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Rancilio Silvia Mods/Tweaks/Add-on's ...?
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You could cut the fascia like this install cutting front panel for pressure gauge for miss Rancilio Silvia fitting internal PID controller
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Anyone know where to get a PID that sits internally and the screen is flush with fascia?
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IMO.Originally posted by Alain View PostSo just wanted to add my 2cents... I recently bought a 18g VST basket to replace my Rancilio 40-100-102. After pulling a few shots and making adjustments, I can honestly say there is a noticeable difference in the quality of coffee that is being produced! It has gone from good to great!
May not necessarily be VST magic... but I think investing in a larger capacity basket is a no brainer! Got mine for $30 + post.
The larger baskets are much more forgiving of operator sub-optimal technique or bean quality.
I have 3 double-baskets that I use to make double espresso/double ristretto shots - the standard Silvia double (14-17 gram range), the Synesso double (18-21 gram range) and Sylvia naked portafilter double (23-26 grams, i.e. its a triple basket).
The hardest double shot to get right is using the smallest basket.
I read somewhere a long time ago that a single espresso shot using a single basket (7-9 grams) is harder to get right than a double shot, for same reasons, there is nowhere to hide.
The smaller the basket the less room for error exits for the operator to screw up. I dont make single shots so I dont know how true it may be but I reckon likely to be right on the money.
After >10 years of making double espresso (last 5 on Sylvia and 6 years before that on a Gaggia Classic), I can honestly say that I can now finally make a great double espresso/ristretto using the smallest Sylvia double basket.
At home we have the luxury of pre-weghing the beans before we grind them, making one double-shot at a time, using naked portafilter and using stop-watch to time the extractions.
I consider these as mandatory steps to be able to make very good single/double/triple espresso/ristretto.
(plus also add temp surfing and matching good grinder to the machine).
If you do all of these on Sylvia - you wont need the PID to make very good espresso/ristretto.
PS I have no comments/suggestions/opinions re milk steaming, never have and never will. Either you like the espresso coffee or you dont. LOL. 8^)
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So just wanted to add my 2cents... I recently bought a 18g VST basket to replace my Rancilio 40-100-102. After pulling a few shots and making adjustments, I can honestly say there is a noticeable difference in the quality of coffee that is being produced! It has gone from good to great!
May not necessarily be VST magic... but I think investing in a larger capacity basket is a no brainer! Got mine for $30 + post.Last edited by Alain; 19 August 2015, 04:45 PM.
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How about that plastic surround with the chrome coating that peels off. I re-sprayed mine but a nice chrome metal piece would be good.
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Rancilio Silvia Mods/Tweaks/Add-on's ...?
I have modified my Silvio v3 to incorporate
-PID and built it into the front, runs all day without issue
- led lights to see the shot better.
- insulated the boiler and pipework
- added a pressure gauge and built it into the front
- powder coated the frame
- added dynamat to the inside of all the stainless panels to quiet it down a bit.
- naked portafilter with synesso basket or VST.
...... And the steam wand still drips
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I find two things a little annoying
1 The steam wand drips and is difficult to stop. I am not sure if it has deteriorated over time and needs cleaning or if that is normal. Perhaps there is a replacement valve that shuts off more successfully.
2. The PF drips water. I spend time shaking it to remove all the water before filling the basket, but the water just hangs in there until I reach the grinder, or drops out on the floor. It is unbelievable how it manages to stay there while I shake and tap it then drops out in transit.
I wonder if there is any fix for this.
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Thanks for the reply - I actually did a DIY mod on mine yesterday. Drilled a small hole in some wood, placed the stock hex head screw into the hole (just like it was screwing back into an object) - then with a grinding disc on the angle grinder I took 2-3mm off the top, leaving enough of the hex head so I could still remove it with a socket but much less to press into the puck.Originally posted by mentasm View PostI ordered my screw from somewhere that was linked in a forum thread somewhere. Was a couple years ago though
I was going to order the flat headed countersunk one but then realised I'd have to machine/chamfer the jetflow bit to allow this fully in, too much of a PITA and whilst my result wasn't quite as good at the flat head it's only around 1.5mm higher with actually less stuffing around (took 5mins).
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I ordered my screw from somewhere that was linked in a forum thread somewhere. Was a couple years ago though
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@chrisj1984, much thanks for confirmation it was a straight swap over - I assumed it was but couldn't get this confirmed by anyone so thank you for taking the time to state this.
Alas my friend's naked PF (which was from an Expobar machine) didn't fit the Rancilio. The ears on the PF were tapered in a very slightly different manner than meant it couldn't get in. I'll keep a look out for one in the interim period.
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I just replaced my screen screw with a button head 14mm one and one washer. Made a huge difference to puck. Make sure you get high grade stainless. Any bolt shop will have them. Can also use 12 mm counter sunk ones but there was a slight gap between bolt and screen. Button looks good and works well. Def make use of the naked portafilter too. Makes a huge difference to how you tamp and fill the basket
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@mentasm, thanks for your reply. With the flat screw was it just an 'off the shelf' screw that you were able to straight swap over for the existing one? Or did you have to get it 'altered' to allow it to fit?Originally posted by mentasm View PostI've PIDed and flat screwed my Silvia and don't regret either change at all.
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I've PIDed and flat screwed my Silvia and don't regret either change at all. Bot have added greatly to the use and results achieved with the machine for me. Cost of PID to me wasn't that big a deal when I consider that I've had the machine for 4 years and will likely have it at least as long again. At least I know the machine will last that long. Not even a hint of rust on mine as yet.
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Much thanks for that (had seached and had no luck finding it) - will look over.
Only tip I'd give with the seal replacement is one I got from the Seattle mob off Youtube, getting the old one off is a PITA and you don't want to pry out with steel(scratchy) things - so gently screw an old wood screw into the old seal and then use a pair of pliers to yank on the screw & pull it out - worked very well.
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