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Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder
I got the burrs in the post this am. Coffeeparts are very fast, I only ordered them yesterday!
Anyway, the burrs didnt look much different to the old ones, but I changed them anyway and while I was in there I put a wrap of teflon tape around the top brass bit. I ground some beans, looked pretty much the same grind, and ran a few coffees off with the single basket. The first attempt I got 30ml in 25 seconds. The second I had too much coffee in the filter and nothing came out, then my third shot I got 25ml in 25 seconds. Im getting the hang of loading and tamping the coffee too.
I remember reading that I should be using the double basket for better coffee, should I then get 60mls in 25-30 secs???
Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder
Mal, I had an order at coffeeparts for a new group seal, showerscreen so I just added a burr kit this morning P/No. 620348 Rancilio MD40 / Rocky which by measurement appears to be what is built into the Lucy. I really think the burrs are slightly blunt because it definately couldnt shave off a finger nail. If is doesnt work Ive got a spare set.
Im going to pop over to Yandina soon to get some more beans & help (Ive been through 250gm so far and havent even pulled a shot under 200ml/25sec yet). The problem is the beans will be newly roasted... will that cause problems?
Thanks for all the help, I cant wait to get a coffee out of this machine... the family are back drinking instant!
Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder
Really need clear, crisp macro photos "Lacehim".... Cant really tell from those unfortunately :
One thing you can do yourself is to run a thumb or finger-nail against the direction of the cutting edges and if the burrs are in good nick, they will attempt to shave a sliver off your nail. If, on the other hand, the cutting edges feel blunt and rounded off (especially close to the perimeter of the burr-plates) then they are probably fairly worn and should be replaced.
This is a relatively simple job to do yourself but if you not sure about it, Im sure AM, KK or one of the other members could be teed up to help out. New burr-plates are pretty cheap too and once installed, should last you for many, many years....
Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder
Im thinking of popping over to Pioneer at Yandina tomorrow. I went there a few weeks ago and they where very nice and helpful. I have 2 more bags of fresh beans but I might buy a few more bags while Im there. I also think that they do one on one sessions with your own machine if requested so I might see how much that is.
AM, I didnt get the machine until Thursday and I didnt finish cleaning until today! I might take you up on your offer, Ive not far from Maroochydore and pop down to Brisbane to doctors appointments all the time.
I think Im driving the family mad anyway so I should probably just play when I get 5 minutes to myself. Ive already had... are you still talking about that bl**dy coffee machine a few times! ;D And the instant word has been used a few times.
Also here are the burr photos. Not sure if they are any help.
This the the Top Burr after cleaning
This is the Bottom Burr after cleaning
Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder
Originally posted by 082527212C2D29440 link=1255089893/59#59 date=1257070950
So would fresh beans effect the extraction time/volume?
The burrs look okay but when I rubbed my finger over them I wouldnt say they would be in any danger of cutting me.
I will post a piccy. If anyone is local and could assist it would be much appriciated.
The bloke across the road knows how to steam milk, but thats it and the family, well Im avoiding their "assistance" at the moment.
A few days late.. Was in Maroochy only last Thursday...
If I am up that way I will drop ya a PM.. If ya down in Brisy at any stage... Drop me a PM. I am northside and have some burrs here.... I like my rocky :-)
Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder
Originally posted by 4C61636568696D000 link=1255089893/59#59 date=1257070950
So would fresh beans effect the extraction time/volume?
If anyone is local and could assist it would be much appriciated.
Yes
Go get yourself some fresh beans from Pioneer Coffee Roastery in Yandina and while there ask some questions of the current Australian Barista Champion (he works there)
CS is a family of helpful people
KK
Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder
Originally posted by 587577717C7D79140 link=1255089893/57#57 date=1257067749
In responce...
1. Beans are Espresso WOW off Beanbay roasted on 28th Oct I think so fresh as.
2. I removed the top burr, vacumed out the bottom burr (but I didnt remove it. The instructions I used said it was more hassle that it was worth)
3. Mods? There are mods? I saw one about using teflon tape on the top burr... Is that what you are talking about.
4. If I post some photos of the burrs can you tell from them if the burrs are stuffed?
I guess by the sounds of your posts that you think its the grinder. Does my loading of the filter, tamping sound like Im doing the right think?
FYI the machine is about 5 years old (2004 model bought in 01 2005)
My Dad is driving me nuts because he seems to think its okay to get 250ml of coffee in 30 seconds! :
Beans may be a little fresh.. BUt ok.
Yes the tape mod... BUt it just helps with making things consistant..
A pic could but highly unlikley (unless real bad) show any ware... Use ya finger like when you test a knife blade...
Do some searching on Silvia Dosing and tamping...
Do the 5 cent piece test... Basicly dose and tamp, lock in and the remove and check the puck... You just want a small space = 5 cent piece... Thus when the water hits the coffee can expand and should then leave a indent of the shower screen..
Once ya dosing level is right..
Then Play with the amount of Tamp and the grind size...
Update ya profile to show your location... Another CS member could be in ya area and willing to help out first hand...
Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder
In responce...
1. Beans are Espresso WOW off Beanbay roasted on 28th Oct I think so fresh as.
2. I removed the top burr, vacumed out the bottom burr (but I didnt remove it. The instructions I used said it was more hassle that it was worth)
3. Mods? There are mods? I saw one about using teflon tape on the top burr... Is that what you are talking about.
4. If I post some photos of the burrs can you tell from them if the burrs are stuffed?
I guess by the sounds of your posts that you think its the grinder. Does my loading of the filter, tamping sound like Im doing the right think?
FYI the machine is about 5 years old (2004 model bought in 01 2005)
My Dad is driving me nuts because he seems to think its okay to get 250ml of coffee in 30 seconds! :
Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder
Originally posted by 022F2D2B2627234E0 link=1255089893/53#53 date=1257060354
HELLLLLLPPPPPPP.
Ive tried over the past day to get a espresso out of this machine but its not working. Ive put the grinder down to the burrs touch and wound it back up 7-10 clicks and the grind looks about the same as caster sugar. It wont grind any finer than this even if I put it right down -2 (just before the grinder wont move any further). Ive also tried a coarser grind and thats not changing anything.
Now Im using the double basket, filling it to the top, then running my finger over the bastket so that its level. Then I tamp down. If I put it in the group the screw mark is well defined.
When I press the brew button the coffee comes out pretty quick, and Ive got 60mls within about 8 seconds totalling 250ml in 25-30 seconds. The coffee is light brown dishwater near the end.
Ive also got the experts helping (ie the wife, my dad and mum) who have not even read a thing about espresso and dont seem to want to know. They are currently drinking said coffee.... HELP!!!!
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