Search found 90 matches

by jfrescki
Thu Aug 03, 2017 11:05 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Hot Water Tap Leak
Replies: 6
Views: 11453

Re: Hot Water Tap Leak

MDL wrote: Tue Jul 25, 2017 9:42 am I have found that the solenoid valve for the hot water tends to develop scale that makes it drip. Open the valve and clean with white vinegar and you should be set again.
I've been living with that leak for a long time. I'm going to fix it now dammit!
by jfrescki
Fri Jul 21, 2017 8:02 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Plastic wrap your mini tank
Replies: 2
Views: 6697

Re: Plastic wrap your mini tank

jfrescki wrote: Fri Jul 21, 2017 2:27 pm
I leave a tiny gap between the plastic and the front face of the tank so it's not air tight.
by jfrescki
Fri Jul 21, 2017 2:27 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Plastic wrap your mini tank
Replies: 2
Views: 6697

Plastic wrap your mini tank

After reading over time that closed tanks stay cleaner, i tried putting plastic wrap over the top of my mini tank. It's working well. No more pollen/dust floating on the water and no sliminess in between weekly cleanings. I leave a tiny gap between the plastic and the front face of the tank so it's ...
by jfrescki
Thu May 04, 2017 3:52 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Rust on internal frame
Replies: 3
Views: 5947

Re: Rust on internal frame

Just a thought, but maybe something that converts rust to a protective coating, like Rust-Oleum?
by jfrescki
Wed Apr 12, 2017 8:24 am
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: I have very soft water. Do I still need to use a softener?
Replies: 3
Views: 6464

Re: I have very soft water. Do I still need to use a softener?

Chris' website says "These hardness test strips are not only perfect for testing the total hardness in your tap water but also the effectiveness of filters such as Brita." So I think that's GH, but if your water test reports calcium carbonate, that's what you want. Sounds like you should b...
by jfrescki
Tue Apr 11, 2017 3:47 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: I have very soft water. Do I still need to use a softener?
Replies: 3
Views: 6464

Re: I have very soft water. Do I still need to use a softener?

Are you testing KH (carbonate hardness) as opposed to GH (general hardness). I believe KH is the scaling culprit. If your KH is low enough, you probably don't need to soften.
by jfrescki
Tue Apr 11, 2017 3:42 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Mini Vivaldi V1 initial setup
Replies: 4
Views: 8997

Re: Mini Vivaldi V1 initial setup

Welcome. 1)Can't really help you on the offset. It will be different from machine to machine, but once you have it set the temperature you choose should be the temperature that hits the coffee. 2) 1:2 is a good starting place, meaning 16g dose yielding 32g espresso. Adjust to taste. 3) I routinely u...
by jfrescki
Fri Mar 17, 2017 2:28 pm
Forum: Dream T General Q&A
Topic: Loose pump?
Replies: 2
Views: 7691

Re: Loose pump?

If it's the same setup as the Mini, you have no choice but to remove the top, then the sides, then the back because that's where the pump is and the pieces come off in that order.
by jfrescki
Thu Jul 07, 2016 10:28 am
Forum: Pride Page
Topic: I finally have it running:) S1 Vivaldi II
Replies: 1
Views: 8232

Re: I finally have it running:) S1 Vivaldi II

Looks great. Good luck.
by jfrescki
Wed Apr 27, 2016 11:08 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Grind, Tamp, Screen bolt question
Replies: 7
Views: 15275

Re: Grind, Tamp, Screen bolt question

Ideally, weigh your output espresso so you know what your extraction ratio is. 20g espresso (1:1 or 100%) is going to taste very different from 40g (2:1 or 50%) espresso extracted in the same amount of time. Both (or anywhere in between) are fine depending on your taste.
by jfrescki
Thu Apr 21, 2016 1:44 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Can't open the brew boiler!
Replies: 18
Views: 22092

Re: Can't open the brew boiler!

I'm surprised they build the machine with such a tight tolerance between the element and the boiler wall. If you're worried it looks like you could create enough space by bending the element down slightly. That's what Chris Coffee initially suggested to me.
by jfrescki
Mon Apr 18, 2016 2:17 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Grind, Tamp, Screen bolt question
Replies: 7
Views: 15275

Re: Grind, Tamp, Screen bolt question

The grind really depends on the coffee and your typical roast level. My medium to darker roasts max out about 16g, and my preferred dose is 14.5 - 15g. However, I've easily fit 18g+ with lighter roasts. (I think) many users feel that slightly longer shots (30-35s) can yield good results with this gr...
by jfrescki
Fri Apr 15, 2016 2:17 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Used S1V1.2 Tear Down Pictures - Comments Please
Replies: 16
Views: 17446

Re: Used S1V1 Tear Down Pictures - Comments Please

I struggled the first time I opened my brew boiler. I did not want to use a penetrating oil "just in case". I actually dislodged a ribbon connection from a board with all the banging, etc (I thought I killed the machine until I found the loose connection). Eventually I relented and it made...
by jfrescki
Fri Mar 25, 2016 9:58 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: La Spaziale 2015 Corporate Video
Replies: 2
Views: 6802

Re: La Spaziale 2015 Corporate Video

Cool, thx for posting.
by jfrescki
Wed Mar 09, 2016 12:52 pm
Forum: Suggested Improvements
Topic: IMS basket and 53,3mm tamper
Replies: 4
Views: 22638

Re: IMS basket and 53,3mm tamper

I have the precision shower screen and ridged IMS double basket from Chris for over a year. I'm not sure I ever noticed that my shots were markedly better. Maybe I should double back with the original basket and test.
by jfrescki
Sat Feb 06, 2016 5:29 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Can't open the brew boiler!
Replies: 18
Views: 22092

Re: Can't open the brew boiler!

My only guess about all this is when they manufacture the boiler, they cut the threaded end as a finishing step and mine was cut a 1/4" too short or so. Maybe there was a small defect La Spaziale cut off during the finishing instead of scrapping the boiler, and I ended up with a boiler just a h...
by jfrescki
Sat Feb 06, 2016 5:21 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Can't open the brew boiler!
Replies: 18
Views: 22092

Re: Can't open the brew boiler!

Chris Coffee contacted La Spaziale about my boiler element problems and ordered some new elements to see if they got a shorter version. La Spaziale didn't get back to them, and the six or so new elements were all the same length. Tim suggested the only thing left to do was gently bend the element do...
by jfrescki
Wed Feb 03, 2016 7:41 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Can't open the brew boiler!
Replies: 18
Views: 22092

Re: Can't open the brew boiler!

Roger at Chris Coffee sent me another element. He went through the bin and said some were longer, but no one else has complained about the fit. Well the new one is the same size and too long!! :oops: I'm wondering if I have an abberant boiler. I sent the picture below to Chris Coffee tonight. Does a...
by jfrescki
Mon Feb 01, 2016 7:40 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Can't open the brew boiler!
Replies: 18
Views: 22092

Re: Can't open the brew boiler!

Ugg, so I received the new boiler element from Chris Coffee and it's bit bigger than the old one, so that it's touching the end of the boiler and I can't tighten it down. Also there was an alignment pin that stuck out of the element plate that went into a receiving hole in the boiler, the new elemen...
by jfrescki
Sun Jan 31, 2016 9:21 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Can't open the brew boiler!
Replies: 18
Views: 22092

Re: Can't open the brew boiler!

Good idea. I'll try it this go-round if it gives me trouble.
by jfrescki
Fri Jan 29, 2016 10:04 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Can't open the brew boiler!
Replies: 18
Views: 22092

Re: Can't open the brew boiler!

So I spoke to Chris Coffee and was told the following useful information. The tech told me that if you leave the Mini on 24/7, and don't use it for a few hours, pressure builds in the brew boiler. Of course pressure in the boiler can lead to water infiltrating the boiler element. He suggested that i...
by jfrescki
Thu Jan 28, 2016 7:11 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Can't open the brew boiler!
Replies: 18
Views: 22092

Re: Can't open the brew boiler!

Well, it seems like my brew boiler element just failed almost exactly 3 years since I replaced it and created this thread. My Mini is tripping my GFCI again, and if I take the leads off the element, the machine will power up, so I'm pretty sure it the element. It was also about 2.5 years old when it...
by jfrescki
Sat Jan 09, 2016 10:44 am
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone Gasket Longevity
Replies: 35
Views: 47661

Re: Silicone Gasket Longevity

I reached up and pulled my silicone gasket out with my fingers this morning while doing the routine screen and disbursement block cleaning! Looks great after 6 months with a little discoloring. So if you're interested in checking yours and have a vivaldi, it practically fell out.

John
by jfrescki
Wed Jan 06, 2016 8:42 am
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone Gasket Longevity
Replies: 35
Views: 47661

Re: Silicone Gasket Longevity

mdecorte wrote:Hi,

I was wondering where you purchased the gaskets from? I don't see them on CCS. Is it from Steve per the below post?

viewtopic.php?t=2081

thank you in advance
Yep
by jfrescki
Tue Jan 05, 2016 2:44 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone Gasket Longevity
Replies: 35
Views: 47661

Re: Silicone Gasket Longevity

Mine is in just over 6 months with no problems, but I'll definitely report back if the portafilter moves.
by jfrescki
Mon Dec 14, 2015 9:58 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Thanks for the memories.
Replies: 4
Views: 10585

Re: Thanks for the memories.

The person who sold me my Mini went to a GS/3 & K10, but I didn't keep in touch with him to find out how things went. Let us know.
by jfrescki
Thu Dec 10, 2015 11:48 am
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Steam Boiler slow to raise pressure
Replies: 25
Views: 48156

Re: Steam Boiler slow to raise pressure

That's incredible that it happened, and then continued to work.
by jfrescki
Mon Nov 02, 2015 9:06 am
Forum: Dream T General Q&A
Topic: About how many shots between backflushes?
Replies: 3
Views: 10428

Re: About how many shots between backflushes?

I make about 3 doubles a day, and backflush with cleaner about 1/month.
by jfrescki
Mon Oct 12, 2015 2:28 pm
Forum: Dream General Q&A
Topic: Advice on new S1 Purchase
Replies: 4
Views: 9044

Re: Advice on new S1 Purchase

Just want to point out (in case it matters to you) that unless they changed it recently, the Vivaldi does not use a PID to control temperature, but a La Spaziale built control. It works great, but it is not technically a PID. The Dreams do use a PID.
by jfrescki
Wed Sep 16, 2015 1:20 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Adding a Mini-S1VII lever steam valve to the S1VII?
Replies: 1
Views: 6160

Re: Adding a Mini-S1VII lever steam valve to the S1VII?

I haven't heard of anyone doing it. Also, I think some may prefer the knob, because the Mini lever doesn't work progressively. It's almost off/on. I have a mini, and it doesn't bother me, but it does some people.
by jfrescki
Thu Jul 30, 2015 10:19 am
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: removing portafilter basket
Replies: 24
Views: 34883

Re: removing portafilter basket

Great tip. I just did this myself and although the basket is still firm, I can pull it out with my fingers now.
by jfrescki
Wed Jun 24, 2015 2:55 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone Gasket Longevity
Replies: 35
Views: 47661

Re: Silicone Gasket Longevity

Yeah, but I might be soon. I'm heading to Lake George next month and my wife said "why don't we stop in on Chris Coffee since Albany is on the way, in case you want something." :shock:
by jfrescki
Mon Jun 22, 2015 2:05 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Waiting to dial in the perfect shot
Replies: 2
Views: 8497

Re: Waiting to dial in the perfect shot

How did you make out?
by jfrescki
Wed Jun 17, 2015 9:55 am
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone Gasket Longevity
Replies: 35
Views: 47661

Re: Silicone Gasket Longevity

The Spaz (as I'm sure you know) leaves the side gasket showing with the shower screen removed, so I've taken to pushing a small brad into the gasket side, then using pliers to pull down on the brad. Works wonders, no chance of damage to the group and a small pin hole in the gasket if you intend to r...
by jfrescki
Tue Jun 16, 2015 8:16 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone Gasket Longevity
Replies: 35
Views: 47661

Re: Silicone Gasket Longevity

I just bought three. I figured even if they last forever, I'll probably change them out every decade anyway :lol:
by jfrescki
Mon Jun 01, 2015 8:36 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 V1 Dead, Won't Turn On
Replies: 10
Views: 14010

Re: S1 V1 Dead, Won't Turn On

Since you did tear the machine apart, it might also be what happened to me. A year ago, I had to replace the group boiler element, and went about beating on the retaining ring on the back of the boiler trying to open it (before resorting to penetrating oil which worked). My banging dislodged a conne...
by jfrescki
Fri May 01, 2015 9:07 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Leak from water tank and water inlet
Replies: 6
Views: 9148

Re: Leak from water tank and water inlet

Some of the units of your vintage were mistakenly shipped with a plain steel spring instead of the standard stainless steel spring in the tank outlet valve that the o ring attaches to. I purchased my machine from Clive Coffee. They sent me the replacement part with the correct stainless spring encl...
by jfrescki
Thu Apr 23, 2015 12:28 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Insulation or not
Replies: 4
Views: 6987

Re: Insulation or not

I'd thought about insulating my machine for a while, but as I only leave the brew boiler on, I never bothered.
by jfrescki
Tue Apr 21, 2015 11:47 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Flow meter sound
Replies: 5
Views: 6663

Re: Flow meter sound

Of course, the part on the left actually looks like part of the preinfusion chamber so perhaps this video was taken while you still had the PI attached and the drip was the reason you removed it??? Exactly. The squeal you heard at about 3 seconds was the chamber failing (along with the drip). The c...
by jfrescki
Tue Apr 21, 2015 10:42 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Flow meter sound
Replies: 5
Views: 6663

Re: Flow meter sound

It's the sound that happens between 4 & 5 seconds here. EDIT: The sound still occurs even though the pre-infusion chamber is gone, so I assume it's the flow meter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUPXHp8BfiA
by jfrescki
Tue Apr 21, 2015 9:49 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Flow meter sound
Replies: 5
Views: 6663

Flow meter sound

So I've mentioned the "aoogah" sound my flow meter makes in previous posts (when my pre-infusion failed). I've turned a blind eye to it, but is this something I should fix now because the sound means imminent failure?
by jfrescki
Tue Apr 21, 2015 9:46 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: WaterAnywhere softener cartridges?
Replies: 2
Views: 4179

Re: WaterAnywhere softener cartridges?

I had purchased a few myself, and although I didn't notice softening problems, they were sealed in plastic with paperwork that had a staple. The stapled rusted terribly during storage and I threw the last cartridge out because rust was all over.
by jfrescki
Wed Apr 15, 2015 4:26 pm
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: New Doserless funnel on Mazzer Super Jolly
Replies: 9
Views: 19448

Re: New Doserless funnel on Mazzer Super Jolly

I can't tell from the picture. Is there a hole in the body without the backing plate, or is it just for a finished look?
by jfrescki
Fri Mar 20, 2015 8:40 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: 2oz in 30 seconds or less at 8-9 bar. Minis and Dream Ts: can you do it?
Replies: 15
Views: 14468

Re: 2oz in 30 seconds or less at 8-9 bar. Minis and Dream Ts: can you do it?

Something doesn't seem quite right. For instance the video of the shot I posted yielded 24g from a 15.5g does in 28 32 seconds. If I let it run, I would have had 31g, a technical normale, in about 35 seconds. Most of the shot was about 8.5-9 bar, and never went below 8 bar. I'm not sure why you need...
by jfrescki
Thu Mar 19, 2015 2:34 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Dream T and Vivaldi Mini vibe pump sub-par?
Replies: 12
Views: 13188

Re: Dream T and Vivaldi Mini vibe pump sub-par?

I'm no expert, but yes, I think you're right. 9 bar is no espresso promised land, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. As long as you're in a reasonable proximity of it, you should be fine and have a reasonable flow. Also keep in mind that the consensus on the La Spaziale group is that longer extr...
by jfrescki
Thu Mar 19, 2015 6:20 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Dream T and Vivaldi Mini vibe pump sub-par?
Replies: 12
Views: 13188

Re: Dream T and Vivaldi Mini vibe pump sub-par?

No channeling. It's typical for the shot to start running a bit faster as it progresses. You may have some. Try the Weiss distribution technique if you're not already.
by jfrescki
Wed Mar 18, 2015 7:51 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Dream T and Vivaldi Mini vibe pump sub-par?
Replies: 12
Views: 13188

Re: Dream T and Vivaldi Mini vibe pump sub-par?

I just pulled a shot to compare, and you're pretty much on. I don't have pre-infusion and I come to full pressure in 6 seconds. You can see a very slight decline from 9 bar to just below as the shot progresses from a slightly increased flow. Don't mind my aoogahh horn sound, it's the flow meter. Red...
by jfrescki
Wed Mar 18, 2015 3:40 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Dream T and Vivaldi Mini vibe pump sub-par?
Replies: 12
Views: 13188

Re: Dream T and Vivaldi Mini vibe pump sub-par?

That does seem like an awful long time to build pressure.
by jfrescki
Wed Mar 18, 2015 11:10 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Dream T and Vivaldi Mini vibe pump sub-par?
Replies: 12
Views: 13188

Re: Dream T and Vivaldi Mini vibe pump sub-par?

There was a thread on HB a while ago where someone with a vibe pump could reach 9 bar against a blind filter, but had problems during extraction. The problem WAS a bad pump. So it certainly could be your case here. As far as the tank Spaz, I have a Mini Vivaldi and have no problems with my extractio...
by jfrescki
Mon Feb 23, 2015 4:00 pm
Forum: VII Out-of-Warranty Problems
Topic: Timings after pre-infusion
Replies: 11
Views: 15919

Re: Timings after pre-infusion

I didn't change my total shot time after removing preinfusion. A stereotypical shot is 15.5g dose, 22g out in about 29s. I tend to err on the side of longer timed shots as I just prefer that taste profile. Interestingly, my father was over after the pre-infusion failed. I was pulling Compass' Deliri...
by jfrescki
Mon Feb 23, 2015 3:44 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Dosing on Mini vivaldi II
Replies: 7
Views: 15794

Re: Dosing on Mini vivaldi II

I dose using an OE funnel and then WDT (Weiss Dist. Tech.) to distribute before tamping, so it doesn't matter that my dose doesn't mound above the basket.
by jfrescki
Fri Jan 30, 2015 8:46 am
Forum: VII Out-of-Warranty Problems
Topic: Timings after pre-infusion
Replies: 11
Views: 15919

Re: Timings after pre-infusion

I think most long time Vivaldi users stay <16g in the double. The triple can work, but makes it harder. My standard dose is 15.5g in the double, and I only change if the coffee really requires it. I remember one person on HB (I think) who said he routinely used 18g in the double, but for the life of...
by jfrescki
Thu Jan 22, 2015 6:17 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini preinfusion chamber failure.
Replies: 11
Views: 12152

Re: Mini preinfusion chamber failure.

So I properly dialed in the Bodka Guatemala, and it's great. At least as good as when I had the preinfusion :lol: . My results from the last post were simply because the shots ran fast.
by jfrescki
Wed Jan 21, 2015 3:50 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini preinfusion chamber failure.
Replies: 11
Views: 12152

Re: Mini preinfusion chamber failure.

Thanks, I'm running a good track record. What's next?? nod1 , I basically stick to 15.5g dose unless a coffee really calls for something different. I'll aim for anywhere from 21g - 29g out depending on the coffee, and I rarely stray from 92-93C (unless the blend is mouth puckering). I tend to play w...
by jfrescki
Sun Jan 18, 2015 9:41 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini preinfusion chamber failure.
Replies: 11
Views: 12152

Re: Mini preinfusion chamber failure.

Day two: Finished the Bodka Main Squeeze and opened SO Brazil Recreio. I received it 1/8 and froze the 6oz I just opened. I used the other 10 fresh. Without a doubt it's much better in the cup now. More flavor and more flavor separation.
by jfrescki
Sun Jan 18, 2015 9:38 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini preinfusion chamber failure.
Replies: 11
Views: 12152

Re: Mini preinfusion chamber failure.

It's pretty easy to take off. You need to remove the face plate. Then you need (I think it was) a 13mm & 14mm box wrench to remove the chamber. You need a 5mm hex wrench to put the original nut in that plugs the hole in the group plus some teflon tape. If you've been in the machine before, it co...
by jfrescki
Sat Jan 17, 2015 3:30 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: How important is in in-tank filter?
Replies: 1
Views: 3776

Re: How important is in in-tank filter?

I've always run my Mini without the in-tank softener, just the small particle screen. I use softened/filtered water from Chris' Coffee product that I run to a filtered water tap at the sink. You certainly can use bottled water. There are a few recommended ones you can search for, but Poland Spring i...
by jfrescki
Sat Jan 17, 2015 3:23 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini preinfusion chamber failure.
Replies: 11
Views: 12152

Mini preinfusion chamber failure.

I had been hearing a sound like an old "aaaoooga" horn for a while while pulling shots. I thought it was the flow meter. In the last few weeks I started also hearing a squeal at the beginning, end or both parts of a shot. I finally investigated today. Turns out both sounds were from my fai...
by jfrescki
Wed Jun 04, 2014 8:12 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone long life Group Gaskets available
Replies: 52
Views: 86067

Re: Silicone long life Group Gaskets available

I'd been installing my rubber gaskets chamfered edge up, but I read that was wrong somewhere recently. So I just replaced the group gasket (with rubber) and did chamfered down. It seems to me that having the chamfered edge down allows the gasket to deform more, and as a result there's more degrees ...
by jfrescki
Tue Jun 03, 2014 3:20 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: Silicone long life Group Gaskets available
Replies: 52
Views: 86067

Re: Silicone long life Group Gaskets available

I'd been installing my rubber gaskets chamfered edge up, but I read that was wrong somewhere recently. So I just replaced the group gasket (with rubber) and did chamfered down. It seems to me that having the chamfered edge down allows the gasket to deform more, and as a result there's more degrees o...
by jfrescki
Tue Jun 03, 2014 3:07 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: PF filler aid. Is there some?
Replies: 2
Views: 4162

Re: PF filler aid. Is there some?

Orphan Espresso is the place if you don't want to go with a cut yogurt container or the like.
by jfrescki
Thu Jan 16, 2014 12:01 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Where to find used?
Replies: 1
Views: 4482

Re: Where to find used?

Keep your eye on the buy/sell forum at coffeegeek. That's where they're going to pop up most often.
by jfrescki
Tue Jan 14, 2014 5:27 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Extraction favors near side of portafilter
Replies: 11
Views: 9994

Re: Extraction favors near side of portafilter

smuseby wrote:WDT - ?
Weiss Distribution Technique - essentially stirring the grounds with a very thin implement (ie wire or unbent paperclip) to evenly distribute the grounds.
by jfrescki
Tue Jan 14, 2014 4:01 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Extraction favors near side of portafilter
Replies: 11
Views: 9994

Re: Extraction favors near side of portafilter

You could try to grind a bit finer and do a light tamp using only your fingers on the tamper. It's very easy to tell if you're level with your fingertips. I've just adopted this method very recently because I feel like I'm getting better flow and shot clarity. I either grind finer / increase my dose...
by jfrescki
Wed Sep 11, 2013 3:25 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: grind, DOSE, LEVEL, tamp
Replies: 6
Views: 7617

Re: grind, DOSE, LEVEL, tamp

I dose about 15.5 grams in the double. I do a quick WDT and shake to level before tamping, and almost always get a nice extraction.
by jfrescki
Thu Aug 15, 2013 2:59 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Oscilating brew pressure
Replies: 5
Views: 5848

Re: Oscilating brew pressure

The brew pressure on my Mini rapidly oscillates from approx 8 - 10 during brewing. I think it's just the vibe pump.
by jfrescki
Mon Jul 29, 2013 10:50 am
Forum: Pursuit of the God Shot
Topic: Proper espresso newb struggling a bit
Replies: 5
Views: 9777

Re: Proper espresso newb struggling a bit

Don't forget it's going to take quite a few pounds of beans to break in the new burrs so your shots settle in.
by jfrescki
Sun Jul 07, 2013 9:39 pm
Forum: Accessories
Topic: CCS New precision screens and baskets
Replies: 11
Views: 16059

Re: CCS New precision screens and baskets

Can't wait to hear how they work out. Been waiting on someone to be a guinea pig :bounce:
by jfrescki
Thu Jun 27, 2013 12:10 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Mini VII Drip Tray Not Aligning
Replies: 6
Views: 6844

Re: Mini VII Drip Tray Not Aligning

2. That doesn't explain why it'll lock on the side with the tape and not on the other side... I think when I first got mine, I had trouble locking it on the right side (opposite the tank). It was already a year old, so it wasn't a newness issue. I just had problems. Then, after about a month, I had...
by jfrescki
Thu Jun 27, 2013 12:05 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Mini VII Drip Tray Not Aligning
Replies: 6
Views: 6844

Re: Mini VII Drip Tray Not Aligning

richardcoffee wrote:No tape on the front of my tank - 2 1/2 years old. Are you getting a good connection at the back of the tank? No small water leaks onto your counter top?
Weird, mine is about 2 1/2 years old too.
by jfrescki
Wed Jun 26, 2013 11:32 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Super Important Question
Replies: 7
Views: 9389

Re: Super Important Question

It is potentially dangerous, illegal and not a good idea to do what you are suggesting. Installing a 20A outlet on a 15A circuit sets up a situation where someone would plug in a device that will overload the wiring potentially causing at the least a fuse or breaker to blow and at the worst a fire....
by jfrescki
Wed Jun 26, 2013 11:28 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Mini VII Drip Tray Not Aligning
Replies: 6
Views: 6844

Re: Mini VII Drip Tray Not Aligning

The drip tray does "lock" into place. Don't know if they still do it, but mine has foam tape on the front of the tank to keep it from vibrating against the drip tray. Could it be the tape keeping the tray from going into place properly?
by jfrescki
Tue Apr 16, 2013 3:21 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Inserting the Portofilter to the Group is tight
Replies: 3
Views: 5836

Re: Inserting the Portofilter to the Group is tight

My bottomless locks in just around 6:00, but my stock portafilters are much tighter, and definitely lock in about 7:00 at most.
by jfrescki
Fri Feb 15, 2013 1:42 pm
Forum: Dream and Dream T Common Feature Discussions
Topic: Dream vs GS/3 Throwdown
Replies: 50
Views: 51530

Re: Dream vs GS/3 Throwdown

Any update on the brew temp problem?
by jfrescki
Thu Feb 14, 2013 10:01 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Can't open the brew boiler!
Replies: 18
Views: 22092

Re: Can't open the brew boiler!

Thanks Chas. It wasn't the fuse, but it was the ribbon coming from the front control panel. The connector had fallen out from the vibration. The spaz is up and running again. I am a little disappointed that the element failed just out of warranty. Especially since there was almost no scale. My water...
by jfrescki
Thu Feb 14, 2013 8:16 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Can't open the brew boiler!
Replies: 18
Views: 22092

Re: Can't open the brew boiler!

Thanks, I will check that tonight!
by jfrescki
Wed Feb 13, 2013 11:01 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Can't open the brew boiler!
Replies: 18
Views: 22092

Re: Can't open the brew boiler!

The good news: WD-40 and 20 minutes let me open up the brew boiler. There was almost no scale at all inside, and I was able to replace the element. The bad news: I guess all the pounding before I used the oil dislodged or broke something because the machine is dead :oops: . No lights whatsoever when...
by jfrescki
Wed Feb 13, 2013 8:38 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Can't open the brew boiler!
Replies: 18
Views: 22092

Can't open the brew boiler!

I posted on an old thread about my Mini throwing a 15A GFCI. Turns out it's the brew boiler element. I received the new element and attempted to get the brass lug off the back of the brew boiler. NO WAY. I started off with a piece of scrap wood and a hammer like Endo suggested in his blog. That didn...
by jfrescki
Wed Jan 09, 2013 8:41 am
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Vivaldi dispersion screen wrench fits Mazzer doser bolt
Replies: 0
Views: 12031

Vivaldi dispersion screen wrench fits Mazzer doser bolt

Sorry if this is old news, but I just picked up a SJ, and tried the S1 dispersion screen key on the bolt that holds the doser mechanism in....perfect fit. :grin:
Doser w key.jpg
Doser w key.jpg (62.93 KiB) Viewed 11965 times
by jfrescki
Wed Dec 05, 2012 10:09 am
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Divot for even extraction?
Replies: 5
Views: 10923

Re: Divot for even extraction?

+1. I do use a convex tamper too.
by jfrescki
Tue Dec 04, 2012 3:34 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Divot for even extraction?
Replies: 5
Views: 10923

Re: Divot for even extraction?

Here's a pic after WDT:
BeforeB.jpg
BeforeB.jpg (61.49 KiB) Viewed 10698 times
and after a few taps to settle. Not much of a divot anymore:
AfterA.jpg
AfterA.jpg (64 KiB) Viewed 10698 times
Sorry for the poor pic quality.
by jfrescki
Wed Nov 28, 2012 8:29 pm
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Divot for even extraction?
Replies: 5
Views: 10923

Re: Divot for even extraction?

I haven't, but I put a pretty serious divot in there, then bump on the counter to settle. It would have to be quite a bit of glue, but something to think about. Or maybe glue something like a rubber foot. I'll try to take a picture tomorrow morning.
by jfrescki
Wed Nov 28, 2012 11:34 am
Forum: Tips & Tricks
Topic: Divot for even extraction?
Replies: 5
Views: 10923

Divot for even extraction?

Don't know if anyone has mentioned this on the board before, or if it's even a good idea, but I noticed my extractions would tend to start at the edge of the basket (guessing because of the bolt in the middle of the group). So I recently started leaving a divot in the center of my puck during WDT, a...
by jfrescki
Tue Nov 27, 2012 2:41 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: 2nd Vivaldi - Plumbed or Pourover
Replies: 14
Views: 13991

Re: 2nd Vivaldi - Plumbed or Pourover

I had every intention of buying an S1, but a 1 year old used Mini came up for sale about 1.5 miles from my house (he was upgrading to a GS3) with pre-infusion chamber and tampers (since he was going 58mm), so I couldn't pass it up. I'm perfectlly happy with the Mini, but I wouldn't mind the rotary p...
by jfrescki
Tue Nov 20, 2012 2:19 pm
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: Vario W or Mazer Mini E or something else?
Replies: 28
Views: 29055

Re: Vario W or Mazer Mini E or something else?

I think that's the route I'm going down (Pharos), and I'll probably inquire about the VoodooDaddy mods too. Is it a gateway drug to a k10 though?
by jfrescki
Tue Nov 20, 2012 12:25 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Boiler Insulation Idea
Replies: 20
Views: 20078

Re: Boiler Insulation Idea

You're right, it seems odd, so I googled it. This may be what I was remembering from the Elektra A3 review on HB: "Note: Chris Nachtrieb, owner of Chris' Coffee Service, asked the manufacturer to add boiler insulation to better meet his customers' expectations of energy efficiency. They replied...
by jfrescki
Tue Nov 20, 2012 12:11 pm
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: Vario W or Mazer Mini E or something else?
Replies: 28
Views: 29055

Re: Vario W or Mazer Mini E or something else?

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I had been warned, which is why I haven't picked it up, but for $340 with a few pounds of beans through it, I still might get it.
by jfrescki
Tue Nov 20, 2012 11:48 am
Forum: Coffee Grinders
Topic: Vario W or Mazer Mini E or something else?
Replies: 28
Views: 29055

Re: Vario W or Mazer Mini E or something else?

I love the Vario for it's size and convenience too, and I actually have had very few problems with it in three years. I needed the shim kit early on, and once in a great while, the grind doesn't adjust right going from coarse to fine, but otherwise it's been fine. That said, I've been thinking about...
by jfrescki
Tue Nov 20, 2012 11:30 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Boiler Insulation Idea
Replies: 20
Views: 20078

Re: Boiler Insulation Idea

Johnlyn wrote:Is there any down side to insulating the boilers? why do they not do that at the factory?
I think I remember a discussion on HB that factory insulation would affect the ETL certification, but don't quote me on that.

John

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