So this is how the fittings go together. There is a 3/8" BSP thread on one end that will connect to the hydraulic inlet (shown in the photo with the red circle), and the other end attaches to a hose. When my sealant cures I'm hoping it will hold the 50-60 PSI the house inlet water pressure is likely set

Would you be able to say something about the cup differenvces; why you felt the SL was better?

Will report back tomorrow. Seasoned 4kg of medium and dark roasted beans now and hopefully taste something nicer tomorrow morning {image}

Thank you, this is very helpful

Apparently fontek is Fonitek è una melammina espansa

I've owned and used both. The SL is better made and produces better espresso in the cup - IMHO. The MC Leva group is far easier to service than the SL, which requires a special tool or c-clamp to reduce spring compression. Heat management seemed easier with the SL - at least to me. Aesthetically I prefer the SL to

Super curious about this one

Dunno if they've already been pitching this, but those precision small batch roasters could be used to thermally characterize the greens prior to running a large batch roaster - an alternative method compared to measuring green hydration and bean density. The small batch roast results from a characterization run would likely be undrinkable, but the data could be useful

For my purposes, price is less important than build quality, ease of maintenance, and cup results. It may be there is no meaningful functional, construction, or serviceability difference, and merely distinct ergonomic and aesthetic choices, but I wouldn't know this. I have no prior spring experience, and thus rely on those who do

I used Melamine Foam Insulation from Mcmaster, #86145K21. Some info in this old thread "Boiler Insulation Where To Buy" Easy to work with Randy