La San Marco Open Source Lever Machine - Page 2

#11: Post by **TomC** » May 25th, 2016, 11:37 am

Thomas92024 wrote:Hi Tom,
Please see the video below for a flush when the machine is at brew temperature. How does it compare to your group? Does your group have a sleeve as well? I have not been able to find any information about the sleeves for the LSM group and don't see them in the diagrams on-line.

Mine definitely flushes more water than that. But it's also boiler pressure dependent. What is yours set at?

May 25th, 2016, 11:53 am

The inlet pressure was set at 30 psi/2 bar. For my setup the release pressure for the OPV will determine the initial pressure/flow to the group. I have adjusted it in the 2.5 - 3 bar range. I think there is enough headspace in the group that it's not a big problem as long as it's not too far from the inlet pressure. I have also been playing with the valve on the group, but it does not seem to make that much difference on the initial flow and confirms Andre's observation when using the needle valve on his setup.

#13: Post by **puffinjk** » May 25th, 2016, 7:49 pm

That video is interesting, It appears that water is leaking around the edges of your shower screen, My machine used to do the very same thing, Then tomC put me on to a new source for a SS c clip at chris coffee. When I installed it there was a big difference, Now the water comes out in a nice gentle shower, There is no slop in the screen now. Don't know if the coffee is any better, But it dose seem to work to design intent now > JK

May 25th, 2016, 10:04 pm

Thanks for the comment- I agree, the screen/clip part is my least favorite part of the group design. I found this reference to another custom retainer clip that could be interesting to try (http://www.couriercoffeeroasters.com/wordpress/?p=536).

#15: Post by **puffinjk** » May 25th, 2016, 10:15 pm

You can tap your screen and feel if there is some play in it, If so you my want to order the thicker SS clip from chris. That screen and clip is not a lot of fun to play with. JK

May 26th, 2016, 12:23 am

Just checked and luckily the screen is held firmly in place with no play.

#17: Post by **jonr** » May 27th, 2016, 10:09 am

I also like the concrete base.

Don't get sucked into the dis-proven idea that a flat temperature profile (measured above the coffee) is optimal.

#18: Post by **pizzaman383** » June 11th, 2016, 12:05 pm

I missed this thread earlier. Well done, it looks great and works great so you join the club of DIY lever builders. Maybe we need a club name!

June 11th, 2016, 1:22 pm

Thanks Curtis, your build was a big part of why I decided to go ahead with this project. I love the espresso these lever groups can produce and I just parted way with my LM GS/3 since it was not getting much use anymore...

#20: Post by **jontyc** » June 11th, 2016, 6:17 pm

Weirdly I have no desire for a GS/3, Slayer,... so glad to hear your GS/3 was getting little use. Even the Pompeii - a lever I do like the physical look of just doesn't do what I want and paying that sort of money, you want your needs met! Hence I'm also designing my DIY lever thanks to the the inspiration of EspressoForge, Pizzaman, Jorian and yourself. Also a big fan of your concrete.