Introducing the new Gaggia "Missile"

[Tristan]

You heard it here first! The brand new Gaggia MISSILE!

You're probably wondering, WTF is Tristan talking about? You are probably even more freaked out that he's talking about himself in the third person.

Well today, I upgraded the steam arm on my Gaggia Carezza from stock to the arm from a Rancillo Silvia. I followed this guide:

http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1126833848

I had some difficulties at first, but eventually was able to install the new steam arm after copious sanding with an emory cloth. I was so excited, that I needed to try frothing with the new steam arm right away.

Turns out I didn't tighten the screw enough. I switched to steam mode on the machine. I started to froth, and BOOOOOM!

The steam arm flew out like a missile into the frothing pitcher.

I was a little startled, but didn't panic. I took the top off of the machine and installed the arm again. Nice and snug this time.

I dumped the double I had pulled originally, pulled a new one and frothed 3 oz of milk in the 12 oz pitcher. Beautiful microfoam!

You didn't know it, but I've got the new Gaggia MISSILE!

[EvanS]

Glad it worked out good for ya Tristan...and with out any sort of Hydrated/Syekick-type injuries.

But I was sooooo disappointed in this thread because i thought the title was "....galaga Missile"

[floydpink]

Tristan,

just wondering if your steam wand was broken or you were looking to upgrade?

I read reviews saying the wand was weak on the Gaggias, but have found the wand on mine does a pretty good job. It is entirely possible that I don't know what "good" is.

[Tristan]

Originally Posted by floydpink

Tristan,
just wondering if your steam wand was broken or you were looking to upgrade?

The stock wand was functioning within normal parameters I had heard the Silvia wand works significant better so I wanted to give it a shot,..... and shot it did,.... just like a MISSILE!

I've been happy with the performance so far. It seems that with the right technique microfoam in copious amounts will be possible.

[Mister Moo]

Nice hack, the improved wand. Tried a little little lick of thread tape?

[Syekick]

Originally Posted by EvanS

Glad it worked out good for ya Tristan...and with out any sort of Hydrated/Syekick-type injuries.

But I was sooooo disappointed in this thread because i thought the title was "....galaga Missile"

Yeah, no challenge here. Should'a had the boiler going and electricity circulating.

[Tristan]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

Nice hack, the improved wand. Tried a little little lick of thread tape?

I was thinking about using plumbers tape. I haven't had any leaking at all. And I'm pretty sure the o-ring blasted out when the steam wand shot out. The next morning I was walking in the kitchen and felt something on my bare foot. I uttered, "what the f?" and it was an o-ring. I'm assuming this it he o-ring that's suppose to be inside the machine, but I'm not sure. I don't have any problems with leaking

The steam wand doesn't move from side to side at all, but I don't need it to. I'm happy with what this sub $200 machine is doing. I only have $150 into the machine with the upgraded and and I'm getting great consistent drinks day in and out! This will provide us with an adequate caffeine delivery system until I can afford the Andreja Premium!

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by Tristan

I was thinking about using plumbers tape. I haven't had any leaking at all. And I'm pretty sure the o-ring blasted out when the steam wand shot out. The next morning I was walking in the kitchen and felt something on my bare foot. I uttered, "what the f?" and it was an o-ring. I'm assuming this it he o-ring that's suppose to be inside the machine, but I'm not sure. I don't have any problems with leaking

The steam wand doesn't move from side to side at all, but I don't need it to. I'm happy with what this sub $200 machine is doing. I only have $150 into the machine with the upgraded and and I'm getting great consistent drinks day in and out! This will provide us with an adequate caffeine delivery system until I can afford the Andreja Premium!

If you had a Mazzer grinder you prob'ly coulda shot that steam wand another 30 or 40 feet. The grinder makes everything better.

Most wands nuggle up to the machine with an O-ring based compression nut that either seats around the steam pipe on the machine or, in some cases, rests on a moveable ball/socket arrangement. Check your parts schematic so so don't grind something down to mush.