Hi Dennis..... how does that PL grinder work with the lever?

That is a good question. I am making a 220v cable as we speak to run across the kitchen to the electric dryer outlet. This is just stopgap; My electrician can't get here for a few weeks to put in a dedicated 220 in the kitchen so this is how I get to fiddle with it until then. I'll let you know in the next few days. But I intend on purchasing a grinder specifically for espresso within the next week or so. I'm contemplating that lelit grinder 1st Line equipment sells, or a used SJ or the like. I may get the Lelit to tide me over until next year and then get something better. But I never really had any intention of using the PL for anything other than press, siphon or moka pot when I got it.

Cheers,
Dennis

Well I just finished the burr swap on the 1st PL I'm working on. Took some time and effort to think it out and the old "measure twice and drill once." But the results with old beans are superb. Used them just to check for proper burr spacing. Haven't pulled any shots just yet, but the grind particle size and consistency is light years ahead of the stock grinding capability IMO. Only downfall is that it's quite a bit slower than before, but the end result is way more important to me.

I'm sure it's not in the same league as the SJ and others in that $$$ range, but for a good home grinder it's now great. Later!

CRCasey wrote:I have been bitten by the coffee bug three times now.

I am proud to join the league of leverheads. Thank you for all the articles that have brought me to this point, and I look forward to pestering you all with questions in the near future.

-Cecil

Yea! Casey is a leverhead! Now I can spout incoherent babble in response to your pestering questions!

Greetings Leverheads,
I acquired a Micro Cimbali Liberty two months ago.

This is my first "real" espresso machine, after doing alot of reading and using a Bialetti stovetop. Even though I could not find much on the machine, I bought the Liberty because I am pretty hands on, I knew I could get spare parts, and I got a great deal.

It has been alot of fun experimenting and drinking great espresso.

See the attached pic of my machine.

Thanks for all the help leading me to this point.

Hi everyone:

I'm a new member with the arrival of my Gaggia Factory 106 yesterday. I am now 4 shots into it and loving it. I finally upgraded from my old GranGaggia that I purchased in grad school in the mid-90s. It looks like it was a good thing too because it looks like my old machine started not working this week.

I've been drinking espressos for the past 15 years off and on, but only recently got into it seriously. It started with me home-roasting about a year ago and getting more and more in tune with flavors and different roasts and quality beans. That has morphed into espressos and now latte art.

My first 2 shots were good on the lever. I definitely think I got somewhat lucky since I had decent shot volumes and crema. This mornings shots were OK (I think my grind was too fine). Also need to work on my microfoam more, but not bad for attempt #2.

Anyway, here is a picture of the tin man. Glad to be part of the group.

-scjavadr

Hello all, I just pulled the trigger (lever?) on a PV Lusso! I am extremely excited, but of course being a slightly crazy and obsessed individual, I seem rather alone amongst my circle of friends and family. I started with a Brevelle which lasted a week until I relegated it to corner counter art. I have some espresso cups that look nice on top of it. My SO-SO (single origin-significant other) likes it because it matches the kettle.

My local Peets sold me a new G Classic so I threw and PID on her and was very happy for a months (really is a good machine with a couple mods). Well, being the very crazy and obsessed person, I am, I decided I wanted something a little more for my everyday use so I sold my dog and picked up a slightly used New Oscar on CL. I love my Oscar! Now this is a machine I can just sit and listen to!

Knowing where this was taking me, right after picking up the Classic, I sold my neighbors dog and grabbed a Macap M4 stepless, chrome. Now this is a machine I can just sit and stare at all day!

Being in N. CA I have quick access to great roasters. Typically use Bluebottle, Barefoot, Ritual and Ecco. I did just get my first pound of Black Cat and really like it.

Ok, so I had something to listen to and something to look at. I needed something to feel. Being certifiably crazy and obsessed to the point in which I should be institutionalized, I fell in love (from afar) with the PV Lusso, just the idea, the beauty, the feel, the challenge the potential of such an intimate relationship really got me going. I had to have it. I needed to feel whole and completed.

So, I sold my SO-SO's dog and purchased the Lusso from OE (Barb is great!). I don't know when it will arrive I just hope I have enough meds. to make it. I have a spot for it.


Anyway thanks for letting me share (nobody understands me!). I'll have more pictures soon.
Note: no dogs were hurt in the unfolding drama depicted here.

Rob

You could probably buy a GS3 if you sold one of the neighbor's children instead of the dog!

Well, I am official, #248. My gray Caravel arrived today! It is in pristine condition, almost looking like it was never used.

I started with boiling water, and it easily kept it hot on 110v. No real reason to get a converter.

Allrighty! The PVL-1 came yesterday from OE. First off I want to say that the packaging was fantastic. Double boxed, padded, foamed, padded again, wrapped. Nothing was going to damage this machine. They put on the boiler insulation they do and it looks top notch. The pstat realignment is sweet. I can adjust in less than a minute. They set the machine to what looks to be about 1.1 bar which, what I have read here is recommended. I am sorry about the photo quality. I had to take them with my phone.

I also picked up one of their tampers as seen in the photos. It is a perfect fit. I have pulled (have attempted) about 3 shots. I have much to learn about this machine and the style of espresso it produces but I am excited about the potential. The three shots I did right out of the box strongly demonstrated the potential of this baby.

Any PV owners in Sacramento want to come over and give me some pointers?

My Oscar got a little jealous so I may need to pay him a little extra attention this weekend.
In short, I'm stoked!

Salud!