 58mm tamper from 1rst line. I'm sure you're very knowledgeable about espresso but I have to disagree with this statement (only applying to the silvia stock double basket and 58mm tamper of course) because I've had the same binding experience as the OP.

Trying to updose on the silvia stock double basket, your puck hits the big freaking dispersion screen bolt head and does not make for good results. I think I also read that the silvia is very temperamental to updoses somewhere in the Silvia favorites thread.

Buying a ridgeless double basket is the way to go I think. Much cheaper than buying a new tamper.

tsenfw,

Thank you ever so much for the kind words, however, I am far from being very knowledgeable on espresso. I do feel comfortable in front of my machine, and am happy with the quality of my shots as of know, but there are people out there, who could teach me more about espresso preparation in an hour, then I could FORGET in a lifetime. However.. Next guest who comes over the house moochin a latte.. I will let them know "ya know _____, people say Im very knowledgeable about espresso" All in good fun, friend, all in good fun!

I concur.. Ridgeless basket will take out any guess work. I believe Rancilio makes a portafilter that will accept a triple basket without being bottomed out. If Im wrong.. I highly recommend a naked PF. The best learning tool I know of besides memorizing the HB/CG websites. Plus.. Triple ristrettos are just heavenly!

Best of luck my friend, and remember.. just ENJOY!

Jeff