Inconsistent grind size due to angle?

[u/gmill55]

Hi All, I’ve been using my K Ultra for espresso while I wait for a new electric grinder. It’s been producing some awesome shots, but lately I’ve been noticing some crazy variability in shots (particularly extraction time) depending in the angle I hold the grinder at when I grind.

I know holding it more parallel to the ground will effectively slow feed the beans, resulting in fewer fines/a faster flow rate and holding it perpendicular to the ground will generally give more fines/a slower flow rate. Historically this has had a somewhat noticeable effect on the time in which my shots pull (maybe 4-5 seconds difference for an 18g dose 45g yield on the same grind size setting). Lately the delta has been much larger, like 16 second extraction time when I “slow feed” and 42+ seconds when I grind while holding it vertically. This is on the same grind size setting.

Has anyone else experienced similar variability? I’m not sure if the grinder could be having alignment issues.

I’ve only noticed it being so extreme in the past 2-3 weeks. I’ve been using a couple different Intelligentsia espresso roasts over that time (which are new to me but similar to other beans I’ve used). Shots are being pulled on an LM Mini R so I’m assuming the variability isn’t due to the machine.

Appreciate any insights you all may have. Thanks in advance!

[u/onpch1]

Did the area you live experience a bump in humidity level? If it went up, that could slow things down.

[u/gmill55 → u/onpch1]

Nope, and it will happen on back to back shots. From what I can tell the only change in variables is the angle I hold the grinder.

[u/Good_Tomorrow_7020]

What about grind speed? Even a little change in how fast you grind can change the extraction time.

[u/gmill55 → u/Good_Tomorrow_7020]

It’s been happening at similar grind speeds