Coffee Forum
frame

Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Register

Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Register

Quick Links

Categories

In this Discussion

› ›
After the old forum software breaking in a way that we were unable to fix, we've migrated the site to a new platform.

Some elements aren't working as we'd hoped - some avatars didn't survive the transition, and we're still having issues with attachments that weren't added as inline images, but we're hoping to have that all sorted out soon.

Ponte Vecchio Lusso Mods

124»

Comments

  • Brett HBrett H
    on 1325237527:
    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
    Yes it is!  It's built like a tank, steams like a train and pulls very sweet consistent shots!
    Share on Facebook
  • LacehimLacehim
    That looks really interesting AM.  Seems to be a success. I'm soooo tempted to buy one and give it ago.  Another 8 weeks for a new group according to Jack. The antivac mod is going well, and I've modified the plastic electrical cover to keep the electrics safe.  I'm not sure I can get it back out though!  ::) I'm going to give it the works when I get back on my feet, and insulate the boiler, make the case fit better, and put something behind the water lever indicator to improve the water level.  Also make a better cover for the electrics too I think.  Any idea what materials I can use?  I needs to be heat tollerant, and non conductive because it touches the boiler, and is in proximity to electrical stuff.
    Share on Facebook
  • LacehimLacehim
    Well on a positive note Jack sent me a group from his own machine because the single group can't be modified for the 2 group.  While swapping over the groups I noticed a few things, and I'm not really happy with it, at all. The cover that goes over the electrical area has melted, and is all bent.  Yes I took out a part of it to fit my antivac,  but on further investigation I looked down at the box that houses the low water level circuit board. Have a look for yourself.  It's melting too, and the finish on the valve stems (welded the boiler) have gone from chrome looking to sparkly, and scratched looking.  :( th_lussoelectricalcover.jpg I'll have to fix that box up somehow, and might make a new cover with some timber.  At least it wont melt.
    Share on Facebook
  • derrilexderrilex
    Upgrade time  :rofl: 8)
    Share on Facebook
  • Brett HBrett H
    Lacheim, you've been such a champion of this machine and Jack seems to have gone out of his way to help.  I don't know...  all the good will in the world and clever little mods won't make this machine into something it isn't.  Yes the manufacturing could be better and the materials could be refined but then it would be in a different price bracket.  Dont get me wrong, i share your frustration and you have my sympathy; but I think DX has a point ;)
    on 1340688475:
    Upgrade time  :rofl: 8)
    Share on Facebook
  • LacehimLacehim
    BH and D, I agree it is what it is.  Not a bad machine for $1500. Time to move on I think, but to what?  Maybe there are some EOY sales on.  ;D
    Share on Facebook
  • derrilexderrilex
    Hey Lacehim, if you went for a slightly smaller solar system you could have got a strega too  :rofl:
    Share on Facebook
  • derrilexderrilex
    Are you hell bent on keeping the lever theme going if you upgrade ?
    Share on Facebook
  • Brett HBrett H
    on 1340696349:
    Are you hell bent on keeping the lever theme going if you upgrade ?
    The diadema DB PID would be a great buy EOY!!!  Attilio is only a pm away.  >:D
    Share on Facebook
  • UNMUNM
    if replacing casing over electrical components in a hot and damp environment, go with metal. Earthed (grounded) of course.
    Share on Facebook
  • LacehimLacehim
    on 1340696695:
    if replacing casing over electrical components in a hot and damp environment, go with metal. Earthed (grounded) of course.
    Would the likes of Jaycar have anything like that? Had the machine on for a few hours now, and no leaks from the new group! :)  Was very simple go change over too. Not sure about an upgrade... I'm too fussy, and I do love the simplicity of the lever machine.
    Share on Facebook
  • UNMUNM
    on 1340697667:
    Would the likes of Jaycar have anything like that?
    Metal project boxes? Various sizes, not sure what exactly you need but they may well have something to fit. Plastic is the go if you do not have reliable grounding, but I prefer metal in that sort of environment - with a metal boiler coupled to group heads by metal pipe, there is nothing to be gained by going plastic - as long as circuit board doesn't touch the casing.
    Share on Facebook
  • LacehimLacehim
    on 1340702222:
    as long as circuit board doesn't touch the casing.
    I was thinking I could just put the whole part into a suitably sided metal box.  That way it's protected from water etc.  There seems to be enough room in that area without touching the boiler.  I'll have a look around. :)
    Share on Facebook
  • LacehimLacehim
    Well on a positive note for my little machine, it now has a working LH group thanks to Jack and I replaced the seals on the RH group too and it's now much smoother.  That PV tool does make changing seals a dream.  Also for any lusso owners, slick with DOW111, the inox high temp grease (food grade) that I used got all gluggy and caught up in the seals. :(  Lucky Jack put a little sachet of DOW111 in the bag for me! :) I've got a bit of work to do to make a cover for the electrical bits, but apart from that it's as good as new (well better because it has an antivac mod!).  A few coffees and I'm sure I'll be back in love with it again! :)
    Share on Facebook
  • ashash
    I still love mine, inspite of all it's little niggles! :angel: Mind you it's getting to the point whereit's going to need a descale and thorough clean out and seal replacement. I've emailed Jack, so hopefully it'll happen soon.
    Share on Facebook
  • UNMUNM
    A descale? Seriously?
    Share on Facebook
  • Brett HBrett H
    on 1340962677:
    A descale? Seriously?
    +1  ??? Perhaps have a quick read of a Descale Myth thread I stared to goad some exellent advice out of our senior members. :thumb:
    Share on Facebook
  • ashash
    hmmm after reading that thread, maybe not. But a seriously good clean of it wouldn't go astray  :)
    Share on Facebook
  • LacehimLacehim
    AM found this nice post.  http://www.thuisbarista.nl/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=2945#p42538 This guy basically did my antivac mod, but did the it the other way around, and no cup to catch the drips.  Looks pretty good though. :) The boiler is silver too even though it's not new.  Mine turned blue straight away after only a few weeks use.  I did ask at the time and was told it was "normal".
    Share on Facebook
Sign In or Register to comment.

Coffee Forum

@ 2026 The Coffee Forum, All rights reserved.

Policies

Privacy Policy

Social