Tupple

Thanks everyone for the observations/pointers. I've got the washing up liquid out and I'm practising. It will take some time to do things in a systematic way but I'll come back to this thread when I've managed to get somewhere. @TomHughes, I agree that getting to know my machine a bit better is a big factor. I also watched countless YouTube videos of people blasting a pitcher of milk with a Linea Mini, which while pretty amazing, didn't really teach me anything. In the mean time, just in case here's my contribution of videos that I have found useful: This is how I test for texture. I found it helpful to see the results: This guy echo's many of the things said above but is one of the few that emphasises roll versus swirl: Thanks again!

The same Gregor Hilden as from Gregs Guitars...?!

Thanks everyone for those really helpful pointers. For reference, I'm using my Mechanic V Slim and a small Rattleware pitcher. In that vid, I think I was using about 160ml of Yeo valley whole milk. I've tried to isolate the variables and focused on two of the suggestions above to begin with; tip position and milk volume. I've gone up to 200ml in the pitcher and positioned the tip higher. The extra milk does buy a bit more time, which is really helpful (thanks @The Systemic Kid). I think I can see that I am putting too much air in though as per @TomHughes comment. It's probably compounded by increased time. Anyway, the result was A LOT of foam. No big bubbles though so I think it's heading in the right direction. I'm going to shorten the time I'm adding air next but I always want to look at roll versus swirl. @TomHughes, I've had the feeling that the swirl might be one of my problems/misunderstandings. What can I do to get a more reliable roll? Thanks!

Just watched that Josh Smith vid. Amazing...

I'm so pleased to find a thread that combines my two favourite pastimes! That's my morning playlist sorted... Such sad news about Peter Green. I had the chance to see him live about twenty years ago and didn't go. Still kicking myself to this day... @dfk41, how about Susan Tedeschi? I think she's occasionally blonde but I have to admit it's Derek Trucks that steals the show every time I hear them play.

I'm getting quite frustrated with my inability to create a microfoam, so I'm putting this out there to see if anyone has got any ideas. The video is typical of most attempts although a bit clumsy in places as I was working around a phone stand. What you see is the result of many hours of youtube research, reading, experimenting, etc. I use temperature as a guide and given there's no thermometer, here is what I was trying to do: Start the steam with the tip submerged slightly off centre in the direction of 9 o'clock Lower the jug to get that 'tearing' sound and keep it there until the jug reaches a similar temperature to my hand, then Raise the jug to submerge the tip a bit more, enough to stop the tearing sound and continue swirling the milk Keep going until I can only hold my finger on the side of the jug for about a second The result when I pour the milk is the same every time. I get a thin layer of foam sitting on the milk. The foam is fine enough for latte art but it's not incorporated. It's the mouthfeel I care about not the decoration on top. Anyway, all feedback appreciated. I'm not expecting a sliver bullet but it would be nice to get the foam incorporate on a more consistent basis. Thanks in advance.

I was thinking of it for a la Pav but it looks like it might be a bit to tight. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Just measured my basket. Looks like it might be too much of a squeeze. Thanks all the same. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Hi, Is the 52mm tamper still available? Thanks.

I have to say, this is a great thread. Really helpful, so thank you all. I adjusted the pressure on my Mechanic V Slim based on the results above. Mine came set with the boiler pressure peaking at around 1.45 and I would waste an awful lot of water on cooling flushes. I have the flow control unit fitted and didn't want to replace the group pressure gauge with a temperature sensor. Anyway, I lowered it to peak at 1.3 based on the exchange above and the difference has been dramatic. The quality of my shots hasn't changed but cooling flushes are so much shorter now, much more manageable. I've noticed a small effect on steaming power. For the better, if you ask me. The steam is much less aggressive, which gives a novice like me a bit more thinking time when trying to get that elusive microfoam. As I said, thank you.

I must check in this forum more frequently... Let me know if you’re in the mood to sell your new La Pav when your Decent arrives. [emoji6] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I went with the 10mm screwdriver which turned out to be a perfect fit. I found a cheap one on Amazon. A 12mm that I already owned was a bit too thick to fit in the slot. Thanks.

Yes, that’s the one. The slot is quite narrow and I don’t have a screwdriver that’s thin enough and also wide enough to get a solid grip. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Hi All, Can anyone recommend a screwdriver that I can use to remove the group lever of a Mechanika V Slim? It has quite a narrow slot and I don’t trust any of mine not to slip one day and mark the finish. What does everyone use? Thanks. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I’ll take that for asking. Great timing. I was about to buy some... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro