My Bench, and How it Came to Be
Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 5:34 am
Hey guys! Im a new poster here, and today I became the happy owner of a LS S1V2. Its and upgrade from an E-61 Quickmill Anita. I really liked using the Anita, and I learned a lot about espresso with her, but, as time went on, I realized more and more, a Dual Boiler was the machine for me. I was between the Duetto II and the S1V2 for the longest time. When I saw the V2 in person, I was taken back. The pictures did not do it justice until I saw it in person. Beautiful machine. Plus all the features, the extra warranty, the massive user base... BUT... Could I give up my love for 58mm and Synesso Baskets?
Fast forward to about a week ago. . . I get an email from a fellow CG'er/HB'er, entitled, "Synesso Baskets?" It was from John B. He saw a post I made on CG asking someone if they liked their Synesso baskets more then the stock baskets. John wanted to know what I thought of them, how much they held, etc etc.. I told him, and asked, "why, dont you have a Vivaldi"? He replied, Im in the process of buying a new machine, a dream machine, which has 58mm. Ill leave it to him to tell you about that, but the point is, he said he was selling his S1V2. His asking price was within what I could spend, granted that I put Anita up for sale. So I did. And I bought his S1V2. Now, let me say this. When I got to Johns house to pick it up, he already had it ready to go for me, including everything you get when you buy it new, even the shipping boxes. AS WELL AS, a Bottomless PF, Two Boiler Gaskets, Triple Basket, S5 Arm, 3 Steam Tips, and his much coveted "Super Model Legs". He spent a good 45 minutes with me showing me the insides and outsides, and going over everything with me, making sure I understood exactly what I was buying. What WAS I buying? I was buying the ABSOLUTE BEST CARED FOR USED MACHINE I've ever seen! Not a single ding, dent, scratch or mark! The insides were textbook! I was thrilled to see it in such condition. . . After all, Its not like there is a warranty on it anymore. But I can honestly say, John took damn good care of this machine, and it was such a pleasant and easy transaction. John is a great guy who loves coffee, and if you ever do business with him, I will vouch for his honesty and thoroughness any day of the week!
Ok.. NOW onto my NEW SETUP!!!!!
The Setup
The Upgrade.
The Closeup.
The Plumbing. FWIW, Im not running an Accumulator at the moment. Some people say you need it, others say its just nice to have. Since this is only for 4 months AT THE MAX, I thought Id see if I could save 70 bucks on the Accumulator/Fittings/Shipping. There is SOME Flutter on the gauge. . . BUT.. When flushing the group, the water flow is steady and constant. When pulling a shot, there is much less flutter, and the extraction is just as it should be. . . Steady and Consistent. No "pulsing" of the cone or basket bottom. Pre-INfusion-Ive only tried up to 4sec, but I get a steady 2.5B water flow, and a smooth ramp up. Since the 5Gal. Bottle and FloJet Module are placed on top of super puffy folded towels, they're incredibly quiet. The whole thing is quiet. I might add an Accumulator, if I have some extra money around Christmas, but again, this is only temporary, and it seems to be running fine. IF I was running like this permanently, I would DEFINITELY add the Accumulator.
Ok ok.. Enough Chatter for one post. Thats my new setup, and IMHO, selling Anita was definitely worth it. After only one session, I have a feeling Im going to be very, very happy with this machine for a long time.
Thanks for looking.
Fast forward to about a week ago. . . I get an email from a fellow CG'er/HB'er, entitled, "Synesso Baskets?" It was from John B. He saw a post I made on CG asking someone if they liked their Synesso baskets more then the stock baskets. John wanted to know what I thought of them, how much they held, etc etc.. I told him, and asked, "why, dont you have a Vivaldi"? He replied, Im in the process of buying a new machine, a dream machine, which has 58mm. Ill leave it to him to tell you about that, but the point is, he said he was selling his S1V2. His asking price was within what I could spend, granted that I put Anita up for sale. So I did. And I bought his S1V2. Now, let me say this. When I got to Johns house to pick it up, he already had it ready to go for me, including everything you get when you buy it new, even the shipping boxes. AS WELL AS, a Bottomless PF, Two Boiler Gaskets, Triple Basket, S5 Arm, 3 Steam Tips, and his much coveted "Super Model Legs". He spent a good 45 minutes with me showing me the insides and outsides, and going over everything with me, making sure I understood exactly what I was buying. What WAS I buying? I was buying the ABSOLUTE BEST CARED FOR USED MACHINE I've ever seen! Not a single ding, dent, scratch or mark! The insides were textbook! I was thrilled to see it in such condition. . . After all, Its not like there is a warranty on it anymore. But I can honestly say, John took damn good care of this machine, and it was such a pleasant and easy transaction. John is a great guy who loves coffee, and if you ever do business with him, I will vouch for his honesty and thoroughness any day of the week!
Ok.. NOW onto my NEW SETUP!!!!!
The Setup
The Upgrade.
The Closeup.
The Plumbing. FWIW, Im not running an Accumulator at the moment. Some people say you need it, others say its just nice to have. Since this is only for 4 months AT THE MAX, I thought Id see if I could save 70 bucks on the Accumulator/Fittings/Shipping. There is SOME Flutter on the gauge. . . BUT.. When flushing the group, the water flow is steady and constant. When pulling a shot, there is much less flutter, and the extraction is just as it should be. . . Steady and Consistent. No "pulsing" of the cone or basket bottom. Pre-INfusion-Ive only tried up to 4sec, but I get a steady 2.5B water flow, and a smooth ramp up. Since the 5Gal. Bottle and FloJet Module are placed on top of super puffy folded towels, they're incredibly quiet. The whole thing is quiet. I might add an Accumulator, if I have some extra money around Christmas, but again, this is only temporary, and it seems to be running fine. IF I was running like this permanently, I would DEFINITELY add the Accumulator.
Ok ok.. Enough Chatter for one post. Thats my new setup, and IMHO, selling Anita was definitely worth it. After only one session, I have a feeling Im going to be very, very happy with this machine for a long time.
Thanks for looking.