This has been a helpful thread. I didn't realize that one needs a uniform particle size for drip, but it makes sense. That explains the success I've had with an Arcade No. 3 (antique). The particle size is even and there are almost no visible fines when I rub the grinds in my palm.

On the other hand, it simply doesn't make espresso.

I wonder if one could predict the quality of the espresso grinder by examining the grinds? In other words, if, for example, I devised a standardized method to scan the grinds at 2400 dpi on a flat bed scanner, if a look at the grinds will reveal quality. I'm going to get a few samples from some 3d wave shops and give it a try and compare it to my hand grinders, a Kyocera grinder [it is pronounced, "KEE-O-CERA" , and is a contraction for Kyoto Ceramics because it is located in Kyoto] and a few others. I'll use a piece of mylar with a hole punched in it to capture the same thickness of grind layer on the scanner glass. If it works, I'll post the results.

So, now I'm wondering, if one bought a set of ROBUR burrs and mounted them oneself in a precision, adjustable manner, would one end up with ROBUR quality? Does quality change depending on the speed of the grind, all other things being equal?

My thought is to eventually maybe make my own grinder and it wouldn't be hard since issues such as high volume, idiot proofness and continuous use would not be part of my design criteria. On the other hand, issues such as high precision, infinite adjustment and no grind trapping would be high on my list and none of them are all that hard, even for a relative beginner at machining. I know the Versalab attempts to address these items, but after looking at one, I see some things to admire and some to question. I also suspect that a variable speed motor would be a huge plus, but I am not 100% sure yet. For example, one could design a motor that ground relatively quickly until the end and then slowed down to a crawl, preventing popcorning.

dan

Maxwell, what is the problem you are trying to solve? You have a Super Jolly, and evidently find it unsuitable for drip. Can you articulate what aspect of the brew leaves you unsatisfied when you use the SJ for drip?

That was why I posted a link to an entire thread instead of just quoting the first post.
As the thread progresses the same coffee professional bought the grinder after Mark Prince called him out on his armchair analysis.

Coffee Professional wrote:i have used this grinder for quite a few months now. for some time we have all been really unhappy with our presses in the store using this grinder. i have recently done some more focused testing and comparison with others and have come to some un-scientific conclusions:

there is only so much that can be judged from the appearance of ground coffee. it can look great and taste bad. there can be little sign of 'fines' yet produce a terribly muddy cup.

the process by which coffee is ground is very important. there is a combination of space, speed, pressure, and sharpness (or precision) that produces a varying quality of grind.

with this grinder the speed is slow, the pressure is forced, the sharpness is dull. the result is that the coffee beans are forced through and crushed, not cut. when the grinds hit water the resulting taste is like they have dissolved in a floury, muddy cup.

real burrs may help, but rotating at such a low speed, i'm not sure there is hope there.

i do not recommend this grinder.

Although he panned the grinder for the same reasons, his analysis as to why the grinder doesn't give him a satisfactory grind can be wrong, but the observation that the grinder doesn't give a satisfactory grind could be correct.
Confirmation bias can't be ruled out of course.

And that thread also has other people either praising it or trashing it and an interesting observation on the perhaps chinese origins of the KA.

I found a source for reasonably priced used Bunn LPGs (<$200 shipped). Mine is on the way - I'll post some comparisons between it and my trusty dusty Maestro Plus after a teardown and burr inspection. It may be time to put the old girl out to pasture...

Call me crazy, but I have grown to love the ugly looks of mine. I fully agree that it is not aesthetically pleasing but there is something about the raw industrial look of it that I really like now. Maybe it is the "ugly" ying to the new VBM's yang or something quasi spiritual like that


That being said, it has been screaming at me for a carbon fibre wrap and smoked hopper!