I've been having some trouble calibrating my new Vario, and wanted to see if anyone had some idea what the issue might be. I've contacted Baratza about it but haven't heard back yet... just to note, this is not by any means meant to be a slight toward them, as they've been very responsive with another issue... but they may be backlogged or something, so I wanted to see if anyone here might know what the problem is.

Ok, to the problem. Shots are flowing too fast, even when I updose the basket (anywhere from 14 to 18g). With the grinder set to its finest setting (both levers), the grind still produces a 10 sec., or at most 15 sec. shot (after that time, I have about ~2.5 oz in the cup and strong blonding). The coffee is slightly stale at this point (about 4-5 weeks), though I'd think that even with somewhat stale coffee, the finest setting should be able to choke the machine, or at least give me a 30-40 sec. shot. I tried different distribution/tamping methods (tamp straight down, distribute with a chopstick, etc.), to no avail.

Now, here's to the fun part. I followed the calibration procedure in the manual (with the supplied 2 mm tool), but noticed that when turning the adjustment screw clockwise (in the "Finer" direction on the tool), I would encounter some resistance, but then the screw would feel loose again, then again resistance, etc. Basically, I'd have about a quarter turn of resistance, then a quarter turn of feeling as if the screw turns loosely, then resistance, and so on. I'm wondering: is this how the small 2 mm. adjustment screw is supposed to behave?

I did look at the other adjustment screw (behind the rubber grommet), but it is positioned close to the grinder-side of the spectrum (as opposed to the user's side) ... from what I understand, the closer to the grinder the finer the grind. I didn't adjust that screw (I felt that having that screw close to the grinder-side, and the adjustment levers all the way on top should produce a much finer grind than I'm getting). However, I did notice that the plate (or whatever it is) that the 2.5mm screw was attached to felt loose. Again, those who have this grinder: is that normal?

Suggest a direct call to them. If they do what they usually do they will walk you through it on the spot.

Yup I calibrated Baratza before and I didn't have this problem. Once in, I can turn the screw as much as I want to.

Once in, I can turn the screw as much as I want to.

Same here, though it alternates between giving me some resistance and turning loosely in place (almost like it's not in place properly) ... is that how yours behaves, or does it just continue to turn with the same resistance?

[I'll make sure to call them direct as well, though won't be able to do so today, thus the follow-up]