Dan, thanks for the tips!

I think that makes sense - since I'm sort of lightweight and petite, I maybe pulling at a slow extraction rate especially if the lever pressure gets high. I've been trying to imitate Dave's grip (hard to see your reflection on the grouphead) by gripping from underneath and the other hand on the PF handle. The machine just wants to tip over and feels kind of unstable so I've to pull very slowly while helping it stabilize.

Oh, one more thing - just noticed that I got the older version Achille because the lever has 4 balls on it instead of your 5 and it measures 8 and 10/16 inches not including the threads. This explains why it's even tougher for me to pull the shots.... so, please don't think I'm thaaaaaat wimpy! Huh, huh.....

cappafan wrote:The machine just wants to tip over and feels kind of unstable so I've to pull very slowly while helping it stabilize.

I didn't support the portafilter as I should have in the video so as not to block the camera, but Alchemist had a simple workaround in My new Gaggia Achille: Cut a length of wood to the height of the portafilter handle off the countertop and then you can hang like a gorilla on your length-challenged lever handle! Sorry, I mean you can free up both hands for a firmer grip.

cappafan wrote:Oh, one more thing - just noticed that I got the older version Achille because the lever has 4 balls on it instead of your 5 and it measures 8 and 10/16 inches not including the threads.

Er, five balls? The handle only has four balls, though I do remember discussions of the lever length change in later versions of the Achille.

Dan, you're right - 4 balls, not 5 on the lever. It's the PF that has 5. Regardless, my lever is like an inch shorter than the newer models, so, definitely I'm length-challenged besides other things challenged.....

Alchemist's idea is great! Thanks for giving me the link! I went and found a canister that would fit perfectly underneath the PF handle. That should prevent it from flexing and would make it very stable - I hope. I can't wait to try to hang like a monkey on the lever tomorrow with both hands!

By the way, I notice that when I fill the boiler water to the max. line, I can steam milk for 5 cappas (7 oz. each) before it hits the min. line. What if I've some friends over and I need to make 8 cappas? What would happen if I keep steaming and have the water line drop below the min. level? Will that hurt the machine? If I've to open the boiler cap (I guess I would have to release pressure by venting out all the steam), fill the water and then close it, how long would I have to wait until it's ready for more steaming?

Oh, one more thing - my cappas tasted better today! Thanks for all your help!

cappafan wrote:What would happen if I keep steaming and have the water line drop below the min. level? Will that hurt the machine? If I've to open the boiler cap (I guess I would have to release pressure by venting out all the steam), fill the water and then close it, how long would I have to wait until it's ready for more steaming?

The minimum fill line indicates the level of water necessary to (a) adequately transfer heat to the coiled heat exchanger, and (b) prevent the heating element from being exposed (if it's exposed, it melts). I haven't measured, but I assume the reheat time is slightly less than from a cold start.

Today, I tried the canister under the PF method and it worked beautifully! It made the pulls so much easier, the machine was made stable with no flexing at all and it was virtually effortless. I could use 2 hands and just concentrate on applying even pressure for a smooth extraction. My shots definitely showed that I had a good extraction! This was a great idea, so thanks Alchemist, and Dan for pointing it out!

Regarding not letting the min. boiler level drop below the min. level, this will be a hassle if I've more than 5 people who want cappas. This means I've to wait sometime (guessing 15 mins.?) before it would be hot enough to steam again. This is a drawback, I think.

Well, I do feel that I'm getting more and more comfortable with managing the HX brew temp. and my shots are getting better each day. Thanks again!