The new lever group thoughts

A haven dedicated to manual espresso machine aficionados.
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Paul_Pratt
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#1: Post by Paul_Pratt »

I am curious on people's thoughts regarding the new lever group used by many manuf. Although it is not, it is called in forums "the Bosco group". Now this probably applies to people who have used other older spring lever machines and even the group preceding the group in question, you know the one with the black plastic cover.

I recently bought some from the manuf. and just wondering what other people make of it. I'm not at all impressed to be honest.

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dominico
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#2: Post by dominico »

Are you referring to the CMA group?

I've had some shots off of it, seems to give a more heavy mouthfeel to the vintage groups I'm used to but a shot that's rougher around the edges.

How would you compare it to the Quality Espresso "Palanca" group? (otherwise known as the Faema Zodiaco)
Exploded diagram on page 20

For a 60-something year old group its still in production and probably costs less.
https://bit.ly/3N1bhPR
Il caffè è un piacere, se non è buono che piacere è?

samuellaw178
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#3: Post by samuellaw178 »

Paul_Pratt wrote:I'm not at all impressed to be honest.
Do you mean the build quality in general, or the design?

To be honest, I am not sure what I should/can expect. There aren't so many choices out there, is there? As long as the hydraulic/electronic part is well taken care of, the grouphead itself is usually out of the equation (down to aesthetic). Niceties would be if whether it can give an even shower water distribution, feels smooth when pulling lever (no groan or jumping), take E61/58mm accessories and ease of maintenance.

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Paul_Pratt (original poster)
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#4: Post by Paul_Pratt (original poster) »

OK tks for the feedback. I was just throwing it out there because I feel it is not a typical lever experience. They have taken something so simple and pure and over complicated it for the sake of it. I'll post more details later when I have time.

thebookfreak58
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#5: Post by thebookfreak58 »

There are many variants?

The cylinder holding the water...the T/S (as in the L1)?

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Balthazar_B
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#6: Post by Balthazar_B replying to thebookfreak58 »

Even without the water feeding mechanism, there are a few variations that have been discussed.

- Number of seals (3 or 4);
- Number of inlets, and possibly diameter of same;
- Number of springs, and possibly strength of same.

And there may be others. But I think Paul Pratt is talking about the basic working mechanism of these groups.

Paul, I think everyone here would be interested in your observations. How is it so different from older spring lever groups?
- John

LMWDP # 577

donn
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#7: Post by donn »

In terms of the experience, I'd guess the lever pivot plays a large role. Sort of an eccentric cam. I've never used any other full size commercial lever, though, so have no idea - it might not be the smoothest feeling action, as it's quite strongly weighted towards the middle of the stroke.

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JohnB.
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#8: Post by JohnB. »

Paul_Pratt wrote:I am curious on people's thoughts regarding the new lever group used by many manuf. Although it is not, it is called in forums "the Bosco group". Now this probably applies to people who have used other older spring lever machines and even the group preceding the group in question, you know the one with the black plastic cover.

I recently bought some from the manuf. and just wondering what other people make of it. I'm not at all impressed to be honest.
What don't you like about it? It certainly works well & produces very nice shots on my Sorrento. It's just an upgrade of the old Rossi group. Here's what Kees had to say about it when we were discussing his Idrocompresso lever:

"We, Bosco, etc. use groups made by a company that specializes as a supplier to espresso machine manufacturers. This company also produces the E61 type steam valves, E61 groups and a host of other items.
They also first started by copying the Rossi lever group (black plastic cap on top), but differently than Astoria. This had a way too weak tiny central bearing. This wore real quickly. This weak point already existed in the Rossi (and Astoria too), but not as bad.

Since 2009 this company upgraded the turning mechanism to a copy of the San Marco system (fully chromed upper part). Now the centre bearing is a wide needle bearing, which is far better."

Both Bosco & Kees added a reservoir to hold shot water below boiler temp. As far as it being called the "Bosco group" the reason is that no one wants to commit the name of the company that builds the groups/E61 clones/ect to print. Seems to be top secret. :lol: Share the company name & we'll have the correct name for the group.
LMWDP 267

donn
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#9: Post by donn »

OK, so we are not talking about this CMA group?

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JohnB.
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#10: Post by JohnB. »

LMWDP 267

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