Alina/Rossi CC45 modification. Findings and Observations

[lsegeorge]

Hello again,

I have upgraded to a Cimballi Junior Espresso Machine a couple of years
ago which I paired with an Alina Grinder (identical to a Rossi CC45).
On these grinders grind fineness adjustments are in the form of steps
(not continuous). This is a pain when trying to get an optimum
extraction (25 sec) since changing the fineness by one click could
result in an extraction time difference of several seconds (lets say
from 17 sec to 40).

After consulting alt.coffee, I went on and purchased (from
coffeeparts.com) the adjustment ring of the automatic version of the
Rossi machine which has more adjustment levels. Installation needed a
few minor modifications but all in all was manageable.

Findings/ observations: The grinder has become much noisier.
Adjustments will actually result in smaller extraction time changes (17
sec will change to 30 sec). A grinder that has grind adjustments in
steps cannot compete with a grinder with
Step-less (continuous) adjustments keeping all other equal. I should
get a Mazzer Grinder or a Cimballi Grinder ASAP.

[Danny]

Post by lsegeorge
Hello again,
I have upgraded to a Cimballi Junior Espresso Machine a couple of years
ago which I paired with an Alina Grinder (identical to a Rossi CC45).
On these grinders grind fineness adjustments are in the form of steps
(not continuous). This is a pain when trying to get an optimum
extraction (25 sec) since changing the fineness by one click could
result in an extraction time difference of several seconds (lets say
from 17 sec to 40).
After consulting alt.coffee, I went on and purchased (from
coffeeparts.com) the adjustment ring of the automatic version of the
Rossi machine which has more adjustment levels. Installation needed a
few minor modifications but all in all was manageable.
Findings/ observations: The grinder has become much noisier.
Adjustments will actually result in smaller extraction time changes (17
sec will change to 30 sec). A grinder that has grind adjustments in
steps cannot compete with a grinder with
Step-less (continuous) adjustments keeping all other equal. I should
get a Mazzer Grinder or a Cimballi Grinder ASAP.

The CC45 seems similar in specs to the better known RR45 - same motor,
burrset etc. Whilst the lesser indents ring is not ideal, the ring
with 60 or 80 indents (can't remember which it is) should be fine for
adjustability, and certainly should not affect the noise or output of
the grinder at all.

A single indent adjustment that results in a swing of 13 seconds
difference in extraction time isn't normal, at least not with my RR45,
or any other grinder with the standard 60/80 indent ring. I would
expect a single notch to change the timing by 5 seconds at absolute
most, probably less.

Although stepless would be better, you should be getting better
results with your current grinder - did you check the burrs whilst you
were in there?

[mattw]

My RR45 does okay, not great, but okay with the standard ring. Like
Danny said, you may want to check the burrs. They may just need a
minute rice cleaning, or they may be dull.

There was also a couple of posts on coffeegeek (which is down right
now) showing a mod to a Rossi that made it stepless. He had drilled a
hole through the ring and put a screw through the whole. Then he had
put a cork ring at the base and would twist the screw until it made
contact with the cork. It became infinitely adjustable, and he seemed
happy with it. Since you have an extra ring, it may not be a bad idea
to try. It also makes alot more sense when you see it--I will try to
link to the thread when CG comes back up.

If you are determined to upgrade, check out the new Macap stepless
review on home-barista.com - lots of good things to say about it and it
costs less than a Mazzer.

Matt

[mattw]

Here is the pic:
Loading Image...

And the explanation post:
http://www.coffeegeek.com/forums/espresso/machines/215851

[Paul Sack]

Post by mattw
http://iacoma.cs.uiuc.edu/~paulsack/rr_hack.jpg
http://www.coffeegeek.com/forums/espresso/machines/215851

Aha, perhaps someone else will use it.

The cork ring didn't work so well. But what has been working well is
putting a felt-tip on a screw and putting it in backwards through the
ring, with a wing-nut threadlocked into place on top for loosening
and tightening it.