Zow237
Well-Known Member
Ok for now I'd like to just buy a magnet. Let me know
gonna do some further testing with some new batteries
Discontinued Lil' Bud by Vapwood
- Thread starter Bravesst
- Start date
Ok for now I'd like to just buy a magnet. Let me know
gonna do some further testing with some new batteriesIve had the RBT unit for some time and it is a great unit. I do really appreciate your work and that your clarification of how you stand behind your product is genuine. You are on my VAS radar for shizzle! Keeping an eye on the pages here to see how the LB continues to improve and unfold. I really DO like the all wood interface. An improvement on the original design IMHO!
In an effort to make a warranty a mute point, I'm on the search for the perfect switch. I got it down to 3 (which I posted). Here's how I rate the switches.
Round, Flush #1
Sits a bit above the ring, higher in the middle, flush around the circumference. This is my favorite choice. Very easy to press, find the right placement of the finger. Looks really cool, works even better. Available, but might be more difficult to get. This switch, by a hair, is my first choice .
Flat, raised button #2
Much like the current switch by 33% larger. I bit harder to press, but still quite effortless. Feels substantial, easy to find with finger. Can be crushed or pressed lightly. Looks good and function is top notch. Readily available and my second choice. I have no problem using this switch, and think it's a great choice.
Flat, Flush #3
Totally flat with no raised section. Must be pressed all the way, kinda need to get you finger right over the button. Not much pressure required, but you gotta be lined up. Looks awesome. Works well, but needs to be pressed all the way to work. Readily available and my third option, and I feel this is a really good switch. Some might actually like the super flush design, almost impossible to accidentally depress the button with something other than a finger tip.
All pricing is about the same, so that is not an issue. The build quality is substantially improved over the 12mm switch. All three have the same outer ring circumference and are interchangeable without any modifications.
The three prototypes I've built feature one of each. I've never enjoyed testing as much as I do now, it all just works. Performance wise, all 3 switches are the same - awesome. These 3 units were retrofit, meaning the switch box just about accepts the larger size, and I'm going to offer them for sale AS IS, built with the same quality and care of every LB. These *prototypes* will ship once testing is complete (about a week or so) and I start working on batch 7 (need to get started on batch 7 right after the holiday). The price on these cherry prototype units with all upgrades (including ss foil lined oven) will be $150 with shipping ($170 with stem). I'm only going to offer them here, and not on the website. The main reason I am offering them here today is to fund my purchase of 100 new switches. If you're interested, please PM.
As changes happen, and I test stuff out, you can look for more prototype sales in the future just like this one.
If you have a preference, let me know, first come, first serve.
Raised
Flat
Round
Round, Flush #1
Sits a bit above the ring, higher in the middle, flush around the circumference. This is my favorite choice. Very easy to press, find the right placement of the finger. Looks really cool, works even better. Available, but might be more difficult to get. This switch, by a hair, is my first choice .
Flat, raised button #2
Much like the current switch by 33% larger. I bit harder to press, but still quite effortless. Feels substantial, easy to find with finger. Can be crushed or pressed lightly. Looks good and function is top notch. Readily available and my second choice. I have no problem using this switch, and think it's a great choice.
Flat, Flush #3
Totally flat with no raised section. Must be pressed all the way, kinda need to get you finger right over the button. Not much pressure required, but you gotta be lined up. Looks awesome. Works well, but needs to be pressed all the way to work. Readily available and my third option, and I feel this is a really good switch. Some might actually like the super flush design, almost impossible to accidentally depress the button with something other than a finger tip.
All pricing is about the same, so that is not an issue. The build quality is substantially improved over the 12mm switch. All three have the same outer ring circumference and are interchangeable without any modifications.
The three prototypes I've built feature one of each. I've never enjoyed testing as much as I do now, it all just works. Performance wise, all 3 switches are the same - awesome. These 3 units were retrofit, meaning the switch box just about accepts the larger size, and I'm going to offer them for sale AS IS, built with the same quality and care of every LB. These *prototypes* will ship once testing is complete (about a week or so) and I start working on batch 7 (need to get started on batch 7 right after the holiday). The price on these cherry prototype units with all upgrades (including ss foil lined oven) will be $150 with shipping ($170 with stem). I'm only going to offer them here, and not on the website. The main reason I am offering them here today is to fund my purchase of 100 new switches. If you're interested, please PM.
As changes happen, and I test stuff out, you can look for more prototype sales in the future just like this one.
If you have a preference, let me know, first come, first serve.
Raised
Flat
Round
Now that is a great question...What if any of us old users want some of these awesome new goodies upgrades on our trusty little buds?
Lil' Bud 2.0
1. New coil and all new wiring / terminals
2. SS foil liner
3. Modified coil compartment
4. 3 amp switch / new switch box
5. New back plate with safety tabs
6. Refinished body
I'm trying to decide upon a fair price for the upgrade, for my time more than anything else. The deal will ONLY be open to FC members, as I don't plan on advertising the fact other than here. Turn around time should be pretty quick because I won't be building these in batches.
More good news, a source for the flush round switch came through. I just ordered 50 more that should be here in a couple of weeks, and I got another 50 or so on the way in August. I'm OCD when it comes to having my stock in order. I wanna thank the buyer of today's prototype sale, who financed the new switch purchase. All the switches function the exact same, and it's more a matter of personal taste, but for me the high round switch is the easiest to press and most ergonomic, as well as looking the best. Funny thing with the 3 amp switch, it's like the flood gates opened but the unit is cooler. All the juice the 18650 battery has, is now hitting the coil unfettered. In addition, the foil is reflecting much of the heat generated back into the coil.
What we seem to have here is more heat, but with a more even saturation and somehow a lower temp is reached. I can waste a stem faster, but I don't have to. It's harder to combust, but I can get closer to combustion and vape *on the edge*, and drain a stem with no stirring - or - I can sip a way and lower temps, the responsiveness feels like having my finger on a throttle of a high end sports car.
I'm ranting, means I'm real high.
BATCH 6 has flown the coop! I was in the post office for over an hour. I'll get tracking numbers out either later tonight or early tomorrow. I'm already knee deep in batch 7
.
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Just sent tracking info to all new members of the LB family.
NOW ON TO BATCH 7
I have lots of wood stock. Yesterday I sized enough stock for lots of Lil' Buds, and started the process all over again. Walnut (some figured), Purple Heart, Quilted Maple, and of course, Cherry. All in all, this *mega batch* should yield about 25 units, spread out over a couple of batches. Before diving in, everything was reconsidered, adjusted as necessary to accept the new upgrades. The units wound up about .5mm thicker / wider (between 1/32" and 1/64"). The corners are rounded with a 1/2 inch round over router bit set to cut at a 4mm depth both front and back of the unit. The back plate should sit flatter, but the unit itself rounder. The end grain will still be rounded with hand sanding, as will all the finish sanding.
This time around, for uniformity sake, all blanks were passed through my thickness planer to put them all at the precise and same size. Why I haven't utilized this machine in the past is beyond me. It's the way to go for large batches. Width and thickness is totally identical on every piece of wood in this batch. That should allow for a faster set up process, with less hang ups.
After readjusting my router, changing the bit, resetting the precise depth / distances - I cut 10 mortises on some of my cherry stock. The nicest wood to work with, it's makes sense to start with Cherry where everything goes as planned. Each mortise, or what you would call the battery compartment, takes 6 passes with a hand held router to create the rough opening. The edges then have to be chiseled flat and square to make the perfect opening for the battery and terminals. I can now cut the mortise in about 3 minutes, changing set ups 3 times, router depth 6 times. Chiseling, filing the ends square can take another 5 minutes per mortise. And of course endless sanding / finishing.
I don't like to project the pace I can work at, because unforseen stuff happens all the time, but I can tell you this, my time in the shop is probably two or three times more productive than it was two months ago, and quality has increased exponentially.
Full Steam Ahead!
NOW ON TO BATCH 7
I have lots of wood stock. Yesterday I sized enough stock for lots of Lil' Buds, and started the process all over again. Walnut (some figured), Purple Heart, Quilted Maple, and of course, Cherry. All in all, this *mega batch* should yield about 25 units, spread out over a couple of batches. Before diving in, everything was reconsidered, adjusted as necessary to accept the new upgrades. The units wound up about .5mm thicker / wider (between 1/32" and 1/64"). The corners are rounded with a 1/2 inch round over router bit set to cut at a 4mm depth both front and back of the unit. The back plate should sit flatter, but the unit itself rounder. The end grain will still be rounded with hand sanding, as will all the finish sanding.
This time around, for uniformity sake, all blanks were passed through my thickness planer to put them all at the precise and same size. Why I haven't utilized this machine in the past is beyond me. It's the way to go for large batches. Width and thickness is totally identical on every piece of wood in this batch. That should allow for a faster set up process, with less hang ups.
After readjusting my router, changing the bit, resetting the precise depth / distances - I cut 10 mortises on some of my cherry stock. The nicest wood to work with, it's makes sense to start with Cherry where everything goes as planned. Each mortise, or what you would call the battery compartment, takes 6 passes with a hand held router to create the rough opening. The edges then have to be chiseled flat and square to make the perfect opening for the battery and terminals. I can now cut the mortise in about 3 minutes, changing set ups 3 times, router depth 6 times. Chiseling, filing the ends square can take another 5 minutes per mortise. And of course endless sanding / finishing.
I don't like to project the pace I can work at, because unforseen stuff happens all the time, but I can tell you this, my time in the shop is probably two or three times more productive than it was two months ago, and quality has increased exponentially.
Full Steam Ahead!
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bossman
Gentleman Of Leisure
Thanks @Bravesst! Just FYI I got two shipping notification emails for my batch six LB and found them both in spam after seeing your post this morning.
Spelling Vapwood with spaces between each letter might be something spammers do and you might reconsider the big logo jpg at the start of you email since spammers also abuse images in emails.
Spelling Vapwood with spaces between each letter might be something spammers do and you might reconsider the big logo jpg at the start of you email since spammers also abuse images in emails.
Batch 7 is underway! Cut about 20 mortises in a few hours. Also rounded long grain edges, and cut 4mm groove for back plate. Next, squaring up the mortise. The precision achieved by sizing with the planer has already paid off with less fussing with all set ups involved.
The set up jig to cut the mortise is the key. With the right jig which I designed (self made jigs are always the best ones), a dewalt trim / plunge router, and 1/4 inch upcut spiral all carbide bit, I've got the right tools for this unique job.
Lots and lots of cherry, 2 walnut, 2 purple heart, 2 quilted maple
if you can't see the pic, the fix is to hit reply, whether you reply or not...
@bossman
I marked the order fulfilled in the GoDaddy store, add tracking, and they do the rest. I don't actually send the email. I will look into whether I can edit that email. Thank you.
The set up jig to cut the mortise is the key. With the right jig which I designed (self made jigs are always the best ones), a dewalt trim / plunge router, and 1/4 inch upcut spiral all carbide bit, I've got the right tools for this unique job.
Lots and lots of cherry, 2 walnut, 2 purple heart, 2 quilted maple
if you can't see the pic, the fix is to hit reply, whether you reply or not...
@bossman
I marked the order fulfilled in the GoDaddy store, add tracking, and they do the rest. I don't actually send the email. I will look into whether I can edit that email. Thank you.
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beyond6strings
Just another traveller in the Cannaverse
So no break for the weary eh? I thought you were going to step away between batch 6 & 7?
Looks like you didn't need to, and that you have made the changes you wanted to make to streamline operations already. Cool.
And for me and others that means the Timber is getting closer. That makes me happy.
Looks like you didn't need to, and that you have made the changes you wanted to make to streamline operations already. Cool.
And for me and others that means the Timber is getting closer. That makes me happy.
DarkRoast
Well-Known Member
Batch 7 is underway! Cut about 20 mortises in a few hours. Also rounded long grain edges, and cut 4mm groove for back plate. Next, squaring up the mortise. The precision achieved by sizing with the planer has already paid off with less fussing with all set ups involved.
The set up jig to cut the mortise is the key. With the right jig which I designed (self made jigs are always the best ones), a dewalt trim / plunge router, and 1/4 inch upcut spiral all carbide bit, I've got the right tools for this unique job.
Lots and lots of cherry, 2 walnut, 2 purple heart, 2 quilted maple
if you can't see the pic, the fix is to hit reply, whether you reply or not...
@bossman
I marked the order fulfilled in the GoDaddy store, add tracking, and they do the rest. I don't actually send the email. I will look into whether I can edit that email. Thank you.
What's the chance I will get my Lil bud by 7-20? (I'm in group 7) that date is my birthday! Either way - I'm so pumped. These progress posts are great. Thanks for them!
Beauties!Batch 7 is underway! Cut about 20 mortises in a few hours. Also rounded long grain edges, and cut 4mm groove for back plate. Next, squaring up the mortise. The precision achieved by sizing with the planer has already paid off with less fussing with all set ups involved.
The set up jig to cut the mortise is the key. With the right jig which I designed (self made jigs are always the best ones), a dewalt trim / plunge router, and 1/4 inch upcut spiral all carbide bit, I've got the right tools for this unique job.
Lots and lots of cherry, 2 walnut, 2 purple heart, 2 quilted maple
if you can't see the pic, the fix is to hit reply, whether you reply or not...
@bossman
I marked the order fulfilled in the GoDaddy store, add tracking, and they do the rest. I don't actually send the email. I will look into whether I can edit that email. Thank you.
HerbieVonVapster
Well-Known Member
Hehe sounds like I wasn't the only one to jump on the cherry wagon
Really liking the updates on progress. Would never though I be this excited to read about someone cutting wood
RushVaporTrails
Well-Known Member
well, for the first time in my brief history on this thread, I can say I am one of the lucky ones who have vaped out of the Lil Bud as it arrived moments ago.
Will obviously contribute more later but wanted to tell Mike that it's very difficult to explain this vape to someone until you feel it, look at it and of course use it.
And to Mike I say, Bravo.
it's so simple, but it does so much.
remarkable craftsmanship. amazing to hold in one's hand, super easy to use.
and @P.A.M.
you were so right sir,
it gets you all the way there and back.
Will obviously contribute more later but wanted to tell Mike that it's very difficult to explain this vape to someone until you feel it, look at it and of course use it.
And to Mike I say, Bravo.
it's so simple, but it does so much.
remarkable craftsmanship. amazing to hold in one's hand, super easy to use.
and @P.A.M.
you were so right sir,
it gets you all the way there and back.
P.A.M.
Vapo Rising
@RushVaporTrails , congratulations on receiving your Lil'Bud! 
Not sure if you stuck with the Quilted Maple , if so , you are probably the first QMLB owner out there , thats something special!! Regardless of wood species, they all have that quality craftmanship , highly functional, durable & reliable look and feel to them . I love and appreciate the work in them as much as I like vaping from them. Just like my HI log from @Alan , I'll think of Mike while vaping the LB and am grateful we have a few gentleman's who build such vapes with that much passion and compassion for the people using them . Alan always gets a toke too for his LB stems too !
Really happy for you @RushVaporTrails , it sounds like you are liking it already. Fun part is , It gets better from here! That's just the unboxing session you had, lol , thinking you'll have a blast mastering your LB!
Not sure if you stuck with the Quilted Maple , if so , you are probably the first QMLB owner out there , thats something special!! Regardless of wood species, they all have that quality craftmanship , highly functional, durable & reliable look and feel to them . I love and appreciate the work in them as much as I like vaping from them. Just like my HI log from @Alan , I'll think of Mike while vaping the LB and am grateful we have a few gentleman's who build such vapes with that much passion and compassion for the people using them . Alan always gets a toke too for his LB stems too !Really happy for you @RushVaporTrails , it sounds like you are liking it already. Fun part is , It gets better from here! That's just the unboxing session you had, lol , thinking you'll have a blast mastering your LB!
@RushVaporTrails
That makes me very happy.
Here we are a few hours later. Mortises are now sanded to 220 grit, units to 400 grit. Units cut to length. Next up it's the hole drilling marathon and switch box cut out.
So far this batch is the most consistent up until this point, each unit is virtually identical except for the unique grain on each one. The Cherry from ebay is top notch, very dry, as the seller stated - kiln dried and s4s - a pleasure to work with. I took my first run at Purple Heart, not so bad - heavy as hell, you know when your sawing through it, even with a powerful chop saw. Seems to stay pretty intact as far as tear out, but we're not there yet. I don't have lots of stock of PH, the shape sucked and I wound up with more waste than I planned. Only have enough for a few units until I order more. I keep thinking it's been stained some kinda of red or cherry color. I can't wait to see it with beeswax. Got plenty of everything else, and this batch of Quilted Maple is insane, round curly circles throughout. I'll post a pic of it soon. The Walnut is all over the freakin' place, so dark, so light, so gnarled up nice. And Cherry is just awesome. One cherry unit has some really weird grain, never really seen it before in cherry, almost lost quartersawn.
Between that and the crazy grained quilted maple, it's gonna be a pretty batch. I'm over producing a bit, just in case anyone else wants to jump in for batch 7 - choices may get limited.
That makes me very happy.
Here we are a few hours later. Mortises are now sanded to 220 grit, units to 400 grit. Units cut to length. Next up it's the hole drilling marathon and switch box cut out.
So far this batch is the most consistent up until this point, each unit is virtually identical except for the unique grain on each one. The Cherry from ebay is top notch, very dry, as the seller stated - kiln dried and s4s - a pleasure to work with. I took my first run at Purple Heart, not so bad - heavy as hell, you know when your sawing through it, even with a powerful chop saw. Seems to stay pretty intact as far as tear out, but we're not there yet. I don't have lots of stock of PH, the shape sucked and I wound up with more waste than I planned. Only have enough for a few units until I order more. I keep thinking it's been stained some kinda of red or cherry color. I can't wait to see it with beeswax. Got plenty of everything else, and this batch of Quilted Maple is insane, round curly circles throughout. I'll post a pic of it soon. The Walnut is all over the freakin' place, so dark, so light, so gnarled up nice. And Cherry is just awesome. One cherry unit has some really weird grain, never really seen it before in cherry, almost lost quartersawn.
Between that and the crazy grained quilted maple, it's gonna be a pretty batch. I'm over producing a bit, just in case anyone else wants to jump in for batch 7 - choices may get limited.
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Slickwilly
Well-Known Member
Enjoy your trips with your new Lil Bud! There will plenty
It looks awesome can't wait to see it either after some wax.
I will say I do enjoy giving my LB a hot wax bath, seems to darken up the cherry a liitle each time, brings out the darker grains too.
Hell I even waxed by dynastash
DarkRoast
Well-Known Member
I found you can also right click the broken image -> open in new tab -> hilight the url by clicking once in the address bar -> hit enter. Works for me so far. A bit easier to see as well!
And of course hold ctrl and press + or - to make the image bigger/smaller. Or ctrl + mousewheel.
Enjoy your trips with your new Lil Bud! There will plenty
It looks awesome can't wait to see it either after some wax.
I will say I do enjoy giving my LB a hot wax bath, seems to darken up the cherry a liitle each time, brings out the darker grains too.
Hell I even waxed by dynastash
What is the process for waxing a piece of wood? What type of wax is it, and where can I buy some? Thanks!
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Slickwilly
Well-Known Member
I went to local hardware and found all natural beeswax, it's a large round puck.
I then use a hairdryer, some use a heat gun, to heat the wood, just enough to melt the wax
Then rub wax puck into wood, getting a good layer of wax on. Then finish with fingers, slowly heating wax and working it into the wood. You may want to use some type of glove because your fingers become waterproof
After that I let it sit for a while with the wax on it, at least an hour or so. It seems to penetrate the wood better letting it sit?
Then I buff the wax with soft cloth.
You'll have one happy LB in your hand
Good morning FC. I've been thinking long and hard about how best to upgrade existing units for owners who'd like the 2.0 experience. I want to be fair to both the customer, and myself, and I really like to get a new LB to anyone who wants one. Things will continue to evolve, but I'm pretty sure not at this pace, especially once I begin work on Timber. I think the best way to handle upgrading what might be some different units, is to send me a quick PM to get the ball rolling.
I'm excited about today's work. Unfortunately, this might be my last good day for for a while. I have relatives in from Florida, and the fourth is next week. I'm sure I'll squeeze in half days here and there, but the barreling through the work will slow down for a few. I'm going to have to pack up a few pre loaded stems to sneak away, as I hang in the alcohol / tobacco rich, cannabis poor, world of my in laws. Why I can't sit back and vape a couple of stems vs have a couple of beers is just an exercise in perverse social values - IMHO. Thank God for LB's rapid vape extraction.
I'm excited about today's work. Unfortunately, this might be my last good day for for a while. I have relatives in from Florida, and the fourth is next week. I'm sure I'll squeeze in half days here and there, but the barreling through the work will slow down for a few. I'm going to have to pack up a few pre loaded stems to sneak away, as I hang in the alcohol / tobacco rich, cannabis poor, world of my in laws. Why I can't sit back and vape a couple of stems vs have a couple of beers is just an exercise in perverse social values - IMHO. Thank God for LB's rapid vape extraction.
beyond6strings
Just another traveller in the Cannaverse
@Bravesst you are one hell of a generous spirit.
What none of you know is that about a month ago my batch 1 Walnut LB encountered some minor button issues. I reached out to Mike, and even though it was an after-market purchase, he agreed to fix me up at a very reasonable expense. In fact, probably too reasonable.
Mike was kind enough to include mine in Batch 6. And it's clear he's been watching my posts-instead of getting my stunning Walnut LB back, I've got an even more gorgeous (to me) Cherry LB sitting on the table in front of me waiting for a fresh battery and stem, and it's got all the Batch 6 appointments.
I'm rarely gobsmacked, but Mike got me good this afternoon.
EDIT: 25 minutes and 2 stems later. So I'm gobsmacked again. Here's my 2-stem mini-review.
Get one.
The fit and finish are extraordinary. The LB has always been hand friendly to me, but this LB is so much sweeter. I love the way you've rounded the corners. It's perfect. It feels a bit smaller to me, but curves can do that. And I really dig the battery cover without the hole. Your work around provides the user with a safety option, and you with a real time-consuming piece scratched off your punch list. And I think everyone will like the way it looks.
And wow, have you punched up the coil. It looks different than I remember, but I don't trust my memory on things like that. It does however perform way different. It's like driving a sports car. Very responsive. Really fast heat-up, which means you can sip, but if you want to take a long draw you can because you can feather the button to keep the heat where you need it.
I need to refine my technique, but I look forward to the practice necessary.
Oh, last thing. I've really missed this vaporizer's flavor and 'vapor signature'. It's just woody, nutty, and richer than anything I get from any of my other vaporizers. END EDIT
You've got a friend and customer for life. Thank you sir.
What none of you know is that about a month ago my batch 1 Walnut LB encountered some minor button issues. I reached out to Mike, and even though it was an after-market purchase, he agreed to fix me up at a very reasonable expense. In fact, probably too reasonable.
Mike was kind enough to include mine in Batch 6. And it's clear he's been watching my posts-instead of getting my stunning Walnut LB back, I've got an even more gorgeous (to me) Cherry LB sitting on the table in front of me waiting for a fresh battery and stem, and it's got all the Batch 6 appointments.
I'm rarely gobsmacked, but Mike got me good this afternoon.
EDIT: 25 minutes and 2 stems later. So I'm gobsmacked again. Here's my 2-stem mini-review.
Get one.
The fit and finish are extraordinary. The LB has always been hand friendly to me, but this LB is so much sweeter. I love the way you've rounded the corners. It's perfect. It feels a bit smaller to me, but curves can do that. And I really dig the battery cover without the hole. Your work around provides the user with a safety option, and you with a real time-consuming piece scratched off your punch list. And I think everyone will like the way it looks.
And wow, have you punched up the coil. It looks different than I remember, but I don't trust my memory on things like that. It does however perform way different. It's like driving a sports car. Very responsive. Really fast heat-up, which means you can sip, but if you want to take a long draw you can because you can feather the button to keep the heat where you need it.
I need to refine my technique, but I look forward to the practice necessary.
Oh, last thing. I've really missed this vaporizer's flavor and 'vapor signature'. It's just woody, nutty, and richer than anything I get from any of my other vaporizers. END EDIT
You've got a friend and customer for life. Thank you sir.
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