Ponte Vecchio (PV) Lusso

Please don't think I don't love La Pavoni Levers but I had the opportunity to get this spring operated machine. It has now become my personal machine (for now...after 40 years with La Pavoni). I was impressed by the thermosyphon group which unlike the Pavoni is not bolted directly to the boiler leading me to postulate no overheating and more temperature stability. It is starting to yield good results (or should I say I am, it is a learning curve after so many years with the Pav). I think it is a reissue of the the original SAMA model which was discontinued

I have so far replaced the piston seals. Can't find a UK supplier but found a PV supplier in Italy - 32 euro for 3 x piston seal and a flat gasket group seal! Spares seem to be hard to come by so will consider stocking the main items if any demand.

The boiler has been insulated with Polyester (Dacron) wadding from Dunelm Mill (£3.49/m) Saves a bit of electricity by increasing the cycle time. You can still warm the cups as heat is still transferred via the various bolts/conduction to the casing (takes longer to reach temperature though)

The version I have has a control box (apparently it's called the "Brain" -hah) which contains a logic gate and a relay which is operated by a resistance probe in the boiler, When the level drops significantly and is in danger of uncovering the element sheath, the increase in resistance is sensed and power to the element is cut via the relay. An orange neon on the front panel is also operated. I would suggest a buzzer might be better if you leave it on for long periods. You can get replacement control boxes from the manaufacturer or fit a cheap floatless relay level control with a neon across the relay and will come on when the circuit is broken to the element by the relay (£10 for a Chinese Omron copy). Looks like PV have transferred orders for the control box to RD Elettronica from TecnoLab (possibly a more reliable design at elevated temperature, I might insulated mine at at some point but the boiler insulation seems to be helping the internal temperature)  I can get them from the manufacturer for £40 (postage from Italy as much as the cost of the part but much cheaper than some of the inflated prices I've seen). I will also have a stab at repairing them if you have one fail on you but it would be rather hit or miss depending on the failure but it is a very simple design

For some reason the PV does not have an anti vacuun valve. It just means you have to bleed air from the boiler at start up via the steam wand prior to use. Could be fitted for about £10-15 in parts - 1/8" BSP F/F/M offset tee and a generic anti vac valve. Will add it to the site if I ever get round to it. Let me know if you use one or need any help to repair

My Friend turned me a 45mm tamper for the PV if you want one any custom style £8 to £15 depending on type of wood see wood page 

The main switch broke this week. managed to find original part at RS Components. Marquardt Part No 1835.3105