Bex wrote:I'll probably panic at any odd noise it makes for the next week.

I think the rattling sound might have been the water reservoir platform moving around. Or possibly the little plastic cover over the pressurestat adjustment access hole.

The old spring was hard to get out because I think they use a silicone grease on the threads that tends to thicken a bit.

your results from changing the spring as indicated by the brew pressure and no puddles does indeed indicate that you did the job correctly.

And don't worry-- that machine is really tough... and relatively easy to repair.

Beezer wrote:Glad to hear you seem to have solved your brew pressure problem. As you say, now the real fun begins. Getting the dose just right is a bit tedious, but once you get it dialed in, you should be able to get great results pretty much every time.

With regard to getting good microfoam, have you seen this thread yet?

how-to-steam-milk-for-cappuccinos-and-lattes-t5258.html

There's a video there that Cannonfodder made of steaming with the VBM. You might want to mimick his technique and see if that works for you.

Indeed, that is the technique I am using. I think my issue right now is that I'm stretching it too much. I only steam 5 or so oz of milk each time (in a 12 oz pitcher). I'm sure I'll get the hang of it eventually.

I experimented with dosage more this morning. Really enjoying the larger dose, but I need to play a bit with the grind setting now. I think it needs a slightly coarser setting with the larger dose.

Contacted Jim about the drip screen and we'll see what he says to do with it. My sense is that CA will hold it for a while, but it does tend to get a little brittle, so it's not permanent.

Randy, no puddles and everything seems to be okay, so I am feeling good about the repair now.

More raves for 1st-line - they are getting me a new screen for the drip tray.

I have to say that overall I am ecstatic with these two machines and the vendors.

I am still puzzled by the water behind the drip tray. I have been using one for 6 months and not had this issue. The only water I get under the drip tray is what falls from the drip tray cover when I remove the drip tray to empty. Do you have the drip tray on correctly, there is a front and back. If you get it on backwards, the drip tray will not close completely and leave a little gap between the back of the tray and front of the machine that water could splash between.

It is on correctly - the notches are on the back side. However, it does not slide flush into the back panel, so that may be the cause. The amount of water behind the drip tray after a morning's use is very small - a puddle maybe the size of 2-3 quarters.

I'll report back on this issue when I get the new cover.

Mmmm.

(Actually, this one ended up pulling a little hot.)

Looks good, very good. What blend are you using?

That one is CCC's Espresso Aficianado, good stuff.

I just wanted to update this now that I've had the machines for a while.

The joy is still there. My favorite thing, I think, is the overall ease of use. At this point, if the machine has idled more than 30 mins, I flush a cappa cup full of water (roughly 5.5 ounce NP cup). If it has been idle for less, I flush roughly 3 ounces. Less than 10 minutes is just a short flush. The results are incredible. My palate is growing day by day as I learn to appreciate different coffees - CCC's new Biloya just arrived and I am looking forward to trying it tomorrow.

I am starting to get latte art results. Nothing great or worthy to post, but little hearts, tulips, and today even a sad little rosette.

I know it's popular to say that the barista is the most important part of the MMMM equation, but honestly I don't think I'm very good at all - these machines cover a massive amount of flaws.

Congrats -- glad to hear everything is going well and living up to expectations!