Search found 824 matches

by RayJohns
August 8th, 2016, 3:12 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 24
Views: 3093

DIY saturated grouphead spring lever project

I guess the main thing I'm trying to accomplish is to have a lever, but avoid having the group head filled under pressure (from a boiler). I'm not sure if this will make any difference, but it is something I would like to try. I've actually been thinking about getting one of those manual deals with ...
by RayJohns
August 8th, 2016, 2:57 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 24
Views: 3093

DIY saturated grouphead spring lever project

Thanks DrGary - I'll check those links out. On issue for me is that I think I maybe enjoy a slightly different (i.e. more like coffee) sort of espresso than many other people. It seems that a lot of people enjoy very syrupy and intense espresso with very concentrated flavors. Myself, I like somethin...
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by RayJohns
August 3rd, 2016, 7:24 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 24
Views: 3093

DIY saturated grouphead spring lever project

Where did you get your LSM group from? Did you purchase something new or used? I'm not sure about the low pressure pre-infusion issue. I'm thinking in terms of maybe putting the group head slightly below the tank in some manner, so that when you lift the lever, it's almost like water is gently poure...
by RayJohns
August 3rd, 2016, 3:42 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 24
Views: 3093

DIY saturated grouphead spring lever project

Hey Tom, thanks a lot! Can you post any pictures of your San Marco group assembly and lever? Ray
by RayJohns
August 3rd, 2016, 12:54 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 24
Views: 3093

DIY saturated grouphead spring lever project

Hey guys, Okay, so since "building and selling my beloved PID La Pavoni", I have been over here using a Breville 840 pump machine with pretty decent results. Not a bad little machine, but I have been getting the lever itch again. Recently, I have been giving some thought to building my own custom sp...
by RayJohns
November 6th, 2014, 5:50 pm
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 61
Views: 4159

Milling Machines, Lathes, Drill Presses, etc. Recommendations

I just emailed Gary some info about machines (Gary, feel free to post it here if you want). On the topic of safety, you do need to be very careful. My buddy who owns a big machine shop and has done machining for many years just caught his fingers in a mill last year; it cut the tip
by RayJohns
June 24th, 2014, 3:10 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 32
Views: 3978

10 days into home espresso & La Pavoni Europiccola

Glad the videos helped I've actually been thinking about dragging my La Pavoni out of storage and firing it up again Ray
by RayJohns
January 3rd, 2014, 1:24 am
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 28
Views: 4260

Why PID a Conti Prestina?

Very nice job Gary. Question for you: on the SSR, does the back of it make contact with anything? If possible, you might want to mount it in such a way as the back of the SSR makes contact with either some aluminum and/or the case of the machine itself; this can help act as a heat sink to
by RayJohns
December 31st, 2013, 9:32 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 7
Views: 2474

Size difference between La Pavoni Europiccola and Elektra Microcasa single baskets?

It's funny you should PM me regarding this topic, because just last night I was thinking about this very issue again. Most of the espresso I drink these days is from my Illy Francis Francis Y1.1 capsule machine, which uses the Illy iperespresso system. I used to scoff at capsule/pod machines, but I ...
by RayJohns
September 8th, 2013, 3:31 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 29
Views: 8076

Pimped my La Pavoni Lever

Beautiful Ray