A set of Amboina for a S1 Vivialdi. An unusual handle shape and a matching steam handle. The steam handle is somewhat difficult to make. You have to drill it 3 different times with 3 different bits from both sides. There is a deep recess in the back. You have to be dead on otherwise things will not line up.

I got the very figured desert ironwood pieces from Dave for my GS3. These babies are 100% insane, Mr. Stephens!

I wanted to do the grain justice in a photo, so here's my shot at it. I didn't photograph the second handle, as none of my shots of it have come out well (yet). Dave's advice is spot-on, this wood is just exquisite. Grain explodes in your face when you look at them:


Righthand side (Flickr link).


Lefthand side, a bit darker (Flickr link).


Steam lever handle (Flickr link).

Thanks again, Dave.

In addition to the eye candy, I discovered several unexpected benefits to Dave's custom wood handles this morning:

1) The wood handle fits my hand like a glove. It's a real pleasure to use.

2) The wood handle is much lighter than the rubber handle, so it's more compatible with my scale, which has a 500g limit. This will help when updosing and/or using the OE funnel with the Baratza Vario. The lighter handle also adds to the nice feel of the assembly when preparing a shot.

3) I typically use a ridgeless double basket, and just about every morning I remove the PF and find the basket firmly stuck to the group gasket, despite loosening the PF as far as it will go without falling out. I usually have to grab a wet towel to pry the thing loose. It seems this doesn't happen with the lighter wood handle. I think the heavier handle was pressing the basket against the gasket with more force. We'll see if this remains true, but if so it's a major benefit for me.

It would be cool if I could use some of the acrylics for handles but they would not take the punishment. Something like this abalone in acrylic brush would make a wicked portafilter handle. Makes a nice shaving brush and razor scales.

I just got the Amboyna pieces installed on my machine--they look amazing. Thanks Dave!

Amboyna, cocobolo, amboyna, amboyna and amboyna. Been a popular wood lately.

This is a nice hunk of desert Ironwood burl.

And more Iron wood for a GS3. One portafilter is ironwood burl the other is figured ironwood. My supplyer ran out of burl. It has been so popular that I bought all he had, and used it all up.

Absolutely stunning. My mouth drops every time I look in this thread's direction.

Amen! Dave, you are finding some seriously incredible ironwood pieces! It's sad to hear that they're running out now.