HB branded wares on the horizon? - Page 2

[bobroseman]

Which would you prefer (engrave, gelcap, or delrin disk)?

I vote for functionality and durability over aesthetics. Choose the finish and end cap that will stand up to normal to heavy use. A classic counter example is the iPod. I own two. They are gorgous out of the box but quickly (too quickly) pick up scratches and dings. Now my "shuffle" resides in a condom-like sheath and my "mini" is entombed in a waterproof, shockproof "otter" case.

On the other hand, a tamper condom is one of the few things that coffee geeks haven't invented yet. I could be the first.

Bob

[HB]

This brings me to the next point - will the piston be easily exchangeable? Will one be able to purchase (custom sized/replacement) pistons separately?

Yes to the first question. I don't know if EPNW plans to offer custom-sized pistons though (i.e., where they fit it to your basket). Dave?

[lennoncs]

Dan I think you'll need to set up some sort of robotic durability test

We had to set up a seat durability test for an automotive tier 1 once;
it was a cast steel bum with cordura stretched over it.
the whole assembly was mounted on the wrist of the robot and smushed around on the seat being tested; it was one of the funniest things I have seen in a long time.

Sean

[OlywaDave]

Well I have to say I am a piston tapper as well. I figure it's wasted motion to flip the tamp around tap a few times only to repeat it all over again once or twice. So I personally edited that portion of preparation out of my technique, however I do understand that people do it more often than not it seems. That would make a good poll I think...

Secondly, yes it is one of the same epoxy dome caps Espro uses, however this has been our branding technique of choice for about 4 years now. We have made these epoxy dome gels for the likes of Torani, Zoka, Caffe Vita, and ourselves most recently. I nor Brian has ever heard seen or heard of one of these wearing through. They are reformable, so unless you take a knife to it I doubt you'd ever pierce one of these. I suspect with overzealous tapping dents could be possible, but not likely.

Delrin + Engraving would be cool as well which we do for Rancilio on an annual basis. Once we get our first round of this tamper back for testing, revisions and or approvals I imagine the final decision will be made.

Thanks for the input, educated input like this is valuable.

[OlywaDave]

OH YEAH, sorry pistons... Yup, all interchangable, available in all the sizes. The regulars sizes: 58mm, 57mm, 56mm, 55mm, 53mm, 52mm, 51mm, 49mm. And we've done a few 45mm I think, custom for the ole lever machines. We can really do just about any desired size, out of the norm sizes would take a week or so to ship.

[HB]

A quick update on the HB tampers. Dave has the aluminum handle prototype back from the machinist; he would have posted pictures, but had to dash off to CoffeeFest. If you're attending, stop by and ask about it:


EPNW's "bulb" profile

Reg Barber is back from vacation and is putting the finishing touches on the classic rosewood and similarly-styled aluminum handle tamper. It's hard to believe that espressoparts.com is willing to offer four HB tamper options:

1. Reg Barber classic rosewood handle (as posted earlier but "HB" is larger to match masthead proportions)
2. Reg Barber aluminum handle (as posted earlier)
3. EPNW "bulb" profile with aluminum handle (still debating the engraved, gelcap, or delrin endcap; engraved is the frontrunner)
4. EPNW "bulb" profile with wood handle (same endcap as RB style)

Dave has also suggested a fifth (!) option, the bulb profile in solid polyurethane (same material as bowling balls). I'm not sold on that idea though. Maybe black with a white delrin endcap and black lettering? That would look like an eight ball. Or maybe flames? Yeah, that's the ticket.


Flaming red "king" tamp

[NewEnglandCliff]

Very nice. Delrin would be my preference. Etched or engraved powdercoat can chip.

[OlywaDave]

Picture Update... Engraving comes next, oh and well sending one off to Dan as well.

[lennoncs]

Can I get the flaming red with 3 little, tiny holes in it and "Brunswick" engraved in it?



Sean

"I would bowl but they won't let me throw overhand"

[OlywaDave]

It is funny you mention that. We laser engraved a few with a special EspressoParts.com brand. I'll post the pics when we retrieve them from the Coffee Fest stuff.

[JonR10]

Frankly, I'm getting very tired of posts showing pictures of very attractive items that are not available.
When will these kewl tamperz be available for sale?

[cannonfodder]

A clear plastic handle with some espresso beans floating in it would be cool. Even cooler than that, a button to ADD TO BASKET... . Owe the humanity of it all...

[OlywaDave]

This week for sure. We are still unpacking Coffee Fest stuff of which there are about 3 or 4 of these available I think but not engraved with the HB yet... Once we dig them out which is early this morning from what I understand we'll whisk them off to the engraver and have them back within 24 hours I think. The new one batch is soon to follow.

So soon now, thanks for all the patience and input I know it will all be worth the wait but I have got to use it now haven't I?

Oh yeah one of the first 4 will be going Dan of course, who is also patiently awaiting the HB branded wares.

[OlywaDave]

Yeah sorry that would be me who started that misspelling I'm fairly notorious with Dan for doing so. You can ask him but I'm sure he'll chime in on that one himself.

[Woofy]

The inlay is black delrin with laser-engraved HB. Both have a stainless steel base.espressoparts.com.

Make mine in bubinga and keep the delrin. I'm a tapper and there isn't a 12-step program for THAT. At least not yet...

[HB]

Dave at espressoparts.com sent me the good news today. The HB logo tampers are available at the same price as the regular Reg Barber tampers.


Home-Barista.com Logo Espresso Coffee Tamp by Reg Barber - Black Powder Coated


Home-Barista.com Logo Espresso Coffee Tamp by Reg Barber - Wood Handle

[miKe mcKoffee]

Will the handles be available for purchase separate from the base so you can change them as your mood changes? Seriously!