Tamper size recommendations

Clinker

I've been feeling that my Iberital tamper which is nominally 58mm is a bit small for the 58mm baskets I use (which is annoying because I got it to replace a nominal 57mm tamper, and I don't really think there's much difference!). I've finally taken my trusty Vernier gauge to my tamper and baskets and the results are that the tamper measures 57.2mm, while the basket in my naked PF measures 58.7mm internally (before it starts to taper inwards) while the double basket which came with my Gaggia Classic measures 58.8mm.

I'm not convinced the Vernier is super accurate so I looked up the official sizes of euro coins on Wikipedia and measured a few from my pocket. Conclusion: it seems to over-read by about 0.2mm. That bring the tamper down to 57.0mm and the basket to 58.5mm.

I'm thinking of getting a Reg Barber tamper (sizes in 0.1mm increments): how much play should I allow? Presumably a 58.5mm tamper would be too tight for comfort, but on the other hand, I don't want another loose one!

donnacha

hey clinker - reactor recommended a 58.3mm on this thread a bit back:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055897292&highlight=tamper

my biggest regret was getting my RB tamper at 58mm - I ended up buying some synesso ridgeless filter baskets and I'm back where I was a year ago with my old 57mm

Mr Magnolia

I went with a 58.3 from RB and it's bang-on for most baskets and a little tight with a few.

Clinker

I hear and obey! A 58.3mm Euro curve tamper is on its way to me from RB.

ArcticFox

Clinker - can I ask you how much that set you back? Could you please post a link to your source. Thanks in advance

Clinker

My new Reg Barber tamper



cost $73.21 + $9.38 for a stainless steel base (if you're paying this much for a tamper, might as well have the good base!). I chose the cheapest shipping (Canada Post - SMALL PACKETS SURFACE INTERNATIONAL $21.06) so the total was $103.65. That Canadian dollar total became €83 exactly (!) on my credit card bill. The cheapest shipping meant that it took a little over TWO MONTHS to arrive. As a result of my remarks about this to RB, they say they no longer offer this shipping method!

I must say I'm delighted with it. It feels great in the hand, the substantial weight of it feels good, and the size recommendation given in this thread was right on the money: I occasionally feel a slight pop as it comes out of the basket as I'm breaking a slight seal, but it's not too tight. I don't think you could do better than that!

ArcticFox

So you're the reason they now only offer the prohibitive shipping cost!
Like the look of your new Tamp btw. I made sure to shield the screen from my Gaggia - she would only be very jealous.


I'll let you decide how to make it up to me.........

Clinker

ArcticFox wrote: »

So you're the reason they now only offer the prohibitive shipping cost!

You could try pleading with them: explain that you know it'll take months to get to you and you won't bug them asking why you haven't got it yet! Not that the cheapest shipping was very cheap at $21. You can get RB tampers from other places (Coffee Hit springs to mind), but they don't do the full range of styles and sizes.

ArcticFox wrote: »

Like the look of your new Tamp btw. I made sure to shield the screen from my Gaggia - she would only be very jealous.

Lots of orange things in my kitchen, so once I saw that tamper there was no going back!

colinsourke

Yeah the shipping costs from Reg Barber are a killer. I got my new 58.4mm stainless steel base, c-flat shaped tamper from them in the post two days ago. Shipping was 50 dollars, which brought the total to $133! Its crazy money when I think of it....so I try not to!
I have to say though the results are fantastic, it fits my synesso baskets perfectly and i'm noticing much improved results as compared to my old tamper which came free with my silvia this time last year. I would definitely recommend Reg Barber...if you can put up with the postage charge....

Berty

My company used to sell them(Reg Barber) for €65 but they vanished from our recent catalogue. They might come back but................................

Zephyr6

Hi Clinker, Mr Magnolia & All

Is the size of the Tamper really that important?

I recently purchased a Gaggia Classic, which I’m delighted with. I’m using the plastic Tamper that came with the machine. Its diameter is a little narrower than the portofilter. Would upgrading to a stainless steel Tamper make a difference to the taste of the coffee?

Thanks in advance for any advice

Zephyr 6

phelixoflaherty

Might I suggest any local engineering workshop that deals with stainless steel.
Bring the basket and they could turn it to fit

rymus

phelix's post inspired me onward; I'm having a word with a guy that might be interested in making a few tampers of various sizes. Would there be a bit of interest here if he comes out with something faux-reg barber(ish)?

snollup

rymus wrote: »

phelix's post inspired me onward; I'm having a word with a guy that might be interested in making a few tampers of various sizes. Would there be a bit of interest here if he comes out with something faux-reg barber(ish)?

Once not to expensive I'd be interested. Also have a Gaggia classic so would be looking for tamper for the double shot basket.

rymus

I'd be hoping for significantly less expensive than the real thing

I'll add updates to this thread as I have them.

Slaphead07

Gaggia.ie do a decent tamper for €18 so you'll need to undercut that significantly.
http://www.gaggia.ie/range/accessories/

rymus

yeah not really the same thing when I'm looking at something that's going to be machined to each persons specific requirements..

the beer revolu

rymus wrote: »

phelix's post inspired me onward; I'm having a word with a guy that might be interested in making a few tampers of various sizes. Would there be a bit of interest here if he comes out with something faux-reg barber(ish)?

I'd be very interested.
Been lusting after a RB for ages but can't bring myself to part with that much money.

alastair

the beer revolu wrote: »

I'd be very interested.
Been lusting after a RB for ages but can't bring myself to part with that much money.

What he said - though I'm assuming everyone might require a different spec/diameter?

edit - sorry - not running on all cylinders - clearly the intent is to mill to individual requirement. Sounds good!

Zephyr6

Hi All

Does having a stainless steel tamper really enhance the taste of the coffee?

I’m getting pretty good results using the plastic tamper that came with the Classic.

I read on this thread that 58.3 mm is recommended for the Tamper size for the baskets of the Gaggia Classic.

Zephyr6

the beer revolu

Zephyr6 wrote: »

Hi All

Does having a stainless steel tamper really enhance the taste of the coffee?

I’m getting pretty good results using the plastic tamper that came with the Classic.

I read on this thread that 58.3 mm is recommended for the Tamper size for the baskets of the Gaggia Classic.

Zephyr6

Well to start with, the plastic tamper that comes with the classic is far too small for the baskets.

And what with all the big letters?
we can hear you fine!

ArcticFox

Motta Wooden Coffee Tamper - Curved Base 58mm

I just ordered my tamper here -
Price £13.99 & £14 p&p

http://www.creamsupplies.co.uk/eu/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1818&category=

If you order a number of other items, the postage stays in or around the same.....so maybe pick up a few other coffee accessories at the same time to justify the £14 postage.

Zymurgist

Are there any shops that one could go to in Dublin to buy a reasonably priced tamper?

I tried BT, Kitchen Complements and Stock yesterday but none of them had any.

I'm looking for one for a Gaggia Classic to replace the plastic one that comes with the machine.

Thanks,

ArcticFox

Check out my link above - they are very reasonably priced and the quality of the tamper itself is first class.

SuperGrover

I've just bought a tamper from Watermark. They're an Irish company, well they're based here anyway.

Came to €24 inc. courier delivery, next day in Dublin.

I have no idea if it's a good one or not as haven't used it yet (getting new machine this weekend) and previously had the horrible plastic thingy from Gaggia but it feels good and solid and is a decent fit in the basket from a quick test.

It's listed here...

http://www.watermark.ie/accessories

Zymurgist

Thanks for the replies guys, but I was really hoping for a bricks n mortar shop that i could walk into and actually hold the tamper before purchasing.

If not though I may well go with Arctic Fox's suggestion as it does look like a nice tamper.

snollup

rymus wrote: »

phelix's post inspired me onward; I'm having a word with a guy that might be interested in making a few tampers of various sizes. Would there be a bit of interest here if he comes out with something faux-reg barber(ish)?

Did anything ebver come of this?

rymus

not so far. dont know if there's been a general loss of interest from the guy that I was talking to about the machining or what. I'm gonna keep plugging away at it and see if I can get it back on track but at the moment it's dead in the water.

snollup

cool, sure keep me in mind if you get it sorted.

phelixoflaherty

Tamper.JPG

Tamper Apart.JPG

rymus

Okey dokey, it's been a while but this is possibly back on. I've been talking to a guy that says he'll machine bases out of stainless, brass, copper or aluminium. Precision wise, he's good to within .02 mm.

Now the financial part. He'll supply materials and create to specs for €25, or less if there are a number of people interested.

Currently discussing fancy turned wooden handles with someone else, details to follow.

Pricing wise, it's going to work out cheaper the more business I can throw at these two guys I imagine. If you are interested, let me know and I'll give you a shout when the details are sorted. I'm most likely going to get a sample done up in the next couple of weeks if anyone wants a gander.

the beer revolu

rymus wrote: »

Okey dokey, it's been a while but this is possibly back on. I've been talking to a guy that says he'll machine bases out of stainless, brass, copper or aluminium. Precision wise, he's good to within .02 mm.

Now the financial part. He'll supply materials and create to specs for €25, or less if there are a number of people interested.

Currently discussing fancy turned wooden handles with someone else, details to follow.

Pricing wise, it's going to work out cheaper the more business I can throw at these two guys I imagine. If you are interested, let me know and I'll give you a shout when the details are sorted. I'm most likely going to get a sample done up in the next couple of weeks if anyone wants a gander.

I'd be very interested!

donnacha

Hey Rymus - post a picture of the sample when you get it - if it looks good then I'll probably get in on this.

Doodee

donnacha wrote: »

Hey Rymus - post a picture of the sample when you get it - if it looks good then I'll probably get in on this.

Likewise.

just bought a digital Calipers to measure my baskets.

rymus

Doodee wrote: »

just bought a digital Calipers to measure my baskets.

oooh matron!

Will do all, need to measure my baskets too then I'll be getting a base made up. I'll report back when I have some lovely detailed photos.

bemak

Hi all.

Have a delonghi 330s and Im looking to get a tamper in dublin. think its a 52mm im after. where abouts in dub can i get one? i was thinking maybe arnotts?

thanks for yer help