Modifying a cimbali rubino for safety - acceptable?

[Paul]

Hi All

Just found this forum today. Very exciting. I have been a fan of lever machines for years. My first foray with them was restoring a 3 group carimali (1970's something or rather - maybe 'zema'?). This now takes pride of place in my kitchen and displaces my fridge into the dining room, to my wifes chargrin. Aside from this, I played with a copper europiccola before addiction took over.

I am in the process of recommissioning a 1956 Cimbali Rubino. On checking it over I found that it has no sort of pressure regulation (well, apart from a big honking lead weight that serves as over-pressure). I can't see how this would make it very easy to use. I suppose that since the element is quite low powered (~500 watt) that you regulate the pressure by bleeding steam or changing the boiler water on the fly.

Anyway, I intend to install a new sirai pressurestat, off an existing fitting above the waterline. Also I intend to have a local engineering company replace the element filament to boost capacity to 1500 watts.

I would appreciate any thoughts as to my plans.

Cheers,

Paul

[happytamper]

If it is for safety purposes then absolutely go for it.
I noticed you were going to install a pressure stat. As well as boost the power. I wouldn't block the weighted pressure release though. If you block it and your pressure stat fails then you have a little bomb on your hands.
I wonder if on new machines there is a pressure stat as well as a safety release to relieve excess pressure.

[mogogear]

Hi All

Just found this forum today. Very exciting. I have been a fan of lever machines for years. My first foray with them was restoring a 3 group carimali (1970's something or rather - maybe 'zema'?). This now takes pride of place in my kitchen and displaces my fridge into the dining room, to my wifes chargrin. Aside from this, I played with a copper europiccola before addiction took over.

I am in the process of recommissioning a 1956 Cimbali Rubino. On checking it over I found that it has no sort of pressure regulation (well, apart from a big honking lead weight that serves as over-pressure). I can't see how this would make it very easy to use. I suppose that since the element is quite low powered (~500 watt) that you regulate the pressure by bleeding steam or changing the boiler water on the fly.

Anyway, I intend to install a new sirai pressurestat, off an existing fitting above the waterline. Also I intend to have a local engineering company replace the element filament to boost capacity to 1500 watts.

I would appreciate any thoughts as to my plans.

Cheers,

Paul

I just bought a 1977 Gaggia with the same sort of lead -weight pressure relief valve. Go ahead and go to the screw in type relief valve that is adjustable- It should be one of the cheapest and easiest things to do. The new pressurestat will keep you stably regulated, and the Pressure relief valve will be a cheap insurance policy if something hangs up!!!

[Paul]

Thanks for the validation. I was feeling nervous of modifying such a beautiful machine.

Mogogear, have you plumbing in your Gaggia yet? Did you need to regrease anything after 29 years?

cheers

Paul

[mogogear]

Thanks for the validation. I was feeling nervous of modifying such a beautiful machine.

Mogogear, have you plumbing in your Gaggia yet? Did you need to regrease anything after 29 years?

cheers

Paul

Paul,
I am very lucky,

Another member here on H-b who lives in my part of the US has a great contact in an old-world style espresso repair shop. So the Gaggia was taken to the shop for a check up. Joe at the shop verified that the machine indeed was 1977, and had never been installed. He was the one that assessed the needs of this new / old machine. He did (although I am not sure why) dissasemble the group. He also upgraded the Press Releif valve and pressurestat and a few other things. Obviously no scale issues etc.I am sure he might have lubed some of the lever / points but until I speak with him I will not know the extent of his probings. It is plumbed to water and shots have been tasted from her ( although, once again , not by me!!) She is 220v and 2K watt. You can see some shots of her on this thread

http://www.home-barista.com/lever-espresso-machines/first-sneak-peeks-at-new-girl-1977-gaggia-compacta-82-palanca-t1765.html

Keep us posted and send some shots and hopefully you'll be drinking shots as well!!

[peacecup]

So Joe at GCC has the 77' Gaggia. I was beginning to wonder, but I'm glad it's in safe hands. Careful, he might lose it in there behind one of his old machines. Are we never to see photos of it in action? Those of us with "laptop" levers live vicariously you know...

PC