My EM0480 doesn't have any screws holding the top burr in place either (would be nice I suppose!). I suspect Marc1 is either referring to the Breville Smart Grinder Pro (with the adjustable top burr fitting) or maybe a newer version of the Sunbeam? I've had my EM0480 since 2009, so can't comment on what might've changed over the past 6 years...
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sunbeam em0480 shim kit 1 washer = 7 clicks of finer coffee
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It sounds to me like Marc1 was talking about the Nemox/Lelit grinder. In that scenario, his instructions make complete sense. The Nemox/Lelit has two plastic 'screws/holders' that prevent the upper burr from going further than the 2 screw allow.
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On the whole '7 clicks finer coffee' does this actually work for finer tuning? Or does it just shift the whole lot one way for those people who's machines are a being a bit of a burk and could never grind finer in the first place? (I'm guessing that's what was meant..)
Anyone successfully modified one of these for being stepless? I'm guessing not... I'm trying to get away with not buying a new grinder but doubt I'll last long..
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If you try searching this site you will find detailed instructions for converting a 480 to stepless.Originally posted by readeral View PostOn the whole '7 clicks finer coffee' does this actually work for finer tuning? Or does it just shift the whole lot one way for those people who's machines are a being a bit of a burk and could never grind finer in the first place? (I'm guessing that's what was meant..)
Anyone successfully modified one of these for being stepless? I'm guessing not... I'm trying to get away with not buying a new grinder but doubt I'll last long..
Also, once bedded in the 480 is a surprisingly good grinder.
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sunbeam em0480 shim kit 1 washer = 7 clicks of finer coffee
Thanks. I haven't got around to looking yet, but will do. I've had this grinder for 6 years, so it's well past its expected lifespan, but I have as you say, found it surprisingly good for what it is. I wonder if given its age my attempts to make it stepless will kill it... We'll see.Originally posted by TampIt View PostIf you try searching this site you will find detailed instructions for converting a 480 to stepless.
Also, once bedded in the 480 is a surprisingly good grinder.
Allthecoffee - Yeah the grind steps are too big for me to consistently make espresso, not so much you can't have something nice enough in milk, but for me it's spent most of its life (and much of its near future I'm sure) just being a French press grinder anyway, so has done ok as that just set on its maximum. I don't yet own my own coffee machine (was fortunate enough to borrow a Silvia for a month recently - long enough to catch the bug!) so I'm hoping I can keep this one active as my first grinder for my first machine - lowering my initial investment cost...
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To ressurect this old thread.
My just purchased used $60.00 EM480 was far too coarse on the 0 setting.
I put in a cardboard shim very thin, and got it to go OKish, so put in a fibre washer, maYBE ABOUT 0.33mm, I didn't measure it.
Now I can choke my EM6910 on a grind of 10, so set it on about 11 or 12.
However 2 questions,
the gap from fine and a good pour, to coarse is about 1 click, (using a VST basket)
And I had to take the top washer with the arm on it off to get enough thread to put the nut back on.
And I think the shaft has a bit of movement in it, maybe too worn to be a long term grinder for anyone (was going to give it to my daughter!)
Comments welcomed
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My thoughts on this machine have changed a lot since July, now I've got some experience with it on espresso. I've been using it since then, but am just about to purchase a new grinder.
I can't be confident to suggest you keep that fibre washer, unless you're sure it won't melt/burn up. The shims provided by Sunbeam are stainless steel and very thin - I have 4 in there stock from the factory. I normally grind around 10 for fresh, 8 for ageing beans and 7 chokes the machine, so 3 clicks is a normal range of use I think.
The VST basket might be too 'brutal' for the em0480, but I normally (with my much more forgiving stock ECM baskets) hold in the button at the back and make tiny adjustments as necessary (a la discussion re stepless above, this approach I've found perfectly sufficient without need for tape or filing anything down). If the burrs are flogged out, you might be getting more fines clamming up the filter basket. Mine is getting pretty old, and now it's been used consistently for espresso, increased fines is rapidly becoming my experience.
I don't know, but it could be that the top washer serves a stabilising function for the shaft, or even for holding the bottom burr firmly. I wouldn't run the machine without it, personally.
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You need to get the proper shims from Sunbeam, or at the very least an exact replica. They are only 0.25mm thick and for some reason nothing else seems to work. I think a few people have had some luck using other things as you are, but I'd say they're in the minority. I know I had no luck until I reverted to using Sunbeam shims and nothing else. I don't know why it's like this, but it just is.Originally posted by rawill View PostTo ressurect this old thread.
My just purchased used $60.00 EM480 was far too coarse on the 0 setting.
I put in a cardboard shim very thin, and got it to go OKish, so put in a fibre washer, maYBE ABOUT 0.33mm, I didn't measure it.
Now I can choke my EM6910 on a grind of 10, so set it on about 11 or 12.
However 2 questions,
the gap from fine and a good pour, to coarse is about 1 click, (using a VST basket)
And I had to take the top washer with the arm on it off to get enough thread to put the nut back on.
And I think the shaft has a bit of movement in it, maybe too worn to be a long term grinder for anyone (was going to give it to my daughter!)
Comments welcomed
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I guess the same modifications and comment apply to the EM 0440 as well.
Just bought one for my campervan. Grind is OK, but could be better.
Adjustment does not seem to make a huge difference.
I can see the burr moving a little.
Also posted this on another thread.
Robin
Will delete it.
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Yeah I've done one or two 0440/0450s exactly the same way with the same results. They're identical to the 0480 internally.Originally posted by rawill View PostI guess the same modifications and comment apply to the EM 0440 as well.
Just bought one for my campervan. Grind is OK, but could be better.
Adjustment does not seem to make a huge difference.
I can see the burr moving a little.
Also posted this on another thread.
Robin
Will delete it.
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I've just picked up an EM0480, supposedly near-new, and the condition certainly looks it. On the finest setting, the beans came out coarser than I do cold brew. It looked like birdseed. Pulled it apart and it had 4 shims! My plan to shim it out sounds a no-go. I noticed you can lift the outer burr in like a carrier, is it possible to get it out of calibration enough that it'd grind so coarse?
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The upper burr won’t have been seated properly in the burr holder. Have you tested it again since you reassembled it? Sometimes taking it apart and putting it back together correctly is all it takes.Originally posted by flewis88 View PostI've just picked up an EM0480, supposedly near-new, and the condition certainly looks it. On the finest setting, the beans came out coarser than I do cold brew. It looked like birdseed. Pulled it apart and it had 4 shims! My plan to shim it out sounds a no-go. I noticed you can lift the outer burr in like a carrier, is it possible to get it out of calibration enough that it'd grind so coarse?
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Thanks LeroyC! I think you're right. Noticed the upper burr was loose which would let it float. The alignment marker was worn off, but I worked out how to lock it in. Haven't tested since, but I'm confident we're on a winner!Originally posted by LeroyC View PostThe upper burr won’t have been seated properly in the burr holder. Have you tested it again since you reassembled it? Sometimes taking it apart and putting it back together correctly is all it takes.
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