It's been some time, and here is the newest version to date: V4.1-Pro!
As you all now know, this is a distribution tool to break up the espresso grounds in the basket/portafilter before tamping. It's considered the most essential part of your puck prep now, and probably the most important and interesting espresso accessories you can get. It is designed to emulate the deep WDT action done manually, but it results in much more thorough and consistent result compared to manual WDT. And no, it's not a 🌕raker knockoff. I've been making these since before that!
*58mm version compatibility list:
- ECM, La Marzocco, Slayer, Pesado, Flair 58, Breville, VST, IMS, all E61 group, etc. Basically all 58mm variants.
- Unifilter users should message me separately for a custom fit frame because of its weird shape around the rim and also because magnets don't stick to that particular material.
*54mm version compatibility is for Breville/Sage portafilters with 3 ears.
*55mm LSM version is for La San Marco and ACS portafilters with 3 ears.
*55mm Dalla C is for Dalla Corte 55mm portafilters with 2 ears.
This version is meant to provide some quality of life improvements over V4.0. There were small things that V4.0 could be improved upon that I wanted to address, after a period of receiving feedback from various buyers.
Points that were mentioned regularly included:
1. Magnets are too weak
2. Adjustment range needs to be wider
3. Distribution pushes the coffee bed a bit too outward
4. In some cases, the top part came off a bit too easily
5. Needles are difficult to mount
So for V4.1, the improvements are as follow:
1. Stronger magnets to account for the added weight of the bearings
2. Added adjustment range. Depth can now range from 29mm~14mm
3. Revised the gear configuration so it is more even. (I still think V4.0's gears work well, but this new configuration results in better looking beds and produces the same TDS consistency)
4. Revised the design so that the top part will not come off even if the fitting becomes loose over time
5. (*updated 4/10/2024) Revised the needle mounting holes so it’s now super easy and more secure. just slide them in. Moreover, you can fit thicker or thinner needles all the same.
V4.1 comes in 2 versions: PRO and EVO. PRO version is the one with bearings. EVO version is a budget option that comes without bearings.
Thank you so much always and let me know if you have any question or concern!
*Average processing time is about 1-3 days at the moment.
**Owners of previous versions will get a one-time discount for every new version. Just shoot me a message :-)
***Check my other listing for EVO version!
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1707474785/
Archived:
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**Version 4.0
- Instruction link: https://youtu.be/IJMQ0OQdwtM?si=IjwqD08k4_R0YrtN
- completely new gear/needle configuration: 10 steel pins needles, 0.3mm thickness, same lengths, only 2 gears. Different gear configuration from any other takes on this tool. (Well, there's only really two takes on the gear/needle configuration as far as I know. So this is a third one.) Needle paths are of course spirographic. One gear rotates very fast, and the other gear rotates more slowly and in the opposite direction. You only need to give it 3~4 rotations. But up to 10 or 20 doesn't hurt either. In my testing, more rotations did not result in unbalanced distribution.
- Finally, I gave in to using bearings and screws. It's more work and cost for me, but it feels so much more like an actual product. No more rattles. Super smooth/silent rotations.
- Every one of these are equipped with magnets for easy mounting on the basket. And you shouldn't worry about fitting. It should fit any type of 58mm baskets/portafilters.
- Of course, adjustable needle depths
- The base can be locked onto the tool itself so it can act like a container that protects the needles (and you from them). Makes it a lot easier when you need to carry it around. (You should still have a pouch of some sort, though)
- Comes with 20 needles in total. Only use 10 although there are spare holes.
**Version 3 Update:
- Fully adjustable needle lengths
- Fully replaceable needles
- Food-safe PLA printed with stainless steel nozzle
- Much better print finish, better looking design (Upgraded to a much better printer)
- Fine-tuned needle placement for better coverage
***Version 3.5 Update:
- Changed the fitting mechanism to be more low profile. Not a big deal, just an aesthetic update
- Added more holes for more options in terms of needle configuration
- Major change in the handle mechanism. Now it’s more similar to other common distribution tools’ in terms of how you spin it. It also requires less spinning action to achieve the same rotations of the gears.
- They will ship with a set of 40mm needles and a set of 30mm needles, so that you can try a combination of different lengths. I’ve started to test some combinations and it seems to have good potential. Will update on my own configurations and recommendations!
***V3.55 Update:
- Changed the needle mounting system so that you don't have to bend the needles to mount them. Video instruction has been updated.
V4.0 Video Instruction: https://youtu.be/IJMQ0OQdwtM?si=4weS4zZP6w20-lTu
V3.55 Video Instruction: https://youtu.be/imvjros80oI
V3.5 Video Instruction: https://youtu.be/OWNFiopmLl8
