VST filter baskets.

coffeehorse · October 2011

Greg, Would you be happy to publish your recorded measurement (diameter) for my baskets? They're: VST-18-3050 M999980001975 VST-22-3360 M999980002219 Strangely, there's a bit of wear to the 2D barcode on the 18g basket already. I must use it too much ;D

gregpullman · October 2011

Tell me about it! They weren't at all keen initially, had lots of reasons why not to make ridgeless baskets, but fortunately our long-term strong sales of ridgeless Synessos vs the ridged variant and a few good counter-reasons were enough for them to realise there was more than a minority market. Not sure on sizing yet, I've learnt to wait until I have the stock here and measured before making assertions. Yeah if you need it resized we can do that but if you want a ridgeless version it might pay to hold off until they arrive in case they're smaller and you want the tamper resized to fit the smaller ones. I can guarantee if your basket is identical diameter to your tamper you will have almost no chance of getting it to fit at all, much less easily!

on 1319434611:

Greg, Would you be happy to publish your recorded measurement (diameter) for my baskets? They're: VST-18-3050 M999980001975 VST-22-3360 M999980002219 Strangely, there's a bit of wear to the 2D barcode on the 18g basket already. I must use it too much ;D

Wouldn't normally but just for you

... VST-18-3050 M999980001975 - 58.92 VST-22-3360 M999980002219 - 58.91 Either side of both those serial numbers were reasonable variations but when we have multiple baskets in the same order we try to get the sizes as close as possible. Greg

Brett H · October 2011

This is all very exciting Greg! I have an e61 and one of your original run of tampers which I'll measure... Or you may even have the measurements. I'd love to preorder a ridge less 18g basket that's close in size to my tamper... Is this possible? I'm not putting this in a PM initially due to the recent action on this thread and no doubt there are others thinking along similar lines!

gregpullman · October 2011

Of course I have the dimensions (unless yours was one of the first dozen before I thought I'd better start numbering them just in case it got to the point where I couldn't quite remember who had what size! ???) Pre-orders... I could. I wasn't going to because they're with customs at the moment as we're getting refractometers too, so I don't have an ETA just yet. But if you'd rather have a place in the queue booked and are happy to wait an unspecified timeframe then I can. I doubt it'd be more than a week or two though.

Brett H · October 2011

Hi Greg... I think mine was #13 as it turns out... how's the memory? ;-) I'd love place in the queue thanks and am happy to prepay for the privilege. Let this be a lesson to all those who think a Pullman tamper is expensive... they get cheaper every year you own one and providing you don't change basket size and plan to live a long time they will be the best and best value coffee accessory you'll every own!

gregpullman · October 2011

Your wish and all that... pre-order at http://thingscoffee.com.au/index.php?cPath=25 You're right, #13 it is but contrary to my memory (age and all that ::)) I don't have the diameter recorded. Looks like I started that at #27 but I'm pretty sure most of the ones around then were about the same size (which I CAN remember!). Records back then are pretty rough as it was a bit ad-hoc to start with so I'll need to get your base back (or get you to measure it) so I can update my records! Greg

Brett H · October 2011

Thanks Greg. I'll put the vernier caliper on it and preorder! Hate to think what number tamper you're up to now!!!

gregpullman · October 2011

I stamped #6342 this afternoon

Brett H · October 2011

on 1319454723:

I stamped #6342 this afternoon

OMG!!!! It's a credit to your workmanship and uncompromising quality!

gregpullman · October 2011

Here are some pics of the latest releases from VST. Ridgeless baskets and a 7g (ridged) single based (heavily) on the LM single basket. Quite a bit of interest already, if you follow us on Twitter you'll know why!

Brett H · December 2011

I've just had a play with my new 18g VST ridge-less basket in my Diadema Dual Boiler. I didn't actually change anything in regards to dose, grind and tamp but think that these baskets produce a slightly more lush mouth-feel. Flavour is similar but I'm enjoying very much the look of the pour and from my first pour yesterday I haven't yet had a bad shot with these baskets. Thanks Greg! Yesterday: [embed=425,349]

Today: [embed=425,349]

shape_shifter · December 2011

goody videos, those shots look fantastic, pop one in the post for me will you :D

Muscles · January 2012

I just used my 22g VST ridgeless for first time... 25g in the basket and tamped as normal and I could fit another 3g in there easily so I wouldn't call it overdosing by any means. I let this shot run for 60 seconds inc 5 seconds of PI with no blonding that I could see. I had no problems drinking this experiment either... This has me wondering what dose everyone is using with these? It also has me wondering what ball-park timing I should be looking for. So, those of you using VST 18g and 22g baskets, would you care to share your techniques?

Dry_bean. · January 2012

on 1325750333:

I just used my 22g VST ridgeless for first time... 25g in the basket and tamped as normal and I could fit another 3g in there easily so I wouldn't call it overdosing by any means. I let this shot run for 60 seconds inc 5 seconds of PI with no blonding that I could see. I had no problems drinking this experiment either... This has me wondering what dose everyone is using with these? It also has me wondering what ball-park timing I should be looking for. So, those of you using VST 18g and 22g baskets, would you care to share your techniques?

Think it depends a little on the machine Muscles, I'm using 18 grams in my 18 gram VST basket ::) on my Bezzera Galatea, gives me the required 8mm between top of basket and puck, could perhaps squeeze another gram or two in but 18 with a light even tamp gives excellent results. Hows the tamper polishing going, any action yet?

Muscles · January 2012

Thanks for the reply DB, I guess I am looking for a starting point when I actually already have one. I reckon I can speed up the drip, drip, drip at the begininng of the pour by adjusting the strength of PI. Will try it and see how it goes. Re polishing - hoping to find time this w/e. I have the Pullman en route to AM so am using the espro click and it could really use an improved finish. Will need to be careful though as it has a convexed base so I can't lap it as such. Will update your thread when done...

Dry_bean. · January 2012

on 1325753014:

Thanks for the reply DB, I guess I am looking for a starting point when I actually already have one. I reckon I can speed up the drip, drip, drip at the begininng of the pour by adjusting the strength of PI. Will try it and see how it goes. Re polishing - hoping to find time this w/e. I have the Pullman en route to AM so am using the espro click and it could really use an improved finish. Will need to be careful though as it has a convexed base so I can't lap it as such. Will update your thread when done...

Convex will certainly prove to be a challenge, don't know if I would even attempt it. PI :-| please explain.

Koffee_Kosmo · January 2012

I have a convex base Barista Tamper Both flat or convex do an equally good job I chose to use a convex base due to its ease of finding the centre a little easier as its pressed down, over the flat base tamper KK

Muscles · January 2012

on 1325754931:

Convex will certainly prove to be a challenge, don't know if I would even attempt it. PI :-| please explain.

Will still give it a go, if I stuff it up it will become a flat base ??? PI = my shortening of Pre-Infusion

Muscles · January 2012

on 1325756317:

I have a convex base Barista Tamper Both flat or convex do an equally good job I chose to use a convex base due to its ease of finding the centre a little easier as its pressed down, over the flat base tamper KK

I have found both to give good results too, even with the VST's. I took Greg's recommendation for a flat base for the Barista tamper and figured it would make selling it easier down the track should I decide a change is necessary... The espro convex is not as snug a fit though so I have found it a challenge to get right.

Dry_bean. · January 2012

on 1325756317:

I have a convex base Barista Tamper Both flat or convex do an equally good job I chose to use a convex base due to its ease of finding the centre a little easier as its pressed down, over the flat base tamper KK

We're talking about polishing the base KK, not the merits of flat versus convex.

Dry_bean. · January 2012

on 1325757456:

Will still give it a go, if I stuff it up it will become a flat base ??? PI = my shortening of Pre-Infusion

Ah, now I understand. :-[

Koffee_Kosmo · January 2012

on 1325757846:

We're talking about polishing the base KK, not the merits of flat versus convex.

Never attempted to polish the base but could do it easily All I need to do is 1] remove the handle 2] fit a threaded stud in the base or use the one in the handle 3] place the base on a drill 4] polish as its spinning KK

Muscles · January 2012

Good idea KK :thumb: It would be a lot easier to polish the convex base that way. Instructions for the Espro click say specifically "do not try to dismantle"... Wonder if that means it will break?? {Can these posts be moved to the polishing thread to keep the VST thread on track?}

Brett H · March 2012

Just an update on these. I recently changed back to my original baskets that shipped with the machine because there's two of Emma and I was making coffee for a large group. The original baskets were easier to use than the VST so I stuck with them for a week. Upon going back to the VST I notice that my shots are really outstanding with lots of tiger striping and a thicker consistency. The other baskets pull a great shot but with good attention to detail, the VST's are the next level. What are others finding living with VST's?

mycuppa · March 2012

Yes Brett the VST baskets certainly are worth the effort in adjusting technique. I have to say I was a bit of a skeptic at the start, but now fully convinced. It really comes down to skill and commitment. I've heard comments from people that they are too sensitive and margin for error is frustratingly narrow. Like many things in life, if you give up early without pushing through, you inevitably miss out on the rewards at the end. Having used them now for many months at home, at work and in a few of our larger cafes, the results are nothing short of amazing. Yes, it can be more time consuming when you are constantly dialling in different coffees every day, but when you want the best results you need the best solution. Would you rather take a toyota camry or a ferrari out on the racetrack ? One of the benefits I can generate from the VST baskets is when we take a medium flavored bean and produce a more powerful cup compared to the standard baskets. I've proved this to myself time and time again during back-to-back testing. It can help make the ordinary into something extraordinary.

beanflying · March 2012

I haven't used mine for the last few months as I have had the Izzo (55mm) in use. But in doing some back to back testing and once you get on top of the distribution/side channeling issues they are definitely worth it. ** These issues are just more pronounced than with other baskets due to the holes going closer to the edges of the basket and the straighter sides. As I may have mentioned earlier for your average "cafe" with semi trained staff I would say they is to much care needed and the results will likely be worse than say with the much easier to use Synesso's or even stock baskets. So not necessarily the best option in all commercial settings but if you work at it then there is a gain to be had.

Brett H · March 2012

Thanks for the replies guys. I value your opinions very highly!! It is comforting to know that others are convinced that these are't just a passing fad and are finding that they are worth the perseverance. I in my own small way am convinced these are a small price for a big quality diagnostic tool.

Brett H · May 2013

Update time: Just of late I've experienced some side channelling (change of weather?) and portafilter slippage due to an ageing group seal. I gave the rim and sidewalks of one basket a buff with 800 wet and dry and the shots are as good f not better than ever. Thoughts collected wisdom??

Ronin · May 2013

on 1367494776:

Update time: Just of late I've experienced some side channelling (change of weather?) and portafilter slippage due to an ageing group seal. I gave the rim and sidewalks of one basket a buff with 800 wet and dry and the shots are as good f not better than ever. Thoughts collected wisdom??

2 theory's Brett. The wet & dry has slightly roughed the side walls that allows the coffee to stick to the side better, reducing the chance of the puck separating from the side of the basket. Or The wet & dry has smoothed the basket which allows a better contact between puck and basket which reduces the chance of water finding a channel. Both are just ideas with no clinical proof, which is really irrelevant as the problem has been fixed.

Brett H · May 2013

Thanks Ronin. I reckon your #1 theory is the one I subscribe to! The baskets are almost mirror polish giving the side walls less resistance than the ground coffee. I just can't pull a bad shot since doing this little mod. :angel:

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