Search found 78 matches

by phreich
October 12th, 2011, 12:12 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 5
Views: 7679

Astoria Argenta JUN SAE-1 Manuals - Does anyone have a PDF?

I have uploaded the manuals that Eric had to a repository called Scribd. Here is the link to the user manual: {link} Here is the link to the technical repair manual: {link} Thanks Eric! BTW, Scribd is a great free resource for sharing documents of all types -- and the size doesn't matter....
by phreich
September 11th, 2011, 8:25 am
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 6
Views: 4830

Modifying a N. S. Ellimatic to include vacuum breaker & adjustable pressure release valve

Okay, I've been a bit remiss and not posting the final results of the modifications... I completed the modifications, and have calibrated the machine to produce the shots at 9 bar of pressure, and it is pulling great shots.... Here are some pics of the buttoned-up machine: The first is a front view:...
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by phreich
July 1st, 2011, 7:29 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 6
Views: 4830

Modifying a N. S. Ellimatic to include vacuum breaker & adjustable pressure release valve

Well, another wrinkle in the process -- the boiler safety valve started to open too early and so pressure was not where it needed to be. I opened up the safety valve, noticed that the red neoprene or buna (I assume) rubber seal was pretty well indented by the plunger, and got ready to go to the plum...
by phreich
June 30th, 2011, 6:47 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 12
Views: 6879

How to drain double boiler for shipment

I concur with Louis and Dave -- unfortunately, the suggestion to attempt to purge the boiler via the water wand won't work, and you'll wind up with a frozen machine -- most likely destroying the heat exchanger which would remain filled and other non-drained water components in both the boiler and HX...
by phreich
June 28th, 2011, 2:32 am
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 6
Views: 4830

Modifying a N. S. Ellimatic to include vacuum breaker & adjustable pressure release valve

Parts have arrived and been installed in the modified plumbing -- the first post has been updated to show the end-result. It is all working well, with no leaks, and I have proper pressure at the group head and no longer have to open the steam wand when heating up the boiler. I will
by phreich
June 28th, 2011, 1:30 am
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 3
Views: 5417

All about adding vacuum breakers to older hx boiler machines without them

Great tip Dan -- if you live in a city of significant size, there probably is a Swagelok dealer and they will have fittings to fit bsp (or can order them). However, if you live in a smaller town -- you are probably out of luck for this kind of help.... Bill -- the details on the thread
by phreich
June 26th, 2011, 5:45 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 12
Views: 6879

How to drain double boiler for shipment

Ground shipment, by definition will be done by ground, whether parcel post or UPS ground. I think you would only need to be concerned if you ship via 3rd or second day air, or priority mail.... But, to the best of my knowledge, most North American commercial air transport is pressurized and conditio...
by phreich
June 26th, 2011, 4:22 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 18
Views: 32623

The Impact of Preinfusion on the Taste of Espresso Shots

Hi all, Great thread and interesting read! I wanted to add a word of caution about automatically thinking that pre-infusion will always benefit a machine.... On some machines, like the Elektra I own, there is a built-in pressure ramp-up delay that basically performs the same function as pre-infusion...
by phreich
June 26th, 2011, 4:00 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 12
Views: 6879

How to drain double boiler for shipment

I also agree with the responses indicating that it isn't really necessary to drain the boiler this time of year because it won't freeze when shipped via ground shipping, but a good point was raised about possible leakage if the carton is tipped on it's side or back via a vacuum breaker valve. HOWEVE...
by phreich
June 25th, 2011, 8:13 am
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 5
Views: 222

Help with Hamilton Beach

My first suggestion to getting a great espresso shot is to upgrade your grinder -- the machine can't produce espresso properly without a consistent and proper grind. Rather than spending $600 on a home prosumer grinder, you might consider getting a used commercial model that has a broken or missing ...