katipo Senior Member Joined: 3 May 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Sydney Expertise: Pro Barista
Espresso: La Marzocco 3grp Linea Grinder: Mazzer Major Roaster: Golden Cobra
Posted Wed May 7, 2008, 2:33am Subject: Can Automatic tamps save wrists?
Hi, I've been a professional Barista now for 9 years, working on coffee volume between 40-60kg per week. As a result my wrists have taken a beating. I am trying to find another solution to tamping other than a swift grinder. I have been looking into some automatic tampers such as the MACAP tamper but not sure how good they would be in a high volume cafe. Has anyone used one in a high volume situation? Can anyone recommend which auto tamper is best?
Posted Mon May 12, 2008, 5:07pm Subject: Re: Can Automatic tamps save wrists?
try changing your tamping technique before looking at auto-tampers, there should be a happy medium where you can get a level tamp with requisite pressure without injuring yourself.
katipo Senior Member Joined: 3 May 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Sydney Expertise: Pro Barista
Espresso: La Marzocco 3grp Linea Grinder: Mazzer Major Roaster: Golden Cobra
Posted Wed May 14, 2008, 4:38am Subject: Re: Can Automatic tamps save wrists?
Yeah I've lightened up my technique, did that a few years ago. Problem is more related to constant use, and repetitive action. I appreciate your response though. Ever tried an auto tamper?
katipo Senior Member Joined: 3 May 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Sydney Expertise: Pro Barista
Espresso: La Marzocco 3grp Linea Grinder: Mazzer Major Roaster: Golden Cobra
Posted Sat May 17, 2008, 12:29am Subject: Re: Can Automatic tamps save wrists?
Ok fellas, enough about technique and stretching. I have always tamped with a straight vertical arm from elbow to wrist. (how on earth you tamped, kwoffee, in a horizontal position beats me) I have also from day one stretched my wrists and forearms and my shoulder and pec muscles. Not everybody's wrists are the same. I have had mine checked by a chiro recently and I have what is known as hyper mobility in the wrist joints. This is generally a genetic trait I have been told. Because of the long years of use my wrists get compacted. I have also taught myself to tamp with both arms and have been doing so for many years. I do alternate days with each arm, but both have the same problem.
So, what I am looking for is another solution to hand tamping, hence my initial question, has anybody used an auto tamper? Or, has anybody used anything else that may help me prolong my career. I love doing what I do, and obviously I would always like to be able to hand tamp, so I need to find something that I can incorporate into my tamping regime.
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