I have for a while named my Elektra "Niccolo Amati" in recognition of the Italian violin/cello maker who taught Stradivari how to make instruments because i think of the Elektra as a wonderful instrument I must learn to play. Here are the latest pictures of Niccolo Amati.



New Steam Knob by Les from Thor Tmpers.



Detail of the steam knob.



More detail.



The handles and the steam knob are made of Desert ironwood. Les does such wonderful work. He sent me a lever handle earlier and I managed to crack it immediately. He made me a second one (pictured here) and I like the feel of the thicker handle so much better in my hand.

KS

Nice Karl,
Hey refresh our memories of the handle- sneak an extra picture of it in please so we can get the full effect. I never realized the steam arm projected as far from the main body as it does. Nice to keep your hands away from that boiler!! Keep that beautiful blue glass ball up there on the throne- First Chair as it may be...

mogogear wrote:Nice Karl,
Hey refresh our memories of the handle- sneak an extra picture of it in please so we can get the full effect.

Keep that beautiful blue glass ball up there on the throne- First Chair as it may be...

mo,

I will get a pic of the new lever handle tomorrow. Although Les wants a wood knob on the top I am inclined to keep the Murano glass. I think the glass ball and the wood go well together.

I may prefer SO espresso but I like the combination on the machine. But I have not yet seen Les' knob for the top. He really took the steam knob far beyond what I had imagined or was able to picture. I remain open to possibilities.

So, how long before we get a report on your new Gaggia?

I did just have three Brazil F. Bruana Peaberry's at 3 hours old. I learned that a new roast can indeed be too new. While drinkable this one was way too un-developed. No hints of real character yet. Brazil too young and little else. Tomorrow will show lots more.

KS

Oh my. Karl that has to be one of the best looking machines I have seen. It really stands out and is unique as your fingerprint. I bet Les is about out of Ironwood now....stunning wood.

mogogear wrote:Nice Karl,
Hey refresh our memories of the handle- sneak an extra picture of it in please so we can get the full effect..

mo,

As promised:



Old handle, coffee scoop and new lever handle.

KS

KarlSchneider wrote:mo,

As promised:

image:

Old handle, coffee scoop and new lever handle.

KS

That Sir, is an ensemble worth handling!! Beautiful. I didn't know you had a scoop, I like the shape. Thanks for sharing.

mogogear wrote:That Sir, is an ensemble worth handling!! Beautiful. I didn't know you had a scoop, I like the shape. Thanks for sharing.

mo,

I think the scoop is great. I have learned how to measure by volume amounts of beans for single and Americanos and get quite accurate dosages without any weighing.

One might think the steam knob is just a pretty face.

And if you recall my posts you might remember that i am a straight espresso person and never make milk drinks. Nevertheless I noticed tonight that Les' design is not at all casual but indeed quite perfect.

Those notcnes and the larger diameter are perfectly felt and not just a thought. One experiences directly the fine craftsmanship not only in appearance but in using the item. If you understand Marx' discussion of Alienated Labor this is the epitome of the authenticity which is the alternative Marx had in mind.

KS

peacecup wrote:Karl,

With the new Cremina on its way what will become of Niccolo? Is he destined for your office?
PC

PC,

I have not really dealt with the question of two machines. I plan to study the differences carefully. I may find one preferable but maybe not. The best answer I have heard to the question of whether to prefer Burgundy or Bordeaux is:

"I can't decide and I like so much the task of trying to decide."

So, ideally I will have both easily accessible. I doubt I will get enough kitchen counter real estate for both. I have already been told by "she who must be obeyed" that I am not to sell either. I am obedient.

I doubt it will go to the office. I have considered that but it takes too much time and clean-up. I make a mess. I hate to admit considering a pod machine for the office but have not really considered one. Pre-Elektra, pre-Giotto I did use some pods in my Solis. Cannot imagine going back.

I prefer great coffee at home in the morning and in the evening and can easily abstain in-between.

KS

KarlSchneider wrote:I have already been told by "she who must be obeyed" that I am not to sell either. I am obedient.
KS

Karl,
We both have wives with the same name. What a coincidence!

peacecup wrote:Karl,.....

I've even found the cooler shots easier on my stomach, which suggests less caffeine, and hence more espressi.

PC

Or... less acids being extracted at a lower temp......

KarlSchneider wrote:PC,

I have not really dealt with the question of two machines. I plan to study the differences carefully. I may find one preferable but maybe not. The best answer I have heard to the question of whether to prefer Burgundy or Bordeaux is:

"I can't decide and I like so much the task of trying to decide."

So, ideally I will have both easily accessible. I doubt I will get enough kitchen counter real estate for both. I have already been told by "she who must be obeyed" that I am not to sell either. I am obedient.

KS

Karl,

When I gave up my temporary assignment apartment and moved Silvia home I got dispensation for a month for the machines to coexist before SWMBO forced the choice. However the choice was a no brainer in my case.

There may be another alternative to choosing one. I think our esteemed HB keeps his Elektra on a pedestal in his living room as a sculpture when he is not using it. With your handcrafted Thor wood accessories this is IMO a viable option for you too.

espressoperson wrote:Karl,

When I gave up my temporary assignment apartment and moved Silvia home I got dispensation for a month for the machines to coexist before SWMBO forced the choice. However the choice was a no brainer in my case.

Michael,

SWMBO is at the same time SWALC (also loves coffee) so ...



KS

HB wrote:Sadly I think that Elektra's seen nary 3-4 uses in the last six months.

Dan,
I'm willing to take one for the HB team and get the Elektra out of your house so you can make room for new testing equipment.
I'll send you my address so you can get it out of the way.


Jeff

I was thinking last night of my title to this thread. I realized that in truth the essence of Niccolo Amati is not not being clothed but rather being nude. I made this point in a different topic about the difference between being naked and being nude. An Elektra is a Nude not unlike Donatello's David with flowers in his hat and knee-length boots.


Murano Glass hat, Desert Ironwood gloves and boots. Unclothed boiler.

See Steve Robinson's Restoration for pictures of a naked Cremina.

KS

KarlSchneider wrote:Old handle, coffee scoop and new lever handle.

Karl,

On these custom lever handles and knobs from Thor, does the wood itself get female threaded, or is the female thread cut into a metal tube of some sort which is epoxied into place inside the wood?

My Cremina PF handle has cracked and I'm considering some extravagance....
Regards
Timo