John49 wrote:If you have the 18g filter baskets for the CT1, what are your thoughts?

They work well if you're wanting to pull a ristretto.

My CT1 has a total volume of around 50gr. I can pull 42gr shots in the cup with the 18gr filterbasket so no issues there.

I've been almost exclusively using the 18g baskets since getting them personally. I like to pull ristretto, and the larger input lets me get a larger shot at the same ratio.

erik82 wrote:My CT1 has a total volume of around 50gr. I can pull 42gr shots in the cup with the 18gr filterbasket so no issues there.

My output has decreased significantly since installing the pressure gauge with the new piston. Not sure what the reason is, though. I used to be able to get 38-42g... now I'm lucky if i get more than 30. Even if I hold the lever up at the top for 15 secs I notice that when I bring the lever down it doesn't meet pressure as quickly as it used to. Without the portafilter in if I raise the lever water seems to be dripping through the screen like normal. I need to try swapping back in the original piston like Gabor suggested and see if that changes things back. So for me right now anyway, I can't hit a normale with the 18g basket.

I did not notice a reduction in volume after installing the kit.

I never got 40-50 grams out. Only 30 grams.

I only use the 15 grams basket so no issue.

I can not reach bar than 9 bars. 6-7 bars is no problem. For 9 bars I have to use much effort.

This first batch (number 1-15) had a smaller volume (around 32gr) but Wouter modified my CT1 when I was at his workshop a year ago. He upgraded some parts that had been renewed with the later batches.

RyanP wrote:My output has decreased significantly since installing the pressure gauge with the new piston. Not sure what the reason is, though. I used to be able to get 38-42g... now I'm lucky if i get more than 30. Even if I hold the lever up at the top for 15 secs I notice that when I bring the lever down it doesn't meet pressure as quickly as it used to. Without the portafilter in if I raise the lever water seems to be dripping through the screen like normal. I need to try swapping back in the original piston like Gabor suggested and see if that changes things back. So for me right now anyway, I can't hit a normale with the 18g basket.

Finding the bug/as comparison would be great to go back to the original piston unit for some shots.

I'll make a point to do that this weekend. I'll report back!

erik82 wrote:This first batch (number 1-15) had a smaller volume (around 32gr) but Wouter modified my CT1 when I was at his workshop a year ago. He upgraded some parts that had been renewed with the later batches.

Yes he did the same upgrades on mine and modified the angel for a bit more volume. That means mine had an even smaller yield than 30-35 grams I suppose. But for a 15 grams dose a 30 grams output is sufficient for me.

For those who are interested, modified my setup to accommodate my scale AND my taller cups.

All it took was a 2in by 2in piece of copper pipe (PVC would have also worked honestly) and some velcro. Velcro on the top of the pipe and bottom of the scale to keep the scale in place, and a little velcro on the bottom of the pipe just to even it out, and keep it from scratching the inside of the Strietman base.