Upgrade Guides

Fellow Opus 1 Suddenly Messy? Clean the Anti-Static Pins Before Changing Your Workflow

If an Opus 1 was relatively tidy and suddenly starts throwing more grounds around the cup, Fellow’s current support guidance points to the grinder’s anti-static pins and exit chute before any modification.

Official maintenance reference: Fellow says Opus 1 anti-static performance is best for about 60 grind cycles with light/medium roast before cleaning is needed. Dark/oily coffee can require more frequent maintenance.
Coffee grinder and catch cup during anti-static maintenance

Where are the anti-static pins?

They sit around the inside of the exit chute and can be difficult to see when coffee buildup covers them. Fellow explicitly notes that if the pins are not visible, heavy buildup itself may be contributing to the mess.

How do you clean them?

Coffee grinder dispensing grounds

Remove the catch cup and brush/swipe around the inside of the exit chute using the Fellow brush or another clean non-abrasive brush. Fellow also says blowing out loose coffee can help clear the pins.

Why do dark roasts need more cleaning?

Fellow says darker/oilier coffee increases buildup and clog risk. Its current clog guide also notes that finer grind settings can generate more static.

Should you immediately add more RDT?

No. Clean the grinder’s built-in anti-static system first. Fellow does support RDT/light spritz for Opus 1, but maintenance and RDT solve different parts of the problem.

Coffee beans and grounds during grinder cleaning

What if the grinder is also clogging?

Coffee beans and grinder maintenance

Move to Fellow’s clog procedure. Minor clogs can sometimes be cleared at setting 11 while tapping/bellows actions are used; major clogs require unplugging and cleaning the burr chamber. Do not turn a static article into an improvised teardown.

Symptom First move
Suddenly messier after many cycles Brush exit chute / anti-static pins
Dark/oily coffee Clean more frequently
Pins not visible Remove heavy buildup
Grounds no longer feed / chamber clogged Use Fellow clog procedure

References

Revision note: this article is Opus 1-specific; Opus 2 has a redesigned grind path and should use its own support instructions.