You can learn to play golf and tennis by reading books and watching videos, but not very well. Most people learn more effectively with a personal mentor, who can spot your flaws and correct them.

Although there are nuggets of useful information on H-B, the unfiltered absorption of this website is likely to lead to ... see video above.

Marshall wrote:Although there are nuggets of useful information on H-B, the unfiltered absorption of this website is likely to lead to ... see video above.

You have to add before you can subtract. Its normal.

Marshall wrote:Alternatively, you can train with a pro, develop your technique and skip every ritual except turning the grinder on and off and tamping evenly

If you have suggestions of an easier method on the Mini E I'll be happy to try. Are you saying, if I want to dose 14g, I should just grind it, and tamp down. Nothing else? I can make a video of this... I have an idea how it will turn out from previous attempts (looks and taste-wise) - but maybe you can point out some tips.

Marshall wrote:You can learn to play golf and tennis by reading books and watching videos, but not very well. Most people learn more effectively with a personal mentor, who can spot your flaws and correct them

I know it's harder to explain and learn online... but I doubt I have access here in Missouri to a good mentor (maybe a starbucks barista?!?). Even though my technique has some akwards steps, I do think I learned to make very high quality espresso by reading [and lots and lots of practice/experimentation]. There's always more to learn and improve... that's why I hope to see more videos that show as much detail as possible, perhaps pick up some nuances in people's technique.... or just enjoy the crazy things they came up with

benm5678 wrote:I know it's harder to explain and learn online... but I doubt I have access here in Missouri to a good mentor ....

Actually, I know a great mentor right in your backyard, and he's a member of H-B. I don't know if Barry (Riley's Coffee & Fudge) is interested in the business, but, may I suggest you send him a PM and find out? Barry has been sharing his coffee experience and all around wisdom on the Internet for eons.

One of Barry's recent posts here: Bad Science: how much is 25mls in 25 seconds?

I didn't see any glaring issues with your ritual and if you love the results, I wouldn't defend anything. I would seek out a pro if you can because he can play with your equipment and help you hone in on possibly a more efficient (and dare I say better tasting?) ritual.

Yes, HB does have a lot of "hacks" for working with non-pro equipment. Also some ideas about attaining a very high degree of consistency that cannot be used in a busy commercial environment like weighing every shot (pre and post).

Good job on the video. Eventually I will post one. I only have an iPhone though!

Marshall wrote:You can learn to play golf and tennis by reading books and watching videos, but not very well. Most people learn more effectively with a personal mentor, who can spot your flaws and correct them.

Although there are nuggets of useful information on H-B, the unfiltered absorption of this website is likely to lead to ... see video above.

The overwhelming percentage of 'pros' twirl, tap, tamp-tap-tamp, play patticake, etc.
With sufficient diligence, one finds such falderal disparaged herein.

benm5678 wrote:If you have suggestions of an easier method on the Mini E I'll be happy to try.

Clean out throat leftovers on the pre shot purge.

Use a small angled brush or ??? to clear the throat as you grind directly into the basket. A quick side to side shake of the PF handle will distribute. Tamp and pull.

Ian - you also mean to fill the hopper with the technique you suggest? or weighed single dose will still work?

cafeIKE wrote:The overwhelming percentage of 'pros' twirl, tap, tamp-tap-tamp, play patticake, etc.

And good trainers dispense with such tics.

I use a small hair coloring brush, bent to a 60° angle to clear the throat on the MXK, either hopper or 1-shot dosing. The brush must be short enough that it cannot go far enough into the throat to catch the wipers.

The missus picked them up for me at a local beauty supply. I think they're called HiLighters or something I can post a photo tomorrow