Green Coffee Buying Club
Coffee Discussion boards => Hardware & Equipment => Topic started by: milowebailey on August 30, 2010, 01:46:49 PM
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The problem with having more than one espresso machine is now I need a better tamper for the cabin. That lame plastic one that comes with the Gaggias just isn't cutting it.
What tamper should I buy?
convex
concave
flat
stainless
wood
ribbed
What is the difference and what are the benefits of each?
and do I need a tamper tote ;D
(http://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/v/vspfiles/photos/SCG10070-2.jpg)
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Wacker Vibroplate Tamper
http://www.rentaldepot.com/wacker_vibroplate_tamper.html (http://www.rentaldepot.com/wacker_vibroplate_tamper.html)
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Wacker Vibroplate Tamper
[url]http://www.rentaldepot.com/wacker_vibroplate_tamper.html[/url] ([url]http://www.rentaldepot.com/wacker_vibroplate_tamper.html[/url])
Benefits please! ;D
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Wacker Vibroplate Tamper
[url]http://www.rentaldepot.com/wacker_vibroplate_tamper.html[/url] ([url]http://www.rentaldepot.com/wacker_vibroplate_tamper.html[/url])
I need one of those for projects in my back yard for a day (and a couple yards of stone)
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What tamper should I buy?
convex
concave
flat
stainless
wood
ribbed
Where is 'pretty?' My only criterion is 'eye candy.' That's sufficient.
B|Java
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What tamper should I buy?
convex
concave
flat
stainless
wood
ribbed
Where is 'pretty?' My only criterion is 'eye candy.' That's sufficient.
B|Java
That's the only reason he keeps me around.
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how about a group buy on Gorilla Tampers?
http://gorillatampers.com/ (http://gorillatampers.com/)
we could offer "pretty peter" as a spokesmodel for them.
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My $0.02...
Get a good tamper of either shape and you will build your routine around it.
Having multiple machines, baskets and tampers I'm not so sure about so I could also see a case for getting what you are used to at home.
But I started out with a convex Deluxe Lava and over time have switched over to a generic flat SS. My main reason for switching was the feel in my hand and it has slightly more heft. It's the little things ya know?
Anyway, I saw quality is paramount and the shape of slightly convex or flat isn't going to be as important a consideration once you build 100 shots with it.
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My $0.02...
Get a good tamper of either shape and you will build your routine around it.
Having multiple machines, baskets and tampers I'm not so sure about so I could also see a case for getting what you are used to at home.
But I started out with a convex Deluxe Lava and over time have switched over to a generic flat SS. My main reason for switching was the feel in my hand and it has slightly more heft. It's the little things ya know?
Anyway, I saw quality is paramount and the shape of slightly convex or flat isn't going to be as important a consideration once you build 100 shots with it.
+1.
I started with s spring loaded Espro to train with, then went on a buying spree of tampers - Thor tamper in olive wood, Bumper concave, Reg Barber SS/aluminum flat tamper, another RB wood handle with a hybrid base - flat center with angled edges, and a generic hefty SS flat one from Amazon. Like John, I prefer the heft of the generic one and use it for almost all my espresso needs.
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[url]http://www.espressoaccents.com/custom.html[/url] ([url]http://www.espressoaccents.com/custom.html[/url])
I don't think the one with the long handle is a good idea but some of the other links look spiffy. ;)
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Larry ... if you have a local store that stocks them why not check them out in person. Feel them all and go with the one that feels the most comfortable in your hand.
My 2 cents.
:)
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Larry ... if you have a local store that stocks them why not check them out in person. Feel them all and go with the one that feels the most comfortable in your hand.
My 2 cents.
:)
I think there are a few stores in Seattle. I do have a generic rosewood handled stainless for home, but always wondered about other types and thoughts on them.
Is this really true? (http://www.coffeecomplements.com/products-page/)
Serrated face creates more surface area for the water to pass through the coffee, prevent channeling.
I do like the fact that those are made in the USA... and they have the bling factor
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Serrated face creates more surface area for the water to pass through the coffee, prevent channeling.
Only one way to find out but I doubt it.
As best I know channeling is not caused by lack of surface area and even if it was I don't think tiny ridges are going to help even if that does create a meaningful increase in surface area.
If anything it might produce an odd/uneven surface that causes other things to happen.
But that is just a hunch.
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If I had the disposable income, Cannonfodder at HB is the man I'd go to for custom espresso accessories. Have a look at some of his creations.http://www.home-barista.com/marketplace/custom-wood-for-your-espresso-machine-t10642.html (http://www.home-barista.com/marketplace/custom-wood-for-your-espresso-machine-t10642.html)
Steve, in Ft. Worth.
What tamper should I buy?
convex
concave
flat
stainless
wood
ribbed
Where is 'pretty?' My only criterion is 'eye candy.' That's sufficient.
B|Java
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Certainly candy for the eyes.
If I'm not mistaken B|WoodConverter had his handles redone perhaps by him.
:)
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Certainly candy for the eyes.
If I'm not mistaken B|WoodConverter had his handles redone perhaps by him.
:)
Yes, that would be he. This is my olive wood portafilter, on display on his set-up.
B|Java
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I've said it before and I'll say it again ... candy for the eye B|OliveWood.
;D
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I've said it before and I'll say it again ... candy for the eye B|OliveWood.
;D
Dave puts a special Danish finish (actually 5-6 coats, I believe) that lends the sheen and permits the portafilter to better stand up to water.
B|Java
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Is this really true? ([url]http://www.coffeecomplements.com/products-page/[/url])
Serrated face creates more surface area for the water to pass through the coffee, prevent channeling.
I do like the fact that those are made in the USA... and they have the bling factor
I find that one pretty interesting also. In fact, I like the look of a lot of their tampers. The "Zero Effort Tamper" and the "Heavy Espresso" tamps look good to me.
Here's an idea. You and I buy the Serrated Tamp. One of us gets the flat and the other gets the convex. We use them for a while and then trade.
Of course, that means I would have to get an espresso machine to go with it......
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Is this really true? ([url]http://www.coffeecomplements.com/products-page/[/url])
Serrated face creates more surface area for the water to pass through the coffee, prevent channeling.
I do like the fact that those are made in the USA... and they have the bling factor
I find that one pretty interesting also. In fact, I like the look of a lot of their tampers. The "Zero Effort Tamper" and the "Heavy Espresso" tamps look good to me.
Here's an idea. You and I buy the Serrated Tamp. One of us gets the flat and the other gets the convex. We use them for a while and then trade.
Of course, that means I would have to get an espresso machine to go with it......
ok.... I'm game
edit: I was going to buy one, but shipping is $12 for a $34 item... that ticks me off... I'm going to head down to Visions and see what they have or go to Seattle Coffee Gear and peak at theirs....
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Still intrigues me. Shipping was less to Wisconsin ???
If I buy an espresso Machine ;), I will probably still consider one of theirs. I must admit I also like the CafeLat (formerly Bumper) which lists Visions as a seller. The Royal Tamper and the drop tampers look pretty cool. Let me know what they are like in person.
http://www.cafelat.com/product.php?tid=10 (http://www.cafelat.com/product.php?tid=10)
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Still intrigues me. Shipping was less to Wisconsin ???
If I buy an espresso Machine ;), I will probably still consider one of theirs. I must admit I also like the CafeLat (formerly Bumper) which lists Visions as a seller. The Royal Tamper and the drop tampers look pretty cool. Let me know what they are like in person.
[url]http://www.cafelat.com/product.php?tid=10[/url] ([url]http://www.cafelat.com/product.php?tid=10[/url])
"If" (not when) remains the operative word in the Mystery Shopper's vocabulary.
B|Java
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After I add shipping, the custom tamps are the same or less than the CafeLat tampers.
It is much easier to commit to a tamper than a machine.
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It is much easier to commit to a tamper than a machine.
That's like having one of these:
(http://common2.csnimages.com/lf/1/hash/1096/1664643/1/Tender+Oar+in+Red.jpg)
without one of these
(http://www.spstudio.com/rowboat1.JPG)
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Flat, convex, serrated, or smooth - all for the same price. No games; they look good and work even better. Leave the fancy stuff to the effete baristas, real men use these!
http://www.coffeecomplements.com/products-page/ (http://www.coffeecomplements.com/products-page/)
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It is much easier to commit to a tamper than a machine.
That's like having one of these:
([url]http://www.spstudio.com/rowboat1.JPG[/url])
but only having one of these;
(http://common2.csnimages.com/lf/1/hash/1096/1664643/1/Tender+Oar+in+Red.jpg)
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Flat, convex, serrated, or smooth - all for the same price. No games; they look good and work even better. Leave the fancy stuff to the effete baristas, real men use these!
[url]http://www.coffeecomplements.com/products-page/[/url] ([url]http://www.coffeecomplements.com/products-page/[/url])
and you use....
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Flat, convex, serrated, or smooth - all for the same price. No games; they look good and work even better. Leave the fancy stuff to the effete baristas, real men use these!
[url]http://www.coffeecomplements.com/products-page/[/url] ([url]http://www.coffeecomplements.com/products-page/[/url])
and you use....
I have 3 of theirs; 1 flat 58mm, 1 convex 58mm, and 1 convex 49mm. Ridged: I don't quite understand the reasoning for that, since most folks spin the tamper at the end to "polish" the puck?
Plus I have an assortment of more expensive tampers that never get used for one reason or another: too light (wood), too heavy (2lb all stainless monster), poor fit and finish, etc.
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I was thinking the ridged would have to be a good fit for it to produce a consistent finish.
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I was thinking the ridged would have to be a good fit for it to produce a consistent finish.
You'll tamp to a level that's below the grouphead. Once water is introduced, the puck swells to fill the void, and those pretty ridges disappear.
I've used the convex & flat tampers on back to back to back to..., and couldn't discern any advantage one had over the other. When the ridged tampers came along I laughed out loud at the prices tamper makers were charging for this improvement.
:laughing4:
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I was thinking the ridged would have to be a good fit for it to produce a consistent finish.
You'll tamp to a level that's below the grouphead. Once water is introduced, the puck swells to fill the void, and those pretty ridges disappear.
I've used the convex & flat tampers on back to back to back to..., and couldn't discern any advantage one had over the other. When the ridged tampers came along I laughed out loud at the prices tamper makers were charging for this improvement.
:laughing4:
Next up will be tampers with intermittent dig-outs underneath.
:-X
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If I had one, I am sure I could convince people I know that it makes my espresso better.
I say lots of things about coffee that they never heard before and some of them are even true.
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If I had one, I am sure I could convince people I know that it makes my espresso better.
I say lots of things about coffee that they never heard before and some of them are even true.
Whereas, I speak nothing but the truth and folks doubt me. :(
:laughing4:
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Whereas, I speak nothing but the truth and folks doubt me. :(
:laughing4:
I don't believe you! ;D
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Whereas, I speak nothing but the truth and folks doubt me. :(
:laughing4:
I don't believe you! ;D
I know, it's difficult to believe folks don't have more faith in me, isn't it? ;D
Go figure! :P
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another link to some pretty far out tampers made by Curt.
http://www.newtamper.com/ (http://www.newtamper.com/)
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If I had one, I am sure I could convince people I know that it makes my espresso better.
In fact, I am pretty sure that the ripple tamper or serrated tamper would be ideal in machines with a pre-infusion. The ripples give it a greater surface area for absorption. There is also more area for the grounds to expand into during pre-infusion. Perfect!
peter should buy one!
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If I had one, I am sure I could convince people I know that it makes my espresso better.
In fact, I am pretty sure that the ripple tamper or serrated tamper would be ideal in machines with a pre-infusion. The ripples give it a greater surface area for absorption. There is also more area for the grounds to expand into during pre-infusion. Perfect!
peter should buy one!
Better yet, you can bring yours over, and Mr. Ripple can duke it out with Mr. Barber.
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I guess....
Your machine has pre-infusion and mine... well mine,,,, wait - I don't have one.
Somehow this isn't making sense, is it?
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Since when did that have to happen?
???
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Since when did that have to happen?
???
I must have forgotten where I was.
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Since when did that have to happen?
???
I must have forgotten where I was.
In fact ... bring your tamper when you come for a shot from Miss Tea.
;D
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have tamper will travel.
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I had a buddy in HS who built his Triumph piece by piece. He started with the handle bars, then the fenders and forks, working his way slowly (2 years IIRC?) until he rode HIS bike to our commencement.
He remind you of someone? ???
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Whereas, I speak nothing but the truth and folks doubt me. :(
:laughing4:
this was niggling at me. Then I remembered that it reminded me of a quote from Mark Twain:
There is no character, howsoever good and fine, but it can be destroyed by ridicule, howsoever poor and witless. Observe the ass, for instance: his character is about perfect, he is the choicest spirit among all the humbler animals, yet see what ridicule has brought him to. Instead of feeling complimented when we are called an ass, we are left in doubt.
- Pudd'nhead Wilson
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all this reading about tampers got me inspired to make some.
My only question is what diameter are the heads/faces? is it a standard size?
can someone post that info, since I don't have an espresso machine (yet) it's hard to tell the correct size.
Thanx,
Kris "I've been Lurking" S.
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all this reading about tampers got me inspired to make some.
My only question is what diameter are the heads/faces? is it a standard size?
can someone post that info, since I don't have an espresso machine (yet) it's hard to tell the correct size.
Thanx,
Kris "I've been Lurking" S.
The tamper size depends on the size of the portafilter the espresso machine has. Not all espresso machines have the same portafilter sizes.
:)
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57.5 mm for a 58mm portafilter. ;D
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all this reading about tampers got me inspired to make some.
My only question is what diameter are the heads/faces? is it a standard size?
can someone post that info, since I don't have an espresso machine (yet) it's hard to tell the correct size.
Thanx,
Kris "I've been Lurking" S.
Try this.
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Dunno if it was mentioned somewhere in this thread (TL;DR), but I learned today that there exists
a tamper that clicks when 35 lb. of force is applied. (I'm new to espresso.)
Naturally, one can always go one better. (http://www.autotamp.com/)
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we'll see if Gorilla Tampers returns my contact.
Group buy or GCBC tamp?
who's artistic around here?
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we haven't replaced Hanan's logo yet.
(http://www.greencoffeebuyingclub.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2644.0;attach=2382;image)
We could just use the GCBC portion on the handle?
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What ever happened to Hanan?
???
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Dunno if it was mentioned somewhere in this thread (TL;DR), but I learned today that there exists
a tamper that clicks when 35 lb. of force is applied. (I'm new to espresso.)
Naturally, one can always go one better. ([url]http://www.autotamp.com/[/url])
Yeah, and there's a cool machine that if you put beans and water in, it'll make coffee. ::)
Automation is the bane of real baristas! >:D
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Man, I NEED one of those! ;D
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Dunno if it was mentioned somewhere in this thread (TL;DR), but I learned today that there exists
a tamper that clicks when 35 lb. of force is applied. (I'm new to espresso.)
Naturally, one can always go one better. ([url]http://www.autotamp.com/[/url])
You're referring to the Espro (http://www.espro.ca/tamper/), which is what I learned with. Pretty cool, and still in my arsenal for friends who want to try pulling their own shots.
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I think Laforza might be able to use more of the old logo.
http://laforzatamp.com/ (http://laforzatamp.com/)
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I see the AutoTamp video had JohnF demonstrating his fine technique at 00:26. Surprised you let them use you for their advertisement John.
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Surprised you let them use you for their advertisement John.
I was unaware somebody was filming me.. :( ...my lawyers will be in contact.
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Surprised you let them use you for their advertisement John.
I was unaware somebody was filming me.. :( ...my lawyers will be in contact.
Whazat, the Gaggia OEM tamper?
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Whazat, the Gaggia OEM tamper?
It's my extra vintage super old school tamper.
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here's one I kind of like:
(http://www.artazza.com/images/tampers/popup_walnut_titanium.jpg)
Milo, have you been to Visions yet?
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Whazat, the Gaggia OEM tamper?
It's my extra vintage super old school tamper.
Too frou-frou for me! ;D
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Tex likes the "Kopitamp"
(http://www.animalcoffee.com/images/natural1.jpg)
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here's one I kind of like:
([url]http://www.artazza.com/images/tampers/popup_walnut_titanium.jpg[/url])
Milo, have you been to Visions yet?
Yes, I've been there twice, but it's a candy store... you can't look at everything in one visit.
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(http://) I like this one, found here http://www.answers.com/topic/tamper (http://www.answers.com/topic/tamper) ;D
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Thanks for all the input folks...... ;D
Looks like I still know as much about this topic as I did before I started it! I must be an expert!
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Thanks for all the input folks...... ;D
Looks like I still know as much about this topic as I did before I started it! I must be an expert!
OK, here it is.
A Reg Barber tamper with a C-ripple brass base produces sweeter shots than a standard flat or convex tamper. Because you are using brass which is known for its healing properties (especially for arthritis), your shots will also have those healing effects.
Can I go now?
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Can I go now?
no!
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Can I go now?
no!
good, 'cause I jes' found this pic of John demonstrating the paleotamp
(http://scienceblogs.com/thusspakezuska/pink%20caveman.jpg)
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Maybe that wasn't John.
I DID find a serrated tamp for you on eBay. The shipping costs were better.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270621398242&var=570007479039&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270621398242&var=570007479039&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT)
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I've decided to visit Visions and get a bunch of them in my hand.... I may just buy another one of the generic Rosewood/stainless tampers I have now. My whole premise was to learn if one was better than the other.
I think what I've learned is tampers are like hammers....it's not the hammer that builds the house.........all of them will work, get one you like.....
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/2842411103_f1313311fb_m.jpg)
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I did find a few reviews with blind tasting that suggested the C-ripple produced sweeter shots, FWIW.
And Visions has it on their site.
They also have the Cafelat Drop and Royal which look cool.
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Milo,
What would have been fun at this juncture would be to have the case of about 9 tampers that Ron L had about 3 years ago. I think it was off H-B where someone had arranged a traveling case with a retailer. All different styles, heights, weights, feels etc. I had no idea what I was looking at then. Would enjoy it now. Could put a collage of photos featuring Shotzie and Grumpschmidtz working over them like a game of 9-ball.
B|Java
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I've decided to visit Visions and get a bunch of them in my hand.... I may just buy another one of the generic Rosewood/stainless tampers I have now. My whole premise was to learn if one was better than the other.
That sounds like wisdom Larry. Hold them. The one that Py posted from Visions doesn't look comfortable, mainly because I push w/ my fingers on the base and not only w/ my palm on the knob. I got lucky w/ my RB, not knowing what I was in for, it is perfect for my hand.
All different styles, heights, weights, feels etc. I had no idea what I was looking at then. Would enjoy it now. Could put a collage of photos featuring Shotzie and Grumpschmidtz working over them like a game of 9-ball.
B|Java
Good thing I have hair on my palms. :D
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That tamper (I think it's the one you re talking about) was one of the Torr tampers (Burled walnut tamper
with black titanium base) from Artazza.
the ebay seller seems to be the same as coffeecomplements.com
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we'll see if Gorilla Tampers returns my contact.
Group buy or GCBC tamp?
who's artistic around here?
I used this one on the cupping spoon group buy
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Too frou-frou for me! ;D
That was hysterical. ;D
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New item (coincidentally) on 1st line "Build a tamper"
http://www.1st-line.com/parts/other/buildatamper.htm (http://www.1st-line.com/parts/other/buildatamper.htm)
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Decided on my tamper:
(http://greatinfusions.com/madronebuffaloSM.jpg)
Height: 3.5"
Weight: 22 oz.
Convex: 1.5mm
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Decided on my tamper:
Decided or pulled the trigger?
B|Java
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Decided on my tamper:
Decided or pulled the trigger?
B|Java
Hahaha ... good question.
:)
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I have been a coin collector for a long time. The Buffalo head nickle has always been a favorite of mine. It's probably Politically and culturally incorrect, but I like it.
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I have been a coin collector for a long time. The Buffalo head nickle has always been a favorite of mine. It's probably Politically and culturally incorrect, but I like it.
Great question diversion strategy.
:icon_thumleft:
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Tall tamper, heavy convex bottom, ecologically harvested wood.
And the guy with the serrated bottom tampers never answered my emails.
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Tall tamper, heavy convex bottom, ecologically harvested wood.
And the guy with the serrated bottom tampers never answered my emails.
Sounds good ... so have you pulled the trigger ... or are you still sourcing many more candidates?
???
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My tamper should be on its way.
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My tamper should be on its way.
Really ... congratulations are in order ... a brand new tamper to Py. Of course we need a picture of the beast when it comes in.
;D
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My tamper should be on its way.
Really ... congratulations are in order ... a brand new tamper to Py. Of course we need a picture of the beast when it comes in.
;D
I guess he's not going to follow suit on the Vivaldi then. :-[
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It fits the bottomless portafilter I am getting.
(http://www.1st-line.net/mas_assets/full/50890.jpg)
http://www.1st-line.net/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=50890&type=store (http://www.1st-line.net/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=50890&type=store)
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It fits the bottomless portafilter I am getting.
([url]http://www.1st-line.net/mas_assets/full/50890.jpg[/url])
[url]http://www.1st-line.net/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=50890&type=store[/url] ([url]http://www.1st-line.net/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=50890&type=store[/url])
Great start Py!
:)
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It fits the bottomless portafilter I am getting.
[url]http://www.1st-line.net/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=50890&type=store[/url] ([url]http://www.1st-line.net/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=50890&type=store[/url])
And what pray tell, will that be fitting to?
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The portafilter fits the tamper so I can practice tamping. (http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Jfk9Hss3fQev1M:http://www.emofaces.com/en/emoticons/j/jigsaw-puzzle-emoticon.gif&t=1)
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The portafilter fits the tamper so I can practice tamping. ([url]http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Jfk9Hss3fQev1M:http://www.emofaces.com/en/emoticons/j/jigsaw-puzzle-emoticon.gif&t=1[/url])
Don't know why I didn't think of that first. ::)
You can always practice tamping over here too. :angel:
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The portafilter arrived today.
And brought a friend:
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They look great!
So where you pulling your espresso shots?
???
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Eagleton, WI?
(http://www.greencoffeebuyingclub.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=10467.0;attach=8620;image)