I started the new year by drinking too much coffee.

#caffeine #GaggiaClassic

I finally got my old Gaggia Classic espresso machine serviced. It needed a new pump and steam valve, and got some bolts and gaskets replaced. They also turned down the pressure, which I forgot to ask them for.

It’s 18 years old now, so it was due for an overhaul. I actually thought it would be much more expensive than it was. I like that it is so servicable and that it is still possible to get it fixed after so many years.

I’m hoping it’s going to make better coffee than ever, and that it will work 18 more years!

#espresso #coffee #gaggia #GaggiaClassic

Progress! Ready to consolidate (dis)assembly notes, remove the labels on the casing, and start scrubbing. When it was leaking it build up some residue on the interior of the case that I need to get rid of, and it's time for general maintenance so I'm taking the opportunity to clean EVERYTHING, and replace the consumable parts that are ready for it.

The PID I have is from Shades of Coffee (apparently the steam gauge is not) and their instructions were exceptionally good, plus the online support guy was willing to answer questions about water, so I'm going to get replacement parts preferentially from them. Debating whether to switch out the boiler for a brass one (more resistent to corrosion mainly, but also benefits temp stability) instead of replacing like-for-like if it doesn't clean up well enough. Will replace O-rings and gaskets regardless. Tempted to make a handful of other smaller part upgrades but I hope to talk myself down from some/most of them.

I do want to incorporate a scale though, which I don't have yet. Already have a PID so I don't think the #Gagguino route is a good match, but data logging would be really nice. Recs for a standalone solution for that? I know @adafruit has a guide for one option, which I could pare down to the minimalist aesthetic I prefer. Being able to grab readings from the PID would also be excellent but I don't have high hopes that's possible.

I have discovered coffee refractometers but I did successfully talk myself down from going that far. For now.

#Gaggia #GaggiaClassic #espresso #DIY #diy_electronics #repair

Hoping that the new boiler and assorted other parts for my Gaggia Classic arrive today.

#mending #GaggiaClassic #reuse

Pulled a **really** good shot this morning, still thinking about it 12 hours later.

#espresso #coffee #gaggiaclassic

I’ve cleaned our #GaggiaClassic #coffee machine. Triumphant, I wanted to make a nice espresso. I’ve got some water and then I’ve become Bob Odenkirk from a “Nobody” bus scene, saying to myself in the mirror: “I’m gonna fuck you up”. Lost my mind for a brief moment and I’ve put water into #FellowOpus conical burr electric grinder…

I have a wicked plan of converting #GaggiaClassic into a wirelessly turned on/off #SmartHome appliance. In theory it should be as easy as tapping in a wireless #Zigbee in wall switch into power and pass it through to the momentary switch on the front of the device…

There is a timer/sensor in it too, so it might be trickier than I hope, but it’s worth exploring…

And this, this is why I #roast my own #coffee at home #HomeRoaster #CoffeeNerd

(Forgive the cup, my regular one is dirty).

Green beans from #NosaFamilia in #PDX (Guatamala FSJM T1) at $9 per pound, roasted yesterday in my oven using a wire rack and the air roast function for 12 minutes.

2x Shots pulled in a #GaggiaClassic with 6 bar spring + PID, bottomless 58mm with 24 in and 2.5x yeild.

It is a goooood cup.

I’m so happy! Managed to disassemble the solenoid valve, clean it and put it back together. There was no water flow on the grouphead, now it’s like new! #Gaggia #GaggiaClassic #Coffee
Well hello there, solenoid valve!😂 #Gaggia #GaggiaClassic #Coffee