FZ-RR 700 stirrer arm

[alittlewino]

Thanks guys for your responses. Any truth to the rumour that a new model is on the way?
Corduroy

the answer I got from one of the retailers is in 6months or so and are improving the motor and mechanisms and trying to add a viewing window on the chamber to peek inside IIRC

also, re the stirrer, suspect the manual won't need it provided you do the obligatory shake every 1-2minutes to redistribute the beans [oops just saw this was mentioned above - sorry to repeat]

I wouldn't be without the stirrer on the motorised as don't have to do anything and got a very even roast on my 2nd outing

[Corduroy]

Thanks guys for your responses. Any truth to the rumour that a new model is on the way?
Corduroy

[kazlolo]

Hi guys,
Just a quick question, if you are using the manual version are the stirring arms still necessary?
Corduroy

Hi, I have seen some roast from the manual version and there is no need for the stirrer arm. However it will be a bit of wrist work along with some shaking necessary every minute or so for getting an even roast.

I did a roast today a tad too hot and too long and ended up with a city roast....A bit dark to my liking as espresso but should go well as milk based drink. Temp control is soo important!

Laurent

[GrahamK]

Anyone with some thoughts on this? I noticed the place that I was going to buy the roaster is sold out (beangreen). Could someone recommend another supplier?

Try Coffee Roasters Australia. I believe they are a sponser. Check their website.

Grahamk

[Corduroy]

Anyone with some thoughts on this? I noticed the place that I was going to buy the roaster is sold out (beangreen). Could someone recommend another supplier?

Hi guys,
Just a quick question, if you are using the manual version are the stirring arms still necessary?
Corduroy

[Corduroy]

Hi guys,
Just a quick question, if you are using the manual version are the stirring arms still necessary?
Corduroy

[kazlolo]

I chickened out and didn't take mine as far so lighter colour but very similar even consistency.

Looks like we're on a winner and thanks to those who went before us.

I agree credit goes to the initiator of this post along with the previous DIY enthusiast jmc/stucci

I think it is worth doing as the modification is quite easy (and I am no handyman at all!) for a much improved result.

alittlewino: I am following another thread on a different forum where very experienced people with this roaster have been sharing invaluable knowledge.... In very short: 200gr beans recommended (no less) for even roast and heat burner control must be mastered aiming for first crack at 8-10 min and second crack 2-4 minutes after.

Cheers. Laurent

[alittlewino]

I chickened out and didn't take mine as far so lighter colour but very similar even consistency.

Looks like we're on a winner and thanks to those who went before us.

[kazlolo]

I really am a newbie at this so anything I see should probably be ignored

however, my first roast just after first crack was really quite even without any shaking

my 2 stirrers both face the same way and are a little offset due to the bending process

as I do more roasts I'll see if I continue to get evenness and no doubt much to learn

Here is my first try after the stirrer arm mod. It does improve how even the beans look....

150g Costa Rica green Beans
1st crack: 9.30min
2nd crack: 13.50min
Roast: 14.15min

[alittlewino]

I really am a newbie at this so anything I see should probably be ignored

however, my first roast just after first crack was really quite even without any shaking

my 2 stirrers both face the same way and are a little offset due to the bending process

as I do more roasts I'll see if I continue to get evenness and no doubt much to learn

[Bosco_Lever]

I still pick up and shake regularly, even with a stirrer arm. My roasts turn out beautifully. After a couple of hundred roasts you will see why it is still important to keep a close eye on the process. You can make instant and minute changes to the roast profile to compensate for the weather, bean density etc, etc. Don't lose touch with the process, you will learn a lot.

[kazlolo]

yep, shaft removed - easy peasy, 1 small Allen key at the fixed end to remove the handle, followed by the 2 fixing screws and out she comes

to be honest I don't see how you could do it with the shaft in place as it takes some force to tighten down the screw on the clamps as the shaft is so small and forcing the clamp to a much tighter radius than what it was really designed for.

I have done the modifications on the stirrer arm.

The stainless steel 316 17-32mm hose clamps work well (indeed as said before you need to look for them in the plumbing section...)

I have put 2 on the shaft in the middle section next to each other and facing opposite way.

Now I cannot wait to try the first roast with no shaking to see if I can improve the roast...

[alittlewino]

Thanks alittlewino

Did you also remove the shaft as jmc suggested or did you fiddle and push the clamps in from the open end?

yep, shaft removed - easy peasy, 1 small Allen key at the fixed end to remove the handle, followed by the 2 fixing screws and out she comes

to be honest I don't see how you could do it with the shaft in place as it takes some force to tighten down the screw on the clamps as the shaft is so small and forcing the clamp to a much tighter radius than what it was really designed for.

[kazlolo]

I used 2 next to each other in the middle section - bit fiddly to do but a bit of patience and pretty simple

when bending out to the edge of the drum it's inevitable that the clamps turn a little so mine are not exactly aligned - probably a good thing

also when you tighten the clamp on such a small shaft the clamp is not perfectly round around the shaft, I used a pair of pliers to squish the clamp a little as otherwise it won't conform to the shaft dimensions

again, pretty logical when you see it and simple to do

good luck

edit - no need to pull the drum apart

Thanks alittlewino

Did you also remove the shaft as jmc suggested or did you fiddle and push the clamps in from the open end?

[alittlewino]

Very good....I want to make this modification too

How many clamps did you use:

1 centered in the middle section of the drum

Or

2 next to each other in the middle section as well ?

Thanks for sharing
Laurent

I used 2 next to each other in the middle section - bit fiddly to do but a bit of patience and pretty simple

when bending out to the edge of the drum it's inevitable that the clamps turn a little so mine are not exactly aligned - probably a good thing

also when you tighten the clamp on such a small shaft the clamp is not perfectly round around the shaft, I used a pair of pliers to squish the clamp a little as otherwise it won't conform to the shaft dimensions

again, pretty logical when you see it and simple to do

good luck

edit - no need to pull the drum apart