Spring Lever accidents - Page 3

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Almico
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#21: Post by Almico »

We use levers at my coffee bars. The first thing I tell all my employees is never stand in front of the group when pulling the lever...never. Always stand to one side or the other. 4 years and no accidents. Pu-pu.

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stefano65
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#22: Post by stefano65 »

To make a little funny (or not note about it)
Growing up in Italy in the 60's-70's
the joke was that you could tell
a Barista by the front missing teeth :oops:
Stefano Cremonesi
Stefano's Espresso Care
Repairs & sales from Oregon.

El_hondero (original poster)
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#23: Post by El_hondero (original poster) »

thanks for all the stories guys! make a great afternoon lunch read!

i've come to develop 3 rules for myself for now
always pull with 2 hands on the lever .
make sure both hands are dry.
and pay attention to what you're doing!

mgrayson
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#24: Post by mgrayson »

I'm surprised there are no safety mechanisms. A clutch that engages at 1 ft/sec wouldn't interfere with any normal operation.

ira
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#25: Post by ira »

They were designed a long time ago before liability issues. They were theoretically going to be replaced with safer groups starting in 61 when the E-61 group showed up. Why they are still around at all is an interesting question.

Ira

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baldheadracing
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#26: Post by baldheadracing »

mgrayson wrote:I'm surprised there are no safety mechanisms. A clutch that engages at 1 ft/sec wouldn't interfere with any normal operation.
Some commercial lever machines have clutches.
-"Good quality brings happiness as you use it" - Nobuho Miya, Kamasada

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drgary
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#27: Post by drgary »

My spring lever locks in the down position. I only cock it after locking in the portafilter filled with coffee or partially cock it to do a group flush. The machine is mounted high so the lever is easy to pull down. When I do so, I am standing back and to the side, clear of its travel. Although I built a robust spring clamp to service it, I later learned that the spring can be released when it is relaxed by turning the piston out with a tool that inserts into grip holes. I discourage guests from moving the lever when the machine is idle. I treat it with respect and no accidents so far. But then I'm not using it behind a cramped counter every day with my front teeth missing. :)
Gary
LMWDP#308

What I WOULD do for a good cup of coffee!

RockyIII
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#28: Post by RockyIII »

It happened to me once when I had a Londinium. My hand was moist, and the lever slipped out of my grasp. Neither me or the machine was injured, but from then on I always used two hands to pull the lever to make sure it wouldn't happen again.

Idfixe
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#29: Post by Idfixe »

I guess this thread makes a case for the Leva x

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pizzaman383
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#30: Post by pizzaman383 replying to Idfixe »

Or the LSM with the safety device.
Curtis
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“Taste every shot before adding milk!”