Posted on CG.com as well.....
I've had my machine (Isomac Tea) for a good few months now and I've been really happy with the results thus far.
The learning curve was steep, being a coffee newbie, it took me several frustrating weeks to understand how the variables worked.
I still have a long way to go..
I notice that the shots I pull consistantly finish at about 18-20 seconds with a smaller amount of espresso as a result. I've tried a lot to get better results but it was not until I had a real barista (one that takes the job seriously too) in my house that I discovered I am getting pretty much the best I can from the beans I am working with. I can do better when I roast myself, but for a few reasons that is not an option for me right now. Instead I am using coffee that I know to be reasonably fresh.
To my question....
I see the guage reading about 10.5 during the pull. Since this is pretty much the only variable I have yet to change, I wonder if someone out there knows if it is possible to adjust this on the Isomac HX vibe machines. I think I'd have to replace the overflow valve with one at a different pressure setting or is there some way I can adjust it? Maybe there is some other way I can alter the pressure in the group. I must confess that I dont tend to watch this guage very often even when I tamp less hard or grind finer.
Maybe the pressure is not so critical and I need to find a different bean supplier? At any rate I am interested in seeing what happens when I can bring the pressure down.
-D