Tamper Diameter / Edge Gap

JHCCoffee

I use an EazyTamp that they market as a 58.4 mm diameter. My callipers measure it at 58.5mm.

However my IMS basket is 59.08 mm inside diameter at the top and 58.40 mm inside diameter close to the bottom. So I am guessing that there is a 0.58mm gap between the side of my tamper and the basket at the top, which reduces to a 0.34mm gap midway down, and then a 0.1mm gap at the bottom.

FYI, the basket is 21.30 mm deep and the tamper base is 12.12 mm thick. There is typically 12mm distance from the rim of the basket to the top of the puck, when I dose 18g in my 18g IMS basket. So the top of the puck is just a tad closer to the bottom than half way.

Is this side gap ok, or does it contribute to channeling. Thinking that a tamper that is 58.6mm or at most 58.7mm diameter would be better. Thoughts?

If I should change tampers, is a self leveling and weight calibrated tamper still a better idea or is it overkill? Can I get a tamper with the above 58.6 or 58.7mm base?

MWJB

JHCCoffee What is the basket diameter at 12mm from the rim of the basket, don’t forget that you don’t want zero clearance as the tamper can get stuck in the basket, also you don’t want a vacuum disturbing your tight tolerance tamp, when you withdraw.

Also bear in mind that you will need a replacement basket in future and you don’t want the tamper to jam in that too.

58.5mm is probably as large as is practical to go, unless you are going to match tampers to specific baskets.

JHCCoffee

MWJB 58.5mm is probably as large as is practical to go, unless you are going to match tampers to specific baskets.

Based upon my measurements of my 15g and 18g IMS baskets, I can very safely go to 58.5mm. I could probably even go to 58.6mm and might even squeeze in at 58.7, if that was available. But I don’t want to create a vacuum effect.

I can buy an additional base for my EazyTamp for $60 AU per base, plus about $30 AU shipping. So I could buy a 58.5 base, or both a 58.5 and a 58.6. They offer both as accessories.

The real question is: will adding 0.1mm in tamper base make an incremental difference? Vs adding 0.2mm? If either did, I’m all in, as every incremental improvement in the dosing and tamping process can (in total) add up to a significant improvement. If not, I’ll save the $ for other items, like a Lelit B.

Waitforme

If your current tamper is 0.1mm oversize what’s to say another one you buy isn’t 0.1mm undersize ?

Or is the tolerance minus 0 + 0.1 ?

I’d be asking them before making a purchase if you do decide it’s worth it .

FWIW though , I’d doubt you’d notice a difference.

-Mac

What’s the tolerance of your taste buds?

Ernie1

For what it’s worth, the La Marzocco tamper that came with my Linea Mini isn’t even close to the exact size of the basket, I haven’t measured but there must be at least a 1ml gap around the edge.

I’m not convinced it’s an issue, the shots come out fine and when I’ve tamped there’s no noticeable ‘lip’ around the edge.

I’ll get a photo shortly.

Cuprajake

They can’t be stupid tight or they will get stuck or such the puck out

Ernie1

tompoland

Looks like it works just fine. I suspect that people like me become obsessed with an extra 0.4mm for no good reason.

(It’s just that my better half keeps telling me that width DOES matter.)

Ernie1

tompoland

Exactly, as long as it’s just big enough for a satisfying puck.

CoyoteOldMan

Ernie1 Pitting accurately in the fortapilter is also imfortant.

tompoland

Ernie1 Oh that is funny 🤣

Amberale

Probably overthinking it.
As a wise old coffee addict said recently, spend more money on your beans and less on your gadgets.
“Well, he sort of said that”.