Pulling the first shot after rebuilding the olympia is quite a thrill. I always read that one of the minus for using lever machine is that you get only .75 to 1oz with one pull, and that you can go to 1.5 to 2oz with the fellini move at the risk of displacing the puck. I was quite amazed with my cremina to realise that with a simple pull, leaving the lever up for a few seconds at the top, I regularly get really close to 2oz (no fellini). I know that Bob said that he get high volume with a single shot, but i think he use a single basket. But since I get that volume does this mean that I should always use the double basket with about 14g.

For the story of the machine; it was bought cheap on ebay 2 month ago because there were some issue. After replacing all the gaskets, removing the silicone around the group to boiler connection, putting a new helicoil on one of the screw of the group head.....probably the explanation for the silicone. Descaling everything. Changing the plunger in the steam valve because the owner prefer to strip the thread by tightening harder and harder instead of replacing the seal! Redid the wiring that was all done wrong. Replace the boiler cap, the switch & pilot light and the steam wand. What is strange is that it was sent for repair to a reputable machine repair shop, who did this to the machine and said to the owner that the pressurestat was defective, so were the switch, and that the steam tap could not be repaired, but that the complete assembly must be change for 200$. I don't complaint since that's why I got it so cheap, but it make you wonder if some repairman are just trying to get their hands on those machine at a cheap price? I finally have a complete and working cremina with a total cost for parts under 500$, so as you can imagine I,m quite happy.

Now just got to practice!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats on getting the machine back together! What year is it? Got pictures? I don't remember off the top of my head what volume shots I'm getting from my Cremina, but I don't think they are less than 1 oz. I'll try to remember to measure again one of these days.

Robert, well done, mon ami!...eh? (had to get ALL of Canada in here)
I bow to your expertise. I'm pleased just replacing a few seals!
I hope you enjoy your old/NEW machine as much as we do.

Yes, with 16 gram dose, using an Elektra Micro Casa a Leva (MCAL) basket ($18 US), and as you, maybe 5-6 counts with lever up, I easily get 1.75oz in 30 seconds.
When I want a special treat, i load 10-11 grams in the Elektra single basket ($14US, I believe, can't remember) and pull a ristetto shot, 25 seconds, 1 oz. Pure Honey!

I have, and use the OEM Cremina baskets a lot,but the single basket's diameter is a couple of mm too small for my 49.3mm tamper.
I heartily recommend the Elektra baskets.
Once you are confident, try a single. Grind a wee bit fine.
Many here tend to grind a bit finer, tamp lighter. Not everyone, but many do.

Hi Rob,
The machine is a 1986, I'll try to post a few picture of the before & After. Thank you for the kind word, but I sure would not have venture this way if it wasn't for the help of Doug at OE. He was always kind to answer all my strange questions by email, I got a few friend moving into the espresso world and I've been sure to let them now about Doug Manual grinder....I'm sure he will make a few sale. Everybody here has been so kind and helpful that it went pretty well.
It's my intention to get my hand on a single elektra basket, but OE seem to have run out of them. In the meantime I'm experiencing with the original one. I have a little bit of difficulties understanding how we can get different shot volume with the single basket. I understand that the finer the grind, the more resistance we get, but if you do the complete movement you should get the same amount nonetheless....it's just the volume inside the piston. What do you change with your single shot, do you let less water in on the upstroke or do you simply cut the downstroke short when you have the desired volume in the cup?

robert mayrand wrote:Hi Rob,
The machine is a 1986, I'll try to post a few picture of the before & After. Thank you for the kind word, but I sure would not have venture this way if it wasn't for the help of Doug at OE. He was always kind to answer all my strange questions by email, I got a few friend moving into the espresso world and I've been sure to let them now about Doug Manual grinder....I'm sure he will make a few sale. Everybody here has been so kind and helpful that it went pretty well.

Yes, Doug and Barb have been help to me as well. I have 2 KyM manual grinders from OE, and numerous parts.

It's my intention to get my hand on a single elektra basket, but OE seem to have run out of them. In the meantime I'm experiencing with the original one. I have a little bit of difficulties understanding how we can get different shot volume with the single basket. I understand that the finer the grind, the more resistance we get, but if you do the complete movement you should get the same amount nonetheless....it's just the volume inside the piston. What do you change with your single shot, do you let less water in on the upstroke or do you simply cut the downstroke short when you have the desired volume in the cup?

Actually BOTH things you mentioned (at least, for me)
I pack about 11 grams (a slightly finer grind, and a bit more coffee than the traditional Italian single, I'm told) into the Elektra basket, same tamp, but for the single, I only hold at the top for a 2-3 count, as I only want a 1oz shot.
I pull till I think I've reached 1oz, maybe a bit more, then pull the cup, as I don't want ANY "blondish" crema to ruin the cup.
The pull usually takes around 25 seconds, including the 2 seconds up.
MOST of the time, the cup is removed BEFORE I've actually finished the entire pull.
I believe that having a really good fit with your tamper is key to getting a great single out of the Cremina.
There just not much room for error in that tiny basket.
Still, many feel the shape of the basket's interior is a major reason the single has it's unique flavor profile, as it perhaps CONCENTRATES the shot. Not sure, just know I like singles best. it's taken me quite a while to get consistency with my singles, but Doug will tell you the Elektra single made a big difference.
Another of HB's sponsors, Stefano's may have the basket as well.

Do you do a fellini move when you use the double basket?

Thanks
ROb

No Fellini move. Seems to make no sense with a springless machine.
If I wanted 2.5oz mega shots, I'd own a machine with a 58mm basket.