Bachmann Accu Drive Numeric System

The Bachmann Accu Drive Numeric System is available as an upgrade for the New Levy tamper and the BT Wedge Distribution tool.

It consists of etched numbers on the mid part and a corresponding indicator mark on the base to allow you to dial in the depth of these tools.

Setting the Bachmann Accu Drive

• Zero out the tool by holding the mid part and loosening the top. Then tighten the base of the tool all the way. The indicator mark on the base should align with the number 0 on the mid part.

• From zero, with the top still loosened, turn the base to set your depth.

• Example: to set your depth at 32 you first have to zero out the tool, then turn the base 3 full rotations + 2 steps.

• There are 10 incremental steps per one full rotation. Each step changes the depth of your tool by 0.125mm (0.0049in). The total depth ranges from minimum 5mm to maximum 14mm (0.197in - 0.551in) .

• Once you have your base indicator dialed to the depth number that you desire, fix the setting by tightening the top of the tool.

Using the Bachmann Accu Drive to dial in espresso

The New Levy and BT Wedge are designed to provide consistency and accuracy in the espresso process. By dialing in espresso with your Accu Drive Numeric System you will be pulling consistent shots all day long regardless of who is on bar.

What setting should I start with?

We commonly start the BT Wedge at a setting of 12. If your grounds are flat after using the BT Wedge, without bumps or holes on the surface, the tool has performed its job properly.

While using the BT Wedge, you do NOT want to put any unneeded pressure on your espresso grounds before tamping. The BT Wedge’s job is simply to distribute the grounds evenly across the surface of your basket before using your New Levy for the final tamp.

• After using the BT Wedge, if your espresso grounds aren’t completely flat or if you can see holes on the surface where the tool did not reach: extend the depth of your tool by turning the base clockwise until the wedge creates a completely flat bed of espresso after use.

After the espresso grounds have been evenly distributed in the portafilter basket, it is time to use the New Levy tamper. We commonly start the New Levy at a setting of 32. As you tamp, you should be able to feel the density of the espresso beneath the tool as you apply pressure until the edges of the tamper meet the rim of your portafilter basket. 

• If your espresso pulls too quickly and/or channels, this likely means that your espresso didn’t have enough puck density. After considering a finer grind size, next consider the depth/pressure of your New Levy tamper.
• To increase puck density using the New Levy tamper, extend the depth of your tool.

• Conversely, if you find your espresso pulls too slowly, this likely means you have too much puck density. After considering a coarser grind, next consider the depth/pressure of your tamper.
• To decrease puck density using the New Levy tamper, decrease the depth of your tool.

You can rest assured that your espresso is in good hands while using the Bachmann Accu Drive Numeric System. The numerous variables that once ruined your expensive coffee will no longer be a factor in the espresso process as you streamline the distribution and puck density of every espresso shot you pull.