Making a portafilter gauge?

[ermat]

With respect, asked and then answered by one of the Forum's Oracles.

Point taken ��

[CafeLotta]

Not doubting you for a moment Mal but as I'm also about to make an OPV adjustment on my recently aquired giotto can others confirm my gauge reading at the portafilla will actulally be reading 1 bar lower than reality.

With respect, asked and then answered by one of the Forum's Oracles.

[ermat]

It is a more accurate way to do things but not essential.
Simulating the flow rate for the way you like to pulls shots, ensures that what you record is optimum for you.
Without an adjustable valve, you need to set the OPV so that your brew pressure reading is about 1.0Bar +/- 0.25Bar higher than than the so-called ideal of 8.5-9.0Bar...
That will get you very close.

Mal.

Not doubting you for a moment Mal but as I'm also about to make an OPV adjustment on my recently aquired giotto can others confirm my gauge reading at the portafilla will actulally be reading 1 bar lower than reality.

[Hoggy42]

I probably should have called the thread (Where can I buy a portafilter gauge)

Anyway I had the chance to check the pressure on my Expobar Office today I bought this machine about a year ago being told it had just been serviced. A few months back I had some issues which lead me to replace the pump and some other parts, this entire time I have been blind as to what the pressure might be. Having the gauge on this morning revealed it to be running over 14bar a few minor tweaks of the OPV later and 10bar and quite a noticeable change in the result in this mornings brew.

Such a simple tool for peace of mind I'm sure it will be handy for the Isomac rebuild as well.

[Hoggy42]

Just an update the gauge arrived today from the UK I only requested the slow post option. I have not had the chance to set up and run a test yet but will this weekend should be good to see where it's at.

[Mb21]

If it’s stainless find a machine shop / place with lathe and it’s a really quick job. Make it even quicker by taking the portafilter off prior, may need to heat it up the break / melt the threadlocker if it was used.
If you get stuck let me know

[Hoggy42]

If it's brass I'm happy to convert it to naked for nothing, you pay postage both ways.

pretty sure it's stainless. I will however keep your offer in mind should I get another cheers

[level3ninja]

I don't have a naked portafilter I would like to get one in future. I did however pick up a 2nd portafilter really cheap a VBM which fits the expobar as expected and as luck would have it came with a 20g VST basket.

If it's brass I'm happy to convert it to naked for nothing, you pay postage both ways.

[Dimal]

some people are putter a tap on the end to simulate a pour is this important for setting the pressure or just misinformed?

It is a more accurate way to do things but not essential.
Simulating the flow rate for the way you like to pulls shots, ensures that what you record is optimum for you.
Without an adjustable valve, you need to set the OPV so that your brew pressure reading is about 1.0Bar +/- 0.25Bar higher than than the so-called ideal of 8.5-9.0Bar...
That will get you very close.

Mal.

[Hoggy42]

If you ordered it on EvilBay, just be aware there were 2 postage options.

The standard economy option currently shows delivery "Estimated between Mon. 17 Jun. and Mon. 23 Sep".

The slightly more expensive tracked option shows delivery "Estimated between Tue. 18 Jun. and Fri. 5 Jul."

I did and it's on the slow option I figure I've been using it for months this way I can live with it a bit longer.

[CafeLotta]

I've ordered the unit that

Cafelotta suggested.

If you ordered it on EvilBay, just be aware there were 2 postage options.

The standard economy option currently shows delivery "Estimated between Mon. 17 Jun. and Mon. 23 Sep".

The slightly more expensive tracked option shows delivery "Estimated between Tue. 18 Jun. and Fri. 5 Jul."

I think mine took around 3 weeks but I can't remember which postage option I had.

[Hoggy42]

I've ordered the unit that

Cafelotta suggested.

[Jackster]

Mine just leak a bit.

[Hoggy42]

Thanks guys top advice there.

I don't have a naked portafilter I would like to get one in future. I did however pick up a 2nd portafilter really cheap a VBM which fits the expobar as expected and as luck would have it came with a 20g VST basket.

I've had this machine for around a year it has no gauges what so ever the previous owner tells me it was serviced before I got it but since then has had a new pump and other bits so I doubt it's going to be running at the correct pressure.
the other question that came up while researching this pressure gauge is some people are putting a tap on the end to simulate a pour is this important for setting the pressure or just misinformed?

Thanks

[Jackster]

My thoughts too. That's why I have both setups!