I've had the Versalab for 2 years now. It grinds 5-8 doubles per/day- not super heavy usage. I grind both my own and commercial roasts. Since installing the (minor) upgrades I have had no issues - just trouble-free grinds. The minor early problems of belt slippage and grind setting drift were solved permanently by free and prompt updates from Versalab. I get beautiful grinds each morning without clumping, having to use sharp objects to remove old coffee, or diassembling the grinder to clean it. Coffee does not "burn" because it is grinding too fast. I move frequently between different coffees without worrying that one coffee is mixing with the other. I abandoned a Macap for the Versalab. It has not occurred to me to change grinders since.

hperry wrote:I've had the Versalab for 2 years now. It grinds 5-8 doubles per/day- not super heavy usage. I grind both my own and commercial roasts. Since installing the (minor) upgrades I have had no issues - just trouble-free grinds. The minor early problems of belt slippage and grind setting drift were solved permanently by free and prompt updates from Versalab. I get beautiful grinds each morning without clumping, having to use sharp objects to remove old coffee, or diassembling the grinder to clean it. Coffee does not "burn" becaus it is grinding too fast. I move frequently between different coffees without worrying that one coffee is mixing with the other. I abandoned a Macap for the Versalab. It has not occurred to me to change grinders since.

Thanks Hal. This is encouraging. I've looked at several alternatives for my grinder upgrade and I was previously against the M3 due to the reported reliability and customer service issues. However, it really appears to be the only alternative out there that is an improvement over my current Mini-E, doserless and still compact in size. Hmm...

Br,
Teme

OK ok, i see the motor and the platter, but where is the weighted tonearm and can you please post photos from below so we can see the suspension ?

Sorry, had to laugh, awesome awesome machine, i admire your commitment to the cause.

BTW, i am not an analog head either, use HDMI audio to enjoy uncompressed 6 channel SACD PCM
from my PS3 to processor/amps. My Solis/RR45 combo help my fully enjoy Mozart as i type now

I've just received word from John Bicht that a dial scale for the Versalab M3 grinder will be available in about six weeks. No visuals yet but I should have something to post before its release. Also in the works is a P/F holder, but that one is only in the prototype stage

Hi Abe, that's great news for us users, assuming John will be providing an upgrade kit. This will sure help smooth out a couple rough spots on the grinder design (I also think it could use a shield around the upper housing to contain the occassional jumping bean). Please do update when you know more.

Darryl

Will adding a dial scale require shipping the grinder back to Versalab? I hope it's a user-installable "kit" as darrylr suggested.

Here are some pics of the grinder scale and upcoming P/F holder. The scale will be available free of charge to all current users who wish to have it. I have no ETA on the P/F holder.


Grinder scale


P/F holder - prototype


P/F holder - prototype

Thanks for the photos Abe.

In the photo the scale and marker look as though they are stick on, is this correct?

The portafilter holder does look very interesting, especially the way it clamps the portafilter up to the bottom of the funnel.

Do you think that this will work ok with the LaSpaziale 53mm portafilter size?

All the Best
Eric

The P/F holder can be retrofitted and will be available in a couple of weeks.

bobpaule wrote:OK ok, i see the motor and the platter, but where is the weighted tonearm and can you please post photos from below so we can see the suspension ?

Sorry, had to laugh, awesome awesome machine, i admire your commitment to the cause.

BTW, i am not an analog head either, use HDMI audio to enjoy uncompressed 6 channel SACD PCM
from my PS3 to processor/amps. My Solis/RR45 combo help my fully enjoy Mozart as i type now

Careful Bobpaul,

Hal is quite the addicted fellow in "Hi-Fi" also- you may have found a friend in another passion