www.wholelattelove.com: our caffeinated commitment to you

Ponte Vecchio Lusso Mk2 steam and water tap removal

Postby lacehim on Wed May 25, 2011 3:59 am

Hi,

I'm an Aussie owner of a 2 group Ponte Vecchio Lusso Mk2. I've got a friend making me some custom wood group/lever handles, and would like to also have a set of bigger Steam HW taps made up if possible. The problem is I can't figure out how to get the stock ones off.

The Mk1 seemed to have a screw holding the handles on. The Mk2 is solid plastic, no screws. Any ideas?

Also has anyone on HB tried an fitting an antivac to the Lusso?
lacehim
 
Posts: 5
Joined: Apr 10, 2010
Location: Australia

Postby lacehim on Sat May 28, 2011 2:24 am

I found the answer myself when I was looking at the orphan espresso site. http://www.orphanespresso.com/Star-Shap..._3149.html

Seems there is a cover over a screw after all. Now I have to figure out how to get the cover off without damaging the handle :)
lacehim
 
Posts: 5
Joined: Apr 10, 2010
Location: Australia
www.compasscoffeeroasting.com: coffee is culinary
www.compasscoffeeroasting.com: coffee is culinary

Postby AngerManagement on Sat May 28, 2011 5:04 am

with care....

A fine blade or even a little suction... Do not ask :evil:

LaceHim we can make those now, you can give me one to measure up...
Ability is nothing without opportunity. - Napoleon Bonaparte
AngerManagement
 
Posts: 70
Joined: Apr 21, 2006
Location: Brisbane

Postby lacehim on Mon Jun 06, 2011 1:43 am

I still have to try to remove the handles. I was hoping to not damage the existing handles, but it looks rather unlikely. The little discs are a tight fit.

Anyway for all you Ponte Vecchio Lusso owners here's the lovely handles that I've just had made by Anger Management. They really look the part and make the machine really stand out from the crowd. Lovely to use too, nice and warm to the touch and a lovely dark grain running through them.

Image
photos of old and new side by side

Image
on the machine, 2 lever handles & 2 group handles. The HW and steam taps are next. :)
lacehim
 
Posts: 5
Joined: Apr 10, 2010
Location: Australia

Postby michaelbenis on Mon Jun 06, 2011 3:05 am

That PVL 2 group really is a delightful machine.... Nice handles, too! :D
LMWDP No. 237
User avatar
michaelbenis
 
Posts: 1394
Joined: Mar 18, 2009
Location: Brighton UK

Postby AngerManagement on Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:27 am

There not bad, all things considered...

Small, thus hard to find the best wood to complement and then the internal thread insert for the handles had to be imported into Australia from the UK as no one had that size and pitch here. In bulk of 1000 was ok, but I did not need / want that many.

Now to get his taps and do something on them...

Could have got RED plastic / acrylic and made some but that would be tacky VS wood 8)
Ability is nothing without opportunity. - Napoleon Bonaparte
AngerManagement
 
Posts: 70
Joined: Apr 21, 2006
Location: Brisbane

Postby Ash on Thu Jun 09, 2011 3:21 am

Nice work AM, I might have to contract you to make me some handles too... 8)
LMWDP #320 Pharos #102
Ash
 
Posts: 7
Joined: Oct 01, 2010
Location: Queensland, Australia

Postby lacehim on Wed Aug 17, 2011 8:17 am

Anger Management made some fantastic HW & Steam Taps for me to match my handles. The size is perfect, just a smidge bigger than stock but much better for grip.

Anyway, take a look and see what you think. Personally I love it. I think I have the only fully tricked out PV lusso with custom handles & taps in the world! :D :lol: 8)

Image

Image

Big thanks to Anger Management for making it all happen.

There are no endcaps yet, I've decided to make my own s/steel ones because the you have to drill a hole in the stock ones to get the tap off!

The Aussie Lusso's are really taking off. Our numbers are growing which is great to see. The little lusso really is an amazing machine.
lacehim
 
Posts: 5
Joined: Apr 10, 2010
Location: Australia

Postby sorrentinacoffee on Wed Aug 17, 2011 11:10 pm

This look fantastic Lace- I am getting Anger Management onto my own machine... :D

I am interested to hear how you managed to remove those little plastic tabs from the steam and water taps? Having looked at them they appear to be seamless and solid- but you were able to remove the little disks? And only by drilling a hole in them you say? Did you need to drill very deep?

Now we just have to figure out our Olympia Cremina anti-vac boiler cap modifications and all will be looking swell...
User avatar
sorrentinacoffee
 
Posts: 402
Joined: Mar 12, 2008
Location: Adelaide, South Australia, The Sothern Hemishere, Earth, Solar System, Milky Way, Universe...

Postby AngerManagement on Thu Aug 18, 2011 1:49 am

You could, just drill a small 1mm hole in the middle.

Then with a dental tool or another fine poker :twisted: with a little kick on the end, insert and then twist and give a little pull :roll: :roll:

That way, the small hole would be for all intense and purpose invisible but allow access when ever needed.

AM
Ability is nothing without opportunity. - Napoleon Bonaparte
AngerManagement
 
Posts: 70
Joined: Apr 21, 2006
Location: Brisbane
www.seattlecoffeegear.com: let us help you find the right gear
www.seattlecoffeegear.com: let us help you find the right gear

Next

Return to Lever Espresso Machines