I Built an Espresso Machine!

Leverhead Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
Find out more info at: leverheadespresso.com
Find more cool stuff at: oneminuteworkbench.com
I'm a big coffee nerd, and I love espresso, so I spent the last year building an espresso machine. Good use of time, right? I hope you dig this. It took literal blood sweat and tears, but the espresso is sooooo worth it!

[@oO-dn9mv]

This is so dope! I'm also a woodworker and a coffee aficionado so I understand exactly what type of machine this is and how hard it was to make it. I'm actually really surprised this didn't get more traction on the interwebs. I think you kind of undersold it with just a 6 minute video covering the whole thing. The skills you got out of this though are priceless!

[@mescellaneous]

because this is like saying you invented a new wrench. you should actually be familiar with a wrench before you claim it needs another invention. all this did was replicate existing manual lever machines with no benefit. and more and more of this same lever machine has being created by others since your comment, with only slapping better looks/materials on it. as a manual lever user, there is nothing more to improve on what is perfect for what it is. there actually is more improvement on the coffee side of how to extract it, that i learned from using a manual. and that is the disconnect. i doubt this guy even used his machine 20 times. probably doesn't even touch it at all.

[@Beenstucinredclay]

Idk how this only has 700 some odd likes. I just had a thought. “I wonder if I could make my own espresso maker”, and low and behold I found your video. Now I know I can’t. What you’ve done is amazing though!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@TheHabadababa]

You could definitely do it by using more parts from other machines though. Making your own group or boiler is not gonna be easy but sourcing materials from broken machines and building your own that way is much easier. Doesn't have to be a manual lever, might seem simple but requires more custom work if you're not gonna use a pre existing lever group.

[@runningon.coffee]

😅 @beenstucinredclay same.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Hey Everybody, please help me reach the Kickstarter goal by considering make a pledge: www.kickstarter.com/projects/2064847582/leverhead-espresso-machine Thanks in advance!

[@FearsomeWarrior]

I re-watch your old videos every now and then. Always the tool wall and carts. Using your push sticks every week. Seeing a new video is exciting.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks 🙂 it feels good to make a new video!

[@anneoreilly4900]

Missed you, thanks for the update and WOW!

[@hippie-io7225]

Congratulations on staying with your project until completion! I would really like to see an entire video on making custom seals. Looks awesome!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks, and thanks for the suggestion!

[@ettochetthalvore]

@@OneMinuteWorkbench Yup me to, that would be interesting!

[@jessepitcherband]

Glad you’re still out there kicking man. It’s good to have you back 👍🏻

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@johnkelley9877]

Great job of making this Espresso Machine! It looks really good too. Thanks for sharing this.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thank you!

[@RichardMerrill3Hawk]

Great to see a new vid from you! I have to say, I have designed some tricky parts for others to machine, but if you were able to learn to use a CNC machine tool and make all this beautiful and sophisticated stuff in 1 year, you got a lot of skills! The silicone seals are so clean, and the machining to make the molds is not apprentice-level stuff. Huge kudos for mastering all that in a short time! And it's great to see you again, too.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thank you for the really awesome compliment!

[@RichardMerrill3Hawk]

@@OneMinuteWorkbench It is, as they say, "evidence-based"...

[@jarrodstaller7759]

Glad to see you posting videos again - the machine looks great

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thank you, Jarrod!

[@rodolfocabrera7381]

Is good to see you again. your videos and projects are awesome.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@anthonybowyer1874]

Really looking forward to some new woodworking vids, loved the MicroShop build series.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

More coming soon!

[@globetrotter683]

Great to see you back. You have been missed. What a show case of skills. Well done.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thank you so much! It’s good to be back 🙂

[@richardpencak6800]

Very cool!!!! I’m not a coffee or espresso drinker but this might get me started. Good to see you back at it!!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Never too late to pick up a new addiction 😉 it’s good to be back!

[@killbabylon1298]

I'm really sorry about kickstarter didn't worked for you. I think it would be great to have this machine at home. Maybe try to promote this again. I hope you will finally get what you deserve man :D

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks! I think I’ll give it another go, when the time is right.

[@SwervingLemon]

2:34 Pipe thread has a path around it that makes it require sealant of some sort. 4:00 That's exactly how I had to move my 3-phase lathe. I gotta check out the website but I'm hoping you've made kits where I can purchase just the parts that would require machining, as I'd like to incorporate them into my own design for the overall body/lever assembly. Thanks for the video!

[@paullobwein1632]

Looks a cool machine. I think that a mini series of how you got there would be awesome. I love watching something develop from ideas and process, fails and wins. I guess the struggle is real but it’s how you keep pushing through that makes the real difference! Bloody great one though 🤙🏻✌🏻🤟🏻

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks, Paul! I’ll consider putting together a series 🙂

[@scottleggejr]

​@@OneMinuteWorkbench There's a guy building a 2 stroke engine somewhere in Europe who I have followed, not because I am interested/want/like 2 stroke engines, but because he chronicles his failures and things he's learned along the way. He works a lot on the cylinder hardening process on the aluminum bore, then keeping the hardening in a cylinder shape as it heats/cools. The lessons, failures, innovation, and education are wayyyy more valuable to a maker than assembling some bullshit thing from ikea that "just works" Blazing trails is what this nation was founded on and keeping that spirit alive is the essence of good.

[@diykurdish]

Long time no see. I am glad to see your videos again

[@markusjohnsson4836]

Nice work, coffee enthusiast here 😊 how about selling those seals and other hard-to-make-yourself-parts so that others can build their own machines?

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

That’s a great idea!

[@wilmerglick1828]

That sounds like a great idea! I would love to have that and some rough plans. I need one of these and have the machines I need to make it…. I just don’t have time to reinvent it myself!

[@user-jp9js9th8o]

simply ...so great in its simplicity !

[@williamellis8993]

Looks like a nice machine, Tommy. It's good to see content from you again. Bill

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thank you! It feels good to be back 🙂

[@mikepetitt9624]

Amazing! Really looks Great! I can’t Waite to buy one!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@peterkramer3814]

Send one to James Hoffmann, if he likes it the sales will go through the roof! Love the looks of it!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks! I’ve actually talked to him. He has a strict policy not to review products before a crowdfunding campaign. So, if the Kickstarter is successful, he might be open to reviewing it afterwards. That said, here’s a link to the Kickstarter www.kickstarter.com/projects/2064847582/leverhead-espresso-machine Don’t be afraid to share it 😉

[@davidsneddon2242]

Fantastic share Tommy and great to see you back mate.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks! It feels good to be back 🙂

[@The_Coffee_Rabbit_Hole]

Awesome , i like it 👏👏👏

[@reidkg12]

I was just wondering about you this weekend. Great to see you back!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks, it feels good to be making videos again 🙂

[@konstantin_lv]

Hi man, this is a great project! This deserves to be produced on demand! There's one specific thing that strikes me about it, specifically the seals made with custom molds. I have a spring lever machine for which I'd like to make silicone piston seals. Would you mind recommending a silicone solution to pour into the mold? Thanks a lot!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks! I’d check out smooth sil 960…it’s the ONLY thing I’ve found that works.

[@konstantin_lv]

​@@OneMinuteWorkbench One more thing, you're showing a large u-cup without a center piece at 04:56 . That's very close to the shape of my seal. Am I right that the mold 3 parts? The lid isn't shown and it has a cylinder part that goes till the bottom and 2 holes above the u-cup for the solution ? So the lid is kind of like this (side view), apologies for the drawing: ---- * |____| * ---- * |____| * ----

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

It depends on how you do it…you might not need a 3rd part. You can set it on a level surface and carefully pour to the right level. If you do create a 3rd part, you’ll have to create vents for air bubbles. If you only need a seal or two, you can get away without a lid.

[@busomite]

Tommy, looks well considered throughout. Looking at the kickstarter, looks like you need more punch, you should consider getting some of the coffee literati on KZbin to do a review to drum up some interest in what would be one of the most affordable high quality espresso setups out there.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

I’ve reached out to a few, including the big man himself (James Hoffman), he has a strict policy to to review preproduction units, but would be open to reviewing it after the Kickstarter…if it succeeds. Yeah I’d really hate for this to go by the wayside…I know I’m biased, but I’ve used a lot of machines, and this one is really great. Using those other machines and finding out the things about them I didn’t like helped shape this one into what it is. I’m all ears to any ideas!

[@joesexton2136]

So super cool!!! Wow!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@EngineerMikeF]

the One Million Minute Cup of Coffee. Missed you, glad Ur back. FYI, my motorhome has a 3000psi o-ring based hydraulic system, so do backhoes, etc. Ring fit is critical, ring capture, & sometimes stacking o-ring/square-ring in the same capture groove is what it takes. But making one off custom rings of course will "rule them all"

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

My precious 😂

[@tormachinc]

Congratulations on joining the Tormach family with your PCNC 440! We hope it helps you reach well past your Kickstarter goals!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thank you!

[@ShopNation]

Welcome back, amigo!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@mindyhall4638]

Next level ability!!! I so don’t have this kind of engineering mind but I am fascinated by those who do! Way to go!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thank you!

[@davidchristianbuilds]

Looks incredible! Welcome back man!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@bjornknott3159]

Welcome back, nice to see More Videos Form One Minute Workbench

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks! It’s good to be back!

[@zackariasthepirate]

Every time I see that thing push out the Joe, I want a sip! Looks good, cant wait to try some!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks man!

[@chrisp7957]

Good to see you back. Hope your project does well

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@A266509]

Beautiful!

[@blaugrana-jw3dd]

Great to see you back👍😁

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@Blfisher82]

I’m very happy to see you back on KZbin 🙏🏽❤️

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks 🙂

[@sumiaota3335]

Glad to see you back! You're the first creator I watched on KZbin

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

🙂

[@sapelesteve]

I personally am not a coffee or espresso drinker but that looks like one hell of a machine! Now you need to make a similar machine for us Tea drinkers. Good to see you posting again! 👍👍😉😉

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thank you! I’ll have to start on the one year tea adventure now 😂

[@alexc5369]

I I have access to a lathe, I'd love some plans to buy, and also if you are selling a physical seal kit would be nice!

[@DCgamer723]

Totally forgot I was subscribed to this channel, then this popped into my feed

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

I hope that’s a good thing 😂

[@wiseoldfool]

Looks like a very polished piece of kit, no pun intended!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@Sebastopolmark]

Definately a labor of love. It does look like the progressions got smaller and more refined with each build. I wish you great success with this. It would be nice to "see it in action"? ?? ???

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks! There are more shots of it in action at the Kickstarter page - here’s a link: www.kickstarter.com/projects/2064847582/leverhead-espresso-machine I hope this helps!

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work, dude! Really well done! 😃 I have an electric espresso machine here at home and, damn... It's crazy complex! 😬 But I have to agree, it's totally worth it! Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thank you!

[@zayneali3148]

So glad I ran across your channel. Building and setting up a workshop like yours from what I had gathered in this video is what I always had in mind for my golden years! 🫡🫡

[@gungasam3000]

You post as many or as little videos as you can muster. Those of us that enjoy your content will be here to watch them.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thank you so much! That makes my day 🙂

[@kevingillespie8145]

Will you make another video nearing the kickstarter deadline? I don't have an account to sign up for reminders

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Kevin, thanks for your interest! I'm not sure about a video, but send me an email (through the contact form: oneminuteworkbench.com/support/contact/), and I'll make sure to send you an update. I hope this helps!

[@nonyabusiness9747]

Did the kick starter on this end? Does this thing make a decent exspresso? If so i am interested for sure.

[@hassanal-mosawi4235]

Long time no see, Thanks for sharing that!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thank you!

[@dianakim5426]

This is the first time I've heard of your espresso machine. What are your plans for the Leverhead? I can see this gracing the counters of all those camper vans out there as well as minimalist countertops at home.

[@aerialrescuesolutions3277]

I'm glad you're back, I thought someone un-subscribed me as a poor joke. Awesome hand pull there Tommy. Jim

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks, Jim!

[@niggo7224]

Is there any way of getting the plans for the press?

[@Lutzboater]

Great to see you have returned.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@alexc5369]

Awesome. Do you have plans for sale?

[@expectopatronum4513]

Awesome expresso machine😎 challenge would you be able to make a stove top expresso/cuppaccino machine out of an old pressure cooker ? ..

[@kevinthomson6324]

Welcome back! So are you changing the channels name to 1 year workbench?

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Not yet…let’s just see how the next year goes haha 😂

[@lifeenmasse]

Dang, it would’ve been cool to compare this to the flare 58. Sucks that the Kickstarter didn’t make it.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

I’m still working on making the numbers work…also have a new (more portable) version in the works 😉

[@lifeenmasse]

Nice! Is it coming soon? 👀

[@matthewpotter1933]

That was awesome! I am a home roaster and will definitely look into your project. As I was watching I was hoping you would offer these on a retail basis, but to get at least some ROI you would have to charge $4 or $5,000 per machine, what with all the time and materials that went into it. Well done!

[@smashyrashy]

What is roi?

[@matthewpotter1933]

@@smashyrashy Return on Investment

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thank you!

[@hishamomar8144]

nice to see u again ♥

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thank you 🙂

[@eccomi21]

to be fair, regarding most of the prototypes. you are the first person i have ever seen to try an make an espresso machine out of wood.

[@Edmorbus]

Very nice project

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thank you!

[@Joe-wk8vb]

Sorry to see that your kickstarter campaign didn’t work. I’m curious, do you sell your espresso machine’s anyway?

[@dmyegorov74]

Nice silicone moulds, I am wondering how you injected silicone there, by using smth like syringe? Also why aluminum? I am using plastic. Are you vacuuming the silicone before injecting it? Nice work.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks! I’m actually just pouring them, and I have strategic vents that let the molds fill. And yes, vacuuming the silicone before the pour.

[@dmyegorov74]

One Minute Workbench pouring through vents? or just when the mould is open?

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

@@dmyegorov74 both, depending on which mold it is. There are 3 total, and each one works a little differently from the others.

[@roldan2884]

Was there testing done regarding temperature stability? 5 second preheat for stable temperature would be huge for light roasts but I don't see any testing done

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

I’m working on a video that covers what can be expected when it comes to temperatures, and hope to have it on the campaign page in the next day or so. I’ll come back here and update this thread when it’s ready. I hope this helps!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

The video showing temps has been added to the campaign page - here's a link: www.kickstarter.com/projects/2064847582/leverhead-espresso-machine?ref=user_menu I hope this helps!

[@TheMartinChnnl]

Nice, I wish somebody did something like this, but with a super small portafilter that had the size and shape of a nespresso capsule, so that it could be used both for ground coffee and nespresso capsules.

[@ArsonDPI]

ok - job well done. But what does this one do differently to the Rok/Flair/Robot manual espresso machines? Maybe James Hoffman could give it a go... :-P

[@carlinglis7705]

Great minds clearly think alike - I've just message James with a link to this video. :)

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thank you! I know I’m biased, but I think it offers several advantages. Check out the Kickstarter video, and you’ll find more info on the technical points. I hope this helps!

[@Gafoody]

Thanks KZbin. Recommending this to me 2 years later. I hope you didn't stop at the kikstarter campaign. Looks like an affordable viable product

[@TaughtSimply]

Just a question, why did you have to machine the silicone? Could you not have made the silicone with 3d printed parts? Or, did you just make them out of machine parts so you can replicate the silicones easier for resale?

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

I started with 3D prints for the seal molds and they produced seals that worked, but not with a very high quality surface finish. The aluminum molds make excellent quality parts, and yes, also make it more repeatable. Great questions - thanks for asking!

[@TaughtSimply]

@@OneMinuteWorkbench great build! :)

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks 🙂

[@Matthew-ir1ed]

Any chance I could commission you to make another one?

[@paulwilliamson7560]

And then there is the Flair that has been on the market for some time. Less expensive too. Other levers out there too, what's special about this one?

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks for the question! This machine offers an improved workflow (less preparation, less effort, easier cleaning, no preheating required). Have a look at the Kickstarter page to learn more: www.kickstarter.com/projects/2064847582/leverhead-espresso-machine I hope this helps!

[@raymondpietersen3176]

Why didn't you use hydraulic seals? They are made for higher pressure's.

[@25centsapop]

You probably know this but swirling your espresso will off gas aromas and you'll lose some flavors, if you gently draw a small spoon directly across the crema once or twice and then sip it'll have a wildly different flavor

[@briturner11]

Hes alive!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

😂

[@thomprd]

It's a shame that kick starter didn't go through.. that's an amazing project.

[@Squilliam-Fancyson]

Problem with this kind of machines, is temp control. It's pretty hard to get such an arrangement that is not connected to a boiler to a reliable temp and after its heated up a bit, you are forced to act quickly. Outerwise you get coffee that was brewed way too cold. This concept makes more sense with less expensive devices like the Neo from Flair.

[@outofthebox9913]

I’ve been saying I wanted to do this for so long and everyone I know says it’s impossible. Great job

[@outofthebox9913]

Will you be selling any of those in the future

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

@@outofthebox9913 😂 I thought that comment was for a repair video I just put out. That said, I’m still trying to work out the numbers to bring this to life. Feel free to send me an email through the website and I’ll add you to the list of interested people. I hope this helps!

[@outofthebox9913]

@@OneMinuteWorkbench ohh ok yeah I didn’t understand at first when you said good luck with the repair lol. Ok will do thanks. Seriously tho excellent work. I know that wasn’t easy to do but you did it. Keep it up and best of luck

[@timmun2001]

Nice machine! Off the shelf seals would have been nice for when it comes to replacements down the road

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thank you! In order to make a machine that worked this way (less preheating than other manuals), I had to invent new seals. That said, if the Kickstarter succeeds, the new seals will be readily available - keeping my fingers crossed! 🙂

[@timmun2001]

@@OneMinuteWorkbench it will be successful. Have you posted the kickstarter on any of the forums like home barista or Facebook groups dedicated to espressos

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

@@timmun2001 I haven’t. Those forums have rules against owners promoting their own products, and I am very respectful of their rules. I personally read home-barista all the time, and love the site though. By the way, thanks for the vote of confidence!

[@AllanRyan]

I wonder what would happen if you retry the Kickstarter campaign with a little marketing?

[@togwilson]

What’s happening with the fundraiser? I’m interested. Thanks

[@timmilne21]

Awesome build! You should change your channel name to One Year Espresso Machine! 😉

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

lol

[@sotiriskouzalou2493]

Is it out for sale? Thank you

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

This one never got off the ground, but I’m working on new models right now. Stay tuned!

[@raoke69]

Late to the party. Can this be purchased directly from you?

[@James-wd9ib]

La Marzocco is fission, Leverhead is cold fusion

[@louisepetitt6907]

Amazing work ...loved watching you create.Mike's mom.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@acecarolino101]

Are you planning to sell?

[@sumiaota3335]

You should hook up with Shane Wighton of Stuff Made Here. I'm sure he could give you metal milling and Tormach CNC tips.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@vennic]

Contact James Hoffman and ask him to try it out!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

I actually did a few months ago. He has a policy not to review products before crowdfunding campaigns, but might be open to it after. We’ll see!

[@fluffycritter]

It's a shame the Kickstarter failed. Would you consider doing a one-off custom product run? Surely there are people out there who would want to buy custom-made espresso machines.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Working on it right now. Stay tuned.

[@nightowl9792]

Hello! I see that your Kickstarter was unsuccessful... that's a shame! Are you still making and selling these?

[@jabrwok]

He lives!😁

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Haha 😂

[@jimlahey5354]

Impressive to say the least

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@mkidir]

if its cheaper than the flair 58 it will be great

[@shermanuitzetter7908]

Nice work. I enjoy espresso at home as well, so I find the product itself quite interesting, however, I'm not (at least yet) such a coffee nut that $500 seems a sensible amount to spend on such a thing. I think it would have been really cool to follow along with your adventure this past year with a video series. You could still make some sort of video series from your footage, but it wouldn't be as good now, knowing the outcomes (failures) ahead of time.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks, and thanks for the feedback!

[@justinhoffman5339]

Have you tried contacting James Hoffmann (KZbin's resident coffee expert)? Perhaps if he really liked your machine, you could partner with him. He could create the buzz, help you get more interest/orders, allowing you to then mass produce at some scale and bring the price down.

[@maxtester8824]

Congrats to a very interesting project! Have you asked James Hoffmann for his opinion on your machine? I bet if you could convince him about the qualities of it and he was willing to talk about it, your potential audience might advance!

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks! I did reach out to James, and he said he has a strict policy not to review preproduction units, but would be open to reviewing a production version. The Kickstarter is moving slow, so we’ll see. It might take some time to get it off the ground, but I really think people will love it when they get their hands on it.

[@maxtester8824]

@@OneMinuteWorkbench Thanks for the response! I wish you all the best for your Kickstarter!

[@CitizenAyellowblue]

Get Hoffman in on this!

[@samroberts7404]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

We’ll see 🙂

[@jimthesoundman8641]

$499 for a handmade espresso machine? I guess to some people that would be doable, but it's too rich for my blood. May be a tough sell considering Amazon has espresso machines starting at $45.

[@OneMinuteWorkbench]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!