Hi, I have been "using"(reading) HB for about 3 years now, gaining lots of knowledge as I navigate my way through my espresso adventure. This is my first post/question. Two weeks ago I took apart my Mazzer Mini doser for a thorough cleaning, and when I got to the bottom "spider/vane" I found a flat galvanized washer between the bottom vane and the base of the doser. It looks like the center hole on it is a little off center, and so I thought it was an after market modification that the guy who I bought the Mini from, had installed as a "placeholder" to keep coffee grounds from accumulating under the spider/vane. I also thought that this was the cause of some major metal on metal sound that got me into cleaning the doser in the first place. Well, now I am the new owner of a Mazzer Rio Super Jolly (used) because I got upgrade-itis and couldn't afford a Conical burr grinder(still saving). Anyway, I took apart the SJ doser, and found another galvanized washer(center hole is actually in the center) between the base and the bottom spider/vane...... In searching HB, I did come across an exploded factory view of the Mazzer Doser, and it shows this washer as an OEM part. So I guess it is not an after-market Mod after all. My question is, has anyone discarded this washer in rebuilding? and or has anyone made a synthetic washer out of something non metallic, say delerin or nylon..... I tried making one out of a biodegradeable plastic food container, and also one from p-tex ski base material. Neither really improved or hindered the performance. I am just wondering if I really need a washer there at all? Thanks, CPR

This washer an important and necessary element of a design of a Mazzer Doser. Otherwise aluminum adjoining parts will have a friction.

Thanks for the info. I was thinking aluminum on aluminum was not a good thing..... but why do you suppose they chose galvanized metal over some nice food grade stainless steel? By the way I took out the washer and tested the doser, and it just seems to have a tiny bit of play when you pull the doser handle. I ran the doser that way for a couple of mornings, with no problems. I am going to install my food grade bio plastic one and see how it works. I know, geeky, but, I am a bike mechanic and cook by professions and I gotta make it better...