The Arrarex Caravel - Page 221

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drgary
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#2201: Post by drgary »

Thanks! What difference does rewiring make if the old 220v wires are still intact? Are the old wires more resistant and prone to overheating?
Gary
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What I WOULD do for a good cup of coffee!

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redbone
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#2202: Post by redbone replying to drgary »

Depends on the condition of the wiring. I replace as needed since the Arrarex is a low wattage machine the current the oem gauge wires suffice if in good non fraid or cracked condition.
They often are wired with a good quality high temp woven m.g.t or m.g.g.t jacketed wire, depending on year.
I also replace wires that are tight or short such as the wires to the element.

All porable power cords get replaced with new 3 conductor wire and new plug.

I replaced entire wiring on my Vam. It had the older ceramic beaded covered wires with some exposed spots and have replaced some Caravel machines entirely also. I don't know if that was necessary or just a practice in futility.
Between order and chaos there is espresso.
Semper discens.


Rob
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drgary
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#2203: Post by drgary »

Thanks!
Gary
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What I WOULD do for a good cup of coffee!

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redbone
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#2204: Post by redbone »

peacecup wrote:I have this one, a 1.1:

http://www.francescoceccarelli.eu/Macch ... na_eng.htm

You can see in one of the photos the ceramic block that holds the element. Mine is cracked, and I wonder it anyone knows what to use to repair it? I also need a new light bulb. The wiring seems easy enough.

The main question is will this Vam make as great espresso as my original Caravel 1.0, or should I just sell it?
See here for bulb information. The Arrarex Caravel

The VAM 1.1 is a beautiful machine. Squared lever arms, little boiler lever and a few other nuances that are specific to the VAM vs early Caravel.
They can be tricky to setup temperature cutoff vs the Caravel machines with the mini temp knobs. I still prefer the heavier more robust feeling VAM.
Between order and chaos there is espresso.
Semper discens.


Rob
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toincoss
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#2205: Post by toincoss »

Would you say the Arrarex potentially can produce the best espresso with the smallest footprint?

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redbone
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#2206: Post by redbone replying to toincoss »

Difficult statement to make since I find different coffees do better on open boiler and some on closed boilers. I would say that it's a capable machine in the learned hands.
For the money and ease of maintenance, it's hard to beat.
Between order and chaos there is espresso.
Semper discens.


Rob
LMWDP #549

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redbone
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#2207: Post by redbone »

I've noticed a great temperature difference within the boiler depending on thermostat location. The temperature varies 8F higher at the back apex of the boiler vs the front by the piston. I do stir water in the boiler but this does not effect the floor temp of the boiler and has little effect.

I now go with the temperature of the water by the piston inlet holes in boiler at front since this is the first line of water that makes contact with the grinds.

Between order and chaos there is espresso.
Semper discens.


Rob
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Sailorchadf
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#2208: Post by Sailorchadf »

toincoss wrote:Would you say the Arrarex potentially can produce the best espresso with the smallest footprint?
Exactly what Redbone said. Export has a similar footprint as does la pavoni, and microcasa a leva, but ease of maintenance sets the Caravel apart. It is my choice!

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mrak
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#2209: Post by mrak »

I wonder if it is possible to find an original single dose basket for Arrarex Caravel - one that holds approximately 10 gr of coffee. Both my machines came only with double baskets.

Does anybody know where I can buy one?

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redbone
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#2210: Post by redbone replying to mrak »

Here is a single basket in the middle of two Brooks double baskets.
Only place to buy a vintage single basket would be Ebay Italy or similar.
Between order and chaos there is espresso.
Semper discens.


Rob
LMWDP #549

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