I just ordered up a all my gear to get started in this new found hobby. I spent maybe a month of reading but a majority of it has been done day and night of the last week or two. Now Im looking for tips on using the my new equipment.

Gaggia New Baby - Refurb from wholelattelove
Ascaso I-Mini Grinder
Misc latte cups, shot glasses, brushes, cleaning supplies, scale

Still would like a nice tamper, but the one I have will suffice, and a nice knockbox. I spent a whole lot more than I really wanted to but with the bing cashback on ebay I got some good deals.

Found a great local roaster and they coffee bar even provides free classes for drip coffee and barista training.

The FAQs and Favorites includes recommended reading. For specific how-tos, you may be interested in the Gaggia Users Group.

Congratulations, you're way ahead of the game. Most people stand amazed amidst the scraps of packaging, staring at their shiny new machine, and say "now what?" You've got a good grinder, and sourced some good coffee. You can complete the trifecta by ordering a bottomless PF to speed up acquiring your shot making skills (although the scale also qualifies).

That FAQs here have been a HUGE help. Theres just so much information and Ive had to read the same threads a couple times through to get the picture. Excitement level is high and will be even greater when I can actually see the stuff in my hands. Thanks for the link to the Gaggia user group

Ive been thinking about the bottomless pf but havent searched too much.

1st-Line sells bottomless PFs for Gaggia's. They're quite nice, my buddy bought one for Espresso Pure. Won't fit a triple basket, but, IMO, the Gaggia's perform their best with the double baskets.

Read up on the WDT. Im someone who believes that the WDT is worth doing, whether your grinder requires it or not. So is Jon R. Surely my MXK doesnt NEED the WDT, nor does Jon's Robur. BUT, using the WDT not only breaks up possible clumps, its the easiest way to get a spot on distribution, everytime.

Have a Scale and the WDT, you should be able to pull very nice shots by the end of day ONE.

JmanEspresso wrote:1st-Line sells bottomless PFs for Gaggia's. They're quite nice, my buddy bought one for Espresso Pure. Won't fit a triple basket, but, IMO, the Gaggia's perform their best with the double baskets.

The one from cafeparts is also very nice and includes a triple basket that fits. I didn't find the triple to be any more than a fun novelty with my classic, and reverted to the double basket pretty quickly.

I know the bottomless pf can be a powerful tool in learning to pull off great shots, but my wallet is tapped out haha. I didnt know they were up there in price. Im having trouble convincing myself to get a $28 knockbox

Try my website:
http://www.espressomyespresso.com/
and particularly the "HOW TO" #12
http://home.surewest.net/frcn/Coffee/HowToEspresso.html

Although it's not nearly as informative as using a bottomless PF, taking the spout off of your portafilter will give you a little better idea, in the meantime, as to how your shots are progressing. If there are serious flaws (really bad channeling, "barber pole", etc.) you'll be able to see them better without the spout.

It's not the same as a bottomless, but it's a little better than using the spout.

breduta wrote:I know the bottomless pf can be a powerful tool in learning to pull off great shots, but my wallet is tapped out haha.

Anyone with a drill press and a proper sized bi-metal hole saw (a bit larger than the outside diameter of the bottom of the filter basket) can remove the bottom of a portafilter... well.. maybe not Bubba after three beers, but most anyone else.

DRILL PRESS RULES:
- wear eye protection
- no rings or dangling jewelry
- no mullets

I have done three or four that way. Some file work afterward and there you go! A lathe works better, but a lot more folks have a drill press in the garage than have lathes. Many machines come with two portafilter handle assemblies anyway, so I just do one, and still have the other... just in case. I usually just keep the blind filter in the second handle and have that handy for backflushing.