Versalab M3 Grinder - Page 9

[hperry]

I've had the Versalab for 2 years now. It grinds 5-8 doubles per/day- not super heavy usage. I grind both my own and commercial roasts. Since installing the (minor) upgrades I have had no issues - just trouble-free grinds. The minor early problems of belt slippage and grind setting drift were solved permanently by free and prompt updates from Versalab. I get beautiful grinds each morning without clumping, having to use sharp objects to remove old coffee, or diassembling the grinder to clean it. Coffee does not "burn" because it is grinding too fast. I move frequently between different coffees without worrying that one coffee is mixing with the other. I abandoned a Macap for the Versalab. It has not occurred to me to change grinders since.

[Teme]

I've had the Versalab for 2 years now. It grinds 5-8 doubles per/day- not super heavy usage. I grind both my own and commercial roasts. Since installing the (minor) upgrades I have had no issues - just trouble-free grinds. The minor early problems of belt slippage and grind setting drift were solved permanently by free and prompt updates from Versalab. I get beautiful grinds each morning without clumping, having to use sharp objects to remove old coffee, or diassembling the grinder to clean it. Coffee does not "burn" becaus it is grinding too fast. I move frequently between different coffees without worrying that one coffee is mixing with the other. I abandoned a Macap for the Versalab. It has not occurred to me to change grinders since.

Thanks Hal. This is encouraging. I've looked at several alternatives for my grinder upgrade and I was previously against the M3 due to the reported reliability and customer service issues. However, it really appears to be the only alternative out there that is an improvement over my current Mini-E, doserless and still compact in size. Hmm...

Br,
Teme

[bobpaule]

OK ok, i see the motor and the platter, but where is the weighted tonearm and can you please post photos from below so we can see the suspension ?

Sorry, had to laugh, awesome awesome machine, i admire your commitment to the cause.

BTW, i am not an analog head either, use HDMI audio to enjoy uncompressed 6 channel SACD PCM
from my PS3 to processor/amps. My Solis/RR45 combo help my fully enjoy Mozart as i type now

[Abe Carmeli]

I've just received word from John Bicht that a dial scale for the Versalab M3 grinder will be available in about six weeks. No visuals yet but I should have something to post before its release. Also in the works is a P/F holder, but that one is only in the prototype stage

[darrylr]

Hi Abe, that's great news for us users, assuming John will be providing an upgrade kit. This will sure help smooth out a couple rough spots on the grinder design (I also think it could use a shield around the upper housing to contain the occassional jumping bean). Please do update when you know more.

Darryl

[edsel]

Will adding a dial scale require shipping the grinder back to Versalab? I hope it's a user-installable "kit" as darrylr suggested.

[Abe Carmeli]

Here are some pics of the grinder scale and upcoming P/F holder. The scale will be available free of charge to all current users who wish to have it. I have no ETA on the P/F holder.


Grinder scale


P/F holder - prototype


P/F holder - prototype

[EricC]

Thanks for the photos Abe.

In the photo the scale and marker look as though they are stick on, is this correct?

The portafilter holder does look very interesting, especially the way it clamps the portafilter up to the bottom of the funnel.

Do you think that this will work ok with the LaSpaziale 53mm portafilter size?

All the Best
Eric

[Abe Carmeli]

The P/F holder can be retrofitted and will be available in a couple of weeks.

[mogogear]

OK ok, i see the motor and the platter, but where is the weighted tonearm and can you please post photos from below so we can see the suspension ?

Sorry, had to laugh, awesome awesome machine, i admire your commitment to the cause.

BTW, i am not an analog head either, use HDMI audio to enjoy uncompressed 6 channel SACD PCM
from my PS3 to processor/amps. My Solis/RR45 combo help my fully enjoy Mozart as i type now

Careful Bobpaul,

Hal is quite the addicted fellow in "Hi-Fi" also- you may have found a friend in another passion

[Teme]

The price of the M3 has gone up to $1550.

It now comes with the grind adjustment scale (looks like transparent film with markings on it).

The PF holder is an option that costs $165.

According to the Versalab website there is now also a hopper (or multiple hoppers) available for the M3. No price, pictures or availability info yet on the website, but they say "These hoppers have a variable volumetric doser". This is interesting.

Br,
Teme

[Abe Carmeli]

I received and installed an upgraded small pulley with "teeth" on it to prevent belt slippage. That seems to have solved the slippage problem. Those pulleys are available with self install instructions.

[EricC]

Excellent news, well at least it is for we LaSpaz owners.

I have just had an E-mail from Laura at Versalab, and she advises me that Versalab are coming out with a portafilter holder specifically for the LaSpaz 53mm portafilter and machines that take a similar size portafilter.

This is very good news, and excellent customer support from Versalab, especially for owners of machines with 53mm or similar portafilters.

Regards
Eric

[Jepy]

Interesting set up

[Niko]

Interesting contraption...
do you pull the red handle towards you to drop beans into the manifold?

[cannonfodder]

Looks real tipsy with that big hopper.

[AndyS]

Interesting contraption...
do you pull the red handle towards you to drop beans into the manifold?

Yes, and by changing bushings in the black slide, you vary the dose.

Looks real tipsy with that big hopper.

Probably not. The grinder weighs about 35 lbs, so a few pounds of hopper and beans won't make it top heavy.

[RegulatorJohnson]

looks kind of silly to me.


jon

[CoffeeOwl]

Looks like I am third in the line... but Jim pleeeaaase...! I'm from Central Europe, you know, please throw your Versalab to me!

(and I'm not joking)
Pawel

[cinergi]

Does anyone have the PF holder or bean hopper yet?