I'll try using some steel wool on them, since I seem to remember you mentioning that.  My steel wool has chemicals all over it, so I'll have to rise the VST for a minute before using it.  Would the side channeling explain my mushy puck and squirrely shots? 

I think it looks decent on the back, it was pretty consistent.  I'm getting less side channeling now, definitely.  Every shot I pull is drinkable, at the very least, so that's definitely a plus.  Photo HAS been developed and enhanced a bit to show off the tiger striping.  I put a lamp on the side of the Oscar because the LEDs weren't quite enough for a decent exposure.  This is fresh Tanzanian Peaberry I roasted in my old 1987 Popcorn Pumper last night. 

I realized I got sidetracked and didn't tell you what had happened.  So even though the new valve was stripped, my friend was determined not to give up on the plumber's tape and kept piling it on until it finally held!  We abused the seal--putting it through backflush after backflush, let the HX heat up a few times.  Not a drop. * fingers crossed* If it leaks again, NS sent me an actual spacer I could JB Weld onto the group and create a new socket for the valve without permanently affixing it.  Whew! 

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