The C'lever Project: Building an espresso machine from Cremina parts - Page 5

[TUS172]

Who knows what the future will bring... I have to admit that even though this has been pretty pricey... I have had the best of times playing with it... It will be great to have it on the counter and producing but I will miss the challenges and victories...
Listen to me... as if the project is over.

[mogogear]

I still want that picture of your face sipping the fist doppio when the CLever is done!!

[espressme]

And, I still want a picture of your face as you reach for the second!!!
Cheers
Richard

[TUS172]

I still want that picture of your face sipping the fist doppio when the CLever is done!!

Yes, Greg and Richard you will. Been in southern Montana, northern Wyoming and Idaho for the past couple of weeks enjoying the great outdoors. I could not believe the number of espresso cafes that were in Bozeman Montana, two of them were very good: (I visited 5 of them Leaf and Bean, Wild Joes). My wife and I spent most of our time in and around Gardiner Montana working on the restoration of the OTO dude ranch... My wife calls it 'voluntourism' ... I called it a working vacation.

The parts are out for chroming and I have been told by the shop foreman that they will chrome the frame... I'm keeping my fingers crossed Greg. They just gave me an approximate date for completion and it looks like another month before I will get everything back. The price was right in there at the upper 400s but I am comfortable with this company. I have yet to begin the polishing on the parts that I made and I am heading out again for another week around the 4th of July, so perhaps I should get to them soon.

[mogogear]

Bob,

Glad to hear you were out beautifying our neck of the woods! Thanks!! I can't wait to see that thing -it is going to look like a 1957 Cadillac front bumper!!!!!!


Since Starbucks bought the Clover machine- they might try to buy your "C'LEVER also--they are looking for a new trick...

Keep us posted-

[TUS172]

Thanks Greg... Ya it will definitely be 'weighty'...
It is definitely summer... life has been hectic and I have not gotten to the 'C' Lever at all... the parts just sit there on the bench. But that is Okay because the parts that I sent out are going to be another 2-3 weeks... Been traveling and gained a 'step' on the career ladder at work... although I don't know that this it is a good thing... Busy!
Perhaps this weekend I will begin polishing... one can always hope... It seems as if fall and winter are the seasons for such projects. Everyone up here 'hunkers down' for the winters.

[mogogear]

Good for you Bob- enjoy the Summer...

[TUS172]

Well I had time today to actually do something on the 'C' Lever. Polishing of the Boiler, and the knobs I turned last winter.

[TUS172]

Probably as for most here, life has heen particularly hectic for the last few months. I recieved the restored chrome pieces at the end of September but have had no time to work on this project. Here are a couple of shots I had time to take today. The body and other parts are stored out in my shop... The frame came out just as I wanted it to... the outside is a mirrored polish and the inside is bright. When I get this put together I am in high hopes of a particular effect.

In the next few months I should have the time to complete this gem. I will then take shots of it in operation.

I hope all is well with those who frequent this unique site. I do have time to monitor it from time to time.

[farmroast]

Bob
The frame looks amazing! The prep really paid off. It will balance the rest of the fine finish. Beautiful!
Ed

[espressme]

Congratulations, Wow! These things do take a great deal of time and you are doing very well by not having a "hurry Up" job.
Sincerely
-Richard

[TUS172]

Well... Here it is! I have taken a few days off just to get this little gem up to this point and believe me... I AM THRILLED WITH THE OUTCOME!

Steve (Srobinson)... Thanks for the parts...
Doug (Mogo)... Thanks for your input...
Greg (Fullsack)... Thanks for the parts...
Richard (Espressme)... Thanks for the Idea and input...
To all those who contributed... Thanks!
Hey Guys, "Its here!!!"


Have I fired it up yet? Nope... I am waiting for a delivery from Fed Ex for the final touches... Although I could fire it up if I wanted. All the electrical checks out with my multimeter and I pressured the unit to 15 psi and it held pressure just fine.


The parts I am waiting for are a couple of "bells and Whistles" to make the 'C Lever' truly a unique creation. It is a 'tank'... The piston travel is as smooth as silk, everything went together as expected and Wow... I can't believe it is done (almost)...




This is my X-Mas gift to myself... It will produce its first nectar on X-Mas morning.


Richard a year ago I told you that I may just have to build a machine to fit such a nice portafilter... Well here it is.

[sweaner]

Looks great. I think you should video the very first pull from that baby and post it for us to see on Christmas!

[jamhat]

It looks great, Bob. All the hard work has payed off. Enjoy your Christmas shots!

[TUS172]

Looks great. I think you should video the very first pull from that baby and post it for us to see on Christmas!

Ya, I will do that with my camera but if I could only figure out how to do the transfer stuff, that would be a plus... Maybe my son will give me a hand. I have a hard enough time just getting the pictures right. Me and some software mental blocks...

It looks great, Bob. All the hard work has payed off. Enjoy your Christmas shots!

The work was one of the most enjoyable things I had to keep my hands busy, this past year. I am now a desk jockey after years of being on the go. Playing out in the shop was awesome. Things really came together well. I keep wondering if I cleaned out the boiler thoroughly enough for those 1st shots but I will run a tank or so of hot water through it before the actual first pull.

I have been away from the HB site for so long I feel a stranger. I had time to check over posts once in a while but not enough to really delve into what has been going on.

Now with work at a virtual standstill It looks as if HB may be a pleasant diversion from other realities/illusions however one chooses to look at it...

One thing for certain... I will certainly enjoy the experience of getting to know The One... The Only... 'C' LEVER for years to come.

[espressme]

Hello Bob,
What a wonderful job of work! She is a real beauty. As some of our Brit type friends would say "I love it when a plan comes together"
All I can say is " Many Happy Pulls!"
Sincerely
-Richard
PS. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[TUS172]

Hello Bob,
What a wonderful job of work! She is a real beauty. As some of our Brit type friends would say "I love it when a plan comes together"
All I can say is " Many Happy Pulls!"
Sincerely
-Richard
PS. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thanks Richard... Yes this project is one that truly has come together and is at its conclusion. One or two bells and whistles a couple of adjustments for pressure regulation and the 'C' Lever should be on the counter as a part of my life for many years to come.

And to you as well...Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[mhoy]

Wow. That is one mighty fine Christmas present that will be enjoyed for many, many years to come. Awesome job.

Mark

[GB]

A amazing piece of functional art. Great job. Enjoy your holidays and many great pulls.

Geoffrey

[mogogear]

Ok, I am not back from the dead here, but I have only lurked here for the better part of the last year. The experience of this site are with me for life.

Bob - outstanding results and a huge congratulations on staying the course!! See what a talented person can do with the support of a great web forum!!

Bob you will smile many a time the rest of your life when you pull a shot and taste the results of your endeavors!!

A deep bow from the waist - from me to you!! a machine that is you...