Wooden and SS Group Handles.

System

on 1303627874:

You could become the Reg Barber of Group Handles!

These are beautiful AM - have you tried other timbers?

Hey mine are beginners...  I have done quite a few and my old machines as posted on CS have had handles and Tamps all matching etc.

If ya want to look at some nice stuff, go here

However if I could get a good timber a mate has a full wood working and turning business and has a copier wood lathe.  Thus could make one and could mass produce another 100 in a short time.  The trick is to get the right timber and that way each will still be a one of a kind.

Chasing some strange and wonderfull Australian wood right now and the WoodTurners show is being held in Brisbane in May, so will be there as well.

They have also started a Coffee Thread as, after my posting along with Sir Stinkalot  a few put their hands up as to being Coffee mad as well.

We all recon that Coffee and Wood turning go well together.

Opps must make a move, chat to ya all later; have to tend pot plants and Rub a dub dub.

E61

I like the juxtaposition of wood and steel. It makes the experience of making espresso more... sensual. It seems odd that the sterile metal box and wires of an espresso machine work so lovingly with something as organic as a coffee bean to make something which is so beautiful. Incorporating plastic (Group Handles) into the experience makes it feel.... dirty  :-[

RichardM

on 1303645391:

I like the juxtaposition of wood and steel. It makes the experience of making espresso more... sensual. It seems odd that the sterile metal box and wires of an espresso machine work so lovingly with something as organic as a coffee bean to make something which is so beautiful. Incorporating plastic (Group Handles) into the experience makes it feel.... dirty  :-[

While I agree with your conclusion (plastic sucks), I don't agree with your other comment. Metal to me is hardly sterile. Brass and stainless to me seem very organic for some reason, and timber blends with that to me. Every day I look at my Lelit machine, and screw my nose up at the plastic drip tray and plastic portafilter handle Anyone want to make me a portafilter handle out of red gum to match my pullman :P (I don't even know if the handle screws off on the Lelit to be honest).

Lacehim

Hey AM, you wanna try making me a set of lever & group handles for the PV Lusso in timber? Then you can go into production and make a mint

RichardM

on 1303650852:

Anyone want to make me a portafilter handle out of red gum to match my pullman  (I don't even know if the handle screws off on the Lelit to be honest).

Had a Lelit here teh other day... Think it does...  But the guy is not close so not sure if I can get it from him to have a look... If you have teh timber or happy to cover materials...  I am happy to do you one up!!!

That would be awesome, and amazingly appreciated forever if it's possible. I've been having a look this morning and there is a metal shaft through the middle that extends to the end of the handle, and it seems to not want to unscrew, but haven't taken to it with a vice and multigrips yet. Looking around the web it looks like you can buy a handle-less filter, and separate handle, but the handles I've seen don't have the same metal shaft. Are they usually extremely difficult to unscrew? Edit: I checked with a multimeter, and it seems that the shaft in the handle is not electrically connected, so it should screw off. Just seems...extremely tight.

Dry_bean.

Am I missing something? AM's original post with pics has disappeared. :-\

RichardM

on 1303692169:

Am I missing something? AM's original post with pics has disappeared. :-\

Yes, you are. This thread was split from the one where he was selling the two handles for EM6910's. http://www.bestcafes.com.au/forum/index.php?topic=1359.0

Dry_bean.

on 1303692310:

on 1303692169:

Am I missing something? AM's original post with pics has disappeared. :-\

Yes, you are. This thread was split from the one where he was selling the two handles for EM6910's. http://www.bestcafes.com.au/forum/index.php?topic=1359.0

Thanks Richard. :-[

Dry_bean.

Very nice job AM, there's something very satisfying about working with nicely grained timber isn't there?

RichardM

Ok, so the metal on the end was an end cap. Removed, and inside there is a massive hex socket made of plastic. I've put WD40 into the connection, and will leave sit for a few hours and see what happens. I've never soaked the PF in anything. Only ever a quick rinse after each use.

RichardM

Right, so after 3 hours, the WD40 has soaked in enough to be able to unscrew it by hand - no tools. Had the missus hold the portafilter, and I undid the handle with two hands. I was amazed how clean it on the thread. So now I've got it off,  would a piece of timber like this do the job: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/RED-GUM-CURLY-wood-turning-blank-reel-seat-EXOTIC-TB57-/230591734634?pt=AU_Woodcrafts&hash=item35b056a36a#ht_1963wt_907 ?

Koffee_Kosmo

I will ask my father in law to save the largest branches when he prunes again He has, plumb tree, lime & lemon, pomegranate, that I remember KK

Koffee_Kosmo

I will be visiting sometime next week a business that works in wood cutting to collect a project of mine they are working on They sell small offcuts fot  $0.50 cents each He has a nice coffee machine If I was to ask for them for some samples, are you willing to authorise me to negotiate some wood for a set of handles in exchange ?? Or I can PM you there details and you can go and have a look KK

Koffee_Kosmo

on 1304048608:

on 1304040353:

I will be visiting sometime next week a business that works in wood cutting to collect a project of mine they are working on They sell small offcuts fot  $0.50 cents each He has a nice coffee machine If I was to ask for them for some samples, are you willing to authorise me to negotiate some wood for a set of handles in exchange ?? Or I can PM you there details and you can go and have a look KK

on 1304048608:

KK I trust you and ya know I am about paying forward and having a hobby that may be cost neutral... Well as much as an obsession can be  ;D ;D ;D I will leave it in your hands. PS. Have a couple of people from a BIG time outfit dropping over to see the dif between a HT and a KKTO.  I am pushing that they take a built kit as more than suitable and aprox 1/3 the price of a HT.  They have a Gene but I get the feel it does not allow them to match profiles as well. OPPS OT. Sorry ADMIN 

Thanks AM I will negotiate a win win situation My main purpose is to facilitate a collection and storage of suitable timber for you RE: roasters Its a free choice mate It all boils down to, fit for purpose and what suits them KK

RichardM

on 1304384294:

on 1303709702:

Right, so after 3 hours, the WD40 has soaked in enough to be able to unscrew it by hand - no tools. Had the missus hold the portafilter, and I undid the handle with two hands. I was amazed how clean it on the thread. So now I've got it off,  would a piece of timber like this do the job: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/RED-GUM-CURLY-wood-turning-blank-reel-seat-EXOTIC-TB57-/230591734634?pt=AU_Woodcrafts&hash=item35b056a36a#ht_1963wt_907 ?

RichardM The piece of timber arrived this morning  ;D Looks good and got a sample of some Black Ebony - Looks cool   :-* I think you sent a PM, but my mind is fried at present with too much happening.... WHAT was the metal thread size ? 1: EM6910 and a couple of others have a 3/8"metal thread 2: Most of the commercials that I have here, have a 1/2" metal thread. Please post and confirm what yours is and how long    Also the dia of the lug part of the group, that the screw goes into. That way I can make sure the insert I use is correct for yours and that the mating end of teh handle, is close as possible to the right size.  Thus you will have a nice mate up.  It could be a touch bigger or smaller and not matter but neat is good. Also some do have a flat,  so as to allow clearance on the collar, but do not think yours does. This way if we can build a rough data base / spreadsheet (including Machine and Group info / Pics - feel free to develop, using your extensive IT skills) then when some one has a request / or need for a fancy group handle or replacement. They can come here and look and obtain.   Data collection is hard; sharing the information is easy and fun; also rewarding for all, as one has ownership and becomes part of the family. PS. If I get some rest and time, I should have a post of the finished item by cob this week and in the post. Anger

It has a 3/8" thread, definitely. I'll measure tonight the shaft length, thickness at base, thread protrusion, and clearance to collar tonight and start putting it into a table in either a spreadsheet or just in my post. Might start updating when I have more time and if you have any more figures for other models I can certainly get it into a more presentable format with pics etc. I hope there is enough of the Ebony and useable redgum for you to make something for yourself.

RichardM

on 1304406595:

Here is a quick look... Just waiting for confirmation on sizes...  about 7/8"at the mating end and 1.62"at the main end...  Just check to see if this is about right.  Go and grab something of a similar size and check..   ( Do not go there). On another handle I have, I have put a couple of groves in it at teh two places where we have a change of size..  Some people like this as a visual, other do not care for it. Poor quality pic, but beggars can not be choosy Wait till the oil hits the timber... The colour will be great.

That looks really nice. I'm imagining it will be a nice deep red. I've done the measurements for my Lelit. The pictures below should say it best, but basically: Thick end: 35mm Thin end: 25mm Thread protrusion: 15mm Timber length (total): 123mm Despite how it looks in the picture, that's just the camera angle making it look wrong - the measurements are right. I agree with you that indentations don't look any good. I don't mind how it steps - harsh or gentle, but indentations are just more places to get coffee grounds stuck and something to clean. The current handle is a nice size in the hand.

RichardM

on 1304410360:

RichardM PM me or e-mail me your address and if all goes well, may have it in teh post by late Thursday. I use a Tung based oil, but for best results it can takes a couple of weeks to be Oiled / Buffed / Oiled and then polished and let to dry. Will see if it has dried enough and if so, one coat.  Bunnings and or other wood  places and you can get more to allow you to polish and maintain the handle. PS. How do you stop the Lelit PL041EM leaking steam etc (post reply in the other Thread)

Will PM address. My father-in-law makes breadboards and other timber products, and he often uses orange oil, and it comes up nicely, so I'm thinking of doing that to give it a nice dull look without being too shiny. Tung oil is good too, and I've got a natural decking oil too that I might try. Can you please just throw some tiny offcuts (1mm thick or so) in the bag and I'll spot test it on them first.

RichardM

on 1304412298:

So do you want it oiled OR left natural ? Happy to leave it natural for you to do.... BUT want pictures to allow me to see the final result.. Anger.

I think probably leave natural will be best if that's ok. I'll DEFINITELY be putting pics up here within minutes of oiling it myself I think this will look fantastic, and if you want pics in any particular light etc to show people what you've done, I can send high res pics too. If you really want to try out some oils and see the result yourself, I'm more than happy for you to use your best judgement though and oil it yourself if you would prefer.

RichardM

on 1304474212:

A fresh / natural group handle is on the way  ;D I realised why yours is 3/8" It would appear that the smaller / non prosumer machines run a 3/8" AND the commercial use a 1/2" due the the load and use that the handle might be expected to manage. The shape I have done should suit you well and I would be interested in feedback / comments as to why you think of the feel and the shape.  I have my own bias and thoughts as to why I recon it feels good, but will wait for you comments   I also put a slight recess in the handle end... I was thinking that one day an inlay of different timber could be put in OR a deeper recess could be made and a bung of sorts (rubber) could be pushed in... But that is just me off with the fairies again, as I am not that good and nor do i have the right materials.  Wait until I am fully retired and have lots of time to muck about. Am looking forward to seeing the finished product as the rose wood will oil up well.   PS:  My cousin has a Wood Turning business but does big stuff and martial arts  training dummies. You can find him via my FB links etc. He has a massive Italian  lathe that is set up for mass production.  Thus you can lock in the main one and it will copy and with the right blanks, you could make 20 or 50 or even 100 in the same time it takes me to do one  :D :D The trick is to have the right blanks and timber such that the grain etc still means that they are not identical.  Then to hand finish / polish and drill and put in the lag/hanger bolt would be the final touch. However, that requires a market and not sure if there is one out there at the moment... Then again, if a supplier of accessories was interested....  It could be done and may be worth the effort.   Once again, it comes back to the Need / Want / Cost  and that would be all biased on the availability and quality of  the raw timber blanks. Any way, I am once again rambling on and must follow up more personal and pressing matters. Anger on Wood  ;D

Thanks AM. Glad to have given you wood.....You still need to PM me your bank details! Looking forward to receiving it and putting up lots of pics. I'm actually surprised Pullman don't make something like this, and I don't believe any suppliers in Australia do it in a commercial scale that I know of. Seeing as there are probably <5 styles that would suit all machines, it wouldn't be too hard to do it regularly. I'm hoping that blank I got sent to you was easy to work with - that company seemed to have a lot of larger blanks. I think the price was probably a bit exxy, but seeing as I had to get it sent anyway, it wasn't worth me obtaining it locally and sending it. Probably buying bulk would make it a LOT cheaper. Also, I guess, redgum isn't the cheapest timber out there anyway.

RichardM

on 1304495469:

PS. That rose / red wood is dammed hard and I had to sharpen my tools more than once. Also had to re tension the belt drive.  Little baby mini wood lathe was being pushed OR I just do not know enough tricks.

Damn, I knew that timber would be hard, but didn't realise it was that bad. In one respect, that makes it a fantastic material for a handle, as it should be impossible to split, and the thread should never give way. On the flip side, if it's that hard to work with, it's probably not the best thing to be making them out of. Slightly off topic, I've been working with pine building fences lately, and then had to suddenly drive a nail into hardwood that has been sitting for around 5 years. It felt like I was driving the nail into solid steel. Ended up drilling (which causes massive amounts of smoke) and putting in a screw. Hardwood is hard  >:(

Dry_bean.

Slightly off topic, I've been working with pine building fences lately, and then had to suddenly drive a nail into hardwood that has been sitting for around 5 years. It felt like I was driving the nail into solid steel. Ended up drilling (which causes massive amounts of smoke) and putting in a screw. Hardwood is hard  >:(

Try a nice sharp drill bit Richard, you may be surprised at the difference it makes. I agree, hardwood certainly is hard, drill then nail is pretty well standard procedure with Jarrah, avoids splitting the timber.

RichardM

Thanks AM again - I got the handle today, and first impressions are that it's VERY comfortable in the hand, and the missus likes it too. I pulled my first shot using it...and GOD SHOT! Machine must have known she was prettier now :P I won't have time to oil and take photos until tonight (or, depending on how late I am out shopping maybe tomorrow). I can imagine it will oil up beautifully. I wasn't sure about the indent in the end that you had mentioned, but agree now I've seen that it looks good. Will update with pics tonight or tomorrow night.

RichardM

on 1304579631:

Snail Mail and the next day ... Looking forward to the pic. The bulge should be about the area between the the last 3 fingers and Mr pointer...  I found that this felt comfortable for some reason.  Just had to trust that others felt the same, as hand size does change a bit and many ladies do also tend to have smaller hands.. Looking forward to the pics.

Sometimes Aus Post can be awesome. I commented to the missus about the groove being in that exact spot. I actually have skinny hands for a man, and the missus has similar sized hands, so it seems to be perfectly comfortable for us both.

RichardM

Due to file size to get the best view (and due to crema's 128k limit per file) I've linked the pictures below. Might edit with smaller files soon. http://users.on.net/richard.moulynox/coffee/woodhandle1.jpg http://users.on.net/richard.moulynox/coffee/woodhandle2.jpg http://users.on.net/richard.moulynox/coffee/woodhandle3.jpg http://users.on.net/richard.moulynox/coffee/woodhandle4.jpg http://users.on.net/richard.moulynox/coffee/woodhandle5.jpg AM has done a fantastic job of making this handle, and the pics above are with just one coat of Natural Decking oil. I'm aware that this will raise some eyebrows as to why I've used such an oil, but I have done so (despite the smell for a few days) because it dries very quickly, and penetrates the timber VERY well. I figure it will likely never need to be reoiled due to the oil off hands, and it gives a nice, very natural colour. Using something like Danish Oil I felt would have created a harder coating but I wanted it to feel more natural in the hand (I find the tamper a bit too shiny for my liking, which does have danish oil on it). In case anyone is wanting more information, it's a piece of redgum, the blank I bought on ebay from this store: http://stores.ebay.com.au/burls-and-blanks?_trksid=p4340.l2563

Dry_bean.

on 1304593962:

Due to file size to get the best view (and due to crema's 128k limit per file) I've linked the pictures below. Might edit with smaller files soon. http://users.on.net/richard.moulynox/coffee/woodhandle1.jpg http://users.on.net/richard.moulynox/coffee/woodhandle2.jpg http://users.on.net/richard.moulynox/coffee/woodhandle3.jpg http://users.on.net/richard.moulynox/coffee/woodhandle4.jpg http://users.on.net/richard.moulynox/coffee/woodhandle5.jpg

Very nice Richard, matches the tamper handle pretty well. Great work AM.

Lacehim

Nice job AM.  It really looks sweet fitted to richardm's lelit.  One lucky fella.

Koffee_Kosmo

I am thinking that I may want some timber handles now Should I tamper with my industrial theme KK

Koffee_Kosmo

You will be glad to hear that I will be collecting my project tomorrow 11/5/2011 I will offer as a gift some fresh roasted beans to the proprietor and ask him for some suitable wood blanks for you Lets hope it softens him up and cross your fingers that I come away with the wood KK

RichardM

on 1305019379:

So how has it come up with some more polish and use ? I am off to the Brisbane woodworking and wood-turning show later this month and looking for blanks that might suit as a group handle... Just need a 1/2" BSW button die and handle....  May also need a 12mm Button die but not sure if 1.5 or 1.75 pitch.  This is to assist me in making the threaded insert that fits teh more commercial PF heads. Anger on wood.

I haven't actually added any more oil yet (doing so would require me to put on pants). I will do so this weekend. Life has been absolutely manic. Since I've received it, I've added timber around the underside of my house, built two gates (including concreting and digging the post holes) and tiled behind my coffee station (still need to do the grout) - FYI I can add tiling to the list of things I hate doing. All this while working full time and aiding planning my wedding! With use, there are absolutely no signs of water stains etc (I was a bit worried the splashes when I rinse the basket out would cause issues, but hasn't so far). I think honestly the decking oil is a great oil to use for it, as it's going to cop a lot of abuse no matter how careful I am with it - even more so than a tamper. The stench of the oil disappeared within the first 24 hours.

RichardM

on 1305027372:

All this while working full time and aiding planning my wedding!

Crema's first WEDDING  ;D :o :-* :-* Send pictures of the Honeymoon, we expect to see coffee stuff 

Actually....we went to check out the retreat that we will stay at on the wedding night, and my partner goes "oooh, it's got a plunger, you'll only need to bring the grinder". See why I'm marrying this woman?

Lacehim

AM I haven't forgotten you.  I would like both group handles done, but also the levers.  Problem is I can't see how to get em off without stuffing the existing handles.  Would look lovely in a nice red dark wood, jarrah or something similar. When I'm next down I'll pop in and bring them in with me.  Might give you an idea of the task at hand. Here is a drawing of the group.  Can't remember when I found these, but they come in useful.  The handle of the lever just seems to slot in... no visable nuts.  Maybe it's glued in... bugger.