I don't think there is anything to worry about not having the gate in place as far as I know

I have had a Vario now for a few years and have used it with pretty good success. I recently found a great way to single dose with it that is working wonderfully and it makes it essentially a zero waste grinder. I also have it producing excellent fluffy grinds and it is repeatable over and over again

Ya, so far TJ organic full fat has been very good, its cheap for what it is, and tastes great and i am lucky to live in an area with lots of TJs around. I have still been adding about 25-33% half and half for the past few days, delicious and it seems to make latte art easier.

Fat Fat Fat I bought some horizon milk, worked much much better. Then I added some half and half to the other milk and it worked great, about 1/3 half half, rest full fat milk, it worked awesome. It seems the fattier foam is slicker and flows out on top. Oh, did I mention that

Just recently I was getting better at latte art, i was able to texture the milk right and started getting the "touch" for the basic designs. I usually use trader joes full fat organic milk, and it tastes good too Then I was shopping at a different store and picked up another brand of org full fat milk

I know timing a shot isn't new or amazing. I was just sharing what I have found what works for me and why. I've read all those threads, I don't recall anyone mentioning why timing a shot from the first drop works in the manner that i did, if so I missed it. I also stated that

Ha Ha!

I have been experimenting with all kinds of ways to increase my consistency with my espresso and milk drinks. I have tried all kinds of "crap" but I think I have definitely hit my stride, with all sorts of things from how to get the most out of my grinder, to pouring milk. I have been

Is the grind very fluffy or clumpy I wonder if you'll get the "letting loose" phenomena, its unmistakable as the grinds all of a sudden will be extremely fluffy and you'll have 2-3 extra grams

I have been using a couple pounds of lightly roasted (city+) Kenyan, it isn't great for espresso by the way. I have tried single dosing before and dont remember what beans, but I had similar results, I never use real dark stuff, light vienna at the most and that's rare