I had a recent opportunity to pick up a Macap M4 grinder at a very good used price. It is paired with an E61 ECM Giottos espresso machine. Made the mistake of assuming it was stepless. When I unpacked the grinder it was a stepped model Arghhhh..... I have the Macap m4 stepless in our home. The stepped grinder sits in our vacation condo.

Of course, the stepped settings are difficult to work with in adjusting for the perfect grind. I was experimenting with adding/subtracting the espresso dose and changing the tamping pressure.

Any other ideas on how to adjust and live with a stepped grinder?

Thanks,

Kevin

This topic may be of some interest to you:

Switching Macap M4 from stepped to stepless - DONE!

This thread contains some pics of a simple friction brake mod for the M7. I think you should be able to easily tell if it will also work for the M4.

Macap M7 on sale

I can't find the post, but I am pretty sure there was a post by someone who modified their stepped into a stepless using Macap parts:

Picture from Stafano's Espress Care


http://espressocare.com/Qstore/Qstore.c ... adjustment

If I recall, the poster found that underneath the case, the holes for the threaded holes to mount the stepless mod were already there. I think the post may have been over at Coffeegeek. I'll keep looking.

Here's that link - on CG.

http://coffeegeek.com/forums/espresso/grinders/349880

Hi Bruce,

I don't believe that is the correct thread. It was specifically someone who ADDED the stepless worm gear to an existing STEPPED grinder. I recall he had to drill some holes in the case to get access to the threaded holes below etc.

I see. Oops.

Isn't that the thread that Bob_McBob cited here earlier today?

Yes, that thread from Bob Mc_Bob is correct. I am one of the people to have converted my stepped to stepless.

Feel free to ask questions if needed.