This weekend I have been rebuilding and tuning my Sama Export. I didn't mess with the pressurestat at first because the piston seals needed to be replaced and the steam wand needed some lube (replaced the o-rings in that too).
I was working on getting my technique down on the Sama and just wasn't happy with the results of either the shot or the steaming and I'd heard the Sama was a steam engine. I don't have a steam pressure gage, so I ordered one today.
Combination pressure and temperature as I hope to use it also to check portafilter output temperature.
Since I was considering messing with the pressurestat I figured I'd take a look under the hood and see how it's adjusted, and I couldn't help but adjust it. I went to far the first time and had to back it off a little. Wow what a difference. Once I get the pressure gauge I'll set it to ~1 bar as per the recommendation of Orphan Espresso.
I also plan to pull some more shots with it tomorrow.... I'm sure I'll need to make adjustments on coffee weight and grind, but I'm guessing this was a huge part of my problem with this machine.
Question for the Sama, Ponte Vecchio users. What coffee dose do you typically use? I've been using 13, 14 and 15 grams.
Also same question for the La Pavoni users, as that machine in next for tuning.
thanks
-milowebailey