Some time last year both of our Swift's burr carrier assemblies seized. This seems to be a not-too-uncommon occurrence. The replacement cost for the two is about 2/3 the cost of a new unit. Because I was unable to get any sort of adjustment on the cost the unit has set in the warehouse. Recently a machine shop moved into a warehouse across the street. They do "boxes" for the White Sands Missile test range nearby so I thought they might be able to duplicate the assemblies. I took the part over (which I'd sawed in half) and asked if they could machine one. Yep. The guy pointed out that the assembly was considerably under-engineered for it's intended use. The aluminum-on-aluminum, fine threads were the problem. He said even replicating the design would not keep them from seizing again. So he will get a cost for producing the parts in dissimilar metals and I will hopefully be able to get the unit back in operation. Interestingly he said that the cost of aluminum vs. stainless would be similar since the aluminum would be more expensive but take less time than the less expensive stainless that would take longer to machine. He suggested a brass upper carrier and either a stainless or aluminum lower case. I'm hoping the two can be produced for around $800-$1000 each.

LaMarzocco current replacement part for the stationary burr holder has brass threads. I make a living off of sleeving grind chambers with aluminum, brass or stainless.

James

Great "out of the box" thinking, Bernie! It is surprising how few people consider options like this when faced with mechanical problems.

ken

Saw the almost-completed units yesterday. Wow. The smoothness of brass threads on aluminum is sweet. They only have the chute to drill out and they will be ready. The cost will be $1700 for the pair. I'll post some pics as the grinder gets put back together.