Help with spraying / channeling issue

[echappist]

I'll start by saying that this is a more recent phenomena, noticeable only in the last year or so. Before this, I actually didn't realize that channeling and spraying are issues. I don't have a good video of my extractions from late 2019, but the extraction at least appeared okay circa late 2018 (see video below; have to click through to link; I don't know how to embed it here).

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g0-...53EV3fz_s/view

Lately, I've been getting a lot of spraying (even with fresh beans), and i'm at a loss at what to do. If I grind coarser, the spraying actually gets worse. I'm not amused that one of the top videos (from Clive Coffee) basically suggests buying $300 worth of gadget to "remedy" the issue.

Perhaps at least the burrs in my grinder have given up the ghost and need to be replaced? They've been used for ~9-10 years and have yet to be replaced. I would think this would be more likely, given that I previously didn't have an issue. Or perhaps the grinder itself needs to be replaced, so I could dial it things better? This seems doubtful, as I have had the same set-up going back ~six years.

Any other suggestions?

[J_B]

Can you attach a video of the extraction now, where it sprays and channels?

Do you use any kind of distribution tool for the grinds when they are in the basket? This can help to reduce clumping which creates channeling if not distributed properly. On that note, if you’ve noticed a difference in grind appearance, barring any differences in coffee density and roast level, this can be a good indicator of your burrs being worn. The need to adjust to a progressively finer grind setting to achieve the same grind size is also a good indicator.

[echappist]

Thanks for the input. I don't currently use any distribution tool (never seemed to have needed it; then all the sudden I now do). Do you have a recommendation?

I'll take another video once I get a newer batch of beans. Current one is getting a tad old (perhaps up to three weeks since roasting?)

My wife has also given me the go ahead to buy a Niche grinder, but as that won't be available for a while, I want to see if I could nail things down on the existing equipment.

[dashDustin]

in your case, i'd suspect the burrs are toast. if you want to try something...

https://levercraftcoffee.com/collect...ibution-tool-1

I recently made my own one of these with a wine cork and 3d printer cleaning needles (.4mm). I'm surprised by how much it has actually helped.

[echappist]

That's really neat, thanks for the suggestion.

If at all possible, I'd like the gadget spending to stay under $100, so I can have some left over for the Niche grinder.

I'm also considering a funnel, but with the way the Niche doses, that might not even be necessary.

[tanghy]

you can save on the tool if you use the NSEW method or stockfleth's method for hand distribution

also make sure you are using the same dose in by weighing the grounds