Did anyone try to convert a regular espresso machine to lever. I've seen a few ads for 1 group commercial machines with broken or unworking pump at really great price and seen the price for similar lever machine which is what I would like to get but simply can't afford. So I was wondering if anyone ever try this wild idea???

Thanks
Robert

A fair question.
I think that many of us have thought about such a conversion. A bit hard to accomplish though. You might remember that the pump on such machines is ahead of the boiler and so could be replaced by a lever action pump. Then "all" that is needed is a connection between the reservoir and the pump inlet and the pump outlet to the boiler or HX inlet. Remember also that you will need about 10 bar/ 147 lbs per in² to make a decent espresso shot. That would be a 1.75inch piston having a lever with a fulcrum to press it at 260 pounds or so over a stroke of ~2 inches.
Might be cheaper to spend about $75 for a new vibe pump if that is what is required.
Some of the things you would wish to know about similar ideas are found in about the longest thread running on H-B
Peppina marries Minigaggia Here
Have fun!
-Richard