Tamper size for Elektra Microcasa a Leva

[ian2kris]

I am thrilled to write that after a lot of teeth gnashing, hair pulling and borrowing a Europiccola for almost a year I have pulled the trigger on a Elektra Micro Casa A Leva. I am just checking in to get advice on the correct tamper size. I know that it is specified as a 49mm, but I wanted to get your opinions whether that is consistent and if I am safe buying a stock 49mm tamper; or,if I should look to have someone like Les @ Thor to custom make one.

I will post some pictures of shots once I get the machine.

[srobinson]

You will be fine with a 49mm, but if you were going to pay more than $50 then I would get a custom made one....a perfect fit will spoil you. Of course if you go with Les and start looking at his exotic wood, you may find yourself a bit north of $50....it's a slippery slope.

[julioale]

Hi Steve:

Where I can find a custom made tamper for the Leva?

Ths

Julio

[HB]

Reg Barber will make the piston to any size; you can even send your basket and he'll fit it for you. Les at Thor Tamper makes custom exotic wood tampers. Greg Pullman also makes custom fitted pistons.

[julioale]

Ths Dan

[mogogear]

Not to leave out someone who has made some great tampers for a few of us- Richard Penny- Espressme-



Choice is nice ain't it?

[LeoZ]

just to clarify this thread - so if one were to get a custom made one, it would be what size? 49.5mm?

my machine came with a thor tamper.. it is nice looking.

it is taking me a while to get used to the scratching sound the wood makes across the coffee surface. i use it as a reminder to not tamp and twist too hard. :p

[gregpullman]

This is probably a bit late now, but have a look through http://www.coffeetamper.com.au/faq.html#what-size and http://www.coffeetamper.com.au/fa...sket-discrepancies and it may answer your question. While the second answer relates to 58mm baskets, in my experience variations of one degree or another exist at all sizes. I can't speak for other manufacturers, but the first link outlines the method I use which has a very high success rate. Good luck with whoever you go with!

Greg

[rlmerriam]

...merged with thread on same topic by moderator...



i got a 49mm tamper for my beloved elektra and it doesn't fully cover the basket...my basket mics at about 49.85 mm at top but tapers down...i have no way to mic it at bottom but i assume it's less than 49.5mm.. assuming i have the right basket can i please have your thoughts on best tamper size...thanks a lot
bob m

[HB]

If you want a custom fit, I recommend sending the basket. Otherwise your measure of 49.5mm sounds close enough that any discrepancy could be resolved with 600 grit wet sandpaper.

[narc]

The 49mm RegBarber tamper I use is 49mm.
For reference the basket is at 0.5cm =49.85 mm, at 1cm =49.74mm and at 2 cm=49.50mm
Measured with a high end digital/analog caliper.
I like ~0.9mm space. No detectable friction between the sides of the basket & tamper due to grinds trapped between the two. On the other lever machines with a 45mm basket the size difference I think is 0.7mm. No problems with jamming.

[rlmerriam]

The 49mm RegBarber tamper I use is 49mm.
For reference the basket is at 0.5cm =49.85 mm, at 1cm =49.74mm and at 2 cm=49.50mm
Measured with a high end digital/analog caliper.
I like ~0.9mm space. No detectable friction between the sides of the basket & tamper due to grinds trapped between the two. On the other lever machines with a 45mm basket the size difference I think is 0.7mm. No problems with jamming.

hi and thanks...by coincidence i just discovered that the tamper for my starbux barista is 49.5 mm and although it will slide about halfway down an empty basket, if i tamp a full basket it will jam up on the edges at about 1/4 inch
down....so i will stick with my 49mm tamper...which is also the cheapest option!