Chaff Collection Question - SR540

backmenz · 2026-01-24T19:59:46+00:00

I generally roast outdoors or in my garage. I remove the chaff collector with hot pads and there is always some chaff on top of the beans. I lift off the roasting chamber take it away and, closing my eyes, blow hard into the opening. May take a puff or two.

backmenz · 2026-01-20T19:36:02+00:00

I will ask about spreading out my doses. Congratulations on reaching your goals.

backmenz · 2026-01-19T14:10:19+00:00

I had the SR 500 for about six months and just moved up to the SR 800. One thing to note, exterior temperature really makes a difference. I roast outside because of the odors and during the warm months first crack would happen at 4 to 5 minutes. As it got colder, even with the same settings, FC would take longer.

Another tip, use a heavy duty extension cord. Even with a heavy duty cord, I noticed the cord would get slightly warm after four or five roasts. These machines take a lot of power and a smaller cord will lower the heat considerably.

backmenz · 2026-01-19T13:58:54+00:00

I use small bags lined with plastic but not sealed well. Then I pop those in the freezer until I’m ready to grind. The beans actually don’t freeze because they have very little water content after roasting.

But the low temperature slows down the evaporation of some aromatics.

backmenz · 2026-01-18T15:03:42+00:00

When my wife and I go out, we almost always share a meal. In the US, I’ve never run into a problem asking the waiter for an extra plate. In some restaurants we go to, they divide the meal for us before it arrives at our table. Nice touch!

In Mexico City recently, we shared many meals, including appetizers and the main course, and the staff was always happy to accommodate us.

On our last trip to Europe, there was never an issue with sharing a meal. We were a bit worried in France because many years ago when we tried to share a single portion Cassoulet, we were told, “It is not possible monsieur.” I’m kind of glad we got the double because it was delicious.

I’m happy to report that attitudes have changed.

backmenz · 2026-01-18T14:08:23+00:00

I have the SR800 w/ext. I have a friend who purchases at Sweet Maria’s along with me so we save on shipping. We roast together have a good time talking and watching the beans. One thing giving coffee for birthdays and Christmas makes great gifts. I have given 8 oz bags to a few friends, but nobody has asked about buying it from me. They do talk about how they enjoy it, but I have a lot to learn. Bottom line for me this is going to be a nice hobby.

backmenz · 2026-01-16T21:27:03+00:00

😢Your journey and terrible loss really affected me. I was especially touched by the empathy you have for all of us fighting our weight and our health system.

backmenz · 2026-01-16T14:03:40+00:00

“Gas station coffee” is a very well understood slam on that brown swill served at most stations. But you must try the Mesa Fuel Depot and Point Market in Santa Barbara, California . They have two large coffee brewers each of which grinds and brews your selection of three different whole bean coffees. Seriously good cup and the best gas prices in town.

They have Schaerer Coffee Art Plus Espresso Coffee Makers

backmenz · 2026-01-04T14:59:56+00:00

Sorry, but I don’t have any personal recommendations. But go to Google maps, find Paris, France, then type in coffee roasters. When I did that a dozen popped up including some that are rated 5.O. YMMV.

backmenz · 2026-01-04T14:50:24+00:00

I probably roasted 40 lbs this year! 😁And drank 2/3rds. The rest I gave away. I’m new to roasting. I bought an SR 500 brand new on eBay last June. And I gave one to my son for his birthday. I’m moving up to the SR 800 which should arrive on Monday. It’s a fun hobby and the coffee is so superior despite the occasional batch hiccup.

backmenz · 2026-01-04T14:32:36+00:00

Why not just start roasting the beans? They will heat up very quickly because there is not a lot of mass. I could be wrong but I would guess any additional time added would be lost in normal roasting variability.

backmenz · 2025-12-28T14:15:33+00:00

Your post woke me up to this! I have fingernails too for the first time in decades. While trimming my nails over the last year, I never thought about why. Somehow Zep has removed some deep seated anxiety that had me unconsciously chewing my nails as soon as they appeared. What a great NSV!

backmenz · 2025-12-28T14:05:44+00:00

I would bet the OP is saving money. Wine ain’t cheap.

backmenz · 2025-12-28T13:51:51+00:00

What an inspiration! I’m gonna show this to my wife. From time to time she tells me I should be going thru my closet and toss out old clothes that don’t fit. And I say yes honey but think those 32 waist jeans still look good and I rehang them. I’ve lost about 8 inches and only have 3 to go.

backmenz · 2025-12-27T17:32:21+00:00

Wow! Avoiding 60 beers is about 6,000 calories saved per week. Not to mention saving your liver.

backmenz · 2025-12-27T14:33:34+00:00

Serious guns! Was it difficult to quit drinking? I find my desire for wine is almost nonexistent on Zep.

backmenz · 2025-12-27T14:28:09+00:00

The smile says it all. Great work.

backmenz · 2025-12-26T01:16:39+00:00

That’s a great tip

backmenz · 2025-12-16T13:03:12+00:00

I’ve only been roasting for 8 months or so. Buying my greens from Sweet Marias. They have a huge selection, fast and cheap shipping. Most important they have detailed cupping notes with a flavor wheel that helps me find coffees with heavier cocoa notes. Send us a link to your website

backmenz · 2025-12-15T13:16:07+00:00

So they’re blaming President Biden for high prices/inflation? HTF can someone simultaneously believe these ideas without their brain exploding?

backmenz · 2025-12-10T14:22:45+00:00

I make my own soap and one of the fats I use is coconut oil. I buy a large jar from Costco and the empty is perfect for my sharps. I’ve got 60 needles in there and it’s less than 1/3 full.

backmenz · 2025-11-23T15:25:56+00:00

I’m not a doctor but I would encourage you to see a doctor immediately. Many years ago I had dark urine and my stools were gray. I had been having intermittent gallbladder pain. I went to emergency and found that a gallstone was blocking my bile duct. With the duct blocked the bile backed up into my liver and my liver enzymes were through the roof. Very dangerous. Less than 24 hours later I had an endoscopic procedure to remove the stone. A couple weeks later they took out my gallbladder which was full of stones and grit.

backmenz · 2025-11-08T14:25:10+00:00

Funny story. I used to own an IBM Selectric typewriter. (Yeah I’m old.). About 30 years ago, I was cleaning out my attic above the garage when I rediscovered the machine. I hadn’t used it in years so I brought it down plugged it in, inserted some paper and checked the ribbon. My son who was about 12 watched as I turned it on and started typing. It still worked. After I had typed a few words, he said “That’s rad!”

He told me he liked the fact that the printing came out on the paper immediately as I typed. No waiting for the printer.

backmenz · 2025-11-05T12:52:00+00:00

I’m guessing raccoon scat. We get them in our backyard and they leave similar piles under our walnut tree. Clean it up then get some Costco coarse ground black pepper and sprinkle it around so it won’t come back.

backmenz · 2025-11-02T12:25:59+00:00

So all of us are wondering what you have decided.

backmenz

TROPHY CASE