by Tom@Steve'sEspresso on Sat Jan 10, 2009 9:24 pm So, after wanting a lever machine for a few years and watching Ebay on occasion, I found a brass/copper Pavoni right here in town and for a [i]low[i] price-$80. I knew it needed work but I also knew I could (and did) get a wealth of info from HB.com to help me out.
Upon inspection I found that it needed:
-a new sight glass
-drip trays
-a bottom cover
-a portafilter and basket
-a 110v conversion somehow
-and considering its age as unknown, new gaskets.
I immediately ordered the parts and gaskets and set to work. Not knowing whether the 220v element worked, paired with the fact that the element gasket was also harder than granite, I chose to get a new 110v element rather than getting some power converter and risking that the original element be burnt out, although it looked intact. I kept the cord in place and now just use a Euro plug adapter without trouble.
Changing the sight glass was a bit troubling, as I had to whack the large screw on top, as suggested on another well-known sight- to loosen the screw. Well, I guess I was whacking the screw too hard (don't say it...)because the sight glass mount began bending into the boiler. YIKES! I managed to unbend the mount, got it back into alignment with the bottom mount, and replaced the glass. I also descaled the boiler around this time as well. I then began the re assembly with all new gaskets and I have to admit, it was a bit easier given the info and links found here.
This over a span of a few weeks, and returning the first portafilter because it was too big and waiting for the second, correctly sized one to arrive. I had to settle for a chrome holder as opposed to the brass one, but it actually doesn't detract from the brass/copper combo like i had thought it might. So finallly came the moment of truth when I finally got to fill 'er up and let 'er rip...
WOW, it works, and no leaks! Hehehe. So I pull out the Bodum grinder, the Vesubio stovetop steamer and make some shots. Not too bad, but not quite like the shots at the shop. I know, I know...the grinder. So yesterday the Lelit 53 arrived and again- WOW. Before, the Bodum grind was a little fast because it just couldn't get fine enough but I got some decent flavour. And now the Lelit shots are a totally new dimension in comparison.
Over the past month I've come up with an interesting (at least I think so anyhow) procedure for my drinks. I get the vesubio steamer going on the stove first- it actually does a nice job at frothing. I just don't have any hair on the knuckles of my hand is all. While the steamer is heating I'll fill up the boiler and start it out on high temp for a few minutes for quick heating. I leave the boiler cap off so that I can stick a quick-read thermometer into the water and as the temp approaches 200 I switch to low power for brewing. I put the top on, steam the milk, flush the grouphead to heat it, grind the beans, load, and pull. Voila! Works like a charm. Oh I also did get a larger Elektra basket and I took the spout off the portafilter for more room underneath while brewing as well.
That's all.
In fact I think it's time to repeat the process now!
Cheers
Tom
