Paraphanelia

[dashDustin]

Perhaps "tools" would be a better title?

Stuffs and things you use because they make your work better...

Just picked up a Joe Frex Technic tamper. Or, it just arrived today.

JoeFrex Technic Tamper Handle | Seattle Coffee Gear

Immediately realized that 95% of my tamping is way too low. The Technic is like a torque wrench for tamping. You set it to break where you want (mine is just under 30lbs), and apply pressure till it gives. For someone that's not pulling shots for 8hrs a day, I am guessing it'll help fine tune the tamp. Now I've read up on how important/ not important tamping is relative to everything else (grind, distribution, etc etc), but a lot of the other variables can be easily controlled. Tamping, not so much...and getting rid of just that one variable will help single out deficiencies elsewhere. Looking forward to this.

[mzilliox]

i recall my first days in the barista scene tamping on scales to understand just how much 30-40lbs pressure is. some would think the coffee counter was too low, but its way easier to tamp 40lbs on a 6hr shift when you can put your body over it some. high counters are a tough work!

this would have been useful, the scene has come a long way

[defspace]

Very cool. I really enjoy how much of coffee preparation is chemistry.

Dustin, I think you mentioned you had used another tamping/distribution tool in the past (something like the OCD, perhaps?). What was that unit?

[dashDustin]

Amazon.com: Coffee Distributor/Leveler Tool-New 3 Leaf Clover Base Palm Tampers Coffee Leveler Macaroon Tamper Proof for Espresso Coffee Grounds - 58mm (black): Kitchen & Dining

I meant to mention that...I pulled my first round of shots with a naked portafilter and this little guy last night on the new machine, and no channeling or spurts. I was impressed. I get the grounds pretty level in the portafilter, and then use this to make it even. i have it set pretty shallow so as to not compress the grinds any more than necessary.

[Cookietruck]

i'm lucky, on my lever machine all i have to do is fill the basket until there is a heaping pile on it, tap it a few times then use the tamp spread the grounds perfectly level with the top and then tamp. 18 grams every time...

[dashDustin]

Anyone using one of the >58mm tamps in their 58mm baskets? I've been thinking about getting a Pullman Big Step. It would answer the question I have had..."my 58mm tamp is slightly smaller than my baskets...what about channeling through those grounds?"

I've been using an Espresso Parts HQ basket and am getting really, really consistent shots.