I was lucky enough, along with TSK to be involved in the above project right from the start. As many will know, this project was the brainchild of @DavecUK. The end result is a top notch lever machine that is far removed from the traditional machine. For starters, it has squeezed in dual springs to a domestic case, allowing lever lovers the true capability of a commercial machine (unlike most other domestic machines than can only handle a single spring). In addition, one boiler becomes two. Each boiler works independently and is controlled by a PID allowing total temperature control. The machine used 2 heater cartridges to warm up the group meaning you do not have to bring the boiler up to temperature before the group heats up. I find that from cold, the machine is fully functional in around 15 minutes. That is without flushing water through the group, or wrapping towels around or any other silly methods of trying to force things through. I think the single most surprising thing, is just how easy and different it is pulling the lever with a dual spring. A little bit of grunt is needed to commence the pull, but the pressure required seems to decrease as you work through the pull, unlike my single spring Londinium which seems to require you to maintain or even increase the pressure needed as the shot progresses.

If were to look back in time, which was the end of March this year, the Evo’s timing could not have been better. I kept moving my goal post looking for something, which I wasn’t finding. I then fixed my eyes on two great machines - Minima or Bianca, intentionally staying clear Vostok threads on coffee time and elsewhere as they were too big to read. When I did, I instantly knew, despite no serious technical background, my search had come to an end! 😊 It was an easy decision for non-financial reasons but it was very hard for financial reasons. But, I am glad, I purchased this beauty. It’s a bargain for what we get. The best parts of the Evo for me are easy maintenance and repeatable lovely shots. 😊 Thanks Dave and Paolo!

I really wish Frankenstein was working again...as soon as I get some parts, he will be repaired.

Gentlemen! New home, new vistas, same good discussions! Congratulations and all the best from the other side of the Atlantic!

Hello everyone, As the action is moving to this new forum, I'd like to share with you a fairly lengthy FAQ document which captures all (?) the good stuff posted elsewhere about the Vesuvius Evo Leva. [ACS Evo Leva FAQ](https://1drv.ms/w/s!AmeL5kgIKZuIgtBN-Z9GPSIg_5BxCw "ACS Evo Leva FAQ") This is a read-only document, but I'd be happy to share through private messaging a link to an editable version, as well as to edit the document based on your feedback (again via PM to keep this thread as clean as possible). Thank you to all the people who contributed the insights and observations which are included in this document. Some of the text is highlighted in yellow to denote improvement areas for future versions of the document (either due to conflicting information, or too little data to cover adequately some topic). Enjoy the read and feel free to share any editing suggestions if you're so inclined. 😉

@"Eiffel"#21 Great idea matey! It is easy to see what you have been up to on these dark winter nights!

@"Eiffel"#21 Congratulations on such a nice assemblage of the Evo's, er, evolution. Bravo! I read through most of it and the stance I held gradually changed as I read through it, simply because it evolved (there's that word again) as more owners added their unique perspective and experiences. And that's what makes "Evo-stewardship" very different than "LM-worship" which I almost fell prey to. MY humble opinion is to let it be as open as you have now made it, and let the sunshine it. Every owner has perspectives and experiences that create another piece of heaven. I think the document is already "living" and I would be content - and proud - to have been included. Thank you very much for doing this!

@"Eiffel"#p66 Great job mate! Well done. I do have a list of extracts with images / videos stored on my iPhone. Happy to pass them to you or modify if an editable version is available. Thanks for sharing the document.

Might have to add the Leva to my short list for my next machine.

@"-Mac"#p468 It's firmly on mine! Fortunately, my wife spent a small fortune on a road bike so I'm due some payback!

@"Eiffel", that was an interesting read. You ask about the sticker that some come with; my Vesuvius came with the sticker. It removes easily, I used a hot air pencil to warm it - left no residue. I have now rebranded my fridge. :-) https://p8.f1.n0.cdn.getcloudapp.com/items/YEuPxlyP/e8f4de25-7852-4a1e-bbb8-8add7f2c2afd.jpg

ACS Vesuvius Evo Leva

Ando

ManicAsif Took a while but you finally got it! Hope it works out for you.

The wood is walnut, or at least that is what I initially ordered.

ManicAsif

Ando Hey Craig!

Yes, finally got my hands on it :)

Hopefully will get a chance to pull the first shot later!

DavecUK

ManicAsif I requested the flush lever from factory, but what I have seems to differ from the recent youtube video you posted regarding the flush lever. My one looks different, but crucially seems to be missing a horizontal bar to be able to operate

Did they confirm you were getting it and were you charged for it….because I only got the revised lever a few weeks ago and it still needs some tweaks to work 100%. I detail what those are in the longer one of my 2 videos on YouTube.

ManicAsif

DavecUK

Hi Dave, yes they did confirm I was getting it and was charged.

Maria has already responded and confirmed it was an oversight on their part (tbf, i did add the flush at the 11th hour)

She will ship it out by the end of this week.

I am guessing, I will be getting the version without your recommended tweaks, but we will see when it arrives

Hugonl37

I finally managed to unscrew the steam wand assembly, with the help of that magnificent Knipex 86 01 250. Without it, I would have never succeeded.

Thanks for the tip @Adrianmsmith

Some very minor marks on the chrome nut, not visible with normal use. The inside nut has more marks and the elbow too, but they all retain their function 100%. The case has some scratches on the outside, I will try to buff it up or so.

This was a very strenuous operation, I wish it upon nobody. That permanent thread locker usage is a royal pain in the *s.

The inside nut is impossible to find online, it’s maybe a G1/4 but 5.2mm thick, most are <4mm thick. Try to spare it if you can.

My machine is now ready for rebuild, but it has some battle scars. I hope V2 machines used better construction decisions.

DavecUK

Hugonl37 My machine is now ready for rebuild, but it has some battle scars. I hope V2 machines used better construction decisions.

It does, especially as I lost my rag about over that particular V1 construction method. Quite a few sensible changes.

Adrianmsmith

Hugonl37

As per @DavecUK I found the choice of fittings challenging shall we say from a rebuilt perspective. I sent Paolo a rant last year with what I had done . Not sure if that helped or if the changes had already been made . I’ve had a few rants on here as well but I do enjoy the work that leads to the rant if that makes sense.

The difference with me and a few others Vs the majority on here, I actually enjoy the ability to make changes as necessary. I enjoy the engineering side of the hobby as much as the coffee drinking. I realise it’s not in everyone’s skill set or even interest.

It’s my day job in a different discipline but it means I can actually vouch for and appreciate the quality of the ACS kit. For me the coffee / home barista is purely hobby level. No commercial interest at all and have never even sold a cup of coffee. I pay friends to drink it 😜☕🤓🤔

I would consider changing the back of the valve to a straight compression as I did if you are comfortable with the bit of soldering to get the elbow and spigot required in the correct place. You do need a piece of straight 8mm copper from the final elbow (a spigot) to complete the straight compression joint. Simplicity for the future makes it well worth the bit of effort.

But, only if you don’t need to ask any how questions!!

DavecUK

ManicAsif I am guessing, I will be getting the version without your recommended tweaks, but we will see when it arrives

For sure, because the next version has not been made yet as far as I am aware.,..and I’m not sure when it will be, The current version is great though. Have you got the safety system?

ManicAsif

DavecUK Have you got the safety system?

No! given the reported issues, I decided not to go with the safety system.

Maria/Paolo advised that I could add retrospectively, once they have made the necessary improvements

DavecUK

ManicAsif No! given the reported issues, I decided not to go with the safety system.

Maria/Paolo advised that I could add retrospectively, once they have made the necessary improvements

I think that’s a wise move, and it can be easily added later.

Hugonl37

@Paolo_Cortese could you maybe help me find a suitable paint to cover any scratches on the black panels? Are they powder coated in the factory? What would you use to cover scratches? I’ve tried different matte black paints (small area on the inside to try) but can’t find anything similar to your factory black paint.

Stevebee

Hugonl37 isn’t it powdered coated ?

Cuprajake

ask if they have a ral code for instance

DavecUK

Cuprajake I’ve asked Paolo if he can get the colour code and the gloss %

DavecUK

Also hang on before painting, as I had an idea to have a slightly larger 2mm chrome washer between the valve and front panel as standard on machines. So if the factory is able to do this, then you could add them to both your valves (as you will eventually have to do the water one as well). This means you won’t need to paint it.

These washers might well make assembly easier and I think would look good as well as providing safer disassembly in the future.

Hugonl37

DavecUK
That sounds like a much better solution! I’d still also love to get some ideas for a good coverup paint, since my machine has had some scratches outside of the nut edge.

But I can wait, have the Caravel currently as a backup making nice 8 gram shots and the Pavoni steaming tiny little cups of milk that go with it haha

Adrianmsmith

DavecUK

I actually tried that last year BUT be careful, the limiting factor is the thread part on the valve is only just long enough for stock method of fitting with no spare mm to experiment. I wanted a nice copper or stainless ring showing but gave up in the end due to lack of threads……

I have added copper to the MK2 head, just for show!!

Stole an old idea from the early forum 😎🫣

DavecUK

Hugonl37 I’d still also love to get some ideas for a good coverup paint, since my machine has had some scratches outside of the nut edge.

But I can wait, have the Caravel currently as a backup making

Ral 9005

5 gloss

Texture fine

Hugonl37

DavecUK

Thank you. I ordered a few paints from different sources, matching this description. Hope to find a perfect touch up paint for these black panels. Will post if successful.

Blackbirdman

Just ordered the flush lever! And also a black driptray to match my black machine because it looks so good!

ManicAsif

Blackbirdman

I have just got notification from Maria that my flush lever is on its way (they forgot ti include when they shipped my machine).

I will let you know how easy (or otherwise) it is retrofit - I am expecting it to be super simple

good shout re: black drip tray - I think it really does look good with the black machine. The stainless steel, just looked a little out of place (but then, I haven’t seen that combi in the flesh, only in pics)

Blackbirdman

ManicAsif your picture convinced my wife so I had permission to order one since I was ordering the lever anyway!

ManicAsif

Guys, I am struggling a little in pulling a decent shot. My very first couple of shots were lovely straight of the bat, but now strugglling, really not sure why (clearly I must have changed something :)

I am using the stock basket in the bottemless portafilter - filling with 18g in and targetting 36-38g out

they are well rested medium dark beans, that I had dialled in for my E61 machine and using the same dial setting (Mazzer Mini 58mm burrs)

I think my issue is poor tamping in such a big basket and not getting that right with 18g in - should I try 20 or 22g?

i have the auto flush set at 5bar, but the shots are either coming out super quick (20 secs, including 4 sec PI) or slow (50 secs, incuding 12s PI) - though I haven’t changed the grind!

any ideas?

I am going to open a new bag of coffe which has also been rested for 3 weeks now - so perhaps better luck

Blackbirdman

ManicAsif the stock basket is quite deep and works better for higher dose. You could definitely try that!

Cuprajake

ManicAsif stock baskets are too big

Go for the upgrade ims comp baskets to get to a 17g dose

On a dark roast well any roast tbh I just had the infusion set at 2bar , I infuse quick anyway 5s then let the spring extract. 5s infusion 17g in 34g out in about 25s totalling a 30s shot

Lighter roasts 5s infusion and 25s shot but 17g to 43g out

But the big baskets don’t work well imo

Adrianmsmith

ManicAsif

May help you.

I’m at 21g in, aiming for 46g out.

As you see I’m using the method you will with your new lever (obviously patented by @DavecUK I’d never have come up with that great suggestion), start the pump and then pull the handle slowly, giving very little air and 11 bar start.

Using scales to dial in , adjust grind and dump point to achieve your output.

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