The Tamp, This Forum Is Cooler Than You Know

[iamn8]

Okay, we've all witnessed the brotherhood and generosity of the forum, but this is something new... To me anyways. I posted on a thread a photo of my large tamp which is used in the making of espresso, to tamp the fine coffee grounds. It's a beautifully put together piece of hardware. I mentioned how cool it would be to have the same tamp, scaled down to size, for a pipe. So, what shows up in my mailbox today? I scaled down version of the most difficult part, the metal working. This thing is machined stainless. I actually got the chills when I opened the box. This is seriously badass and I am eternally grateful!! BRILLIANT!!! I don't want to mention his name without approval, but THANK YOU!!

Here's the big one vs small one...

 

[iamn8]

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Very Cool. Who dunnit?

 

[pruss]

Nate, is that a Reg Barber tamp?
Here is my collection of espresso tampers. I have pipe tamper envy.

-- Pat

 

[iamn8]

Awesome Pat!!! It's sold as an espresso tamp, but assume used for anything. Google "espresso tamp". Espresso machines are made to a standard size to accommodate the tamp. I had no idea they could be used for something else. Why "barber" tamp? Very cool!!
Ps. I owned my own bar for years as well as worked for Sbux Managment and Carmike Cinemas. Spent over a decade in coffee/liquor.

 

[derfatdutchman]

Nate, I'm happy to see it arrived.

 

[iamn8]

Thanks Eric!!! Didn't wanna mention names without an ok it's absolutely perfect!!! Great job, drawing and all! I'm seriously impressed!!

 

[drezz01]

That is a handsome and substantial tamp! I bet it feels great in hand! Are you planning on having a wooden handle made for it?

 

[aggravatedfarmer]

Now I want to make an antler tamp. Very cool Nate!

 

[iamn8]

Thank you! Yes I'm most definatly going to try! It really does feel good in the hand and the pipe tamps never felt as good.

 

[drezz01]

It may be hard to avoid over-tamping just because you will enjoy the use of the tamp!

 

[iamn8]

Lol you're probably right!!! The Art Of The Tamp will become a thing, always emptying bowls out, seeking that perfect balance.

 

[pruss]

Reg Barber is a person. He makes tampers. Yours has a similar shape to his. The tamp with cocobolo handle in my picture is one of his.
-- Pat

 

[iamn8]

Very good to know! I bought it from a shop in Seattle in the 90's with no idea who made it.

 

[mortonbriar]

So cool! remember to keep your elbow up when applying the twist to the tamp ha, well that's how I got taught for espresso down in New Zealand anyway...
Isaac

 

[pruss]

applying the twist to the tamp ha, well that's how I got taught for espresso down in New Zealand anyway...

So important! Carpal tunnel and tendinitis are the two leading workplace injuries for baristi.
@mortonbriar I have friends at Bell, Flight and Columbus Coffee. Where did you work?
-- Pat

 

[winton]

Very cool! I love the way this forum connects people together.

 

[shaintiques]

That is awesome. I don't drink coffee so didn't even know such a thing existed. Look forward to,seeing what you do with the handle.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Nice. Can you use those while smoking naked?

 

[jvnshr]

Here is my collection of espresso tampers.

Wait! Someone collects espresso tampers?
Nice tamper by the way Nate.