Hello all, I finally got the grinder of my dreams ; a Gesto DRP in great cosmetic shape. Unfortunately, when grinding the whole mechanism turns around with the spindle (which rather diminishes the advantage of the famous dual ball bearings...), so I decided to take it apart for a thorough clean & lubrication. Now, I find that the spindle come doesn't loose from its tube (I suppose it's meant to? - see photos). Could someone give me a helping tip? Thanks in advance.

I have one of these grinders, but it's 1,000 miles away & I've never taken it apart. The mechanism is fascinating, though, nicely designed and machined. Mine proved capable of a very fine grind, suitable for espresso (maybe even Turkish technique).

Maybe Doug Garrott at Orphan Espresso will see this thread? He's definitely worked on one like this:

http://www.orphanespresso.com/assets/images/eg-310.jpg

In the meanwhile, I'd hit the burr axel where it meets the spindle w/ penetrating oil (or soak it somehow in penetrating oil) & let that work a while. There's a lot of surface area at that interface; I bet a little surface rust is all that is binding the parts together. You can clean the oil off afterwards, then soak everything in Joe Glo or similar before reassembly.

This is the basic process I follow when refurbishing or restoring:

http://www.orphanespresso.com/Vintage-H...546-1.html

Good luck!

Eric, it's almost broken. Lacking one of the balls, which is bad news I think... don't know if I can find replacement. Will have a go at the stuck bits this W-E.