First shot!!
So after powering up, filling up three times- flushing group 4-5 times each fill. Dumping the water after each fill cycle-....... it was time............No record breaker but it was good-! I have to say it was one of the more satisfying shots I have had in while.. drank 2 sips - dumped it and did another. The longer handle made the effort almost effortless- Duhhhh leverage! And the balls on the lever and handle fit perfectly in between each finger- no wonder they liked this design 50 years ago

The age old problem of how to focus a picture, pull on a lever and catch full flow comes full circle.. you all know the pain.....but you get the picture

Nite-

mogogear wrote:More about the specifics on who made them, what etc and some process pictures of their making on another day.

The ebony is elegant. Looking forward to seeing how those tapered spheres were made.

Regards
Timo

mogogear wrote:First shot!!
snip.... it was time............No record breaker but it was good-! I have to say it was one of the more satisfying shots I have had in while.. drank 2 sips - dumped it and did another. The longer handle made the effort almost effortless- Duhhhh leverage!
The age old problem of how to take a picture, pull on a lever and catch full flow.. you all know the pain.....
Nite-

Ahhhh. Like the marriage after a looong engagement! May the partnership last long!
Congratulations!
Sincerely
richard

Mogo,

What is that brownish stuff on top of the coffee?

PC

Jack-not coffee- that is a mixed drink. Kahlua on the bottom and I floated Baily's Irish cream on top

Mogo,

Congratulations, you have done a supreme job.

peacecup wrote:Mogo,

What is that brownish stuff on top of the coffee?

PC

frothed blood, sweat, and tears of Greg!

Henry

Well, as this thread is headed to its finale soon- I hope that the Powder Coaters call any day.... I want to share a few pictures of the handles and steam knob being born.

So here is a piece of paper that show the way after I shared my ideas on what I wanted. One of the first machines that ever caught my eye was a Faema Faemina and one of Paul's pretty machines, such lovely old levers. If I could have figured how to swing a stirrup style ....that is another dream after seeing Latte Jed's Conti...

The skeleton- stainless steel tubing, cut and threaded internally : The African Ebony was turned on a lathe. The Ebony can be a more brittle wood when heated over and over so the s/s insert will give it life for a long time




We had discussions on whether to match the stock handles length or go " 1 ball more" - I now have more balls than I had
There is an extra ball if you are counting- the end pieces is cut off after the turning


I had seen a few really nice steam knobs on Steve's Cremina and Karl's custom Microcasa A L. I liked the original boiler cap of the Cremina- the 6 lobed knob- so I chose to have it emulated. first the rough drilling.




Now it is time for some hand work !

So the knob is taking shape....



A bit more work on the lobes of the knob and it will be there- Several coats of Walnut oil evens the ebony out also



There we go! So here are the handles after some Walnut oil and some wax



The group: with the drawings as place mats



And the set all together with some fitting drawings as a place mat! You know there are lots of things we spend money on that are not as rewarding as having someone help your dreams come to fruition- I want to doff my hat to many such artistic people we have in our group- Les and his wonderful work, Lino, Paul Pratt and his clever designs, Paul in Christchurch who is a source of ingenuity and care, Joris and his Stainless recreation to his Astoria, Mitch up in Canada- the caster of PF's, Greg Scase and his pursuit of innovation, Jim , EricS and his way cool fitting for the E61,Steve, Dan ... the list goes on and on so pardon me if I don't have you listed. But let me add a name to this artistic list. You have seen his work for many a month as his avatar- Richard Penny / Espressme. Richard and I have been friends for quite a while. I thank him with a deep heart.

Just by happenstance, since Les ( Thor) was taking a well earned ,real vacation, I shared my out-loud thoughts with Richard about the kind of handles I always wanted. He read my mind and with so little input, he produced some great items that really help me finish this project the way I wanted to. I have a bubble/ bauble tamper coming so the set will be complete- I will show it off when it arrives- but for now - My thanks to Mr. Penney and all of you for the sharing of ideas and wit.

The dresses will be here soon for the girls- then it is good bye

All this for a cup we sip twice and quaff....and ...smile, when we do it all just right.....

Greg,
Your work looks really fine. I think you can quit your day job now and go into this full time!