Getting back to his long time column on CoffeeGeek, Paul Pratt writes his first in a series of rebuild articles, this time with a closeup look at the classic Faema E61 full restoration.
PaulTheRoaster Senior Member Joined: 2 Aug 2005 Posts: 341 Location: Champaign, Illinois, USA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Faema C84 A/1, Eterna leva... Grinder: Compak K6, Solis Classic Drip: French Press, Swiss Gold... Roaster: RK drum
Posted Wed Jun 6, 2007, 6:14pm Subject: Re: A Legend is Reborn - Faema E61 Restoration by Paul Pratt
Great article. I'm really looking forward to the next of hopefully many in the series. Great photos, too. And good taste in machines. (Especially looking forward to more tricks of the trade.)
Tex Senior Member Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 840 Location: Texas - That's God's country to everyone else! Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Bunn ES-1A (PID'd), Gaggia... Grinder: Rancilio MD50 Vac Pot: Way too many vintage Silex... Drip: Melitta Clarity Roaster: TurboCrazy &...
Posted Wed Jun 6, 2007, 8:11pm Subject: Re: A Legend is Reborn - Faema E61 Restoration by Paul Pratt
Paul is an inspiration to me. In fact he's the reason I started rebuilding machines for friends & family. His web site made it look so interesting that I had to get one & tear into it myself.
Paul's efforts in restoring espresso machines is beyond anything I aspire to, but it's like reading Sports Illustrated; I may never be Jeter or Pujols but that doesn't mean I can't dream about it.
Posted Fri Jun 8, 2007, 9:28pm Subject: Re: A Legend is Reborn - Faema E61 Restoration by Paul Pratt
What a great restoration - have fun!
I had the opportunity to pull shots this week on a retooled E-61 in front of a group of 100 CEOs for a major Intl. corporation. As far as I can tell, the only difference between the remake and the old design is the autofill and the progressive preinfusion. A camera man filmed every shot and broadcast it on a 25 foot screen to the crowd, so I COULD REALLY SEE ANY CHANNELLING (not that any of the incredibly drunk CEOs would have noticed), and shot after shot came out beautifully. It is a shame that sexy design is such a lost art, and coffee is fueled by so much romance.
Paul_Pratt Senior Member Joined: 2 Sep 2002 Posts: 303 Location: Hong Kong Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Marzocco SMAL + GS Grinder: Vulcano Drip: Pourover cone works best for... Roaster: Probat
Posted Sat Jun 9, 2007, 5:29am Subject: Re: A Legend is Reborn - Faema E61 Restoration by Paul Pratt
Thanks guys. Well I can tell you that the machine is done and looks incredible, it makes me smile every time I look at it. At the moment I'm pulling shots and learning all the time.
Tony I think the E61 legend has another trick up it's sleeve with a thermosyphon loop thermostat which tries to get a more stable group temp.
ilVecchio Senior Member Joined: 22 Jun 2002 Posts: 174 Location: northbrook, il Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Bezzera Grinder: Baratza Vario Roaster: Hottop
Posted Mon Jun 11, 2007, 2:21pm Subject: Re: A Legend is Reborn - Faema E61 Restoration by Paul Pratt
Sutono Said:
What a great restoration - have fun!
I had the opportunity to pull shots this week on a retooled E-61 in front of a group of 100 CEOs for a major Intl. corporation. As far as I can tell, the only difference between the remake and the old design is the autofill and the progressive preinfusion. A camera man filmed every shot and broadcast it on a 25 foot screen to the crowd, so I COULD REALLY SEE ANY CHANNELLING (not that any of the incredibly drunk CEOs would have noticed), and shot after shot came out beautifully. It is a shame that sexy design is such a lost art, and coffee is fueled by so much romance.
short_circuits Senior Member Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silvia Grinder: Bodum Antigua (modded) Vac Pot: no Drip: no Roaster: not yet...
Posted Sun Jul 8, 2007, 3:45am Subject: Re: A Legend is Reborn - Faema E61 Restoration by Paul Pratt
A Turkish cafe near where I work has one of these on their counter. In daily use, and looks to be in good condition. I can see what you mean about older machines looking far more stylish.
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