tampers...

mcraeotb · October 2005

just say i was to try and make my own tamper... would this be possible? or would i have to melt the metal and place it in a mould?... also, i have noticed that most machines dont mention whether they come with a tamper, is this because most machines cme with a tamper and they dont feel its neccessary to mention it or is it because they dont have one?

mcrae

Matthew_White · October 2005

the easiest way would be a lathe. Melting and casting is in-efficient with something like a tamper.

Lovey · October 2005

G'day McRae, I'd second Matthew's comments about the lathe, unless you've got ready access to a blast furnace or other extreme heat source.

The most common metals I've heard of to make a tamper are stainless steel, aluminum and brass as they are all fairly easy to machine and safe around food.

also, i have noticed that most machines dont mention whether they come with a tamper, is this because most machines cme with a tamper and they dont feel its neccessary to mention it or is it because they dont have one?

Most machines do come with a tamper, although it's usually a plactic piece of crap that doesn't fit the basket properly. Hope this helps, Steve.

mcraeotb · October 2005

unfortunately... i dont have an extreme heat source, the other problem is, i dont think most metal suppliers keep solid pieces of steel, thats why i was wondering about the melting thing... mcrae

Trussell · October 2005

I'd be surprised if they didn't... all you need is a 58mm steel rod, approx. 150mm long.

mattyj · October 2005

you'd probably want 59mm, so you can lathe it down to fit your basket snugly - Greg Pullman does something like that, and he also turns out some really nice redgum, jarrah etc handles.

Reschsmooth · October 2005

Matty, I agree on the pullman tampers, in fact, he has a shot of my tamper on his website! Very nice indeed, very good weight. P

nunu · October 2005

I do like the look of my redgum handled tamper. It's photo is also on the Pullman site. With the lines on the outside of the tamper, I have no problems doing a level tamp every time. It feels solid and heavy, and should last a lifetime (unless you chuck it around the kitchen, and generally mishandle it).

mcraeotb · October 2005

yeah i dunno whether im prepared to spend 70-80 dollars on a piece of metal and wood... oh well, christmas is comin up ;D might as well try

nunu · October 2005

Maybe if your local high school had a metal shop, you might be able to have one made for cheap. Give the teacher the specs, and either have a student make it, or the teacher themselves. Back in high school, our metal shop used to help fund itself by making trailers for clients. The client really only paid for the cost of materials.

mattyj · October 2005

yeah i dunno whether im prepared to spend 70-80 dollars on a piece of metal and wood... oh well, christmas is comin up

Reschsmooth · October 2005

Matt The only complaint about the pullman tamper (and it is a small complaint) is the sharp edge on the handle - it does create a callous on your hand. Apart from that, couldn't be happier. P

Unknown · October 2005

I collected a Pullman Tamper today - beautifully made - dont care if it works or not because it is simply georgeous to look at!

mcraeotb · October 2005

Maybe if your local high school had a metal shop, you might be able to have one made for cheap.

FullSpeed · October 2005

I think it would work out to be cheaper to just buy a tamp from a roaster or supplier than to make it. Unless you can get the steel from scrap, you would have to spend way too much money just on the metal. Also buying from scrap would mean you would have to cut it. and cutting a good-grade steel 20-30mm thick takes a lot of patience and cooling. If you were to cast it, the piece would be able to chip easily and may have air bubbles. Alternatively, you could just buy the metal tamp base and make yourself a nice handle.

Unknown · October 2005

The steel rod would have to be at least as big in diameter as the final size of your tamp.. so you would actually be cutting a steel rod approx. 60mm in diameter, not 20-30mm.. >:(

gregpullman · January 2007

Hi guys, It can be done; as mattyj said it's the method I use. 63.5mm is the smallest size you can readily get hold of but unless you're proficient with a lathe it can take a long time, and the result may not be as good as a commercial thing. Nonetheless, from a personal satisfaction's point of view there's no doubt some merit. Greg

melbournecoffeeguy · January 2007

Steel is not a good Idea why not use alluminium it's light, easy to machine and can be polished

One-a-day · January 2007

A mate at Army reserve turned up some 1:1 scale rounds , he did 50cal 30cal and 5.56 at his civi job (helps to be a fitter with access to cnc machines) out of brass as paper weights. They looked great and with a larger base would be very unique tampers. Ill see what a case of beer will do. And post a photo later in the year

gregpullman · September 2007

Steel is not a good Idea why not use alluminium it's light, easy to machine and can be polished

It's also soft, unstable and non-food safe, so it dents and corrodes. Being used in a food environment around moisture and regular impact, I'm not sure how that makes it a good idea :-? Aluminum looks fancy to start with especially when polished, but after a few months of use it's a different story. Stainless steel avoids all of these, which is why you pay for quality.

askthecoffeeguy · September 2007

The added weight of stainless steel is also much nicer to work with

psaigh · September 2007

And i beleive helps keep a more consistantly flat tamp

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