So I added a wood handle to my europiccola portafilter

[bobby yarrow]

I think I posted, asking if the handle can be removed, and whether the wood handle available online would screw on. One of my few complaints about the europiccola was that the handle of the portafilter is so short, I couldn't really grasp it without touching the metal.

I had a lot of trouble getting the old handle off, and I now understand why. With plumbers wrenches and a lot of force, I was able to get the portafilter head off the handle. No amount of effort could budge the threaded connector that attaches the handle to portafilter. So off I went to my hardware store, looking for a connector that was 3/8" course threaded on one side and 7/16" on the other. I'm sure such connectors exist, but not at my hardware store. My solution was to use a 3/8" connector, which threaded perfectly into the portafilter side, and some epoxy in the threads on the wood handle side. I suspect my predecessor did the same thing, which would explain why I couldn't get the handle to separate from the hardware.

Anyhow, result was a complete success, and I took care not to epoxy the handle & connector to the portafilter itself. Pulled a couple of celebration shots, and my right index finger was grateful for the upgrade.

[mogogear]

Let's see that handle man!!

[bobby yarrow]

I'm not much of a photographer.

[Gatewood]

Very nice! Almost as pretty as my brass one!

[bobby yarrow]

I don't think anything I can do with epoxy is going to bring me into the 'brass europiccola' level . . .

In particularly fetishy moments, I'm now tempted to have wooden pieces fabricated for the top and steam lever. I'll try and let that feeling pass.

[Gatewood]

I don't think anything I can do with epoxy is going to bring me into the 'brass europiccola' level . . .

In particularly fetishy moments, I'm now tempted to have wooden pieces fabricated for the top and steam lever. I'll try and let that feeling pass.

OK, it's not brass, but it's awfully classy looking, anyhow. And you don't need anything else to look good. It's a pretty machine. I'm amazed at what an improvement the wooden handles are. If you decide to tart it up more, get somebody to do an eagle for the top. (kidding; you don't need that!)

[bobby yarrow]

You know, it really was all driven by the stock handle being just too small for my hand. I like the look of all black hardware with the silver, but I'm pleased with the look and really pleased with the feel of the wood. Anyhow, thanks.

[cannonfodder]

Had my dad turn me some wood handles for my machine. I know a machinist, he turned me a set of threaded brass inserts from some bar stock. Those are glued into the handle blank and then turned around them.

[bobby yarrow]

That's very sharp, and with your PID (if that's what that is?) and gauge, you're not leaving much to chance. Nice story too.

If anybody's wondering, I just bought mine from european gift, $30 for the pair (tho their website makes it sound like you're getting 2 for $15, so I ended up ordering mine in 2 installments.)

[kbuzbee]

OK, it's not brass, but it's awfully classy looking, anyhow. And you don't need anything else to look good. It's a pretty machine. I'm amazed at what an improvement the wooden handles are. If you decide to tart it up more, get somebody to do an eagle for the top. (kidding; you don't need that!)

Has anyone here shelled out the $140 bucks for the LaPavoni eagle?? It looks so cool but that's a lot for no shot improvement.

La Pavoni Eagle

Ken

[Gatewood]

Has anyone here shelled out the $140 bucks for the LaPavoni eagle?? It looks so cool but that's a lot for no shot improvement.

La Pavoni Eagle

Ken

Wow, that's so cool. Does it just sit on top of the boiler cap or does it hook on that little round cap that comes with the thing. You know, I'm just dumb enough to get something like that.

[kbuzbee]

Wow, that's so cool. Does it just sit on top of the boiler cap or does it hook on that little round cap that comes with the thing. You know, I'm just dumb enough to get something like that.

Well, I'd imagine it fits over the boiler cap somehow but that's one of the things I'd wondered as well. If you order one post pics.

Ken

[Gatewood]

I'm trying to talk myself out of it.

[kbuzbee]

I'm trying to talk myself out of it.

No you need it, you really do.... Go! Go! Go! Go!..... Wooo Hooo

Ken

[Gatewood]

No you need it, you really do.... Go! Go! Go! Go!..... Wooo Hooo

Ken

Shame on you for encouraging my addiction! Shame, shame!

[kbuzbee]

Shame on you for encouraging my addiction! Shame, shame!

You're asking the wrong person if you want a "don't do that"

Ken

[Gatewood]

You're asking the wrong person if you want a "don't do that"

Ken

Then maybe you're the one that should get it! Sounds like it to me!

[kbuzbee]

Then maybe you're the one that should get it! Sounds like it to me!

It's on my list. I really want to talk to someone who owns one first.....

You?? Oh, go ahead... You know you want one.

Sorry!

Ken

[Gatewood]

Post a picture of it when you get it.

[happytamper]

The turned wood handles look great. I have no lathe so I had to carve one. That eagle from pavoni looks super, I will be casting some bronze sculptures in the next few weeks and if I have the time I may model a small addition for my Pavoni. Addictions can be fun when in check by the Lever forum.