Does anybody know if it's normal for Silvia (v3) to pick up speed throughout the extraction? I've been having this problem for the past month that I've owned it, where the flow starts out slow and ends up faster and curly. I can't tell if it's normal or a sign of channeling. Practically every shot I've pulled has been like that. I've suspected channeling, but have been trying all kinds of tricks in dosing/distribution/tamping/temp surfing per forum tips and posts, and still get the same pattern of flow. It's never the same consistent rate from beginning to end. I was wondering if it has anything to do with lack of flow restrictor on these machines.

I have recently turned down the OPV half a revolution and obtained a 14-g ridgeless basket, which has helped my shots be more consistent but the flow speed still picks up during pull no matter what I do.

Another question I had is why does the extraction break up sometimes, whether it's high flow (normale) or low flow (ristretto)? i.e. I don't get a steady continuous stream.

I have a Gaggia MDF grinder (set to either 2 or 3), I dose anywhere between 15-17g with a ridgeless 14-g basket (espresso parts), and my beans are roasted locally and they are typically 4-14 days old when I use them.

I appreciate your help.

What if you see bubbles come of the spouts before the speed picks up? That's happened on occasion, and I've assumed it indicates channeling. Am I correct on that? Also would you worry about the flow stream breaking up instead of being continuous, although the volume is pretty adequate? I can imagine clumping or poor distrubution can cause that, or perhaps hard tamping?

Thanks.

Jim-

So I'll take that as a yes then, that you think the flow break-up is a result of channeling? I've been resisting buying a naked PF and keep saying one has to be able to hone technique with the original PF. But it sounds like you're saying that's not the case. I'll have to think about that.

Thanks for the help

espresso2010 wrote:Does anybody know if it's normal for Silvia (v3) to pick up speed throughout the extraction? I've been having this problem for the past month that I've owned it, where the flow starts out slow and ends up faster and curly. I can't tell if it's normal or a sign of channeling.

A certain amount of increased flow is normal, as mass is removed from the puck (and ends up in the cup). However, "curly" is not a good thing. I also suspect channeling.

espresso2010 wrote:I've been resisting buying a naked PF and keep saying one has to be able to hone technique with the original PF. But it sounds like you're saying that's not the case. I'll have to think about that.

Stop resisting and think positive. A bottomless PF is the best tool available for improving espresso skills.

Bubbles could also simply be the espresso flow waterfall'ing over the spout opening so it bubbles out. I get that now and then with a single spout but that is still under normal flow conditions. What you are describing sounds like channeling.