No matter what I do, I get channeling! - Page 4

February 15th, 2010, 8:01 am

Sometimes I dose into a spare basket and pour over into the handle/basket.
Doesnt seem to change anything, but then again, Im a real newbie.

February 15th, 2010, 8:08 am

Of course this shot wasnt as good since I was filming....and I killed it too late.
I usually get a more straight bead and flow then shown here.

But what Im trying to show here is the early spraying.
They come almost immediately and I cant kill the shot before they come.

Im also trying to show the gauge.

February 16th, 2010, 5:44 am

Here is the interior. Anyone know where the screw is

February 16th, 2010, 5:54 am

Could it be the one in the top of the third photo?
That black thing with a big nice screw-thingy in it

I googled Ma-ter xp110 and found this:
http://www.ma-ter.it/uk_generatori.htm

It says max pressure 9 bar.

February 16th, 2010, 6:11 am

Wrong pressure. That's for the boiler and steam, not the water and pump. Given your current lack of knowledge, I'd advise against trying to adjust anything for now except your technique.

Squirts early and late in the shot are two very different animals. Early in the shot means the puck is cracked: The shot should be sinked, and you need to work on your distribution. Squirts late in the shot means the grind is a little too coarse for the dose, or that you have run a bit long. This usually does not greatly detract from the taste, and only requires minor corrections in dose, grind or shot time.

February 16th, 2010, 7:12 am

Alright I will try and get it better first.

I still need to make a measuring gauge before screwing on anything.

But is there a way to find out where the screw is by pics?

#37: Post by HB » February 16th, 2010, 7:45 am

From the FAQs and Favorites, see How can I adjust the brew pressure of a vibe pump espresso machine? Specifically you want to trace from the second overflow tube back to the over-pressure valve:

However, be aware that not all vibe pump espresso machines have an adjustable OPV (e.g., the ECM Giotto). That's because the actual brew pressure at double espresso flow rates comes out to around 9 bar, so it only comes into play if you're pulling ristrettos. I still don't get it: Why adjust the OPV? explains in more detail.

February 16th, 2010, 8:08 am

Thanks. I have been searching this site and the net for 2 days now
and didnt find much.

I did find this nice article about different opv's but didnt find anything inside
my machine that looked like it. I havent opened the bottom yet.

I look at it later. Thanks again.

#39: Post by HB » February 16th, 2010, 8:19 am

Trace the overflow line to verify, but this looks like a non-adjustable OPV from your first photo:

That is, it serves as an expansion valve that drip drip drips during the boiler warmup to relieve excess pressure. They're usually set to open around 12 bar. If it is indeed non-adjustable, you can replace it with one like this or fiddle with filing down the spring in the existing one (though I agree with Jim, it's not a priority).

February 16th, 2010, 6:16 pm

Yeah.

Its just that I have had the handle for a month now and gone
through so many pounds of coffee and not even gotten 1 good shot.
(and even tho Im a beginner, I have had the machine for 2 years
and made numerous shots daily)

Seemed like a good idea to at least see if the pressure was too high.
And to be set back $100 to make the gauge (which it will be where I live)
then it would be nice to see if its even possible to change the pressure
if it is indeed wrong.

I have made pucks for about 5 years (I work in a restaurant)
I get early squirts *all* the time so if its me then Im starting to think
I just cant make a good enough puck.