Lever project - Urania 1 group

Koffee_Kosmo

Just thinking back on the BZ40 connects On the hose end was solid brass ball at the end of a small pipe with 2mm hole in the ball, that in turn fitted into a mated fitting on the machine The ball fitting allows for swivel to a suitable position The other end of the hose had the standard screw fitting Just like this the one on the right KK

borat123

Thanks KK.  I've got the same, which I bought in Aust before leaving.  Only problem was the length was too short. Anyway,  problem solved now with new piping and olive connectors. For the time being, it's running with the cover off until I get sick of polishing....  With the top off it doesn't seem to have much of an effect on heat up time or cycling (the element was slightly over spec vs original). And finally, here's a video of the working setup, complete with a tiny spot in the centre of the screen that I didn't realise was there until too late....  The HD video quality seems quite good, but the camerawork needs some improvement  I've also done another one showing a shot which I'll post up as well. [embed=425,349]<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vHyJi5SO2pg?feature=player_detailpage"; frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>[/embed]

Koffee_Kosmo

STOP it I am drooling Borat A piece of work and a piece of art brought together by a dedicated restorer in yourself  :thumb: KK

derrilex

Bloody hell Borat, thats unreal. Tamper stand is a good match too :thumb:

borat123

Thanks guys.  And here's the video showing a shot being pulled (Sidamo 7 days after roasting, a VST 15gm basket, and Pullman tamper machined to match). And a nice looking resin tamper stand from Derrilex, that I reckon goes well with the Tamper! Bucket loads of steam available too, which was surprising considering the very low working pressure that it runs at. I'm happy to finally have a fully working system at home again  ;D You can just hear the pre-infusion start as the lever comes down.  See if you can spot the missing glass (my video editing missed a bit...) The Kony is still clumping, and hence the swirling with the milk thermometer to even everything out.  It is getting a little less now though with almost 400 on the clock. [embed=425,349]<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SOP_QdhXPqU?feature=player_embedded"; frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>[/embed]

lemoo

can i has? its way too shiny lol. amazing rebuild borat!

hiphipharar

Congrats Borat. If there was a reward for the resto of the year, you've earned it. I noticed the light body during and after the pour. That would be because of the bean no doubt, but still a great pour. I also wondered about the clearance between the group handle spout and the cup. Is it a tall cup or low clearance or both?

borat123

Hi Hiphip, re clearance, probably a bit of both - that particular glass does sit up reasonably high too.  I left most of the good little ceramic espresso cups I had behind in Aust - will have to get some more next time from Chef's hat when I can get back to Melbourne.  Re the pour, yes, that bean was a little unusual for how I remembered Sidamo, and not at all what I was expecting.  For a medium roast it was clean / fresh, uncharacteristically quite citrussy with plenty of acidity, and was nice as an espresso but not really suited for milk.  I was wondering whether the small bag may have been mis-labeled, as I bought it locally at the same time with some Yirg... Anyway, due for another roast today and I might try some Brasil yellow bourbon or organic. cheers.

hiphipharar

on 1344404413:

Re the pour, yes, that bean was a little unusual for how I remembered Sidamo, and not at all what I was expecting.

That's what I wondered. Ethiopians are not known for their body but, judging by how it clings to the side of the cup, it certainly isn't too thin. Sidamo is in the southern half of Ethiopia, as is Yirgacheffe so it possible that beans have similar characteristics.  Also, according to Sweet Marias, Sidamos can either be washed or dry-processed, and washed beans tend to have lighter body than dry-processed.

borat123

I just ordered a naked from Germany, and an offer I couldn't refuse from the same guys, a very nice turned handle in Makassar Ebony.  The handle pretty much matches the original shape. Also had the top off the group, and re-lubed the bore, piston seals and lever bearings. A replacement combo anti-vac / over pressure valve & a spare part for the KKTO is also on the way, thanks to KK  :thumb:

Hilander

Hi Borat, I reckon, there hasn't been any posts on this thread since about six months, however may I ask you about where you ordered the new lever body/cylinder from? Thanks

kofekitt

on 1362784162:

Hi Borat, I reckon, there hasn't been any posts on this thread since about six months, however may I ask you about where you ordered the new lever body/cylinder from? Thanks

Hi, i'm not sure if Borat is still active on this forum as he lives overseas now, however, i had some input with this restoration.He did a big order with Asacaso in Spain, you have to be a wholesaler or prepared to order a minimum of 600 Euro to order from them.Another alternative is to order one thru Orphan espresso in the states, they special order thru Ascaso, and then send the parts to you

Koffee_Kosmo

Borat is very much active on Crema However his participation revolves on his work schedule  KK

borat123

Geez my ears were burning - people talking about me again Yes it was through Ascaso in Spain. If you only have a small number of parts to buy I would also recommend Doug at Orphan Espresso in the US.

Hilander

Thanks for the reply (all replies), indeed! I'll contact Ascaso directly as I have a one-group E61, a two-group lever President and a Lambro (naturally, a one-group lever) to overhaul/restore, so I reckon to spend over EUR 600 (unfortunately).

borat123

Lubed up the group this morning. This time I tried some Dow 111 instead of the Inox high temp good grade grease I've been using up to now (bought from Jaycar). I'd have to say my initial thoughts are it's much thicker, but the group seems to run a lot more smoothly. It will be interesting to see how the longevity compares. On current usage I've been having to reapply every three or four months.

Koffee_Kosmo

on 1381319888:

Lubed up the group this morning. This time I tried some Dow 111 instead of the Inox high temp good grade grease I've been using up to now (bought from Jaycar). I'd have to say my initial thoughts are it's much thicker, but the group seems to run a lot more smoothly. It will be interesting to see how the longevity compares. On current usage I've been having to reapply every three or four months.

A lot of the Home Barista members are using the Dow 111 KK

borat123

Yes it came as a small freebie sample with the seals. Sitting at home now tapping my fingers waiting for the fedex driver to arrive with the Caravel...

Koffee_Kosmo

on 1381321660:

Yes it came as a small freebie sample with the seals. Sitting at home now tapping my fingers waiting for the fedex driver to arrive with the Caravel...

I know the feeling all to well Your post is timely and reminds me to pull apart my Strega and lube it It's an easy job I have plenty of the Inox grease left KK

aaronmaestri

Borat, I have just purchased the exact same machine as this from a guy in Pavia. Im not sure if i will have the budget to take it to quite the level of this restoration but your thread is a huge inspiration. I did have one question, you bought some replacement parts from Ascaso, how did you get access to their catalogue? I have tried to register on their website twice and have never heard from them. You mention that you can buy parts through Doug at Orphan espresso, but you kind of need the catalogue to know whats available and the reference numbers for the parts. any insight would be appreciated cheers and hats off to an awesome restoration Aaron

borat123

I think I just registered online, but if you give them a call they are very helpful and will get your login working. Also you will find that many parts are still the same, but you need to search the schematics of other machines for many of the bits you need. Good luck with it.