Green Coffee Buying Club

Coffee Discussion boards => Hardware & Equipment => Topic started by: jspain on July 31, 2014, 05:18:27 PM

Title: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jspain on July 31, 2014, 05:18:27 PM
I went and did it!!!!!!!

I pulled the trigger on a Golden 1.5K GR1 Plus roaster from Turkey! I've been looking and toying with the idea for my passion now for probably 3 years. This was just the best for me at the right time.

I've always wanted the ability to control my roast, gas fired, and quality built! I actually was able to buy the floor model that was about 3 months old since Joshua was upgrading to a 5K machine. He also provides delivery and installation that was part of my purchase. I'm handy but I wanted to make sure I had a "turn key" machine installed properly and ready to go! That's what I've got! Delivery approximately 8/24! Can't wait! Besides that, Patti's OK with it!!!!!!! Anyone wanting to check out the machine is welcome to visit once it's installed. We love company!! Guess I'll have a great working 1# Sono for sale soon!

Joshua is also bringing in a 500-800 gram sample roaster for demo by the end of August. This is not a cheaper alternative to other roasters. However for my needs, delivery and set-up, and a quality roaster, it was the BEST option for me!  ;D
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jspain on July 31, 2014, 05:28:56 PM
Congrats, Jim, let us know how it works out.

Thanks Chris! I'm like a kid at Christmas that can't wait for Santa to come!
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: BoldJava on July 31, 2014, 05:35:20 PM
Fire that baby up!  Christmas comes early to Eastern OH.  Now roast some Buckeyes in it before the rest of the Big 10 does...<hoot>...
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: hankua on July 31, 2014, 05:46:46 PM
Yup  congratulations!
Now we want pictures.....
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jspain on July 31, 2014, 05:50:19 PM
Fire that baby up!  Christmas comes early to Eastern OH.  Now roast some Buckeyes in it before the rest of the Big 10 does...<hoot>...

BUCKEYS eat gopher meat only if the buzzards don't get to it as soon as the BUCKS defensive line KILLS IT! Wisconsin baby badgers couldn't beat the BUCKS so you moved to Gopher land! I'll bet theirs no better luck there!  ;)

Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jspain on July 31, 2014, 05:52:17 PM
Yup  congratulations!
Now we want pictures.....

Hank,

Check the 1# sample roaster option thread. Cammie posted my pics for me! Thanks for your help walking me through some options!
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: NightFlight on July 31, 2014, 06:10:08 PM
Sounds fantastic; pics, pics and more pics! Nothing tastes better than roasted buckeye nuts. GO BLUE!
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: peter on July 31, 2014, 06:13:24 PM
Rock on, ol' buddy!
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: GC7 on July 31, 2014, 06:20:32 PM
Nicely done! You sound like a kid who just got his wish to Santa answered early. Enjoy the learning curve and the coffee! Lots of it.
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jspain on July 31, 2014, 06:21:56 PM
Rock on, ol' buddy!

Thanks Peter! Now old Bold/Gopher needs to take a road trip and pick-up the warden to come see THE BUCKS here at Patti's Park some Saturday this fall and we'll roast some greens and cup. I'm so glad to have met so many great friends here at the club!
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: century on July 31, 2014, 08:11:44 PM

Congrats man. Very exciting.
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: Smksignals on July 31, 2014, 08:17:48 PM
Very cool ! Big congrats !
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: Cammie on July 31, 2014, 08:48:29 PM
So happy for you Jim.  :)
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: sosha on July 31, 2014, 09:28:24 PM
Woohoo!   Time for da big guns!
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jspain on August 01, 2014, 04:11:30 AM
Thanks all!

Now the install is next and then "THE LEARNING CURVE! I'll take lot of pics of the install and "MAY BE" get them posted!
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: BoldJava on August 01, 2014, 04:17:57 AM
Thanks all!

Now the install is next and then "THE LEARNING CURVE! I'll take lot of pics of the install and "MAY BE" get them posted!


Jim, use this simple online app to "right size" large pics.

http://www.shrinkpictures.com/ (http://www.shrinkpictures.com/)

Also, your phone can be reset to a size that is commensurate with online postings.  Check "camera>settings."

Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jimbo on August 01, 2014, 05:32:39 AM
Nice Jim.  I was about to respond to the other thread.  I am going to be in Youngstown later in August, so may have to make a stop at Stone Fruit.  This really looks like a serious contender for me. 

Congrats!!

Jim
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jspain on August 01, 2014, 05:56:35 AM
Thanks all!

Now the install is next and then "THE LEARNING CURVE! I'll take lot of pics of the install and "MAY BE" get them posted!


Jim, use this simple online app to "right size" large pics.

[url]http://www.shrinkpictures.com/[/url] ([url]http://www.shrinkpictures.com/[/url])

Also, your phone can be reset to a size that is commensurate with online postings.  Check "camera>settings."


Thanks Dave! Patti is able to post to Facebook. She's looking at the settings now and may be we'll get that figured out....
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jspain on August 01, 2014, 06:02:35 AM
Nice Jim.  I was about to respond to the other thread.  I am going to be in Youngstown later in August, so may have to make a stop at Stone Fruit.  This really looks like a serious contender for me. 

Congrats!!

Jim

Jimbo,

I'm sure Joshua would be glad to let you take a test drive. I am two hours south of Youngstown and you are welcome to stop by the cabin and roast on the 1GR Plus if she's installed by then? Looking at the 24th of August for install. Send me a PM and I'll give you directions to the cabin, address and phone number! You are welcome to spend the night if time allows.
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: Tourman on August 01, 2014, 07:27:51 AM
Congrats Jim...Christmas did indeed come early! For the life of me I can't make my calendar move any faster  :(

Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: milowebailey on August 01, 2014, 09:07:42 AM
Congrats Jim!  I know you will wonder why you didn't pull the trigger sooner, once you start using it!
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jspain on August 01, 2014, 09:19:51 AM
Congrats Jim!  I know you will wonder why you didn't pull the trigger sooner, once you start using it!

Thanks Larry and I'm sure you're right!

As you know I've been looking for several years. It will be fun "learning to roast" all over again!
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: SJM on August 01, 2014, 09:54:21 AM
And such a sweet song!!!!

Good for you Jim.

Susan
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jspain on August 01, 2014, 11:27:06 AM
And such a sweet song!!!!

Good for you Jim.

Susan

Now I guess I'll need to catch up with the California girls and buy ANOTHER LEVER! Thanks Susan!
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: Nucer on August 01, 2014, 02:08:56 PM
Congrats!  It is about time for me to wangle another trip to corporate headquarters and make the trip to Ohio.  Enjoy your new toy!

(waiting to hear how great this roaster is from Benbrook, Texas)
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jspain on August 01, 2014, 02:22:48 PM
Congrats!  It is about time for me to wangle another trip to corporate headquarters and make the trip to Ohio.  Enjoy your new toy!

(waiting to hear how great this roaster is from Benbrook, Texas)
You're always welcome here at the cabin! I haven't seen Rob (draggoth) for a couple years. His health has not been good. You'll need to stop by and check out the new toy!
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: Ascholten on August 01, 2014, 04:10:45 PM
I think you will be happy with your new toy.  Yes I know, you have that little butterfly bouncing around in your stomach saying, you spent HOW much for WHAT!!!   It will pass and you will soon see it was money well spent.

congrats on the new member of the family.

Aaron
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: peter on August 01, 2014, 04:15:45 PM
And such a sweet song!!!!

Good for you Jim.

Susan

I just want to hear that Patti can't sing.   ;)
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jimbo on August 02, 2014, 06:35:27 AM

Jimbo,

I'm sure Joshua would be glad to let you take a test drive. I am two hours south of Youngstown and you are welcome to stop by the cabin and roast on the 1GR Plus if she's installed by then? Looking at the 24th of August for install. Send me a PM and I'll give you directions to the cabin, address and phone number! You are welcome to spend the night if time allows.

Thanks for the gracious offer Jim. I will be working in Youngstown 8/26-8/28.  Not sure if those days will work, but I will at least try to hit the coffee shop.  Maybe one weekend after you get it "dialed in" (shouldn't take more than a roast or two, right  8) ) my wife and I can pop in.

Good luck!!

Jim
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jspain on August 02, 2014, 07:59:53 AM

Jimbo,

I'm sure Joshua would be glad to let you take a test drive. I am two hours south of Youngstown and you are welcome to stop by the cabin and roast on the 1GR Plus if she's installed by then? Looking at the 24th of August for install. Send me a PM and I'll give you directions to the cabin, address and phone number! You are welcome to spend the night if time allows.

Thanks for the gracious offer Jim. I will be working in Youngstown 8/26-8/28.  Not sure if those days will work, but I will at least try to hit the coffee shop.  Maybe one weekend after you get it "dialed in" (shouldn't take more than a roast or two, right  8) ) my wife and I can pop in.

Good luck!!

Jim

Looking forward to meeting you and your wife Jim!  Joshua should have his 5K and 1# sample roaster up and running by then??
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: Ray T on August 02, 2014, 10:28:39 AM
Congrats Jim.
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: woodstock on August 02, 2014, 07:06:26 PM
Congrats!  Looking forward to your updates!
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: Ascholten on August 03, 2014, 03:58:50 AM
How long did they say to deliver it to you?

Aaron
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jspain on August 03, 2014, 05:06:43 AM
Looking to have it delivered and installed on 8/24. Hpwever I shared with Joshua that if his new 5K isn't ready to rock I'd be willing to be patient..... ?
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: 9Sbeans on August 03, 2014, 08:29:00 AM
BUCKEYS eat gopher meat only if the buzzards don't get to it as soon as the BUCKS defensive line KILLS IT! Wisconsin baby badgers couldn't beat the BUCKS so you moved to Gopher land! I'll bet theirs no better luck there!  ;)
There is an old joke; Big Ten couldn’t count to 10. :D

Congrats Jim.  You are the first one to score.  I’ll be waiting for their 1# roaster update.

Go Bucks!
Pat
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jspain on August 24, 2014, 05:53:30 PM
OK, Here we go with my first 3 roasts!

First a few initial observations.... The new roaster is a beast! Heavy duty but very quiet. Easily hear the cracks. This roaster, the Golden GR1 Plus, is a 1.5K roaster. Solid steel drum of heavy steel. Direct fire with three burners. 4 motors for continual roasting, fan, drum, and temp control. This roaster did not come with data logging but is available upon order. I like to manually log, no problem.

I dropped the first roast at 175 degree C. 2# 8 oz load. Joshua did 3.3# loads only. I want to have 2# finish roast and that is 70% of capacity which most folks say is optimum on a drum....  Damper and fan @ 50% and hit first crack at 5mins and roast city plus at 8 min. Too fast but looks great. My guess is it's under developed?

Second roast dropped at 165 degree C  and hit first crack at 5 min and 30 seconds and the  roast pulled at 9 minutes, full city plus. Too fast and too dark "I think." Roast 1 and 2 were a Columbian grown at 1750 meters.

Last roast a Nic grown at 1500 meters dropped @ 160 degree C and the damper opened 100% and exhaust fan faster. First crack @ 7 min and 30 seconds. Temp increased @ 7 minutes and fan slowed. Roast pulled at the end of 1st crack at 11 mins. City plus and actually could have gone another min! I believe I'm getting closer with that one? Now, Cupping in three days to include a basis roast of the same Columbian from my 1# Sono to compare.... I'll update with results.  "After vacation to lake Michigan!"

Joshua will have his 5K installed in about a week. The 500 gram sample roaster will be coming in in 2 weeks. I'm going to test drive her once she comes and is running up in Canfield. Joshua presents it will roast 600-800 grams....?

 
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: peter on August 24, 2014, 07:07:11 PM
Maybe I'm mis-reading, but it looks like you're only adjust damper and fan.  Have you considered playing w/ the gas too?
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: milowebailey on August 24, 2014, 08:02:06 PM
Jim

I'm with peter on this.... adjust your gas pressure.. I assume it has a gas valve on it? 

You can be the logger.. Run a batch with gas, air and damper full open.  Draw a simple graph and plot the temperature each minute.  Note the time of first crack.  Then plot of what profile you want to run.  Say the blue line below.  Guess how much to reduce the gas to slow it down... you might need full gas for the first few minutes then need to reduce it.  Do a few roasts with different adjustments, keep track of the temperature each minute of the roast and adjust the gas to suit.  Get comfortable with the gas adjustment and where you need to run it, once you have the time of the roast where you want it do it again adjusting your air.  If you don't have a gas gauge, consider installing one, then you will be more accurate.... You'll get a hang of it once you have a few more roasts under your belt.  I charge my roaster typically at 385 degrees, but I'm roasting 4.5 lbs of green most of the time.  I hit first at about 10 minutes with gas at about 90%.

your sono really didn't have any adjustment... drum roaster roasting is very different (you now have control :) )

(http://noquartercoffee.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/sidamo1.jpg?w=450&h=305)
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jspain on August 25, 2014, 05:04:59 AM
Peter and Larry,

The roaster has a gauge at the roaster and at the tank. However the roaster itself has a digital temp setting that is for adjustments. It has an alarm system that keeps temp at the set temp. To keep the flame from firing I change the temp setting digital control. My first three roasts I tried to just mess with airflow to control temp but I do see that I will need to reset the temp as the roast progresses. The airflow helps but without lowering the temp gauge the roaster responses to more air flow by firing again to regain loss temp. Commercial roasters roast FAST! I Need to make those temp adjustment then add air flow to more quickly change temp after those first 4 minutes. Getting a handle on that will take a few more roasts. I could just adjust the gas gauge but it appears to me that the temp setting gauge is for that purpose......

Thanks for your insights!. Now it's a matter of those fine touches and how to make them!  FUN in OHIO!

Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: peter on August 25, 2014, 09:02:24 AM
If I'm reading you right, when you adjust your temp, can you see a change in the gas pressure?  If that's the case I'd learn to roast by setting the gas pressure at certain time points, using the temp adjustment. 

That seems a bit odd for a roaster to be set up that way, but it may be their way of adding a bit of automation, to let you set the temp and let the roaster determine the gas it needs to reach and maintain that temp setting.

Do you have another temp reading for the beans, besides the temp reading that is connected to the gas pressure?

Or, maybe I have it all wrong...
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jspain on August 25, 2014, 02:39:50 PM
If I'm reading you right, when you adjust your temp, can you see a change in the gas pressure?  If that's the case I'd learn to roast by setting the gas pressure at certain time points, using the temp adjustment. 

That seems a bit odd for a roaster to be set up that way, but it may be their way of adding a bit of automation, to let you set the temp and let the roaster determine the gas it needs to reach and maintain that temp setting.

Do you have another temp reading for the beans, besides the temp reading that is connected to the gas pressure?

Or, maybe I have it all wrong...

Peter,

Your part right. The temp setting is a digital  setting that can be adjusted. There is bean temp and exhaust temp readings. Those first 3 roasts were just to get the feel and to mimic to a degree what Josh from Stone fruit did as he roasted. I believe Josh's temp spread was not enough thus I am now going to start adjusting the temp and let the automated temp gauge work. I'll set the first temp setting for drop temp, then lower the gauge to allow a good drop before I ramp just before first crack. I'm working toward a 12 minute roast, first crack at 8 minutes... There is no read out of gas pressure at the roaster other than the reading on the gauge itself. The manual presents temp adjustments made at the temp gauge and allow the automated temp sensor to call for heat (fire) or not. The one issue I see is that the solid drum is thick and adjusting temp after drop will be a challenge. However with the temp change and airflow I believe I'll hit the mark.

Thanks again for your input. Sometimes I read too much and try too hard, but that's the fun of experimentation and the search for the perfect cup!
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: peter on August 25, 2014, 03:03:28 PM
I think the difference you're seeing between your roast times and Josh's are due to his larger batch size.

I'd still recommend setting your gas according to the reading on the gauge.  Your drum is most likely similar to the drum on Larry's and my Ambex.  All it takes is knowing how far in advance you need to change things.  Having that heat in the drum's mass is a great thing once you know how it'll react; it's almost impossible to stall in 1C, and with very little flame you can get a very smooth and gradual temp rise during and after 1C automatically.
Title: Re: The Fat lady sang!
Post by: jspain on August 25, 2014, 03:34:58 PM
I think the difference you're seeing between your roast times and Josh's are due to his larger batch size.

I'd still recommend setting your gas according to the reading on the gauge.  Your drum is most likely similar to the drum on Larry's and my Ambex.  All it takes is knowing how far in advance you need to change things.  Having that heat in the drum's mass is a great thing once you know how it'll react; it's almost impossible to stall in 1C, and with very little flame you can get a very smooth and gradual temp rise during and after 1C automatically.

YEP! I totally agree and I'm on board!

Now Patti and I are heading to northern Lake Mich. for 10 days and a bit of salmon fishing. Once I get home I HOPE my "Grounds for Health" greens are ready to ship to OHIO and I'll be a roasting maniac!!!!

Thanks again Warden for your help and support! Hope to see you soon on a visit towards friends.