First commission - espresso machine handles

**dabbler** · 17th November 2012, 04:55 PM

It's been a year for "firsts" for me, probably because I got off my butt and explored a bit.

Over the last year I've done a few of these for a number of machine types and in varying designs but this one is different because I got paid to do it (yay). Friends and rellies own much of the stuff I produced and usually it's bowl, platters, lidded boxes and more recently, pens.

Before you, are the handles and knobs for an Izzo Pompeii espresso machine in Tas Myrtle. For the uninitiated, the Pompeii is a lever machine where you manipulate the flow/pressure of hot water passing from the boiler and through the ground coffee beans with a largish overhead lever. It's intended to be a slip fit over the existing metal lever, replacing the original plastic jobbie which is held in place by a nut.
The other two beaded handles with the nice shiny metal bits are the portafilters or groups that hold the baskets that hold the coffee grinds. The tiddly ones are for steam and hot water control and are threaded internally. The top one is a coffee tamper (used to compress coffee grinds in the portafilter baskets) and is not part of the commission but from the same lump of timber so I decided to include it in the pic.

The geometry proved a challenge for back-of-the-envelope calculations and I had to resort to my technical drawing and measurement skills for manage the right taper for the beads given the length of each piece.

The client requested something similar in style to earlier Gaggia handles (google it). I received an email after he had fitted them - he's very happy and so am I for that matter.

**dai sensei** · 17th November 2012, 06:10 PM

Glad to see client was happy

What is the finish?

**dabbler** · 17th November 2012, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by dai sensei

What is the finish?

Usual sand to 600 then used shellawax cream trying to hold the lighter colouring. I ended with Minwax WOP in satin. It was a real bugger as the weather was not finish-friendly, at least not WOP-friendly.

These pics were taken on the 12th when we were just coming out of that colder rainy period (the one that washed out day 2 at the Gabba) so they have only a two coats at this stage.

Around April I did a set in spotty gum for a friend with one in organoil danish oil and one in satin WOP (we wanted to compare).The oiled one isn't holding it's finish at all. So - got any tips for oil options.

**dabbler** · 17th November 2012, 06:49 PM

Should also add this Neil - the shape has really grown on me.

**dr4g0nfly** · 18th November 2012, 06:51 AM

Nice rows of beads you've turned there.

I'm sure the Espresso machine will look all the better for the new attachments.

**Sawdust Maker** · 18th November 2012, 07:15 AM

Nice work
It's good when the customer is happy

where did you get the base for the coffee tamp?

**artme** · 18th November 2012, 03:10 PM

Nice dabbling mate!!

**dabbler** · 18th November 2012, 04:42 PM

Originally Posted by Sawdust Maker

where did you get the base for the coffee tamp?

It's a relatively cheap chinese import we originally just wanted to tart up and make more appealing, but it's become my demo and photographic model (and it's also about 1mm smaller than my machine's baskets). The bases alone range from about $30 to $150. I have asked a few fellow forumites about making them for me and the consensus is that at low volumes, it isn't really competitive compared to buying ready made. So I plan to do custom handles to fit existing bases that I can get from wholesale suppliers in the US and here in Oz.

All the shiny metal bits pictured are on loan from a local coffee roaster friend. He already has a few of my pieces on his display shelves for walk-in customers to view and has big plans for an online coffee accessory empire.

I've got family and friends in the retail and wholesale side of the coffee trade, so I get my hands on various things if needed.

**rsser** · 18th November 2012, 04:47 PM

Just as an aside, re using Minwax WOP there's a useful article by Neil M linked to on this page:

Instructions & Videos | Carroll's Woodcraft Supplies

**BobL** · 18th November 2012, 05:15 PM

I really like the idea of wooden PF handles and the OPs look really well made, but I'm not quite 100% convinced on your design - maybe like you it will grow on me?

I have turned a few turned tamper handles but I found that smooth tamper handles (even those with enlarged tops) don't provide as much control as those that are carved (the strange shaped ones in the pic below) to fit a semi clenched fist.

More details here.

**dabbler** · 18th November 2012, 08:55 PM

Thanks for adding the links guys. They make the thread useful to future readers.

rsser - I first read Neil M's writing on WOP techniques a while ago and previously used a temporary heating box. Stupidly dismantled it when trying to declutter. Never expected sub 20°C days in November here though.

BobL - the pf tapered beads are surprisingly comfortable and were the owner's preferred shape. I resisted a little at first but that was me doubting my skill level. The originals were relatively bland by comparison. I recall reading your linked thread at the time but thanks for the reminder because I enjoyed the re-read. Coffee tampers are a very personal thing aren't they ? I prefer a smoother shape, palm over the top, extend fingers and thumb to the basket rim, twist then finish with a flick to polish. I liked your carved ones though.

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