Puck prep tools for VST E61

pete10uk

Hi all.

I’m on a mission to improve my consistency.

Been looking at a leveller tool, a pressure adjusting tamper and a tamper stand. What’s peoples thoughts on these tools and can any offer some recommendations

I’ve looked in the past but sizing always proves to be difficult. I have an E61 vst 18g basket. Am I right in thinking 58.4 is the correct size? Seen some at 58.5

Thanks

Rob1

pete10uk

Tamper = 58.55mm flat. I have a sharp edge Torr and love it. Would probably try a Bravo tamper if I were buying now as it is self-levelling.

No to pressure adjusting tampers, self-leveling yes (and if it is both then fine) but no point in paying for a pressurised tamper.

Leveller tools are ok but won’t help distribution significantly. They help consistency because they make it easier to tamp consistently. A cheap wdt tool will do both.

Get a tamp stand if you want one but they aren’t necessary.

Lake_M

pete10uk

As @Rob1 says, a good puck rake/WDT tool and a quality 58.55mm tamper (I have the Pullman ‘Big Step’) is really all you need. I don’t rate levelling/spinner tools much. If your tamping is cocked-eyed, then a self levelling tamper will help but you can get pretty good with practise and technique.

pjw

pete10uk Leveller tool is no go. Counter productive. Simple WDT tool like this is much better.

https://coffe.kazak.com.pl/en/product/distribyutor-sputnik-bezh/

limelight

If you are not looking to spend a ton of money, I have been using a WDT tool, Normcore V4 tamper, and a Normcore 58.5mm puck screen.

Not sure if the puck screen changes much but it does help keep the group head nice and clean.

There are a number higher end options out there!

Del_UK

If you are looking to spend a silly amount, you could get a Duomo The Eight and a Push 58.5mm tamper. But you’d have to be really daft to do that….. 🙄😬

MediumRoastSteam

I use a VST 18g basket. I have a Bravo, 58.5mm, a funnel and a puck rake. I use those every day. Before the Bravo, I had a standard 58.4mm tamper and that worked very well too.