No pressure at all We will give you a B+ just for accurate reporting of the relevant dimensions (in metric). Anything above and beyond that, and you're well on your way to an ace on this project.

Regards
Timo

timo888 wrote:No pressure at all We will give you a B+ just for accurate reporting of the relevant dimensions (in metric). Anything above and beyond that, and you're well on your way to an ace on this project.

Regards
Timo

Metric may be a bit more difficult but here is some more information.

The machine comes with two baskets, a single and double. Here is a lineup of my available basket selection. From left to right, Achille OEM single, Achille OEM double, Faema style double, LM ridgeless double and a 51mm millennium group.


The Achille OEM double is on top, the LM ridgeless double is on bottom. Note the lack of a ridge on the Achille basket and very similar dimensions, and yes the Faema style and LM ridgeless fit the Achilles' 58mm portafilter.



The lever from end to piston centerline is around 11-1/4 inch, from piston centerline to pivot mount is one inch. Sorry, no metric tape measure. The lever on the Achille is shorter than the lever on my Factory (La Pavoni) so it does take more muscle to pull. More on that in the espresso/steam post.

A single lever pull with no portafilter in place dispenses 2oz by volume, 4Tbs, 12 Tsp, 60ml, .0591 Liters, .0626 Quarts and .0156 Gallons.

I do have videos that will be posted, but to whet you appetite, here is a photo of a double using some home roast pulled using my LM ridgeless in a 6oz cup heading for a cappa.

No more busting your knuckles trying to remove C clips that hold the lever into the group.




Ever had to remove your lever to pound the piston out the group just to clean the shower screen? Not any more.

Looks mighty tasty. I am channeling Achille Gaggia's ghost for Hallowe'en. He wants to know why you not a use the Achille OEM basket?

Regards
Timo

No particular reason. The OEM basket pulls the same type of shot, I just happen to have the LM in the PF when I took that particular photo. I am still playing around, mix and matching this and that to get the feel of the machine. Most of the shots have been with the OEM basket to set a baseline. I will make note to use the OEM for any subsequent photo/video.

Out of the Box

The Achille arrived safe and sound thanks to a good packing job. The machine is nestled nicely in the box.


The Achille ships with an assortment of parts that include a cup tray, double basket, single basket and a 58mm portafilter.


The few parts you need to hang on the machine only take moments to put on. The Achille has a screw on lever. Most machines have the group lever either welded on or pinned onto the group pivot. The power cord is not permanently attached to this machine which is also somewhat unique.

The cup holder is large enough to hold 3 demi cups. Notice the phrase 'cup holder'; this is not a warming tray. The shelf is held away from the boiler on plastic hangers. Heat is not transferred to this shelf so any cups placed on it will remain at room temperature.


The body is clear coated brushed stainless steel. The group, portafilter and lever are chrome plated which lends a nice contrast and quite attractive package.

Gaggia has reached back in history for design points. The corrugated boiler covers and group handles are very reminiscent of Giovanni Achille Gaggia's first lever espresso machine designs.

Image from Gaggia museum photo archive

cannonfodder wrote:The Achille has a screw on lever.

Inquiring minds want to know the diameter of the screws and what they appear to be made of.

Regards
Timo

P.S. Given the blog-style of the review, it's easier for me to ask these questions as the installments appear. Is that OK?

Sounds good.

The handle screws into the group pivot; the pivot is screwed into the group and piston. When I say pivot, I am referring to the forked piece that sits atop the group. If you look at the first photo in the 'out of the box' section, you can see what I am referring to as the 'pivot' on top of the group without the handle screwed in.

Out of the box, the group pivot is already on, you just have to screw the physical lever into the pivot. I would say the lever and pivot are chrome plated steel and the screws appear to be stainless. I will have to give them the magnet test, but am 99% sure of their composition.

I will have to measure the lever diameter, but it is larger (in diameter) than the La Pavoni and shorter than the La Pav. I have not removed the screws to measure them. Right now I am enjoying the machine as is before I tear it down. That is the last part of the bench.

Very interesting. If it is convenient, please keep posting lots of pictures of the coffee you brew--good and bad!

Barry.

cannonfodder wrote:The lever from end to piston centerline is around 11-1/4 inch, from piston centerline to pivot mount is one inch. Sorry, no metric tape measure.

Send me your address via PM. I bought a couple of dozen Falcon wooden rulers on eBay. (A question yelled out once too often in my house: Has anybody seen a ruler? ) They are metric on one edge, inches on the other. I will send you one, gratis. A Vernier calipers would come in handy too. You should acquire the requisite Lever Machines Bench Review Toolkit and forward the invoice to WLL



Regards
Timo