Got a Bunn ES-1A today ...

[Colorado_Espresso]

Someone who owned a restaurant had one locally and gave me call. Cost was $60 and it's complete with two portafilters and a few other items. I didn't get to start it up, but I would guess from sitting it needs a complete rebuild. The insides don't look that bad - no evidence of someone hacking it up or obvious repairs. No rust that I can see. Given I already have my Astoria Argenta SAE-JUN as my main machine, this was just something I picked up to add to my clutter in my garage. It has a Sirai pressurestat ... this I know because I just replaced one in my other machine. I would have to guess based on age that this one could use replacement too. Any idea on parts for the machine? I'm just thinking about simple things like a portafilter gasket and such.

[djmonkeyhater]

I've heard those are cool and I think they are made by Futurmat/Quality Espresso in Spain. My street cred comes from repairing a Futurmat that tormented me for a good long time - http://www.home-barista.com/forums/reviving-futurmat-ariete-t5413.html.

There is a good user support group in the USA for the Bunn machines, they're almost a cult classic. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BUG-is-Bunn/. That's the one I used. Parts can be spotty, especially anything electronic. I actually got amazing service from the Futurmat distributor in the UK when I had programming questions.

The portafilter gasket and shower screen on my machine were all off the shelf E61 parts and should be easy to get. People who know the machine will point you somewhere.

Kudos for not picking an easy battle. If nothing else, it should keep you from watching too much TV for a couple weeks as you work on it. Isn't the struggle the important part for spiritual fulfillment?

[dmankin]

Fred,

Terrific! $60 might just be the deal of the century.

I own an ES-1A and am part of the support group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BUG-is-Bunn/

These machines are terrific, relatively simple to work on (compared to others), and are capable of making amazing espresso. Many standard E-61 parts work just fine, and are readily available.

The ES-1A is ideal for the home enthusiast. Its boiler is probably too small for cafe work, but more than ample for any home entertaining, and will give you TONS of steam for milk drinks.

Drop on by BUG if you wish, join & introduce yourself if you'd like, and congrats on your new machine!

David