Very nice! Cheers! Just curious what grinder are you using?

^ grinder is azkoyen capriccio

silly looking thing, but great grind results for espresso

as you can see from the back panel, the flow from the group head is far from even. there are random sprays here and there (with no PF attached).

i plan to use a 1.5mm drill bit to ream out the holes of the dispersion block in case there has been any build up on them as a user on here once did. his name escapes me right now. if i remember correctly, this is what solved his errant grouphead flow

so far not having any problems with the fast pressure ramp and still using normal jet, but i'm considering trying one of the carb jets ~.6-.7mm just to see how it changes things up.

That is a long shot. Unlike many consumer machines which have a declining temperature profile, the A3 has an inclining profile. After 30 seconds the water temperature will start to ramp up. After 35 seconds it ramps up fast unless you have your pressurestat set low (sub 1 bar) You may want to keep your timing under 32 seconds.

thanks for the advice, cannonfodder. i'll look into it!

does anyone know where i can source a new copper pipe for the hot water tap? i've tried stefano at espresso care, but he doesn't have any instock and the next order is december...

You could try Jim over at 1st-Line Equipment. I believe he is a master importer (or use to be) for Elektra. You could try Espresso Parts as well.

Check Jim Duke services in San Diego too. He's usually got a pretty good selection of Elektra stuff.

http://www.jimdukeservice.com/

Also- before reaming out with a drill bit, why not try a welding tip cleaner?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln-Elec ... /100341101

I just use a sewing pin to clean the holes in the dispersion block.