Ponte Vecchio Lusso Mods

Lacehim · August 2011

Woohoo. Fitted. Only need a small sand with a file (bought a small triangle one from bunnings). I didn't think they where on far enough, but then realised that the tap was screwed out and the square section started a few mm further out. Doh. At least I didn't keep sanding! lol So I just put them on, screwed in the stock screw and bob's your uncle it all worked. The size is perfect, just a smidge bigger than stock but much better for grip. The lusso HW & Steam taps need a good hard turn to keep them from leaking. Just the design of the taps from what I've heard. Anyway, take a look and see what you think. Personally I love it. I think I have the only fully tricked out PV lusso with custom handles & taps in the world!

;D :D 8) Big thanks to AM for making it all happen. We need to find you a big pile of wood AM so that you can make more of these. They really are fantastic.

PS. There are no endcaps yet, I've decided to make my own s/steel ones because the you have to drill a hole in the stock ones to get the tap off!

Koffee_Kosmo · August 2011

Woo ahh Thats sexy in a mechanical way KK

SniffCoffee · August 2011

My 2c says you don't need to worry about the endcaps - knobs look just fine as they are..

Muscles · August 2011

Wow, good job guys! Both function and form... I seriously considered one of these machines and then saw everything you were doing to it and realised with my coffee machine "know-how" I had no hope of doing the same.

Lacehim · August 2011

The machine is great just on it's own. The problem is I just have to tweak things! AM's handles and knobs just make the machine mine. It's unique now and I really love the timber. Just made the wife a chai and the knobs worked great!

Lacehim · August 2011

on 1313572059:

PS. All ya need is a Nakid now

Well I didn't want to push my luck AM

I was thinking of making one of them nakid, and leaving the other stock. HB Updated too. Also CS and I've had a few queries about where from, and how much? Where do you want them directed? Email or here? Or?

Lacehim · August 2011

nice work AM. Will pop in Sunday with a knob & handle, and a grouphandle to make me a nakid. Ta.

shape_shifter · August 2011

Oooo look at all that wood :o Lacehim I love what AM has done with your Lusso, it's fantastic :D I don't like spots or stripes but that stripey wood looks really nice. I would love to find some box elder and have ones made out of that, not sure that you can get it here though, it's a gold/yellow blending and is divine

Lacehim · August 2011

Thank you AM for the amazing job you did. That nakid handle is so cool. A totally professional job. Love the handle too! It looks very nice on the lusso. I'll hopefully get a play tomorrow with the nakid and if I get any good shots I might just post up a little video here. Not sure how to post a video but I will give it ago. I've been feeling a little lost lately with my coffee, it just hasn't been making the mark for me. Maybe it's the coffee I'm using, not sure but the nakid might help extraction wise. I sure do miss my double ristretto latte's in the morning.

Koffee_Kosmo · August 2011

on 1314606568:

Thank you AM for the amazing job you did. That nakid handle is so cool. A totally professional job. Love the handle too! It looks very nice on the lusso. I'll hopefully get a play tomorrow with the nakid and if I get any good shots I might just post up a little video here. Not sure how to post a video but I will give it ago.

With this version of YABB forum software. The only way is to post the link of your video So get to it so we can have a look KK

Lacehim · August 2011

Cheers KK. So is youtube the best way to get it online?

Koffee_Kosmo · August 2011

on 1314607031:

Cheers KK. So is youtube the best way to get it online?

Yes it seems to best KK

SniffCoffee · September 2011

on 1314794549:

OH and give ya wife a Kiss and say those 3 little words

"Latte no sugar"???? ;D ;D

Lacehim · September 2011

Got home today after a week in Ballina, NSW. Lovely holiday. Thanks for the nakid remodel AM. The slight resize stopped the problem of drips on the outside rim. Lovely job as always! I had a lovely long black with Pioneer Roastary beans, Mocha Java. Yum. I've been keeping an eye on Borat's lever and see with interest a new Antivac/Safety valve. They look like a perfect solution. They price seems high, but they seem new, so maybe they will settle down over time. Now I just need to find out the size for the Ponte Vecchio Lusso and order one.

Loving the machine at the moment. I'm going to mod the level indicator so that it's easy to read, then hopefully put the new safety valve in and it's all done. I've also had this drip from the left group since new. I replaced the seals again before my holiday but found the group had some fine scores in the wall on either side of the cylinder chamber.

Jack at Sorrentina is going to speak to Ponte Vecchio about it because I'm 99.9% sure that's what's causing the drips. Hopefully they will replace the group.

SniffCoffee · September 2011

Funny you should mention scores in the cylinder wall... Like you I replaced my seals with Jack's toolkit, all was well for a few weeks, then, hello again, I was getting water shooting out of the top of the right group again when I pulled the lever down. So, when the toolkit arrived again (this time from you Lacehim!) I took out the piston, seals were fine but turning the machine over and looking into the cylinder revealed two scratches on the cylinder wall. I think what is happening is that the lube I put on the seals keeps the leak under control until the lube wears off a bit, then water starts leaking through. Like you I'm hoping Jack can organise a replacement group for me too. Sniff

Lacehim · September 2011

Sniff, do you have any photos? Here's mine.

drips either side of the cylinder As you are looking at the group the marks are on the left and right of the group. They aren't that deep, but seem to be deep enough that a drip appears in exactly the same spot as the marks on the cylinder wall. Jack mentioned Autosol might rub it flat again becuase the brass is fairly soft, but it's leaked like this from new, so would prefer to discuss the matter with the manufacturer, rather than trying something like that. He also mentioned that I could get the cylinder coated in technical chrome. He didn't mention how much that would cost. I also didn't want to jump into modifying it in this way because I was concerned about a) not having the machine working for a while b) would exisiting seals still work once chromed c) $$$ I hope Ponte Vecchio replace the group under warrenty.

Koffee_Kosmo · September 2011

That looks more like a crack in the photo but I you have the benefit of seeing the real thing KK

SniffCoffee · September 2011

No, I didnt' take photos but the scratch is similar, on mine it's just as long but has a twin running parallel with it. Jack mentioned the autosol issue with me to, and the chroming idea, but like you I'd rather have a new group. Sniff

Brett H · September 2011

Wow... Look at those scores Lacehim. Id be pushing really hard for a new group because then last thing you want is to have your machine out of service with "experimental" fixes. Jack is obviously a thoughtful and passionate retailer given that he hasn't fobbed you off and has in fact offered several solutions. This augers well for a great outcome.

Koffee_Kosmo · September 2011

If they are fine scores they can be easily fixed Cylinder honing is a technique used in the automotive industry for brake and motor block cylinders Another way to look at what honing is ? Its another form of polishing metal One can be purchased from super cheap and used with a hand drill

KK

Lacehim · September 2011

on 1317338836:

Jack is obviously a thoughtful and passionate retailer given that he hasn't fobbed you off and has in fact offered several solutions.

Jack at Sorrentina Coffee has been fantastic. He's always been happy to answer my questions and help to get the machine right. I would certainly recommend him to others. The Lusso is a great machine, it's just a pity the quality isn't quite there in a few minor places. But I knew that when I bought it!

on 1317335625:

That looks more like a crack in the photo but I you have the benefit of seeing the real thing

Your not wrong there KK. When I first noticed it I thought the cylinder walls where a two part construction. There certainly seems to be a straight line running down and a squiggly line next to it.

on 1317347438:

A good tool and different pads and cutting compounds and chrome may not be needed. And if needed, you may still need to re hone to get a true polished finish.. And with a good bore gauge you can get the size back to spot on. Thus seals of a standard will be ok. Don't toss them if replaced and not needed to be returned, as would be good to have a play.

My issue with heading this route is that I'm not experienced in this type of work, and if I stuff it up the machine is useless until I can source another group head. If one group is removed you can't use the machine

It's a pity you can't blank it off while one if away for repair or something. Jack did say that the technical chrome would probably be harder wearing and last longer because he's seen it on more top end lever machines. I also pulled off the safety valve. It wasn't on very tight either! Would you believe it's my old friend the 1/8" fitting from my San Marino rebuild! Arrrggghhh!!!! I guess that puts a stop to that idea. I doubt anyone would make a 1/8" all in one safety anti-vac valve under 5cm high to fit in my case!

It was hard enough to find a stock 1/8" safety valve for my San Marino rebuild! Ah well. I was ready to part with my cash on this one too. It sounded too easy! Seems it was!

SniffCoffee · September 2011

on 1317350487:

Jack at Sorrentina Coffee has been fantastic. He's always been happy to answer my questions and help to get the machine right. I would certainly recommend him to others. The Lusso is a great machine, it's just a pity the quality isn't quite there in a few minor places. But I knew that when I bought it!

+1 from me. Jack has always been very helpful to me too. But whilst AM's and KK's suggestions for a fix seem very straightforward, I think rather than give it a go and hope for the best Jack should maybe get up PV a little for sending out machines with these defects. I agree that the Lusso isn't known for its build quality, but the scratches on mine and Lacehim's are more suggestive of really sloppy assembly techniques... Sniff

Lacehim · November 2011

Update. It's been a while. Got a few mods planned for the near future. I'm going to copy Bullitt's mod (CS PV thread) to the sight glass for the water level. It might just make it easier to read. Also I've got tons of insulbrite so I might just do the boiler too, and after having a chat with AM today I'm going to sort the antivac out. With the antivac I'm going to use the 1/8" safety valve hole, put a T in, and then mount the safetyvalve horizontally, and the antivac vertically. Might need a elbow to get the fittings with the right termination. I need a male for the boiler, and female for the safety/antivac. I was hoping to use the 1/4" antivac too, but it's all 1/8" fittings.

AM also had a brain wave (I can't take credit AM) and we found another use for dual floor baskets!!! drill a hole in the bottom, and they will make a perfect cup for the antivac to sit in, and stainless steel to boot. :doh: Why didn't we think of it before? Who knows.

Lacehim · December 2011

Went to supercheap, asked for a hone. They looked at me blankly and then said, ahhh on of them, and said go to Repco!

Anyway SUCCESS at last in the lusso antivac department. Fumbled around with various parts, but this is what worked. Remove Safety valve and replace with a 1/8" M-M Fitting attached to the boiler where the safety valve sits. On top place a 1/8" female T, on the rear end I fitted the safety valve (which is 1/8") and the other end pointing towards the front a 1/8"M to 1/4"F, then attached a Elbow fitting 1/4"M-F, and then fitted a 1/4" Antivac. I couldn't find any candles so I used a old film camera case, cut down, to contain any spraying water. The lid sits on the top of this, and should stop any spray hitting the electrics. The electrical cover needs modified, but only to take out a part of the brace so that it can be bolted back in. Shouldn't cause an issues. Here's some photos.

Lacehim · December 2011

Did get a small leak still at the antivac, so a bit of thread tape here and there, and used a tea light case instead and it's done. No leaks, it just works. I need to do something about the electrical plastic cover. I did try and modify it, but it still won't fit because of the tea light water catcher. I might need to find a custom cover, the SAMA on the machine just doesn't drop it, you have to twist it about. Very fiddly.

ash · December 2011

Lacehim, how is this mod going? I'm still not sure of the benefits of this mod as I don't find bleeding my machine each morning too much of a chore. However, the insulbrite thing is something that I've still got to get around to doing.

Lacehim · December 2011

Ash, it's been fantastic. I know it doesn't bother most folk but I'm the sort of person that turns something on, then get distracted. I was always coming back later for a coffee only to find it's just full of false pressure! Also the WAF has vastly improved. She's must happier turning it on, and has even filled it up and turned it on for me while I'm having a shower! ??? All I want to do now is have the pressurestat pointing up, insulate the boiler & fix the groups up. Jack has a new one coming to replace my faulty left group which should be here in a few months. The right is also playing up, and probably needs another new set of seals

The coffee is still excellent, and I love it paired with the Vario. How's your going?

ash · December 2011

Mines going great, although I think I may have a scratch inside the right group. I may try just to smooth it out with some autosol first though. Every now and then I'll get a shot on the right group that dosen't produce anything as it seems as thought the water goes back into the boiler. Almost like it's bypassing the coffee altogether. I'm going to ask Jack to send up the piston removal tool to pull out the piston and have a look inside and clean it up before putting in a new set of seals. What I really like about it compared to almost all oher domestic lever machines is that I can turn it on in the morning and leave it on, with out having to premeditate when I want a coffee. The only form of upgradeitis for me is if I go to something like an Izzo Popmpeii, but I'm cautious about buying a plumbed in machine due to moving house every few years because of work. If I could find a machine in that class that was a simple boiler like the Lusso I may be interested, but this little machine is perfect for me so I really don't see the need to get a new machine yet. Grinders on the other hand.... For anyone else who has a Lusso and wants to replace the seals, ask to borrow the piston removal tool from Jack at Sorrentina Coffee. It makes life so much easier than trying to use a G-Clamp!! And seeing as I have a couple of spare group handles lying around I really should see if someone can knock up another piston removal tool...

ash · December 2011

I should mention that you check out all the spade connectors going to the 'brain'. My machine wouldn't switch on one day, so off came the case to check out the electric's, thinking that is was going to end up being brain dead. Found the main power supply spade connector wasn't fitted correctly and had melted the spade cover to bits, leaving the connector not connecting! Connected everything back that way it was supposed to and things were back to normal. I may have a photo of it, but that'll have to wait until I get home as I'm over in Perth visiting the folks for another week or so.

Koffee_Kosmo · December 2011

on 1325236488:

The only form of upgradeitis for me is if I go to something like an Izzo Popmpeii, but I'm cautious about buying a plumbed in machine due to moving house every few years because of work. If I could find a machine in that class that was a simple boiler like the Lusso I may be interested, but this little machine is perfect for me so I really don't see the need to get a new machine yet. Grinders on the other hand....

I have opted for the Bezzera Strega Yes I know it has a pump that runs for 5 or so seconds But this lever is a hell of as machine KK

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