My Diy Vice Mount Tool For La Pavoni Lever Machines

Working on a La Pavoni lever machine often requires access to the underside: electrical components, base removal, boiler repairs, or pressostat checks. Trying to balance the machine on its side is unstable and risky. A secure upside-down mounting solution makes all the difference.

This guide explains how to build a simple, low-cost DIY tool that allows you to clamp your La Pavoni machine firmly in a vice — safely and securely.

What This Tool Does

The tool bolts directly to the machine using the group head screw holes. Once attached, the metal bracket can be clamped into a vice, holding the machine upside down in a stable position.

This setup allows you to:

• Remove or reinstall the base
• Work on electrical components
• Repair or inspect a bent boiler
• Check or replace the pressostat
• Perform general underside maintenance

Core Design Concept

The tool is essentially a thick L-shaped steel bracket with two precisely drilled holes matching the group head mounting distance.

The L-shape provides excellent stability when clamped in a vice and prevents bending under load.

Key recommendations:

• Use a 30 mm wide steel profile (40 mm is excessive and makes access harder)
• Thickness around 5 mm is more than sufficient
• Drill holes at approximately 6.5 mm diameter
• Ensure precise center-to-center hole spacing (measure directly from your machine before drilling)

Accuracy in hole spacing is critical. Everything else is flexible.

Important Measurement Notes

The hole spacing is approximately 5.3 cm center-to-center, but you must verify this directly on your machine before drilling.

In the demonstrated build, the distance between the holes and the additional support tab is about 68 mm. This allows space for inserting a wooden spacer for added protection.

The Diagonal Cut: A Small but Smart Detail

A diagonal cut on the bracket prevents interference with the safety valve pipe. Without it, you may need to remove the safety valve entirely just to mount the tool.

This small modification greatly improves usability.

Adding a Third Support Point (Optional but Recommended)

An additional support tab can be included to stabilize the machine further during heavy work.

Important:

• Never allow direct metal-to-metal contact with the boiler
• Insert a wooden or protective spacer in the gap
• Ensure firm but cushioned support

This prevents flexing and protects the thin boiler wall during more demanding operations.

Critical Safety Warning: The Boiler Is Only 1 mm Thick

The boiler may look solid, but it is only about 1 mm thick. Excessive leverage while tightening or loosening the base can cause it to twist.

If the boiler flexes:

• One side can compress inward
• The opposite side can pull outward
• Permanent deformation may occur

Once damaged in this way, the boiler cannot be restored to its original shape.

Never use excessive leverage. Instead, use controlled force and vibration techniques (such as light hammer taps) rather than long breaker bars.

Build It Yourself

If you can weld, this tool can be built at minimal cost. Even if you cannot, a local fabricator can easily make one for you.

It does not need to be beautiful. It needs to be precise and strong.

Final Thoughts

A stable mounting solution dramatically improves safety, precision, and comfort when working on La Pavoni lever machines. With accurate measurements and careful use, this simple DIY tool becomes an essential workshop upgrade.

Function over aesthetics. Precision over force. And always respect the boiler.