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Discussions > Coffee > Q and A > Bad to run...  
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iHaveFeet
Senior Member


Joined: 5 Oct 2008
Posts: 99
Location: Victoria, B.C.
Expertise: Just starting

Espresso: Mypressi Twist
Grinder: Baratza Preciso
Vac Pot: Not yet
Drip: Hario Woodneck, Chemex/Coava...
Posted Thu Jan 12, 2012, 8:19pm
Subject: Bad to run grinder with no coffee in it?
 

The manual for my Preciso says not to run the grinder at fine settings while empty as it could damage the burrs. Okay, that makes sense. But, I'm wondering if this means it is bad to weigh my dose before putting the beans in the hopper and then grinding completely until it runs clear? What about pressing the pulse button a couple of times while it's empty to purge of any grounds, as I am constantly switching between coffees and grind settings?

Or, does it just mean that it's bad to leave the burrs running for more than a second or two?

Thanks for any replies!

Brendan
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CraigA
Moderator
CraigA
Joined: 19 Dec 2001
Posts: 11,034
Location: Rexdale, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Expertise: I live coffee

Espresso: PID/PressureMod 2001...
Grinder: BUNN FPG-2 DBC, Baratza...
Vac Pot: Bodum Santos manual, Yama 5...
Drip: Behmor BraZen, BUNN VPR-APS,...
Roaster: Refurb Behmor 1600, BBQ...
Posted Thu Jan 12, 2012, 9:43pm
Subject: Re: Bad to run grinder with no coffee in it?
 

iHaveFeet Said:

The manual for my Preciso says not to run the grinder at fine settings while empty as it could damage the burrs. Okay, that makes sense.

Posted January 12, 2012 link

At fine settings you'll be ok.

The Preciso is calibrated to have the burrs lightly touch (dynamic/running) zero point between +10 to +11. Yours may or may not be different. You'd only start to rub the burrs together & start to dull them at those numbers, & you definitely don't want to run you grinder with no beans between the burrs at or below that number or where ever your particular running zero point is.

But, I'm wondering if this means it is bad to weigh my dose before putting the beans in the hopper and then grinding completely until it runs clear?

That wouldn't make any difference or do any harm at all.

What about pressing the pulse button a couple of times while it's empty to purge of any grounds, as I am constantly switching between coffees and grind settings?

Same as above..

Or, does it just mean that it's bad to leave the burrs running for more than a second or two?

?? Doesn't mean that at all, you could run the grinder for as long as the timer allows it & that's called the duty cycle & I think it's 90 seconds., but I've never timed it.

 
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http://www.facebook.com/craig.andrews.169

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iHaveFeet
Senior Member


Joined: 5 Oct 2008
Posts: 99
Location: Victoria, B.C.
Expertise: Just starting

Espresso: Mypressi Twist
Grinder: Baratza Preciso
Vac Pot: Not yet
Drip: Hario Woodneck, Chemex/Coava...
Posted Thu Jan 12, 2012, 10:21pm
Subject: Re: Bad to run grinder with no coffee in it?
 

Okay, just reread the manual and it actually says at "very fine" settings. So, would doing what I described above be okay at an espresso grind (currently in the 10 - 11 range, or zero point if mine is calibrated correctly)?

Also, is there a simple way for me to find out where exactly the zero point is on mine?

Sorry if these are stupid questions, but I want to make sure I'm taking care of this thing!

Thanks for your help and advice, Craig. Your replies to my questions were one of the deciding factors for getting this grinder. I was planning on contacting you about a refurb unit but then I came across a great boxing week sale. :D

Brendan
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IMAWriter
Senior Member
IMAWriter
Joined: 4 Jul 2002
Posts: 5,461
Location: Brentwood, TN
Expertise: I live coffee

Espresso: Olympia Cremina, Reg, Penney...
Grinder: Vario-W,Preciso-Esatto/KyM...
Vac Pot: Adcraft SS, Yama 8 cup
Drip: Brazen.Chemex, Hario, Clever...
Roaster: Behmor 1600, CO/UFO combo
Posted Thu Jan 12, 2012, 10:28pm
Subject: Re: Bad to run grinder with no coffee in it?
 

iHaveFeet Said:

I'm wondering if this means it is bad to weigh my dose before putting the beans in the hopper and then grinding completely until it runs clear?

Brendan

Posted January 12, 2012 link

I HAVE to ask, WHY would you weigh your beans before putting them in a grinder that grinds BY WEIGHT?
If you've tare'd the grinder as per instructions, there is NO reason to weigh your beans. NONE.

 
Rob J (LMWDP #187)
My Music Production web site:
www.robertjason.com
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CraigA
Moderator
CraigA
Joined: 19 Dec 2001
Posts: 11,034
Location: Rexdale, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Expertise: I live coffee

Espresso: PID/PressureMod 2001...
Grinder: BUNN FPG-2 DBC, Baratza...
Vac Pot: Bodum Santos manual, Yama 5...
Drip: Behmor BraZen, BUNN VPR-APS,...
Roaster: Refurb Behmor 1600, BBQ...
Posted Thu Jan 12, 2012, 10:41pm
Subject: Re: Bad to run grinder with no coffee in it?
 

iHaveFeet Said:

Okay, just reread the manual and it actually says at "very fine" settings. So, would doing what I described above be okay at an espresso grind (currently in the 10 - 11 range, or zero point if mine is calibrated correctly)?

Posted January 12, 2012 link

Well, if you can run it clear & not have the burrs rubbing., that's fine then.

Also, is there a simple way for me to find out where exactly the zero point is on mine?

Yes, make sure there's no coffee in the hopper of between the burrs. Start the grinder at any number really, but for the sake of openening 'er right up., turn on the timer & start at 40 (off) & start coming back down (at #39 the grinder will turn on) & bring the hopper down & then slowly approach #13, 12, 11., & see where the burrs only LIGHTLY/barely begin to touch/kiss together.., then back away coarser a few numbers higher.

Sorry if these are stupid questions, but I want to make sure I'm taking care of this thing!

Yes, understandable!

Thanks for your help and advice, Craig. Your replies to my questions were one of the deciding factors for getting this grinder. I was planning on contacting you about a refurb unit but then I came across a great boxing week sale. :D

Thanks for the great thoughts Brendan! I was sold out of Preciso's anyhoo, & I was waiting on some parts for the Preciso refurbishing that I received last Thurs (Jan 5th). I have a priority waithing list, & now that I have the parts., I have a few Precisio's to refurb to fulfill awaiting orders. {;-)

 
http://twitter.com/CoffeegeekCraig
http://www.facebook.com/craig.andrews.169

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iHaveFeet
Senior Member


Joined: 5 Oct 2008
Posts: 99
Location: Victoria, B.C.
Expertise: Just starting

Espresso: Mypressi Twist
Grinder: Baratza Preciso
Vac Pot: Not yet
Drip: Hario Woodneck, Chemex/Coava...
Posted Thu Jan 12, 2012, 10:46pm
Subject: Re: Bad to run grinder with no coffee in it?
 

IMAWriter Said:

I HAVE to ask, WHY would you weigh your beans before putting them in a grinder that grinds BY WEIGHT?
If you've tare'd the grinder as per instructions, there is NO reason to weigh your beans. NONE.

Posted January 12, 2012 link

Well, a) the Preciso DOESN'T grind by weight. And, b) I rarely have only one bag of coffee on the go at the same time. So, if I want to have a cup of pour over or press pot of whatever single origin I currently have in my cupboard in the morning, and then a shot of espresso later in the day, there is NO reason to fill the hopper. NONE. Weighing my beans per cup is the best method for my coffee brewing habits.

If you'd like to buy me a second grinder so I don't have to do this, you're more than welcome. I hear the Vario-W grinds by weight. ;)
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CraigA
Moderator
CraigA
Joined: 19 Dec 2001
Posts: 11,034
Location: Rexdale, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Expertise: I live coffee

Espresso: PID/PressureMod 2001...
Grinder: BUNN FPG-2 DBC, Baratza...
Vac Pot: Bodum Santos manual, Yama 5...
Drip: Behmor BraZen, BUNN VPR-APS,...
Roaster: Refurb Behmor 1600, BBQ...
Posted Thu Jan 12, 2012, 10:47pm
Subject: Re: Bad to run grinder with no coffee in it?
 

IMAWriter Said:

I HAVE to ask, WHY would you weigh your beans before putting them in a grinder that grinds BY WEIGHT?

Posted January 12, 2012 link

Rob, the Preciso dosen't grind by weight., but it DOES with our Esatto attachment lol. {;-D
It's late & of course I realize that you just made a simple honest mistake (I'm tired too man! ;) ) & we're (you & me) just so used to having the Preciso with the Esatto attachment on it now that it just seems that it always came or was that way!

P.S. This post was being composed before I saw Brendan's post.

 
http://twitter.com/CoffeegeekCraig
http://www.facebook.com/craig.andrews.169

Excellent coffee doesn't just happen!
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iHaveFeet
Senior Member


Joined: 5 Oct 2008
Posts: 99
Location: Victoria, B.C.
Expertise: Just starting

Espresso: Mypressi Twist
Grinder: Baratza Preciso
Vac Pot: Not yet
Drip: Hario Woodneck, Chemex/Coava...
Posted Thu Jan 12, 2012, 11:07pm
Subject: Re: Bad to run grinder with no coffee in it?
 

CraigA Said:

Yes, make sure there's no coffee in the hopper of between the burrs. Start the grinder at any number really, but for the sake of openening 'er right up., turn on the timer & start at 40 (off) & start coming back down (at #39 the grinder will turn on) & bring the hopper down & then slowly approach #13, 12, 11., & see where the burrs only LIGHTLY/barely begin to touch/kiss together.., then back away coarser a few numbers higher.

Posted January 12, 2012 link



Okay, so I just checked as per your instructions. I assume it's an auditory cue that will tell me when they start touching? If so, it sounds like they start rubbing together at 15, maybe even 16. Is it normal to be so far off proper calibration? Does it matter?

Brendan
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IMAWriter
Senior Member
IMAWriter
Joined: 4 Jul 2002
Posts: 5,461
Location: Brentwood, TN
Expertise: I live coffee

Espresso: Olympia Cremina, Reg, Penney...
Grinder: Vario-W,Preciso-Esatto/KyM...
Vac Pot: Adcraft SS, Yama 8 cup
Drip: Brazen.Chemex, Hario, Clever...
Roaster: Behmor 1600, CO/UFO combo
Posted Thu Jan 12, 2012, 11:22pm
Subject: Re: Bad to run grinder with no coffee in it?
 

CraigA Said:

Rob, the Preciso dosen't grind by weight., but it DOES with our Esatto attachment lol. {;-D
It's late & of course I realize that you just made a simple honest mistake (I'm tired too man! ;) ) & we're (you & me) just so used to having the Preciso with the Esatto attachment on it now that it just seems that it always came or was that way!

P.S. This post was being composed before I saw Brendan's post.

Posted January 12, 2012 link

Aw heck! I have the Esatto, so i'm brain washed...and BRAIN DEAD!@!#%^$%#$@
My SINCERE APOLOGIES, BRENDAN!!

HOWEVER...the Esatto ROCKS, and will change your LIFE!
Again, my apologies. I'm NORMALLY not a a smarta**.

 
Rob J (LMWDP #187)
My Music Production web site:
www.robertjason.com
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iHaveFeet
Senior Member


Joined: 5 Oct 2008
Posts: 99
Location: Victoria, B.C.
Expertise: Just starting

Espresso: Mypressi Twist
Grinder: Baratza Preciso
Vac Pot: Not yet
Drip: Hario Woodneck, Chemex/Coava...
Posted Thu Jan 12, 2012, 11:41pm
Subject: Re: Bad to run grinder with no coffee in it?
 

IMAWriter Said:

Aw heck! I have the Esatto, so i'm brain washed...and BRAIN DEAD!@!#%^$%#$@
My SINCERE APOLOGIES, BRENDAN!!

HOWEVER...the Esatto ROCKS, and will change your LIFE!
Again, my apologies. I'm NORMALLY not a a smarta**.

Posted January 12, 2012 link

Haha, no worries!  I'll chalk it up to too much caffeine. ;) And yeah, the Esatto does look pretty pimpin'! It's a ways down my list though, after a vac-pot and an espresso machine other than the Mypressi (which I just got and am loving, except for the waste) and a roaster and.... :D

Brendan
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