Thank you for this great info. I forgot too mention I'm using an older portafilter from a machine I had years ago. I put it in storage when my son was born (counter space) and the pump siezed while in storage. I was unable up repair it and my wife took pity on me getting me the current one for me as a gift. :) I kept the old portafilter as it much heavier than the one that came with the machine and seems to pull a better shot.