in my cup Brazil Fazenda Brouna Peaberry at a C+/FC-
Made with the AP

Stash currently is around 120# but will grow by about 60# next month (getting a bit low right now)

Roasting in the RK Drum with a 60K grill

Hi, everybody! There's a lot of groups in here. This one looks like it could be home, though!

I've been roasting since June 'o7. Roasting gear is a Fresh Roast 8, a Gene Cafe and the Junk Yard Tow truck I built. Best coffee I ever tasted!

just got through roasting some Ethiopian Yergacheffe with a popcorn roaster set up. That was so awesome!

So I just also got a stove top roaster (aka old school stove top popcorn popper the kind you have to stand by and crank while it works.) any hints, clues or tips, would be much appreciated. The electric hot air popper worked easily and wonderfully, by the way, the coffee produced was/ is amazing!

I'm working with the JavaPro-CRC 5lbs. It's holding up well. It could really use a more powerful rotisserie motor. It only does about 24 ounces at a time, any more and you get a very uneven roast.

I modified my parents West Bend Poppery 1 that i found in their closet. Its been working pretty solid for the last year. very small batches but very even and easy to do a few back to back.

I've been roasting with a Toastmaster hot air popper. This works great most of the time, but they don't last long. I've had to replace it twice! This time I'm gonna try a stovetop popper. I'll update and let you know how it works!

That is so exciting, Margo! Welcome to the world of home roasting. I have been roasting for around 8 months. Most of what I have learned I read in Kenneth Davids' book "home coffee roasting, romance and revival". I have also learned quite a bit from folks like Ritual Coffee Roasters, Barefoot Coffee Roasters, Stumptown, Alterra, etc. These are some great roasters on the west coast and one in WI (alterra). There is a lot to be learned by just studying what these industry leaders are doing. Visit them, if you can, and talk to their baristas.
As far as what to roast...
I would start with something from Brazil. These beans have a wide range that they can be roasted to. Also, Sumatras are very good and have a wide roast range. If you want some really good advice about what to roast, talk to these guys, www.greencoffeebuyingclub.com. This is a network of home roasters from everywhere. They are rich with experience and advice and they can sell you some kick ass beans. Have fun, I hope this helps!