Search found 1806 matches

by grog
February 8th, 2024, 3:49 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 17
Views: 1143

La Graziella espresso machine

I've rebuilt a couple of these and it's not that difficult, as long as you're reasonably comfortable with 'light tinkering'. Here's a link to a website showing how to disassemble to replace seals and gaskets. You can also order the seal kit from him. Francesco is well known collector who has an impe...
by grog
January 3rd, 2024, 5:27 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 3
Views: 264

Olympia Cremina 67 leaking from top of grouphead

Most likely the piston rod seal, but as others note, may as well replace the other seals while you're in there. Love those early Creminas with the straight-on steam wand knob
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by grog
December 8th, 2023, 5:28 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 13
Views: 559

Olympia Cremina: C-clip broke and stuck in grouphead

Was also wondering if those needle nose pliers that have a 90 degree bend at the tips could have gotten in there to pull it out, but glad you found a way!
by grog
December 1st, 2023, 1:32 pm
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 11
Views: 237

Replacement for La Pavoni old style (pre 1995) screw on steam wand?

eBay would be my first thought. I've found all kinds of seemingly obscure parts on there. I even found an Arrarax VAM v1.1 piston assembly once. Lots of people part out restoration projects and a steam wand from this era of Europiccola shouldn't be too rare
by grog
November 22nd, 2023, 5:41 pm
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 19
Views: 422

La Pavoni Europiccola rebuild

Interestingly, the way it was wired when I got it is different than the other diagrams:{image} No way to know if that's from the factory or a later alteration
by grog
November 22nd, 2023, 10:06 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 22
Views: 3386

The best little levered espresso machine in the world?

I've been using a 58mm spring lever for five years now and I love the coffee it makes. But I still think the Caravel/VAM is unparalleled in its ability to produce reference level ristrettos. Best of class. And it doesn't require any complex routine to do so
by grog
November 22nd, 2023, 10:02 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 82
Views: 3403

Lever espresso machine configuration

Yeah that is my take as well. I'm also still unconvinced that the process as described won't disturb the puck. There's some suction upward on those Fellinis, even assuming they are done gently as others have mentioned and regardless of headspace or lack thereof. I will also acknowledge that I've nev...
by grog
November 22nd, 2023, 9:53 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 9
Views: 565

Conti Comocafe V-2.0

Haha, I love the late 60s/early 70s mustard color! Reminds me of large appliances of my childhood
by grog
November 21st, 2023, 5:14 pm
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 34
Views: 1975

Are Quality Tampers Still A Thing?

I got a LevTamp from Kafatek a few years back and it ended my upgraditis for tampers
by grog
November 21st, 2023, 5:10 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 82
Views: 3403

Lever espresso machine configuration

I'm struggling to understand how Fellini could ever be done without disturbing the puck, regardless of amount of headspace, and why a Fellini is somehow critical to emulsification of oils and water to make crema