Project parts - Espresso Tamper

[Neil Bosdet]

I would like to make some Espresso Tampers. Well, the handles I mean. I'm looking for a source of the base's or "pistons" as they may be called. Espresso Parts carries them but they start at around $30 each. http://www.espressoparts.com/TamperParts I'd like to find a lower cost source. My internet searching hasn't produced anything better. Do any of you know any good sources?

228549

[Marty Eargle]

Looks good and form fitting to the hand. I'm not an expert on metal...but $30 seems really steep for how simple that component is. Might want to look into a local machine shop and see what they can do for you.

[Neil Bosdet]

Might want to look into a local machine shop and see what they can do for you.

My experience is sourcing it locally will cost even more, not to mention the hassle. I'm sure lower cost options are out there I'm just not looking in the right spot.

[Eric DeSilva]

I wouldn't be so sure that cheap versions are out there. You are talking about a small volume item in stainless steel.

[Marvin Hasenak]

Check this one out. http://www.amazon.com/Espresso-Tamper-Sizes-Alloy-Coffee/dp/B0001XRNEM

Cast aluminum, cut it in 2 pieces and make 2 for the price of one!

[Reed Gray]

I know one turner who makes them, and uses lignum for the bottoms. Might be almost as expensive as the metal. He does use epoxy to glue them up, and no urethane (Gorilla) glue as bubbles can expand when shipped air freight and blow them apart.

robo hippy

[Scott Conners]

He does use epoxy to glue them up, and no urethane (Gorilla) glue as bubbles can expand when shipped air freight and blow them apart.

robo hippy
Great tip! I never thought about that. Thanks!

[Eric DeSilva]

I don't think I'd buy one if it wasn't SS--a tamper needs weight. Besides, if you are trying to turn a buck (so to speak) making these, I'd think you would want to aim for a high end audience. Kind of like buying Lie-Nielsen versus Buck Bros.

[Neil Bosdet]

Thanks everyone. I've found a producer overseas. I like the idea of Lignum Vitae for the base. I have a large board of this but hadn't thought about using it for this purpose. I will look into this.

Is the risk of projects blowing up when using polyurethane glues real? I use it now and ship all over the world. In all my uses of poly glues, I've used considerable clamping pressure so I don't think many trapped air bubbles could exist. Yikes, scary thought though.

Cheers,

Neil

[Neil Bosdet]

Check this one out. http://www.amazon.com/Espresso-Tamper-Sizes-Alloy-Coffee/dp/B0001XRNEM

Cast aluminum, cut it in 2 pieces and make 2 for the price of one!

I've seen this. It's just nasty.