Sometimes the reason for making something is simply that I want one. JarMagic is one of those projects. I wanted a lid for the little Ball jar I use for espresso around the CL MotoTech machine shop, so I drew one up and machined it from billet 6061 aluminum.

The basic design follows other drinking lids already on the market. There’s no need to pretend I invented drinking coffee from a jar. This is my version, with a few added touches, the CL MotoTech name machined into the top, and a little more time at the mill than a coffee lid probably needs. That’s part of the fun.

I generally use it on a small 8-ounce Ball jar. A stainless steel band holds the lid in place, with a silicone ring providing the seal. The idea is to keep the familiar mason jar setup and give it a lid made here in the shop.

Anodized and back on the jar

The lid has now been anodized here in the shop. The silver finish leaves the machining texture and the CL MotoTech lettering visible, and the finished lid is back on the espresso jar. The earlier photos show the part before cleanup and anodizing.

It’s a small thing, but it’s satisfying to make something for myself that gets used around the machines. A home-crafted espresso jar seems right at home here.