Siliconslave's how to make espresso thread

Hamster · 17 May 2013 at 10:00

If I put in a roll of PTFE tape which you may need, it comes to just under 100g without a jiffy bag. It will be a small packet as the thickness of the gauge is over 25mm so cheapest postage is £2.60. Don't worry about the cost of me posting it to you, that's on me!

haz_pro · 17 May 2013 at 10:06

Ah, well that is a great offer. I will definately take it up, but in a couple of weeks once I have tested the machine and stuff. Thanks.

Very excited for the complete setup now. Have spent the last hour or so reading about backflushing, priming the machine etc. I have also looked for instructions on how to attach the pressure guage to the PF but haven't found any yet. I imagine it is simple but nice to read some instructions any way. Do you have any idea where some may be hamster?

Hamster · 17 May 2013 at 10:16

No worries. Just let me know when you need it and I'll get it posted.

Have a search on coffeeforums.co.uk. You'll find everything you need on there but you don't need many instructions for attaching the gauge to the PF. On the bottom of the PF there's a double spout which you need to screw off. It will take a bit of torque so you can either put it in a vice or get a strong screwdriver, put it in one of the spouts and turn it that way. Then the gauge (with the bushing) just screws onto the thread where the spout was. Do your OPV stuff, remove the gauge then screw your spout back on.

Siliconslave · 17 May 2013 at 10:41

Hamster, where did you get your parts from to make up the gauge? Keep meaning to build one but its getting round to buying the parts

FrenchTart · 17 May 2013 at 11:12

I've just been reading up on modifying the OPV on the classic. Do you think the gauge is really required? I'm tempted to give it a go just by trying to measure the flow/etc.

Hamster · 17 May 2013 at 11:40

Siliconslave said:
Hamster, where did you get your parts from to make up the gauge? Keep meaning to build one but its getting round to buying the parts

Only two bits are needed, a suitable gauge and the bushing adapter. PTFE tape is handy too. Got them all from a plumbing supplies seller from ebay. Haz isn't ready to do his yet so how about if I send the kit to you then you send it on to haz when you're done? Then he can send it on to whoever may need it next or back to me if not needed anymore.

FrenchTart said:
I've just been reading up on modifying the OPV on the classic. Do you think the gauge is really required? I'm tempted to give it a go just by trying to measure the flow/etc.

It's static pressure that you need to measure. Imagine you've blocked the grouphead and turned the machine on. Pressure will build up and will be released at a certain pressure which is controlled by the Over pressure valve (OPV). So yes, you do need the gauge to do it properly.

FrenchTart · 17 May 2013 at 11:50

Hamster said:
It's static pressure that you need to measure. Imagine you've blocked the grouphead and turned the machine on. Pressure will build up and will be released at a certain pressure which is controlled by the Over pressure valve (OPV). So yes, you do need the gauge to do it properly.

That absolutely makes sense in regards to doing a proper job

Some of the posts I read suggested that you could do a decent enough job without it though. I was just wondering if you've read up on those (and fair enough if you have and you think they're talking rubbish) and your thoughts on them if you had.

Hamster · 17 May 2013 at 12:00

FrenchTart said:
That absolutely makes sense in regards to doing a proper job Some of the posts I read suggested that you could do a decent enough job without it though. I was just wondering if you've read up on those (and fair enough if you have and you think they're talking rubbish) and your thoughts on them if you had.

I've not heard or read up on any other methods but I can't imagine how you could accurately measure the pressure of water without equipment. Having said that, whether there is an absolute need to reach a certain pressure is open to debate.

FrenchTart · 17 May 2013 at 12:14

Hamster said:
I've not heard or read up on any other methods but I can't imagine how you could accurately measure the pressure of water without equipment. Having said that, whether there is an absolute need to reach a certain pressure is open to debate.

From what I've read you measure the amount of water that flows through over 30 seconds - to achieve close to 9 bar you would expect 125ml when flowing freely (these numbers may not be accurate - I'll be re-reading it more before attempting it). The suggested modification is approx a 270 degree anti-clockwise turn of the OPV. Once you've done that, measure again and see if you're closer to 125ml. Adjust if not.

I'm sure a pressure gauge is infinitely better...but I'm tempted to try out the slightly more ghetto (and no doubt less accurate) method. As you say, the exact pressure you want is often a matter of personal taste and/or methodology.

edit: forgot to mention, I'm pretty sure I need to replace my basket before I try this anyhow. I was fooled into thinking that I had a proper one due to one side of it looking normal and me being a noob

Hamster · 17 May 2013 at 12:26

I think you know enough to make an informed decision

If you do want to use the gauge, I'll be sending it out for people to use. Waiting for Siliconslave to see if he wants it first.

FrenchTart · 17 May 2013 at 12:52

Hamster said:
I think you know enough to make an informed decision

If you do want to use the gauge, I'll be sending it out for people to use. Waiting for Siliconslave to see if he wants it first.

Ah, that's very kind of you

I wasn't trying to hint at that

If the offer is still open once others have had their turn I will gladly take you up on it.

Changing the subject slightly... Do you have any recommendations for a cheapish place to pick up a decent replacement basket and/or a bottomless portafilter?

Siliconslave · 17 May 2013 at 12:58

Hamster said:
I think you know enough to make an informed decision

If you do want to use the gauge, I'll be sending it out for people to use. Waiting for Siliconslave to see if he wants it first.

that'd be grand thanks! I'll Trust you details.

I think the flow method is pretty accurate, but when you do it you'll see its probably not 100%, too many factors to get it totally right!

Hamster · 17 May 2013 at 13:46

FrenchTart said:
Ah, that's very kind of you I wasn't trying to hint at that If the offer is still open once others have had their turn I will gladly take you up on it.

Changing the subject slightly... Do you have any recommendations for a cheapish place to pick up a decent replacement basket and/or a bottomless portafilter?

No worries. It will be interesting if you had a go at doing it by your other method, then comparing it with the gauge. That's if you can be arsed to!

Siliconslave will send it onto you once he's finished with it. All I ask is whoever has it to arrange with and send it onto whoever needs it next without a massive delay

I got my naked PF from Happydonkey. I think it was around £26. No problems with it at all. Baskets, depends how much you want to spend. If you're getting a naked PF you probably want to get something decent like a La Marzocco or a VST. LM can be had from Coffeehit as can VST but you may want to google for prices as their delivery charge is quite steep for small items.

Bleek · 18 May 2013 at 12:50

Long shot but does anyone own a Jura Ena Micro 1 on here? Looking at getting one to replace my Gaggia and conical grinder.

(I drink espresso)

haz_pro · 19 May 2013 at 17:03

Ahh, I am so excited for the classic to come. I have spent last couple of hours looking at people pulling shots etc.

Still havent ordered a non-pressurized basket; unsure whether to go for a 5 pound cheapy or one of the circa £20 baskets.. hmm

Edit: Okay so I have ordered the cheaper basket for now.

FAO Hamster: Mind if I take you up on that deal? I will trust you my address later if that's okay.

Have been reading around and seems most people think doing the opv mod is basically essential.

Bleek · 20 May 2013 at 12:59

Bleek said:
Long shot but does anyone own a Jura Ena Micro 1 on here? Looking at getting one to replace my Gaggia and conical grinder.

(I drink espresso)

Ok so probably should expand on this and instead ask.

What are your thoughts on a decent bean to cup machine?

Snobbery aside (I have an espresso machine and high-end conical grinder at home), are they decent enough for an office setting?

The reason I'm looking at the Jura is it does just espresso and long coffee, no wand or gimmicks.

My only concern about bean to cup is how fast the extraction is - for the example the videos I've seen look like ~5 seconds per shot.

How can that be right when a 'traditional' espresso machine takes 20-30 seconds? I'll be honest that's my main concern i.e. how it affects quality.

haz_pro · 20 May 2013 at 13:54

Well my classic came today

woo. I also purchased a couple of shot glass measures just as they were in the shop. Additionally is a picture of the Eureka Mignon I bought second hand some time last week.

Hamster · 20 May 2013 at 16:57

haz_pro said:
FAO Hamster: Mind if I take you up on that deal? I will trust you my address later if that's okay. Have been reading around and seems most people think doing the opv mod is basically essential.

Haz, I've sent it to Siliconslave as you mentioned that you wouldn't need it for a couple of weeks. When he's done with it, he'll send it to either FrechTart or yourself next. That will give you time to get used to your new machine!

Don't worry though. It makes a difference but it doesn't magically transform your espresso. You'll still be able to get perfectly acceptable results before it gets to you.

GTanny · 20 May 2013 at 17:54

very nice haz_pro, i dont know if i can post links to other forums but this may be very useful to you if you purchased used and wanted to give it a good clean
http://coffeeforums.co.uk/showthread.php?10187-Stripping-and-rebuilding-a-mignon

haz_pro · 20 May 2013 at 17:59

Hamster said:
Haz, I've sent it to Siliconslave as you mentioned that you wouldn't need it for a couple of weeks. When he's done with it, he'll send it to either FrechTart or yourself next. That will give you time to get used to your new machine! Don't worry though. It makes a difference but it doesn't magically transform your espresso. You'll still be able to get perfectly acceptable results before it gets to you.

Okay mate, thanks for letting me know. My non-pressurized basket hasn't arrived yet and I forgot to order a tamper!

Any ideas on a decent tamper for say 15 gbp?

GTanny said:
very nice haz_pro, i dont know if i can post links to other forums but this may be very useful to you if you purchased used and wanted to give it a good clean
http://coffeeforums.co.uk/showthread.php?10187-Stripping-and-rebuilding-a-mignon

Hey mate,

Thanks for this link, I have actually posted in that thread (username same as here), it has been a great help indeed!