Thanks Dave for so thoroughly sharing your adventures.

I came to this thread after following the advice of another denizen of this board, another_jim, who advises that if the first drops of an E-61 shot appear in less than eight seconds then it is ground "way too coarse".

When I grind finer trying to follow Jim's advice, my drinks have a powdery/sandy feel on the tongue and a more bitter finish. With slight dosing changes and the most consistent tamping this inconsistent operator can provide, it's now seven to eight seconds before the first drip, about 30 seconds to get 1.75 oz, appearance is not bad (don't have naked portafilter) but taste is not good.

So I came here to find out what else I should change, and noticed that the first drops of Dave's dialed-in shots on his E-61 appear within a second or two of starting the pull.

Dave, Jim, go to your respective corners and come out fighting! Or at least please advise this confused operator, thanks.

HB wrote:Dave shows the Elektra A3, which has no preinfusion, a rotary pump, and ramps up to full pressure in an instant. It is not comparable to an E61.

Thanks Dan. Didn't know... saw that similar-looking group... my Giotto Professional E-61 has a rotary pump, group pressure gauge shoots to 8.5 or so as soon as the pump turns on. It's a different animal altogether?

This has been very helpful to a newbie. I am sort of in love with the Elektra both aesthetically and for its more quantitative virtues. Thank you Dave!