Delivery time for Versalab M3 Grinder - Page 4

[mgrayson]

I, too , have an April 02 charge for the balance. Here's hoping for a quick and successful build!

Matt

[CoffeeBuzz]

Here is a heads up for M3 recipients.

The M3 ships with the burrs touching and the power switch turned ON! If you plug in the power cord without first backing off the adjustment you will be greeted by the sound of metal-on-metal.

Also, the machines are shipping without the stick-on label that indicates the grind setting.

More to come...

-dg-

[edit 04/18/08]
I found out from Laura yesterday that the stick-on label isn't mounted at the factory, but is shipped in the tools/spares bag along with the machine, and can be installed by the owner. Apparently not everyone likes the looks of it.

I checked the bag, and sure enough, it's there. Duh...

[CoffeeBuzz]

The good news is I just enjoyed an extremely good shot of Vivace Vita. Equal to or better than any I have made before. I think I'm going to like this machine.

So far I have noticed:

1. The grind is MUCH fluffier by weight than grinds from the Le'Lit PL53. (I don't single dose the PL53, so can't say for sure it wouldn't be similar if single dosed.)
2. The grind compresses down to the same volume as the equivalent weight grind from the PL53.
3. In order to get the required post-tamp volume into a basket, the pre-tamp volume overflows the top of the basket. When I remove the basket from the PF holder, some grind spills over the edge.

I have an idea of a way to overcome this. Place the basket, with yogurt cup funnel, on the base of the grinder and grind directly into it. Tap on counter to settle grinds, remove yogurt cup, distribute, then tamp. If this works out I might just remove the PF holder altogether...

I should point out that I am using a triple basket and playing around with doses (post grind) between 19.2g and 20.2g.

-dg-

[cinergi]

here's the procedure I've been using:

1) turn on M3
2) place PF into PF holder
3) weigh 17 gr. of whole beans (note: I no longer have to do this since I got the dosing hopper)
4) pour beans into top funnel (as fast as gravity will take them now that I had the choking issue fixed)
5) as soon as the grinding is done, lower the PF straight down until overflowing mound is clear of bottom funnel
6) turn off M3
7) clean up approx. 1 gr. of grinds that falls to base plate upon turning off the M3. (note: grinds get stuck between the moving sweeper and bottom funnel during grinding and usually falls as a clump.)
8 ) remove basket from PF (spring removed) and lightly tap on counter 2-3 times
9) Make 1 level sweep across the basket with the back edge of a butter knife to level the grounds.
10) Tamp

[cannonfodder]

I have an idea of a way to overcome this. Place the basket, with yogurt cup funnel, on the base of the grinder and grind directly into it. Tap on counter to settle grinds, remove yogurt cup, distribute, then tamp. If this works out I might just remove the PF holder altogether...

-dg-

Try tapping on the portafilter a couple of times with your tamper before you remove it. That would settle the grinds in the basket and avoid the spilling.

[CoffeeBuzz]

Try tapping on the portafilter a couple of times with your tamper before you remove it. That would settle the grinds in the basket and avoid the spilling.

I'll give that a try. Unfortunately I have to leave town tomorrow and won't be back for a few days. Darn...

Also, so far I've had consistent excellent shots of Vita with the M3; more so than I could get with the PL53. I don't know if it's my imagination or not, and haven't run enough shots through it to be certain.

[JWPATE]

From the CoffeeBuzz posting, it would seem that some units are actually being delivered. Is this true? Or, do you refer to older deliveries?

For my own part, time is an issue. I am old and getting more so. I have a new La Marzocco machine waiting for testing. Had to pull in a new electric circuit, dedicated to the grinder and steam machine. That is all done.

I ask Ms. Dearborn to show that that the firm has still life, and an intention to honor the orders they have been paid for. So far..............no answer..........nada............zippo................! I am about ready to write this one off.

Probably will adapt for the MAHLKOENIG K30. I have always considered that to be a better machine. The M3 was only a concession to space/size. In short order, I can cut down the K30 bean funnel. Then it will fit the same space...........and provide true performance. Should have gone this way in the first instance.

Anyone waiting for head-of-the-line ? ........... that is, for a M3? Contact me! My advice is.........don't do it. But if are determined to have one...........well I am at the head of the line, and will consider an any offer...........with no suggestion whether your bid will be delivered this month...........this year............or ever! Interested? In any event, should this thing ever arrive ......it will appear for auction on eBay without ever having been opened.

James

[EricC]

James,

Don't do it.

I was in the same frame of mind as yourself, well not as far as putting the M3 up for sale as soon as it arrived !!!!!!!

I had e-mailed Laura on numerous occasions and had called her on the phone a few times with regards to delivery dates slipping.

HOWEVER

Once the M3 arrived and I had used it a few times, now 6 months, I am of the same opinion that it would appear most M3 owners have, in that it is the best grinder that i have ever owned, and it in my humble opinion is the perfect grinder for the home espresso nut.

Although your blood may be boiling at the moment, try and give Laura one more chance, phone her, I did a couple of times, it was well worth it in the end.

Best Regards
Eric

[cinergi]

This is the bottom line with Versalab based on my 3 year experience with the company. If you don't mind having your credit card charged months before your grinder or accessories ship, don't mind waiting for up to a year for delivery, don't mind being given every excuse in the book why you stuff hasn't shipped or why you can't have your tracking #, don't mind missing parts when your delivery arrives, and don't mind putting up with it all over again if your grinder breaks and requires repair then by all means, go ahead and buy from Versalab.

For me, it's a two edged sword. The grinder is wonderful in a home environment and a wonderful experience unless you have to deal with them. I can honestly say, if another company came out with a similar grinder I would jump ship in a heart beat. I value customer service and with Versalab you get customer no service. It is my sincere hope Versalab takes this criticism to heart and makes some serious changes in the way they conduct their business. Being a small boutique firm is no excuse. Synesso is a small boutique firm started around the same time as Versalab and you don't hear complaints about them. Why? Because their owner will tell you that the #1 priority at Synesso is giving the customer outstanding service. Versalab could learn alot from Synesso. (note: this is all my humble opinion. Your mileage may vary.)

[mvhendel]

I agree with both Doug and Eric. I have an M3 and love it, well sort of. I find Versalab's silence on this thread most telling. I had exactly the same treatment a year ago and obviously nothing has changed. It is a lovely grinder but the company's treatment of its customers is very poor. One has to assume that they do not care. This doesn't bode well for their future.

[CoffeeBuzz]

From the CoffeeBuzz posting, it would seem that some units are actually being delivered. Is this true? Or, do you refer to older deliveries?

I hate to pour gasoline on the flames, but I placed my order on 12/14/07 and received it on 04/14/08. From your previous posts it appears you placed your order several weeks before I did.

I guess the machine in my kitchen should rightfully be in yours.

James, I would gladly let you borrow my now idle Le'Lit PL53 for the duration if you would be willing to pay for shipping. PM me if interested.

-dg-

[JWPATE]

Thank you for that kind offer CoffeeBuzz, but I would not feel comfortable using your machine. I might damage it, or at least worry that I would.
Thanks though for responding. It is comforting to learn that the M3 machines are actually being produced and shipped. Perhaps I will wait another few weeks, before giving up completely.

[JWPATE]

IT'S ON THE WAY!
I got an e-mail message from Ms Dearborne today, informing me that my very own M3 grinder has been shipped, and the message included a tracking number.
Please do allow me to thank EricC, CoffeeBuzz, and others for encouraging me to stick with this Versalab order a little longer. I was never a squeaky wheel in the matter and probably could have had it sooner if more inquires were made. Instead, I vented my frustrations on this fine group........sorry fellows.
As I think about it, I am reminded of a knife, which I have on order from Randall in Florida. It has been on order for two years, and isn't expected for another three. The reason there is no frustration with this wait, is simply because the company made it clear at the outset - there is a 60 month backlog. I have several of their knives already and the quality is well worth the wait. If only Versalab would post the anticipated wait time on the order site. I would have still ordered the grinder, and actually their company reputation would be enhanced by the knowledge that coffee lovers are willing to line up for a future delivery.
None-the-less, thanks again to all on this forum.
James

[CoffeeBuzz]

Congratulations James, you won't be disappointed. Remember to back off the grind adjustment before you plug in the machine. The sentence in the manual that tells you to do this is buried in the second page, preceded by instructions on how to replace the drive belt (which happens to already be installed). It's not exactly a red-flag warning, although it should be.

For the record, as the machine breaks in I have had to back off the grind setting a little in order to maintain a consistent extraction time. I expect it to stabilize soon, and don't think it's anything to worry about. Otherwise the machine seem to be rock solid.

Also, it turns out the grinds tray from the Le'Lit PL53 fits the M3 perfectly. It's almost as though it was made for it. It is chrome, but offsets the black wrinkle paint on the base of the M3 beautifully, at least to my eye. (YMMV)

If any grinds fall from the chute after you remove the PF, they land in the tray. If the basket is a little short of grinds, simply pick up the tray and pour the leftovers into the basket. It also makes clean up easier.

Enjoy.
-dg-

[JWPATE]

Now that tray does look like the bee's knees. Wonder if I can find the tray alone from one of the suppliers? I plan to try.

[EricC]

IT'S ON THE WAY!
I got an e-mail message from Ms Dearborne today, informing me that my very own M3 grinder has been shipped, and the message included a tracking number.James

Fantastic news James, once you start to use it I think that you will love it.
No need for any thanks at all, just enjoy it.

Eric

[SL28ave]

Andy S served a promising espresso using his M3, so I ordered. Without expecting it, thus adding to my anxiety, it took months of the stated delays to receive it. I was charged over $1800 for the machine, thus $600 overcharged, and it took a few correspondences and more months of delays to have my $600 returned.

Hate to say it, but I'm pulling much more mmyummy shots out of the Mazzer Mini that's sitting next to the M3 - very light roasts, bear in mind. Will update if the situation changes.

[EspressoObsessed]

The end of April has passed and no news. I called Laura last week and although she was rather vague she implied the M3 would be ready end of April. Then she said she would let me know with an email when it was shipping. I guess I'll leave her alone for another week. If anyone else has bothered her I'd appreciate an update.

I was happy to hear that James received his email, though. I hope he's in coffee nirvana by now. Give us an update when you come down from the clouds please!

Mary

[JWPATE]

Yes Mary, the M3 arrived arrived yesterday. I just have been too busy with other matters to unpack it. I fully expect to be happy with the build quality, just as others have been.

James

[EricC]

Excellent news James.

Regards
Eric