Well, I've gone through my first toastmaster (just over 30 batches of coffee roasted in it.) Thought I could fix it, but did irrepairable damage in the process. It now lies at the bottom of our kitchen trash can.... Good new though, my wife gave me permission to buy a new one....or a heatgun. :-) I went for the heatgun. Picked it up at Harbor Freight tools for just under $20. Roasted a batch of UGH! in it and it went great. Sitting in my tub, Heatgun in the left hand, beans in a strainer (being constantly aggitated) in the other -- VERY happy with the results. I did the whole thing on high - need to change that, it went quicker than I expected.... oh well. That's the fun of it all. Thanks for the info on the beans. I know the "perfect" bean is a glorious myth, but, It's nice to make a more educated buy. Grace and Peace, `tim -- Rev. Tim TenClay Dunningville Reformed Church (www.dunningville.org) Knots & More Tatting Supplies (www.knotsandmore.com) NATA #253 |
On Fri, 19 Nov 2004 11:02:16 -0500, Tim TenClay wrote: <Snip> Now THERE's a mental image I didn't need, Tim Heatgun roasting is fun, isn't it? I have done 30 or 40 roasts using mine, and I love the results. I usually start out on low heat to help the beans dry out, and then kick the heat up after I see the first chaff flying. I keep the heat on until first crack is done, and then I back it off from there until I am ready for second crack. ...ron |
On Nov 19, 2004, at 11:02am, Tim TenClay wrote: <Snip> You're lucky you didn't burn your legs. Seriously though, I'd be worried that the heat from the heatgun might damage your bathtub. John Blumel |
Quote Tim: Well, I've gone through my first toastmaster (just over 30 batches of coffee roasted in it.) Thought I could fix it, but did irrepairable damage in the process. It now lies at the bottom of our kitchen trash can.... Tim, that gave me an idea, I'm thinking that we need a place to send pictures of all the equipment that has given up it's life in the search for better coffee. Sort of like a 'whoops' page in the back of 4x4 mags. Maybe the yahoo groups 'roasting data' picture section? That way we could be 'off list, but 'on-topic', and I'm sure there's more than one truly trashed Poppery 1 or 2 out there, even aromarost, hottop's shattered vac-pots etc. BTW, be carefull with that heatgun, you may end up roasting YOUR beans in that bathtub... you might want to rethink your technique! On Fri, 19 Nov 2004 11:20:40 -0500, John Blumel wrote: <Snip> |
Gary...did you damage the chamber?? if not.. just make an adapter for your heatgun to it! hehehe Dennis On Nov 19, 2004, at 11:03 AM, Gary Townsend wrote: <Snip> |
No, not me Dennis, I was quoting Tim, You need fill your PF, pull a shot, then after you wake up the lines won't be so blurry! :-) I'm on my way to another Americano of harar, myself (almost lunchtime!) ( BTW, I managed to melt some of the plastic off my heatgun, near the tip...must've happened last time I used it...got a little too close I guess. If I keep that up, I'll have a good pic to post in a few more roasts! On Fri, 19 Nov 2004 11:33:29 -0600, Dennis Parham wrote: <Snip> |
I put the wire mesh strainer down in a stainless steel mixing bowl from Wally World (about $3). The little "ears" on the strainer and the handle suspend it nicely. That way, I can sit it down on all but the most tender surfaces and the strainer sits there without my having to hold it. That frees up both hands to: a) hold the heat gun b) hold a wooden spoon to stir and also to fend away the curious cats. I start out on low heat for 2 minutes, kick it up to high for the remainder, and pul the heat gun further back from the beans once first crack starts. Typically, chaff starts to fly at about 3 minutes, first crack starts about 6 minutes - about 8-9 minute mark. Second crack starts at about 10-11 minutes. I have usually not gone beyond that. I roast 1 c to 1-1/2 cups at a time. It is difficult to get *exactly* the same results every time, but I haven't had any bad roasts yet. I have found that wind affects the roast progress more than ambient temp, so lately I have been roasting in the barn. The cats don't seem to mind the chaff so much. Safe Journeys and Sweet Music Justin Marquez (Snyder, TX)http://www.justinandlinda.comOn Fri, 19 Nov 2004 11:02:16 -0500, Tim TenClay wrote: <Snip> |
yup...lol looks like Im going to ned to roast something BESIDES the JBM is it just TOO mild! hehee Dennis On Nov 19, 2004, at 11:46 AM, Gary Townsend wrote: <Snip> |
On Fri, 19 Nov 2004 11:02:16 -0500, Tim TenClay wrote: Sitting in my tub, Heatgun in the left hand, > -- What did I miss? If there's an innocent, non-life-threatening explanation here, don't bother with a reply. But if this is a new adventure in Extreme Roasting, please say more. Martin |
So far I've been lucky with things hanging together. However, with all this talk about heat guns I perhaps should keep an eye out for a good deal. Today I picked up a 1250 watt American Harvest Turbo Oven in the thrift store for $7.50. It has a glass roasting chamber, a timer and goes up to 500F. :) I guess after I roast with the turbo crazy for a bit I will have to try the hg db. That sounds too complicated for me though. PeterZ Who still isn't sure he wants to get into a bathtub with a heat gun, here in LHC. John Blumel wrote: <Snip> |
Interesting line of thinking there, Martin. Extreme Homeroasting on ESPN2! Along with Kona Mike's TV program, we may be looking at the next big thing - The Coffee Network. Brent Roasting in an SC/TO For a Drip/Moka Brew <Snip> |