Should I buy a naked portafilter now or wait until upgrading to an HX?

[Tristan]

Good Afternoon!

I've been lurking for weeks but have not registered/posted until now. First, I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Tristan and I live in Wausau, WI. I've enjoyed coffee for many years. I would usually go to buy locally roasted beans and chop them up with my whirley blade grinder. The non-uniform coffee bits would be subjected to less than optimum temperature water surging through a cheapo drip machine.

Then a year and a half ago I started reading about some crazy people roasting coffee in popcorn poppers on my favorite cigar forum. Feverish research began and I decided to join in the fun and haven't looked back. I've gone from roasting my own with the popper and cooling with metal bowls and making drip serum to roasting with a SC/CO, cooling with a hybrid shop vac set up and grinding with my trusty stepless doserless Macap M4 (love it!) for various pour over filters and french press gizmos. (sorry for the run-on sentence).

About 6 weeks ago after drinking some espresso on someones steam-toy-krups-9000-something I start to get crazy ideas. This led me to buy my first espresso machine to see if I could produce anything drinkable at home. Now I find that I'm falling face first into this espresso madness. I bought a refurbished Gaggia Carezza and have been using it for about a month. I have started to experience consistent results and am quite satisfied. I'm keeping in mind that what I am drinking is probably close to espresso, but not quite.

Here is my predicament, I am using all my self control not to go out and immediately order a naked PF for this machine. However, the cost of a naked PF is close to what I paid for the espresso machine. I had also thought about sending my PF in to be modified, but this would mean I'd have to go a week without espresso/milk drinks. That sounds silly, but I NEED MY COFFEE!

I plan to upgrade to either a Quick Mill Anita or Andreja Premium (still trying to decide between them) in about 6-9 months. I was wondering if the learning opportunities of buying a naked PF would be worth the expense. I have much to learn and feel that I can make progress with my current equipment. Either way, I plan to order the naked PF for the machine that I decide to purchase.

If you've gotten this far, thank you for reading my lengthy post. Any advice would be appreciated!

[HB]

Here is my predicament, I am using all my self control not to go out and immediately order a naked PF for this machine. However, the cost of a naked PF is close to what I paid for the espresso machine.

Got a drill press? Or even a drill and lots of patience? See How To Make Your Own Naked Portafilter. Be careful though to leave enough metal around the bowl so as not to compromise the portafilter handle's attachment. The diameter of this cutout looks slightly too large.


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[Tristan]

Thanks for the reply Dan. I was reading that post earlier today regarding drilling/modifying the PF. Unfortunately I don't have any power tools atm. I think I might ask around to see if anyone is in for an afternoon of adventure modifying the PF.

If modifying the PF is not an option; do you think it would be worth purchasing a naked PF for my current machine or should I wait for the upgrade? I believe it will come to around $77 shipped.

[HB]

That's a bit pricey if you're considering upgrading anytime soon. I would either send the portafilter out for modification ($25 including return postage at espressoparts.com), or go to a local machine shop.

[TimEggers]

Hi Tristen and welcome to the group. Actually there is another option, which I myself just had done, that's send your portafilter to EPNW and have them make the modification. Mine turned out real nice and they are quick about getting it back to you. Worth a look if you can't find the tools around home. I will admit EPNW did a nicer job then I ever could (I like you don't have the right tools).

Take a look: http://espressoparts.com/product/F_PFMOD/

[cafeIKE]

Another option is to fogedaboudit.

Don't over dose, tamp lightly, grind fine enough for a double in about 30 seconds. And don't use the Macap for press or drip.

The shot should start dark and gradually lighten, maintaining a foamy appearance. If it doesn't, a bpf is not going to fix any of the faults.