AndyinTexas wrote:The drip comes VERY fast after the steam is turned off.

Very fast, indeed. I would describe it as spitting when the steam cuts off. By that time, though, the wet steam has had its effect. I can get decent tasting milk, but never pretty - better with the Espressoparts tip, but not great. I have made much better looking (and slightly better tasting) microfoam with a GB5 and an Andreja despite having more practice on the GS/3.

I've ordered the new wand.

Matt

Weird - I never had this problem (and I was working on the "cool touch" wand). Milk was on par with what I'd get from a full size LM machine as long as I purged the wand well before steaming.
Shrug.

I usually steam a small amount of milk (5oz). That might explain the Andreja's superiority, but not the GB5, which is calibrated for larger volumes. I also use 2% milk, and do better with Lactaid than with the local organic milk. There are so many variables....

I noticed this morning that the milk was better if I purged for much longer than I thought was necessary - 8 seconds instead of 3.

Shrug indeed!

This novice is here to say that the difference in the (Espresso Parts) four-hole tip is light night and day.

I am very satisfied with it. I am sure there is lots of room for improvement, but now I have more than a fighting chance.

By the way, I purge for a long time as well (eight or so seconds is probably close to what I do), and it does make a noticeable difference to the result I get.

Thanks all for the good ideas here.

FWIW - I didn't like the stock tip at all.
I switched to an old style 4 hole LM "acorn" tip and it was brilliant.
3 sec probably insufficient for a cool touch wand. I basically just purged until it wasn't sputtering at all.
In general, I never steam more than about 3oz of milk.

I upgraded the steam wand, and am delighted with the results. As others have reported, drier steam, less plastic. Better microfoam.

But....

Does anyone know the exact description of the two little brass screws that attach the wand pivot (part F.1.015) to the frame? One of them sheared off while I was installing. I unscrewed the bit left behind with pliers, and the wand is sitting happily in place (Memo to self: Read all the directions before starting work. Yes, I know.), but I'd like to get a replacement screw in place to assuage my guilt. I'm hesitant to remove the one remaining.

Thanks,

Matt