redbone wrote:This weekends lineup:

Which one is your favorite?

redbone wrote:This weekends lineup:

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From left to right La Peppina, LPE 74 1st gen, Faema Faemina and Ceado E37.

OK I'm curious to know if there is a machine tucked away in that sewing desk...I have a Singer treadle a la 1937 that still makes an excellent stitch in an almost identical desk.

igorchakov wrote:Which one is your favorite?

The latest is the greatest for me since it's a new toy.
Of the three shown here I would say tied F.F.,& LPE then L.P..

*Like how quick the F.F. comes to ready state but it has a small boiler. Runs hot but steady.
*Like the 1st gen LPE once modded with gauge. Easy to adjust lever pressure by feel and sight.
*Like La Peppina back to back shots with no rest time since open boiler.

Tom@Steve'sEspresso wrote:OK I'm curious to know if there is a machine tucked away in that sewing desk...I have a Singer treadle a la 1937 that still makes an excellent stitch in an almost identical desk.

No hidden machines in desk as those are kept in the basement on a shelf.
There is a vintage sewing machine in the desk which is no longer used.
I like the whole matching vintage vibe.

When I saw Robert's side by side set up, it seemed sensible for me to rearrange my espresso bar. I took my 1964 from what I call the Museum table, and put it with the other equipment. There really is enough room. This is the result:



The balance on the extreme left of the image was retrieved from a dumpster. Note the glass decanter to the right of the Hg-1 grinder. It is very convenient to use it to fill all thee of the espresso machines. The 1964 one is almost completely stock. I did replace the steam tip with one I made. It works very very well. I tend to use it when there are several guests who like espresso. I use it from time to time to keep it in good operating order.

The 1998 La Pavoni next to it is what I usually use to make one or two shots. It is the "real" brass model, not the plated one. At least a dozen parts from the original were replaced, almost always with brass. Note the neat little pitcher I put under the drip tube from the pressure relief valve and the steam tip when it is not in use. I found this little pitcher in an antique shop.

The 2014 Micro Casa a Leva is mostly stock, except I replaced the plastic steam knob with a wooden one, and I replaced the steam tip. The polymer coating on the base was defective, and I eventually painted it with copper hammer tone paint. I start almost every morning with a cappuccino that I make with this machine. I follow that up with a simple espresso, also made with this machine. Note the glass cups between the MCAL and the 1998. I have cups all over the house, but these are the "default" ones.

ed: I noticed I did not mention the brass handle on the MCAL. After Meredith, in the background, destroyed the wooden one I made a brass one, I also replaced the steel rod that ran from the group to the handle with brass.

Not visible is a wooden chop stick that is right next to the blind tumbler on the Hg-1. This is always there to stir the espresso before pressing. There are three tampers lurking between the 1998 and the MCAL.

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Robert, a fantastic personalized setup.
Good to know we inspire each other.

I just want to know more about this parrot.

The reason the MCAL has a brass handle is that Meredith, the now 3 year old blue and yellow macaw, suddenly decided to split the original wooden one. I always lock Meredith in the cage when espresso is being made, because once in a while Meredith decides to sit on the handle, even though it is now brass. For over 20 years there was a white cockatoo, Wendell, in this house. Wendell had an unfortunate genetic problem that was fatal. My Hg-1 arrived on the day Wendell had the first stroke. Wendell died exactly two months to the day later. I have missed that bird a lot! Meredith is extremely playful and is learning to say a few things. Meredith tends to spend the day playing with the toys in the picture and sometimes wanting attention. The other day Meredith picked up a stainless steel espresso cup and threw it, fortunately it was not glass or porcelain.

It is really important to watch out for the safety of one's avian friends when making espresso.

Unboxing of just received testa rossa.

La Peppina complete in box with some nice extras.

New in box. Wow! You'll soon see another similar, not mine, though.