Gaggia Steam Wand Replacement Mod

[Dimal]

Re: Gaggia Steam Wand Replacement Mod

hmmm, i finally got around to doing something about this mod and it looks like ive messed up. I jumped in and ordered from coffeeparts before finding mals post a few posts up...

just to be sure, the wand shown here (700525): http://www.coffeeparts.com/ran/ran6.html is too big for my purpose? (thats the one i ordered)

note that its not the one shown here (700336): http://www.coffeeparts.com/ran/ran2.html (the ball valve)

Gday EM,

Unfortunately,

Both of these Steam Wands are for commercial machines (basically 10mm/[ch8540]") and are too big for most domestic machines which use a 6mm/¼" Steam Pipe. You may have to contact Pedro and explain what you wanted it for in which case he may be able to help you out or give you a credit for the commercial job :-?.....

Mal.

[early_morning_]

Re: Gaggia Steam Wand Replacement Mod

yeah, i had a feeling youd say that. Id just got the confirmation that my order had been posted when i read that they werent the same type...

Ofra and Renzo, check your PMs. I want that steam wand

[early_morning_]

Re: Gaggia Steam Wand Replacement Mod

wow, whod have thought this mod could make such a difference...

3 simple mods have turned my average gaggia classic into a pretty tops as machine. to all the gaggia owners PID control + OPV tweak + silvia steam wand = the best you can get out of your machine.

do it. do it now.

[shauno]

Re: Gaggia Steam Wand Replacement Mod

We received few Rancilio Steam Wands few days ago, and after clearing the backorders, we still have one available!

Jazman, mtarros, reegs, would any of you need one? Cost is: $29.50 +freight

Just pm us with your details (first & last name, shipping address, email address) and ring me on: 02-9389 9892 with your credit card details, I will process it on a write first-gets-first bases...

Id like one of these... are they still in stock? Ill try and call early this week...

[shauno]

Re: Gaggia Steam Wand Replacement Mod

I got my new steam wand from Di Bartoli today - Renzo provided an adaptor, so the Silvia top piece (chrome screw-on bit) will connect to the Gaggia brass socket. Once everything was tight enough to stop leaks, its working great!

Not sure about the screw-in 1-hole tip though, seems better without it.

[adam_rushmer]

Re: Gaggia Steam Wand Replacement Mod

is there any chance those pictures could be uploaded again in post #1 please andy?
they seem to have expired
thanks in advance

[Jazman]

Re: Gaggia Steam Wand Replacement Mod

I got the silvia steam wand from Di Bartoli the other day... with the adaptor ... works great on the Classic .. a bit of thread tape helps with any leaks.

[aindfan]

Re: Gaggia Steam Wand Replacement Mod

I just installed the Silvia wand on my Gaggia espresso and it appears to be working quite well (pending some training on my part), but the wand is quite wobbly and very loose. The joints seem well sealed (I used the rubber rings to ensure that) but I couldnt get a very secure fit. Any suggestions?

Also, the only way I could get the nut off of the Gaggia wand was by putting it into a vice and bending it a bit. Otherwise, no problems so far. I did use the trick of waiting 25 seconds and steaming looked good. I need to keep the pitcher a bit higher than I did with the plastic wand to keep the big garbage bubbles out of my drinks.

EDIT: I changed things up a bit, and now the assembly order is: brass pipe (to boiler) -> washer -> black rubber ring -> nut. Its a little bit better, but still not tight, and when I move the wand up and down a bit of water drips from the joint where the washer and rubber ring are. The remedy: dont move the wand up and down!

[roknee]

Re: Gaggia Steam Wand Replacement Mod

hey andy
ive just bought a carezza on auction (evilbay) for $60!  ;D  i think thats a decent deal (its used but apparently in good nick).
i think ill be having a serious look at your steam wand mods in the not too distant future.
so...THANKS!

ronnie

[love-lafare]

Re: Gaggia Steam Wand Replacement Mod

Did this mod today, took me about 10 mins, had to sand off about 2mm off the top part though, fits snugly in place and moves ok, steam started to leak from around the steam head (the thing with the whole in it?) so i just wrapped the thread in sealant tape and screwed it back up, sweet as.

To get the the connector off the gaggia want just wrap it in a tea towel and hit it lightly with the back of a crescent, just slides right off.

Can someone tell me what an OPV tweak is?

Also got a sunbeam EM0450 too, what a toss of a thing to calibrated, went through 3/4 pack of beans and im on grind 15, seems ok for now, fluctuates a bit though....

[AndyCJ]

Re: Gaggia Steam Wand Replacement Mod

I just wanted to post a quick note here to say sorry to people whove posted on this thread asking me anything - or PMd me, and not got a respone. Also, to appologise when the photos in the front page expired?!? I have not been on CS for a long time.

Its great to see so many people trying this mod - glad the picks & info are still relevant.
Cheers,
Andy

[roknee]

Re: Gaggia Steam Wand Replacement Mod

hey andy
i loved ur post! i have spoken with grinders coffee who now stock the wand but im waiting to hear back from the guy.
prices have changed somewhat since ur post.
something ~ $5.00 (!!!!) for one, yes ONE o-ring and ~$40 for the wand.
So, i will probably go down that path soon but meanwhile i have simply screwed on the little plastic end-bit (NOT the turbo ferkukter device) as LOW as it will go on the existing wand to create a longer wand effectively.
i assume that the silvia tip has a smaller hole than what the little plastic end bit has, but its working ok for now (just).

cheers
aaron

[AndyCJ]

Re: Gaggia Steam Wand Replacement Mod

ouch! $45.

That IS somewhat more than I paid back in the day!

I cant even remmeber how the old Gaggia wand looked sorry?!, but the wand is longer, easier to clean and much nicer to use. In fact, I think the hole may be slightly bigger?

You will soon find out anyhow.

[ChrisMB]

Re: Gaggia Steam Wand Replacement Mod

Does anyone know where to get the Silvia wand nowadays? I sent an e-mail to Di Bartoli a while ago, but never heard back from them...

[Thundergod]

Re: Gaggia Steam Wand Replacement Mod

Id send a PM.
Theyve been posting here every few days of late.
Or just telephone.
I always enjoy speaking to Renzo and Ofra.