ethorson Senior Member Joined: 4 May 2009 Posts: 50 Location: Port Townsend Expertise: Just starting
Espresso: Bunn ES-1A, Bezzera BZ35 Grinder: Mazzer Mini Roaster: Homemade
Posted Mon Nov 16, 2009, 11:19am Subject: Improvement for Cunill Tranquilo static and clogging problem
My doserless Tranquilo sometimes has the static and clogging problem mentioned in other postings in this forum. I have been using a brush to sweep the coffee into the portafilter for each shot, but it is still a pain to clean out a clogged discharge port. I have found that the situation can be improved by drilling a 3/8" hole in the top of the housing to admit more air to the grinding chamber (see photo). This increases the air flow blown out the discharge port and seems to prevent complete blockage of the port. There is still some accumulation of coffee on the port surface and funnel but it is much easier to brush out. Be sure to remove the aluminum plate before drilling through so you don't drill into the lower burr.
Posted Mon Jun 7, 2010, 12:42pm Subject: Re: Improvement for Cunill Tranquilo static and clogging problem
I just did this mod yesterday. Quite helpful.
If you're having problems pulling the top plate (I was), remove the upper burr ring (unscrew), undo the four screws holding the top plate down, screw the upper burr ring back in 2 or 3 turns, and pull on the ring to get the upper plate off. For me, it seemed to pop off quite easily.
Rather than a 3/8" drill bit, I used a Q bit (.332" instead of .375") - it seemed to fit the hole better.
I'm now getting just a small pile of dust in the lower right corner of the port, rather than a large pile blocking the port. I like less work to get the coffee out of the grinder.
Posted Tue Jan 25, 2011, 12:43pm Subject: Re: Improvement for Cunill Tranquilo static and clogging problem
I just did this hole-drilling mod, as well as placed rubber between the funnel and the grinder body. I noticed no difference in the amount of grounds left in the chute, nor in the amount of grounds left in the funnel. So, this mod is obviously not a "blanket" fix. It did allow me to see how many caked-on grounds are left in the burr housings, which Grindz grinder cleaning beans are not able to get to.
The only issue I have with the Tranquilo is that each step seems to alter extraction time by about 8-10 seconds. Of course, this could be related to dosing and tamping technique. I use the Schomer Method for distribution.
I'll just continue using the technique I have been using: run the grinder and allow 2 seconds worth of grinds to come out prior to placing the portafilter under the funnel (in order to allow the old grinds to flush out) - problem solved, albeit a slight waste of coffee.
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