Espresso machine pressure gauge adapter - info for tuning setup

[rendoman]

Hi
For the coffee lovers that love to rebuild old machines could be useful to have a pressure gauge for the portafilter. A 12bar gauge glicerin filled is a good item for the purpose, only need to machine an adapter for the portafilter.

It's essential to have a good tuning, above all in old manual machines. I collected a Rancilio Epoca 1 from a friend that bought the machine years ago and never used. Unluckily the brand at the time didnt sell ready to use unit, I measure 11bar at filter and the boiler set at minimum pressure, completely wrong. Result was a very water poor coffee, extracted cold in 3 seconds.

Correct setup for this machine (and similar) : 8-9 bar water pressure, 1,3 - 1,4 bar boiler pressure. With this setup it's possible to extract a perfect espresso due to force and temperature.

The only problem, now friends, relatives and neightbors are a constant presence in the house