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portaspresso - Rosco Hand Grinder

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  • #31
    Re: portaspresso - Rosco Hand Grinder

    Originally posted by 657A657E626F780A0 link=1317732517/29#29 date=1318197284
    The parts used (not all of them) seem a bit propietary but the overall durability of the grinder may make that a non issue and as long as you are still making parts it is a non issue.
    With all the coffee drinkers in the world, Im still dumbfounded that I couldnt buy a decent hand grinder (or portable espresso device for that matter) and had to make my own. The burr set is standard, but everything else is designed and made by yours truly, and spares will remain available, not that I think you will need them.

    Originally posted by 657A657E626F780A0 link=1317732517/29#29 date=1318197284
    Messing around with it and reconfiguring (modifying) does not look fun and is probably a risky proposition due to the uniqueness of its parts and the price of the grinder itself. Home repairs may be a pain also.
    Im curious, what would you like to modify? Have I missed something? It can be completely dismantled with a phillips screw driver and 14mm spanner in under a minute.

    Originally posted by 657A657E626F780A0 link=1317732517/29#29 date=1318197284
    but in the event you do need a repair are replacement parts costly ?
    Spares will remain available, but I have not been required to do a spare parts price list at this stage. That said, I have no intention to rip people off.

    Originally posted by 4659465D414C5B290 link=1317732517/29#29 date=1318197284
    Would you be able to lower the price on this grinder if you used different materials to construct it such as aluminum and steel or other without compromising durability ?
    Yes, and I have a prototype made completely from brass that uses the same cutter and design parameters. Same quality, but smaller overall dimensions and a few difficult to machine components redesigned. The Rosco is primarily designed to work with and match the Rossa, so there are certain requirements that do make it more expensive. If I release the "Rosco Mini", it would sell for something closer to the Pharos. Ive been focusing my time on pressure profiling (you guys dont know what youre missing), so havent got around to deciding whether or not to make any of the Minis. What do people think, do you guys want a cheaper version of the Rosco? Keep in mind that the Rossas filter head will not fit into it. You can only grind into a supplied screw-in cup.

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    • #32
      Re: portaspresso - Rosco Hand Grinder

      The choice to modify or not can only be determined by need but the short answer is whatever comes up however the present configuration is quite flexible as is and I doubt I would need to.

      Parts that are not easy to make may cost what they cost and I have seen pictures of your grinder, the precision involved and materials used are quite far from bargain basement, so the thought of any rip offs did not even cross my mind.

      If you do charge bargain prices for any replacement parts I tip my hat off to you but if quality is high they may seldom be needed.

      Yes you should release the mini at a lower price. If it is a solid performer it may be a winner.

      I always loved the size and shape of turkish grinders they are so portable and practical but are only good for fine grinds that take forever to make.

      A precision turkish grinder (or one that looks like one) good for all grind ranges without taking an eternity of cranking would really float my boat if its not too expensive.

      I suspect I am not the only one with this point of view.

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      • #33
        Re: portaspresso - Rosco Hand Grinder

        [QUOTE=7D425F594C5E5D5F485E5E422D0 link=1317732517/30#30 date=1318217189]
        Originally posted by 657A657E626F780A0 link=1317732517/29#29 date=1318197284
        If I release the "Rosco Mini", it would sell for something closer to the Pharos. Ive been focusing my time on pressure profiling (you guys dont know what youre missing), so havent got around to deciding whether or not to make any of the Minis. What do people think, do you guys want a cheaper version of the Rosco? Keep in mind that the Rossas filter head will not fit into it. You can only grind into a supplied screw-in cup.
        Yes!!Definitely! If the grind quality and durability up to the par at much lower price, I cant see why myself is not having one.

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        • #34
          Re: portaspresso - Rosco Hand Grinder

          Looks really good. Like the markings to indicate the opening size.

          Heavy is nice, but I am sure one made with lighter materials, (eg, polycarbonate for the body) would drop the weight and make it more ideal for travel.

          How about a press pot grind? able to open up big enough for that?

          on the family heirloom angle, is it easy to source for bearings, and burr? seems like the only things that will wear out, dull after a really long while

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          • #35
            Re: portaspresso - Rosco Hand Grinder

            i think a large amount of your potential customer base will be looking to buy this just as a grinder, not as an entire system. So if you can produce a cheaper, but equally well made and high quality grinder to sell on its own, i think its a great idea.

            Id buy one.

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            • #36
              Re: portaspresso - Rosco Hand Grinder

              on the family heirloom angle, is it easy to source for bearings, and burr? seems like the only things that will wear out, dull after a really long while
              I have been wondering about that too.

              Comment


              • #37
                Re: portaspresso - Rosco Hand Grinder

                Originally posted by 7B646F647269010 link=1317732517/33#33 date=1318313928
                How about a press pot grind? able to open up big enough for that?
                Yes. See the video below

                [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCcSQ3ynXRs[/media]

                Originally posted by 7B646F647269010 link=1317732517/33#33 date=1318313928
                on the family heirloom angle, is it easy to source for bearings, and burr? seems like the only things that will wear out, dull after a really long while
                The burr is a common type available through most suppliers.

                The ball bearings are standard, but are unlikely to need replacing. The thrust bearing is a special design, but is also unlikely to need replacement. If a problem did occur, dismantle the grinder, clean the mating surfaces and replace the balls. The balls can be purchased from any bearing store.

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                • #38
                  Re: portaspresso - Rosco Hand Grinder

                  Well the tax return was a little more than anticpated so I bought the whole portaspresso system    And it has arrived. Seeing as Ive only used the grinder so far (leaving the espresso part until I go away  - jumping in at the deep end to learn about it) I thought Id share my initial thoughts in the grinder discussion.

                  Everything was well packaged, with enough cardboard and bubble wrap to stop any movement during shipping. Care and attention the whole way through.

                  My first time picking up the grinder I thought Wow this is a serious bit of kit! The heft of it caught me out. It feels so solid its not funny - really tank like.

                  Adjustment is quite simple and isnt finicky (compared to the Pharos which I also own) at all. Just lossen the lock ring and adjust the base using the marks as a guide and lock the ring in. Bit of a twist to make sure the ring is locked in where you want it and away you go. When I first used it I had a moment of slippage due to not having the locking ring locked tight enough, but since then no dramas.

                  Actually grinding with this grinder is no different to grinding with my Kyocera hand grinder that I use at work. Its just as easy, and I dont think it would prove much challenge to most people out there. If you can grind with a Hario/Kyocera you wont have a drama using this grinder. You do realise that it weighs more than most hand grinders, but once you are grinding that concern disappears.

                  Its just you and the sound of coffee beans being gound  8-) The next time someone wants a coffee at my place, theyll be invited to grind their own coffee! A very Very nice bit of kit.

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                  • #39
                    Re: portaspresso - Rosco Hand Grinder

                    Hello, first post here. Im originally from the US, but after finding out about the rosco Grinder, I just had to sign up to coffesnobs so I could ask a few questions about this grinder.

                    To Ash, could you please compare your Kyocera to the Rosco?

                    I was planning to get the Kyocera, but Ive been having consistency problems with my hario minimill. Id like a better grinder than the minimill because I hate it a lot. I have to grind super fine in order to prevent channeling. This leads to a bitter cup of espresso from my La Peppina. Temperature is good at 200 degrees F or 93.333 degrees Celsius. I wouldnt want to waste an extra $75 if I get a Kyocera and end up not liking its grinds.

                    I am also looking at the Pharos grinder, but being an Industrial engineering student, I really dont want to support it because its not ergonomic at all. Its a great concept for a big conical hand grinder. If the Pharos is better than the rosco by a lot, I could consider it.

                    Im only looking for a hand grinder. If I were to get an electric grinder, my decision would be a lot easier to make.


                    Any suggestions?
                    Thanks

                    Comment


                    • #40
                      Re: portaspresso - Rosco Hand Grinder

                      Originally posted by 053C20232E2135204F0 link=1317732517/38#38 date=1324260983
                      To Ash, could you please compare your Kyocera to the Rosco?
                      I will comment on a comparison between the Rosco and the Hario. I think the Hario is very good and exceptional value - and probably close/equal to a $300+ electric grinder (see Utube for a review where it ground fine for a Sylvia). THe Hario does a good job grinding for the La Pavoni for example. BUT the Rosco is in a different class in every respect, as you would expect from a product that is 8 x the cost.

                      From setting the grind (adjustment is a bit coarse on the Hario, exceptional on the Rosco), to speed (Hario probably 5 x slower), to grind consistency, to build quality ... there is daylight between the two.

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                      • #41
                        Re: portaspresso - Rosco Hand Grinder

                        Yup, Chalk and cheese. My Kyocera does an okay job of grinding for espresso, but I do tend to use it more for my aeropress rather than at home for my espresso. I also find that at espresso settings, the Kyocera isnt as consistant in grindsize compared to the Rosco. It really is chalk and cheese when comparing the two. Different price points give two totally different products.

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                        • #42
                          Re: portaspresso - Rosco Hand Grinder

                          I have a Porlex grinder which is reputed to be the Kyocera housed in a stainless steel body.

                          The Porlex takes 2-3 times as many turns (and 2-3 times as long) to grind any given amount of beans. In spite of the massive differnce in relative weights, the Porlex is harder on the wrists as the burrs are much smaller.

                          One similarity is the way that both grinders catch the grinds in the housing that attaches to the device underneath the burrs..a great feature...no waste.

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                          • #43
                            Re: portaspresso - Rosco Hand Grinder

                            Im seriously thinking about this grinder as being my first upgrade. I have no desire for an electric grinder at this stage. But a fine handcrafted grinder that looks like something a Victorian would have taken on safari?

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                            • #44
                              Re: portaspresso - Rosco Hand Grinder

                              I am using a Rosco as my only grinder. Fine consistent grinds, no mess, easy to clean, no retained grounds. Not too much effort, or time, to grind (a lot less effort than the Hario or similar hand grinders).

                              I use the Rossa espresso as well. This is a precision machine, very sensitive. At its best - great, but have an off day, and not so good. Every variable can be worked on - this is a 2 edge sword of course.

                              But for grinders the Rosco is probably unbeatable at any price point for personal use. No doubt in a cafe, the arms might get tired after a days grinding.

                              Cheers
                              Peter

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                              • #45
                                Re: portaspresso - Rosco Hand Grinder

                                Originally posted by 474A4E594E415C4E4D40594A2F0 link=1317732517/43#43 date=1330053890
                                But for grinders the Rosco is probably unbeatable at any price point for personal use.
                                I beg to differ, the Pharos beats it at a similar price point. The bigger burrs make it so much faster.

                                Perhaps a better way to put it is that the new, conical burr, manual grinders provide very cost effective access to high end commercial quality grinds.

                                I think you would find plenty of owners of things like Mazzer Konis, K30s and other electric, commercial grinders who would argue that they were prepared to pay the price for a motor driven grinder, so to claim it is unbeatable at any price is a little exaggerated IMO. :

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