u/artunique128

Finally completed my setup. After 2 years of tinkering with baskets, WDT tools, and different methods for work flow I’m finally set. Weber blind shaker, Normcore Tamper and rarely use the Subminimal WDT.
After messing around with all three Flair basket, iKape convex, and Normcore baskets I’ve narrowed it down to just the Flair high flow. The others required too much change in work flow. They all lived up to their intended purposes but in my opinion it wasn’t worth the hassle. The search for clarity made me feel like I was brewing tea rather than espresso. These shots need BODY. Too each their own though.
The finishing touches are the SWorks lever end cap and a knock off of the SWorks lay flat portafilter.
I have been thinking of upgrading to the 58+ 2 base but I’m done spending money for the mean time.
I’ve recently built a Gaggimate GCP because I was tired of pulling shots for my wife and her friends. As impressive as that machine is…the Flair 58 is just unbeatable. Being able to save a bad shot can’t be done on a machine.

I’m probably beating a dead horse here but no matter what I do I get wet pucks.

I’ve had a Flair 58 for the last 4 years. I recently picked up a GCP and did the Gaggimate mod to make back to back shots much easier. I’m using the same basket (IMS), same dose, same beans. Grinders are different. I use a Zero 65 for the Flair and VS3 on the GCP. Both dialed in for their intended purposes.

I’ve read I should grind coarser but that will change the flavor too much. I tried squeezing in another 2 grams to fill the basket…no help. Flush after every shot and back flush once a week.

Any other suggestions or do I just live with beating the portafilter to death?

I’ve been scrubbing the gasket channel for 20 minutes with cafiza and a copper brush on this used GCP. Is it safe to install a new gasket so I can backflush and descale or do I need to keep going?

Received a new Bialetti Exclusive 3 cup for father’s day. Tossed in an E&B labs filter. In the process of seasoning on the last brew. Seems like a step up from my IMUSA.

Finally found the perfect setup for my Eureka Mignon 65 AP. I started off by swapping out the AP burrs for a set of Black Diamond Specialty burrs. This burr set introduced more body than the AP in exchange for clarity.
I added an o-ring to the bottom of the top cap. This helps prevent fines from entering the grinder body when using the bellows.
Finally, I added a 3D printed anti popcorn spiral single dose funnel. The funnel is designed to be a slow feeder but the upgraded burrs speed up the grind by almost double the speed of AP so there isn’t much of a slow feed. It definitely prevents popcorning. I use a Introvert bellows that I had stashed away since my first grinder (Encore ESP).
I have been fighting the urge to pick up a Mazzer Philos but after watching some reviews on the Black Diamond burrs I believe this Eureka will be my endgame for a long time.