I need your opinion: Profitec Wand on a Classic
Edit1: To clarify for those suggesting the Rancilio V2, v3 etc mods: I am well aware that is the 'standard' mod. However this project is specifically about the Profitec Go Cool-Touch wand. They are not the same class of part, and in Canada, the Rancilio kits often end up costing double what this Profitec DIY route costs. The closest is the espresso lane mod kit to what I'm trying to achieve. I’ve already destroyed one wand for research, I’m committed to making this work for the community willing to mod stuff, as a better, cheaper alternative. Let’s keep the comments focused on the engineering. Thanks!
Here's the story: I got in my head that I can make a Profitec Go steam wand fit the Gaggia Classic and give it a superior and cheaper option to a Rancilio wand upgrade. The thing is after I successfully mounted the wand I can't put the tank back in the wand is blocking it so I need to tinker.
https://youtube.com/shorts/T0fSSbyX1UA?si=HgBYfJtRlphH\_FsG
This first wand is completely destroyed for the sake of research while i was filming a video on my channel. This is frustrating and I'm a stubborn MFR. 😤 I have ordered a new wand and I'm determined to make it work.
I have 2 goals:
- Do it cheaper and relatively better than a Rancilio v6 mod from espressolane.uk
I don't know where you're located but in Canada the wand is 55$, fittings are 5$ and the PTFE tube is 5$ or less. You can go with the braided silicone hose and barb fittings and the price after the initial 55$ can vary depending on which way you want to go.
- Since it's a DIY project there has to be some modifications involved, but then I want to make the install as easy as possible with minimum tools needed so that anyone in the community can do it and make it work with minimum effort.
What I've f*#cked up aka tried so far... 🙄
Due to some of my mistakes, but also the pre bent sharp angles, it's close to impossible to bend the wand at #1 spot and the not let the #2 spot kink. Pipe benders are an investment that not a lot of people want to buy, so I was determined to use at least a vice then I expanded tool usage to a flaring tool to secure the pipe and not let the walls collapse on the thread side, so either the steam tip or ball joint have to be inserted to protect from that happening. The material is stainless steel and it feels very rigid, but it is actually pretty soft. That's when I went the route of a pipe cutter. The brass/aluminum cutters work and I managed to get a clean cut on both sides. Again the tip or ball joint need to be inserted to prevent the walls of the pipes from collapsing because the we can't thread them back in. I was playing with the idea of tapping the threads back in but it's a ridiculous thread size M8.5x0.75 and a die is needed which is available from Aliexpress but now I'm introducing a new level of complications and parts needed to be bought so my frustration kicked in.
Now I'm asking all of you interested what do you think the best approach for you diyer would be:
Buy/borrow a pipe bender (I will get a pipe bender and test the angles out if that #1 bend is achievable). In my opinion probably the best way, fill the pipe with salt and try to get the bend happen.
Cut and tap
Do what espressolane.uk mod has implemented and that's get a sheet of metal bend it, drill a hole to fit the wand assembly, secure it and then have 2 screw go in the chassis (this is 100% gonna work but it requires a lot of side quests aka fabrication)
My question to you all interested is how much work are you willing to put in this? Which approach is worth it in your eyes?
I like to tinker and my ADHD is hella triggered right now I need to solve this stalemate. 🤣