A New Grinder

Finally the third coffee machine I bought arrived. As there was no photo on the auction and little info, Lets just say I wasn't exactly sure which model I was getting or its condition. I did know it had a built in grinder and was a Napoletana. But that just meant it could have been any one of three machines. All 3 have the lux conical burr grinder, but the expensive IMAT/Quaha ones were stepless. I couldn't find anywhere if the cheaper Nemox Napoletana model was stepped or stepless. I took a punt on it for that grinder.

It ended up being a Nemox Napoletana, about 6 years old. This was the lesser of the three models, with a 53mm portafilter and stainless steel boiler.

First impressions were not good - I paid way too much...

Damn.

Thankfully I didn't buy this machine for its espresso, but rather the inbuilt lux grinder. Had it been in good condition, I am not 100% sure what I would have done. Being scruffy made the decision much easier - its the end of the line for this machine. It has extensive rust in the lower front panel, there were signs of leaking inside, the drip tray is bent, and the portafilter had taken a beating. Sheesh, why are some people so rough with their stuff - and are not exactly honest in their descriptions.

OK. I admit I could fix this machine. But why bother. It would be for someone else's benefit as I would have to sell it - and I doubt I would make any money from it or be worth my time.

The grinder is stepless, so my punt paid off. The standalone lux grinders from IMAT and Nemox are identical, but stepped. My plan, remove that grinder and fit it into a custom case = excellent stepless conical burr grinder for not much cash.

On the image above you can see the worm drive that gives stepless adjustment. Yum.

Above you can see the Lux conical burr set.

There seems to be little wear, and after a good brushing looked pretty good. I ran some beans through and the grinds were lovely, velvety and very fine.

Its pretty easy to take out. Remove the hopper. Remove the 4 screws securing the back and remove it. The metal separating panel can be popped out. The adjustment knob is just pressed on, then remove 2 screws attaching the worm drive mechanism. Then 3 screws holding the motor to its mount, and lift it out.

Above are the bits I need to keep. In addition to the hopper and grinder assembly, I have the portafilter rest, automatic switch and sub harness (which just unclips from the main loom in the machine). These are exactly the same parts that are used on the stand alone Nemox and Imat Lux grinders.

These are the bits are stuck back together, the only thing now needed is a case to put it in - I prefer a wood case to reduce noise. So, thats the next entry - putting it all together.

FYI: This is what the original Nemox/IMAT lux grinder looks like. I can't make a case like this - but mine will be totally cool in a different way. You can see the step mechanism on the side, and how the components are otherwise identical.

P.S. I just noticed the Nemox has a 3D steam wand with a removable froth-aider tip. This may solve my issues on the X3 - stay tuned.