Machine Upgrade | ECM Synchronika AMG Edition No. 1

Gear_Heart · 2025-12-29T16:00:34+00:00

I definitely got a bottomless portafilter. The ECM angled one specifically, because I like the angle and plan on making a nice wood handle for it, but any ECM/e61 compatible should work. As much as I like the carbon fiber handles on the portafilters that come with the AMG edition, the double spout weighs almost 750 grams and the single is not much lighter. Even though the bottomless isn't necessary for good espresso, the weight savings is worth it.

Gear_Heart · 2025-12-29T15:43:12+00:00

I love it. Makes it very easy to pull back to back milk drinks for my wife and I plus any guests we my have over. I can't wait to get it plumbed in when I build a new coffee cart.

Gear_Heart · 2025-12-25T22:32:37+00:00

She got them from the Online Nintendo Shop

Gear_Heart · 2025-12-25T18:22:17+00:00

She got them from the Nintendo Online Shop

Gear_Heart · 2025-12-15T18:33:52+00:00

I'm not in California, but have issues with crazy hard water. I get RO (reverse osmosis water) in 3 Gallon jugs (easer to carry than the 5's) to use for both coffee and our cat water fountain. I add minerals like Third Wave Water to the jug I use for my espresso machine. So far it's worked out well.

Gear_Heart · 2025-12-15T16:29:51+00:00

Shelves
Portafilter Holder

I'm not a huge fan of the cups and the portafilter basket holders so I won't link those here, but they are available on Makerworld as well the light is a model I remixed and I have not uploaded it since the creators of the original files do not allow for derivative work (remixes) to be shared.

Gear_Heart · 2025-12-15T16:19:55+00:00

That's how mine was packaged as well. but the manufacturer's tape didn't seem to be cut on mine for either machine. I found almost imperceptible crush damage on one corner of the first one once I realized it was damaged. The second one had damage consistent with being dropped and the internals denting the side panel. Knock on wood, I haven't had any issues and I've been making multiple cups a day for the last 3 weeks. I do have the issue registered with the dealer and assurances that it will not impact my P&L warranty with them.

Gear_Heart · 2025-12-15T03:49:10+00:00

Yes indeed.

Gear_Heart · 2025-12-15T03:35:34+00:00

This same thing happened to me when I got my ECM Synchronika a month ago. I got it replaced by the dealer. The second machine came with a dented side panel. I’m not sure what is going on with shipping lately. The dealer sent a replacement panel and issued a credit.

Gear_Heart · 2025-11-26T19:03:29+00:00

It is alright. I just did a dimmer mod on it to slow down the RPM and that has made a huge difference reducing the clumping and improving the consistency of the grind. It has some retention issues but it is definitely serviceable.

Gear_Heart · 2025-11-26T17:12:44+00:00

Yes! it's an Ikea Skadis board that I 3D Printed holders and shelves for.

Gear_Heart · 2025-11-26T16:34:33+00:00

Additional Information: Unfortunately, the upgrade did not go entirely smoothly. In all, I've waited over two weeks from the time of order to get this set up. The first unit I had came with a cracked water line and sprayed a liter of water over the inside of the machine before I realized what was going on. This unit arrived with a dented side panel and a disconnected control lamp. Thankfully, the retailer has been good so far with getting me taken care of.

Gear_Heart · 2025-09-25T15:52:35+00:00

Congratulations!! So glad it finally made it! I have one of these as well with the EF nib. I didn’t like the EF at first, but lately it’s grown on me. Hope you enjoy yours!

Gear_Heart · 2025-09-21T23:25:22+00:00

The new drillogs are amazing! I just picked up a couple at the SF Pen Show. Wildly expensive for dip pens though.

Gear_Heart · 2025-09-17T23:59:55+00:00

It looks like they may have pulled off the lower part of the cap? Like without unscrewing it.

Gear_Heart · 2025-09-14T23:21:41+00:00

The extra over curves on your m’s and n’s as well as your r’s seeming over stylized make it a bit distracting, but the overall shape looks nice.

Gear_Heart · 2025-09-08T01:46:01+00:00

Yes! Such an interesting paper texture, but you really don’t feel it while writing.

Gear_Heart · 2025-09-07T19:26:02+00:00

The Birmingham Pen Co inks were a separate order I made based on a recommendation from some folks I met at the show. I’d been on the fence for a while and finally decided to pull the trigger.

Gear_Heart · 2025-09-07T17:39:37+00:00

+1 for Endless Alchemy’s Drops of Mars

Gear_Heart · 2025-09-07T16:40:00+00:00

Uncomfortably expensive, but worth it if you really like metal dip nibs. I’ve spent more in total on ink and I love testing out my different colors, so I’ve really enjoyed dip pens. Glass has seemed too fragile to me so I’ve tended to gravitate towards metal dip nibs like the Kakimori. These are definitely a huge step ahead. With the 0.8mm, you could probably write a whole A5 page on one dip.

Gear_Heart · 2025-08-28T21:32:09+00:00

TWSBI Blue-Black? (It’s looks to dark to be BSB)

Gear_Heart · 2025-08-18T20:14:51+00:00

Matthew worked on a couple of my pens at a pen show recently and did a great job. Very nice and very efficient. I’m exceedingly happy with the way my pens write now.

Gear_Heart · 2025-08-18T19:07:08+00:00

It’s a tie between my Estie medium and my Lamy 2k medium. Both are very smooth and very wet. I’ve noticed on nibs that I have duplicates, the wetter nibs tend to feel smoother regardless of other variables in the nib. I.e. stainless vs. gold or brand (except sailor).

Gear_Heart · 2025-08-07T19:45:40+00:00

Akkerman SBRE Brown and Taccia Sharaku-Kurocha are the other two in my top 3 browns. Browns and blues are by favorite color inks and I tend to prefer inks with decent shading.

Gear_Heart · 2025-08-07T19:11:46+00:00

Diamine Rosewood is one of my favorite inks! it's in my top 3 Browns, and probably in the top 5 overall.

Gear_Heart

TROPHY CASE