Winegums' Woodcraft

[Mr. Gweilo 420]

Today's morning session with my new @Winegums stem, best thing in 2018 yet, I love it so much! I found it extracted faster then my Omnivap stem, almost 1toke to dark brown abv, very effective!

Awesome picture and awesome equipment. Im trying hard to guess the district lol. K B maybe ha ha

 

[Winegums]

These two walnut pieces will be available soon.

 

[Summer]

If phattpiggie didn't say scales I would have thought pineapple. Now I think both when I look at it. I love it! It looks a a wong because of it's shape, but it's too nice a piece to use as such.

 

[Winegums]

This Walnut stem is available now, the other one developed a crack that I found during final inspection.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/587641393/tapered-walnut-stem-for-vapcap-uni-62mm

If phattpiggie didn't say scales I would have thought pineapple. Now I think both when I look at it. I love it! It looks a a wong because of it's shape, but it's too nice a piece to use as such.

My wife and mother call it a pine cone ><. It leaks like a sieve when used as a WonG.

PS: I'd like to say thanks to everyone who has posted pictures of their stems!

 

[snaffle]

I've had my XL case for a few months now, and I've really liked it.

At the moment I have my lighter and 2 small baggies in the storage compartment (one ground herb, one abv). However, the baggies are annoying, I'm wondering if others have better storage solutions that fit in the storage compartment?

Another thing I'm considering is whether it would be better to have a smaller XL case, which can just fit my XL vapcap and lighter, and carry the herb and abv separately, say in one of those keychain stash holders or something. @Winegums am I correct in assuming such a case would be reasonably straightforward for you to produce?

How do y'all carry smallish amounts of herb / abv on the move? I'm not in a legal place, so discretion is important too.

 

[Winegums]

I've had my XL case for a few months now, and I've really liked it.

At the moment I have my lighter and 2 small baggies in the storage compartment (one ground herb, one abv). However, the baggies are annoying, I'm wondering if others have better storage solutions that fit in the storage compartment?

Another thing I'm considering is whether it would be better to have a smaller XL case, which can just fit my XL vapcap and lighter, and carry the herb and abv separately, say in one of those keychain stash holders or something. @Winegums am I correct in assuming such a case would be reasonably straightforward for you to produce?

How do y'all carry smallish amounts of herb / abv on the move? I'm not in a legal place, so discretion is important too.

I’ve been meaning to make another model of XL stash that is narrower like this custom one that I made a few weeks back. This was designed to hold a glass tube and a Vapcap or two Vapcaps. A version that held a lighter would be slightly wider.

It should be fairly straight forward to make a couple of them once I’m back.

I’m glad you’re liking your current case and that it’s getting some mileage on it. I also greatly appreciate the feedback.

 

[Phenix]

Is it maybe possible to add two small storage compartments (say for 2g each) which are secured by magnets?
Really wondering about this, as it had be a easy way to travel with a small day-care storage

 

[Winegums]

Is it maybe possible to add two small storage compartments (say for 2g each) which are secured by magnets?
Really wondering about this, as it had be a easy way to travel with a small day-care storage

I could make a two compartment stash and it would be roughly the same size as the case I posted above. It would have two test tubes inside with rubber stoppers. Otherwise I don’t have a reliable way of dealing with the smell of our beloved herb.

 

[Phenix]

i am by no means experienced with wood.
Is this possible?:
- carving / make a conical hole: say 0.5 deep and 1cm
- two or more of these carvings to be done, in a row
- now the tricky part, I guess: wood cover which has „cylindrical, not too thick, wood pieces on it“ (so that said disks fit the carvings exactly, but only so that they reach a bit into the hole: this should reduce odor?
- the lid on it could be fixed with magnets, a screw, whatnot..

Are heat-resistant o-rings a idea to make it air-tight?

In my design I would only include the vapcap and the storage compartments therefore carrying a lighter extra (I need my lighters for other things as well so I prefer just having them floating around in my pocket

Please look into the MFLB delta stash as well

 

[snaffle]

@Winegums, where do you get the test tubes you're using? Are they tough enough to be in the storage part of the XL case alongside a lighter without breaking?

Oh, one other bit of feedback I have on my XL case is that the magnet being on the side seems like an odd choice to me, as it makes it hard to stand the vapcap on it. It is useful to just hold and cool the cap, but it is more convenient to be able to just put it down on the magnet, rather than hold the case in one hand and the vapcap in the other. I see from the picture of your recent custom case that you went for a magnet on the body - have you moved to that design yet? If not, what was your thinking behind putting the magnet on the side? Maybe there's some obvious way of using it I haven't considered.

One design which just crossed my mind would be a case which was like the early ones you were trying out, with a middle section for a test tube, but with one of those on each side, so that 2 small test tubes (1 abv, 1 herb) could be used, and then a separate small compartment for the lighter. Have you made something like that before? Is there some reason such a thing would be hard to make?

FYI I'm poor at the moment, so don't go spending loads of time drawing up the perfect design for me in the expectation I could buy it super soon

 

[Hogni]

@Winegums I like a lot of you newer stuff but would like to see some out of a more interesting wood, more vivid grain, exotic woods or something like that.

 

[Phenix]

Im trying out some ideas myself right now but have to get larger drills before..
I got plastic food-Safe test tubes which have a lid.

Is it a good idea to scrap the wooden lid-idea and just secure them into the holes?
BTW, I can either mount 2 vertical or up to 6 horizontal
Only the vapcap will be covered then..
Who Thinks this is a worthwile idea?

 

[Winegums]

@Winegums, where do you get the test tubes you're using? Are they tough enough to be in the storage part of the XL case alongside a lighter without breaking?

I got them off dhgate a couple months ago. I specifically wanted borosilicate glass so that the tubes would be strong. I think they would be okay with a lighter as long as it’s not allowed to move.

Oh, one other bit of feedback I have on my XL case is that the magnet being on the side seems like an odd choice to me, as it makes it hard to stand the vapcap on it. It is useful to just hold and cool the cap, but it is more convenient to be able to just put it down on the magnet, rather than hold the case in one hand and the vapcap in the other. I see from the picture of your recent custom case that you went for a magnet on the body - have you moved to that design yet? If not, what was your thinking behind putting the magnet on the side? Maybe there's some obvious way of using it I haven't considered.

The magnet being placed on the side is a result of me not having anywhere else to place it. Since the sides of the case are so thin and the central divider is only 1/8”, the magnet would protrude into both compartments.

I was also of a mind that the magnet would subtract from the beauty of the wood. But now I see that it would likely be fine. Future designs will have the magnet on the side but a consequence of this is that the stash will either lose internal space or increase in length, (like the custom stash I posted above).

I never really intended the magnet to be a place to stand the Vapcap on. It’s more so a place to keep the cap while you load the tip. It can also be used as a tool to remove the hot cap and check the load mid session. I found that the Vapcap bay door is a far better stand when opened.

One design which just crossed my mind would be a case which was like the early ones you were trying out, with a middle section for a test tube, but with one of those on each side, so that 2 small test tubes (1 abv, 1 herb) could be used, and then a separate small compartment for the lighter. Have you made something like that before? Is there some reason such a thing would be hard to make?

The difficulty would be cutting down the test tubes reliably. The tubes that I have were the narrowest and shortest borosilicate I could find. I’ve tried diamond cut off wheels, scratching and snapping, and a whole bunch of other stuff. The tubes don’t like to cut straight, and I gave up after 6 failed attempts.

FYI I'm poor at the moment, so don't go spending loads of time drawing up the perfect design for me in the expectation I could buy it super soon

No worries, again I greatly appreciate your feedback on the original design. Often what one person says, a dozen more are thinking the same. I’ll have to do some design work when I have the chance, the time has come for a new version.

@Winegums I like a lot of you newer stuff but would like to see some out of a more interesting wood, more vivid grain, exotic woods or something like that.

By newer stuff do you mean the boxes, bins and organizers? If so I have plans to make some more vivid versions.

 

[Winegums]

Im trying out some ideas myself right now but have to get larger drills before..
I got plastic food-Safe test tubes which have a lid.

Is it a good idea to scrap the wooden lid-idea and just secure them into the holes?
BTW, I can either mount 2 vertical or up to 6 horizontal
Only the vapcap will be covered then..
Who Thinks this is a worthwile idea?

i am by no means experienced with wood.
Is this possible?:
- carving / make a conical hole: say 0.5 deep and 1cm
- two or more of these carvings to be done, in a row
- now the tricky part, I guess: wood cover which has „cylindrical, not too thick, wood pieces on it“ (so that said disks fit the carvings exactly, but only so that they reach a bit into the hole: this should reduce odor?
- the lid on it could be fixed with magnets, a screw, whatnot..

Are heat-resistant o-rings a idea to make it air-tight?

In my design I would only include the vapcap and the storage compartments therefore carrying a lighter extra (I need my lighters for other things as well so I prefer just having them floating around in my pocket

Please look into the MFLB delta stash as well

I think I get what you are talking about. The use of O-rings to seal the small compartments might work but would be tricky to implement without special tooling. Ideally I would have a mill with a boring head and a small cutter or a CNC mill to make the o ring grooves. The depth and dimensions of the grooves are very critical or they won’t seal.

I do like the idea of being able to load up a dosing tray and use them one at a time. It will require some thought and design work before I’m ready to make anything physical though.

 

[Phenix]

Regarding test tubes:
Here is a link
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.de/ulk/itm/112416608930

The lowest dimensions seem to me worthwile to check out..

Tough you still have to „seal“ the tops in the dugout.
My mentioned idea may help - Alternative had be maybe cork !?

 

[GreenHopper]

That looks familiar

Still love the config of this setup. I have no issues with the magnet being on the side.

 

[Hogni]

That was it what I meant with "newer stuff". But I like your pictured cylindric stem too. Really nice pairing!
Is all the stem just cylindrically or is there a 18 mm taper at the end of the mp? Can't see it right.

 

[Winegums]

That was it what I meant with "newer stuff". But I like your pictured cylindric stem too. Really nice pairing!
Is all the stem just cylindrically or is there a 18 mm taper at the end of the mp? Can't see it right.

That’s a custom 14mm VonG that I made for @GreenHopper. It has a special hooded mouthpiece to allow it to work with glass that narrows suddenly after the joint.

 

[Hogni]

Congrats, Greeny! Have fun with it.

 

[GreenHopper]

Congrats, Greeny! Have fun with it.

It's awesome!

My most versatile VongG. It works with an Omni condenser but fits all 14mm GonG's.

My MFLB has a shallow GonG so I asked @Winegums for this custom stem and he nailed it.

It also works natively as you still have plenty of access to the Ti mouthpiece.

 

[Hogni]

Yep, hope Winegums makes more other shaped stems - and perhaps not so much irritating coulorful pieces - than the "Amphora-style" This shape ever reminds me more of a dustpan handle than an amphora. Really no connotation of elegance more a clumsy one.
@Winegums I don't want to offend you in any way with this comparison, it's just MY open true thought, MY liking - and I believe the thought of some others too. You know I appreciate your work and craftsmanship. I just want the best success for your buisiness with this constructive critism

 

[Winegums]

Yep, hope Winegums makes more other shaped stems - and perhaps not so much irritating coulorful pieces - than the "Amphora-style" This shape ever reminds me more of a shovel handle than an amphora. Really no connotation of elegance more a clumsy one.

It’s shaped the way it is for ergonomics, the fact that it looks like a shovel handle is no coincidence. I didn’t arrive at the shape because I was trying to copy an amphora at all. It has a flare at one end to give better grip between your fingers when inserting and removing it from glass. The other end is pretty much bound to being a set taper. I simply smoothed out the transition and arrived at the shape.

There’s only so much that can be changed on VonGs without going to a non standard condenser setup.

I’ve tried other shapes but they were slow sellers and while I’ve had requests for some interesting designs. Not many seem to want to commit to placing an order.

I do have plans to make some long stems when I get back. I’ve had the Ti tubing for condensers for a while but haven’t used it yet.

As for other woods, I do not like to support a non sustainable industry that is decimating our exotic tree populations on earth. While there’s “environmentally friendly” sources of exotic wood. It was still harvested from the land and will likely not be replaced for 100’s of years since most exotics grow very slowly.

I made a choice when I started that I would stick to wood that was sustainable, non endangered, and was harvested for ethical reasons. Ethical meaning the tree was already diseased, dying, a danger to property, or had fallen over in a storm.

The small amount of Blackwood and cocobolo I have were gifted to me from George. Which will run out soon and not be replaced.

@Winegums I don't want to offend you in any way with this comparison, it's just MY open true thought, MY liking - and I believe the thought of some others too. You know I appreciate your work and craftsmanship. I just want the best success for your buisiness with this constructive critism

I know that one design will never please everyone. But I also have the conundrum of wasting time and materials if a new design flops.

If someone has a design in mind and are willing to order it , I don’t have a problem trying. For example @GreenHopper has had some very outside the box ideas that turned out great.

I can do so much more than what I’ve shown so far. I could engrave, carve, inlay stones, add precious metal wire, etc. My limitation is if anyone wants it and is willing to place an order.

 

[Hogni]

I didn't mean especially exotic woods. I appreciate your ethic intense. But there are others like moorwood, burls or just staining to enhance the grain. Guess fractals could also increase appearance of your pale pieces.

 

[Winegums]

I didn't mean especially exotic woods. I appreciate your ethic intense. But there are others like moorwood, burls or just staining to enhance the grain. Guess fractals could also increase appearance of your pale pieces.

Ahh I understand.

I do appreciate the criticism and am not offended at all. Sometimes you need a knock on the head when you’re going a bit stale. The gears are turning again.

 

[snaffle]

As for other woods, I do not like to support a non sustainable industry that is decimating our exotic tree populations on earth. While there’s “environmentally friendly” sources of exotic wood. It was still harvested from the land and will likely not be replaced for 100’s of years since most exotics grow very slowly.

I made a choice when I started that I would stick to wood that was sustainable, non endangered, and was harvested for ethical reasons. Ethical meaning the tree was already diseased, dying, a danger to property, or had fallen over in a storm.

That's lovely to hear. Not knowing much about wood, I hadn't really thought about this, but it's so good to hear that you, the wood master, care about wood in all stages of its life, not just its afterlife.

For what it's worth, I love your designs, they are simple, elegant, and refined, to my eye. @phattpiggie's stems are undoubtedly amazing creations, but for me, nothing can compare to the beauty of the things you create, @Winegums.