Search found 1406 matches

by espressme
February 9th, 2019, 10:42 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 13
Views: 4630

DIY Espresso Piston

I love it! A great post and within it ideas for future explorations by others. Thank you! A simple cam or over center lever to lock the PF?
by espressme
December 4th, 2018, 1:25 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 588
Views: 59370

Building a lever machine.... from scratch

From my experience, Older plating was a first thick Nickle plating, which was then polished, and then a very thin chrome to protect it. Sorta looks like they skipped the nickle plating. Thank you for the enjoyable, at least at this end, thread and your work! ~Richard
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by espressme
November 12th, 2018, 9:05 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 13
Views: 1025

Can't ID this old non-working lever - is it even possible to refurb?

I've seen a couple as lamps, none operating as coffee machines. Internal corrosion and pitting make it a loser. Lamp maybe, boat anchor...yes. JMO
by espressme
August 28th, 2018, 9:18 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 11
Views: 886

Olympia Cremina - How long can I keep it turned on

Many Creminas and other home machines have a steam wand seal that wears out or disintegrates. If so, that leak can allow the boiler water to go away in a few hours. Then you, if lucky, have a temperature cutoff switch, all is scary but well. If not, you have a mess and a probable rebuild. Been both ...
by espressme
August 21st, 2018, 8:14 am
Forum: Grinders
Replies: 7
Views: 598

Bought used Pharos - what version is it?

I believe that "HomoBarista/ {link} is now a distributor for some OE products. Good luck! ~Richard
by espressme
August 18th, 2018, 11:03 am
Forum: Coffees
Replies: 16
Views: 906

Looking for a Light...Roast

I agree that a consensus of roasters' roasting is long overdue.I have found that if I contact a roaster and say that the last roast way too dark and what have they got that is lighter, may help. I roasted my own in small batches and found that, to me, there were always a few orange beans that didn't
by espressme
July 30th, 2018, 12:06 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 30
Views: 1424

Bad tasting shots from Olympia Cremina

JFI. My 70's Cremina group and Pf is stable at 175F when the machine is fully warmed. A quick pull to flush the dip tube and it produces nice shots. The boiler on some of these runs a bit toward the high side of the temp range. I found that buying a light roast sweetens my shots due
by espressme
July 28th, 2018, 8:25 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 30
Views: 1424

Bad tasting shots from Olympia Cremina

While the Thermo Strip offered by OE has been bashed here for less than perfect accuracy, It is only a very useful tool. I cut mine down to the the range of temps I wanted to know. 194F- 212F. There it has worked well for a lot of years. They will be fading over time but you will be
by espressme
June 19th, 2018, 8:46 am
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 9
Views: 508

Best to replace a leaking steam tap tubing or seal it?

I would strongly suggest that the tap should be replaced. They only get worse and you could be without water one day. Not a good thing! I know from experience. JMO ~Richard PS If you are good with your hands, removing the fitting, cutting the line behind the leak and and placing a new one further fr...
by espressme
June 13th, 2018, 5:55 pm
Forum: Grinders
Replies: 17
Views: 1234

Plugged grinder burrs!

JMO, YMMV Try grinding pre-cooked ( minute rice) rice for about a cup worth and then use a vacuum to clean up everything. It is an oil magnet. The may be some residue but it does not change the flavor of a cup and is gone quickly. JMO, works for me when the burrs clog on the vario and the