Discontinued Lil' Bud by Vapwood

[Diggy Smalls]

I have found avb, crunchy peanut butter, and rice wafers. the textures mask the horrible avb texture, and the tastes blend together into something very enjoyable.

These little buddies sure are lookers. I love hearing about how they have changed over time. It's still on my list to get one of these guys. @RushVaporTrails it does look like a mustache with a tongue coming from it! Haha that's really funny. I love looking at swirly patterns in wood and seeing different things in the patterns. Sort of like cloud watching.

 

[maxymods]

I received my lil bud on Friday he 29th and now my lil buds switch doesn’t seem to be working. Got in contact with bravest and I’m 100% sure we will get this figured out just annoying I have only had my device for 3 days and it isn’t working. Kind of upset I have already waited way longer than was estimated when I first purchased and was led to believe it would be mid June not the end of June and won’t have it for next week when I’m going away from home and was really hoping to have it. I’m just venting a little, but Other than this switch issue before it stopped giving off heat it was working perfectly actually I was enjoying it very much as my first portable vaporizer. I ran threw a few batteries in the first few days before it stopped firing. Thanks bravest

 

[Bravesst]

I received my lil bud on Friday he 29th and now my lil buds switch doesn’t seem to be working. Got in contact with bravest and I’m 100% sure we will get this figured out just annoying I have only had my device for 3 days and it isn’t working. Kind of upset I have already waited way longer than was estimated when I first purchased and was led to believe it would be mid June not the end of June and won’t have it for next week when I’m going away from home and was really hoping to have it. I’m just venting a little, but Other than this switch issue before it stopped giving off heat it was working perfectly actually I was enjoying it very much as my first portable vaporizer. I ran threw a few batteries in the first few days before it stopped firing. Thanks bravest

I apologize for the switch issue. It's the reason I changed switches on this upcoming batch. Even though they are rated at 2 amps, some don't seem to stand up. I do extensive initial testing, but all I can do is stand behind the unit. I will get a new unit out to you as soon as I can. Please just return your current unit. The wait times are estimates, I do my best as a solo operation to get units out on time.

 

[CaptVapor]

Kind of upset I have already waited way longer than was estimated when I first purchased and was led to believe it would be mid June not the end of June and won’t have it for next week when I’m going away from home and was really hoping to have it.

I understand your frustration but for some perspective look at the Grasshopper - waiting over a year since payment for the product (if you were an initial backer), STILL having issues meeting shipping estimates (last I checked, anyway), and PLENTY of units sent back for warranty repair. And that is with a team of people! Mike is just one guy and being delayed 1-2 weeks is pretty outstanding for a handmade device.

 

[RushVaporTrails]

Debated whether or not chime in but i will say this:

For anyone who is familiar with the show Shark Tank, one of the areas of concern to the sharks as far as investing, is if the company is just one guy. So if something happens to the guy, the company is no longer functioning.

Anyone who reads this thread knows that @Bravesst is a one person entity.

So if for some reason he has a family emergency or any other personal issues, the work in his shop would be slowed or stopped completely. He doesn't have employees who he can instruct to keep working on the current batch while he attends to his personal business.

Some may say a one man company is not ideal for the reason above. Mike hurts his hand, he isn't going to be in the shop, you get the idea.

BUT, the advantage of a one man company. You can email him directly or PM him here and he responds, personally.

I originally ordered a walnut LB, then I changed my mind and emailed and asked to switch to Cherry. Mike responded that it would his pleasure to switch it for me. No Problem.

Then Mike goes to Denver for 4/20 and returns stating he is going to acquire exotic woods and he is getting quilted maple, a wood used for guitar tops like the one I own.

So here comes me, pain in the butt,

asking Mike, can i switch to quilted maple, even though I have already switched from Walnut to Cherry.

No Problem. and he did it for no extra charge on that one. That's personal care you won't get from a factory.

I have had my LB for a few days now and I am still finding the sweet spot and am holding back a full review until I feel I can do it properly.

After a few days of use, I as well have concerns over the button. Only because I don't think you realize how much you are going to be pushing it.

Its kinda like a clutch in a manual transmission, you need to feather it at times and give it a smooth ride to make the magic happen.

So long term, this button is going to get used and abused just by the nature of the device. But, I have full confidence that if and when the button fails, I can contact Mike and he will make it right, and if its out of warranty and it costs me a few bucks to get an upgraded button, well, that's just how it will be.

I write all this just for folks to keep in mind its a unique dynamic when you have a consumer product built by one guy in one shop. But you also get the advantages of having one guy in one shop.

 

[Bravesst]

Debated whether or not chime in but i will say this:

For anyone who is familiar with the show Shark Tank, one of the areas of concern to the sharks as far as investing, is if the company is just one guy. So if something happens to the guy, the company is no longer functioning.

Anyone who reads this thread knows that @Bravesst is a one person entity.

So if for some reason he has a family emergency or any other personal issues, the work in his shop would be slowed or stopped completely. He doesn't have employees who he can instruct to keep working on the current batch while he attends to his personal business.

Some may say a one man company is not ideal for the reason above. Mike hurts his hand, he isn't going to be in the shop, you get the idea.

BUT, the advantage of a one man company. You can email him directly or PM him here and he responds, personally.

I originally ordered a walnut LB, then I changed my mind and emailed and asked to switch to Cherry. Mike responded that it would his pleasure to switch it for me. No Problem.

Then Mike goes to Denver for 4/20 and returns stating he is going to acquire exotic woods and he is getting quilted maple, a wood used for guitar tops like the one I own.

So here comes me, pain in the butt,

asking Mike, can i switch to quilted maple, even though I have already switched from Walnut to Cherry.

No Problem. and he did it for no extra charge on that one. That's personal care you won't get from a factory.

I have had my LB for a few days now and I am still finding the sweet spot and am holding back a full review until I feel I can do it properly.

After a few days of use, I as well have concerns over the button. Only because I don't think you realize how much you are going to be pushing it.

Its kinda like a clutch in a manual transmission, you need to feather it at times and give it a smooth ride to make the magic happen.

So long term, this button is going to get used and abused just by the nature of the device. But, I have full confidence that if and when the button fails, I can contact Mike and he will make it right, and if its out of warranty and it costs me a few bucks to get an upgraded button, well, that's just how it will be.

I write all this just for folks to keep in mind its a unique dynamic when you have a consumer product built by one guy in one shop. But you also get the advantages of having one guy in one shop.

Thank you for understanding. One man operations have their pros and cons. In the end, the pros put a better vape in your hand, and keeps it there.

I'm excited about the half day in the shop today. As I mortised out all the switch boxes, I realized how close I'm getting. Might even have some pre-assembly pics.

 

[SpudBob]

Thank you for understanding. One man operations have their pros and cons. In the end, the pros put a better vape in your hand, and keeps it there.

I'm excited about the half day in the shop today. As I mortised out all the switch boxes, I realized how close I'm getting. Might even have some pre-assembly pics.

I see that you still have batch 7 units available, according to the website, for reserve. Which ones are not spoken for??? What flavors of wood!!!

 

[Bravesst]

I see that you still have batch 7 units available, according to the website, for reserve. Which ones are not spoken for??? What flavors of wood!!!

Batch 7 will also include a few replacement LB's for anyone who has had a recent switch failure (since changed switches to a larger 3 amp switch). So far I've been pulling off about one batch per month since the beginning of the year (batch 7 / July). I know I'll have plenty of Cherry stock, as well as Walnut. Limited quantities of Quilted Maple and Purple Heart (very limited) are still left.

 

[G1000]

Thanks for the awesome suggestions. I may wind up *eating it raw* today, or maybe blend it in a nutritional shake that ironically has organic hemp seed in it.

Eat my abv raw all the time, wash it down with some water or a meal and let the fun ensue. But if smoothie is an option, it's my go to. My favorite is a banana, mixed nut, almond milk, chia seed, spinach smoothie with a healthy dose of abv. The abv just adds the tiniest bit of nutty, coffee, chocolatey flavor, mmmm

 

[SpudBob]

Eat my abv raw all the time, wash it down with some water or a meal and let the fun ensue. But if smoothie is an option, it's my go to. My favorite is a banana, mixed nut, almond milk, chia seed, spinach smoothie with a healthy dose of abv. The abv just adds the tiniest bit of nutty, coffee, chocolatey flavor, mmmm

How much ABV do you add to your smoothies???

 

[G1000]

How much ABV do you add to your smoothies???

however much I feel necessary! abv hits me very hard so maybe about a tablespoon full at most. I've never weighed it.

 

[HashSlingingSlash3r]

Hello to this very knowledgeable community. This is my first official post and it certainly feels a bit strange after lurking in the shadows for several years! I can thank Mike for "making me" create this account, mostly because I was blown away by his extensive updates and quick progress. With a batch 7 Cherry paid for, and the new 2.0 model upgrades the excitement is very real folks.

 

[Jill NYC]

I’ve had my Li’l Bud for a few days now, thought I’d share my first (few) impressions:

The craftsmanship is outstanding! The gnarled walnut feels like SILK. The edges are rounded and feel great in the hand.

A small negative - there is a little discoloration on the bottom, I am pretty sure it is the beeswax. I will reach out to @Bravesst about it at some point - I’m sure there is an easy fix. I feel like he may have mentioned something about walnut and beeswax a few weeks back but I am in the process of re-reading the entire thread and haven’t gotten back there yet. Anyhow, not a big deal, certainly something that can wait until after the 4th!

I like the button. I love that when you press down on it, it becomes flush with the bezel as opposed to below it.

I love that there is no need for a preheat. Just press and draw and you can get great clouds on first hit with no preheat.
On my very first draw, I got a bountiful, tasty cloud.
On my second draw, I combusted. My mistake was that I was waiting for the preheat and treating it like my Milaana. I haven’t combusted since.

One thing I am noticing, and I’m not sure if it’s my own technique failure, or if it is the nature of the heater but, I feel like I often don’t get a good second hit if I try again too quickly. Almost like it performs better from cold (er).
I reserve the right to change my mind on this - I haven’t used it long enough to make an educated opinion yet.

The technique needed is basically all about the draw. Slow and steady wins the race. As others have stated, the draw needs to be slow but also powered.
My problem with this technique has been the stem. Don’t misunderstand me - the stem is both beautiful and well made.
But the wide opening just wasn’t working for me. Drawing it properly irritated my throat too much, so I was getting very inconsistent results.
HOWEVER - today I received a tapered wooden stem and it has been a game changer! I can now draw slowly but with power for as long as I need and my throat is so much happier! Taste is excellent! Clouds are excellent!

So far I am really happy with my Li’l Bud!
I am looking forward to continuing my rigorous testing. For science.

 

[Vapster707]

Batch 7 will also include a few replacement LB's for anyone who has had a recent switch failure (since changed switches to a larger 3 amp switch). So far I've been pulling off about one batch per month since the beginning of the year (batch 7 / July). I know I'll have plenty of Cherry stock, as well as Walnut. Limited quantities of Quilted Maple and Purple Heart (very limited) are still left.

Save some purple heart for my timber

 

[P.A.M.]

Welcome to FC @HashSlingingSlash3r , you're joining the LB crew at a good time , Mike has lots of progress done on batch 7 of LB2.0!

@Jill NYC , wow! What a lovely gnarly LB !! Congratulations. That's a fine looking tapered stem, How you describe it's function sounds great. Now I'm gonna try to McGyver a way to taper my stem for fun ! Great reading your impressions of your LB!

@maxymods , congratulations too! Sounds like you really took your LB to town, good to hear Mike is looking after you .

Here's a shortened version of the battery gauge video (only 40secs. watch it, you'll want one!) it's super handy, accurate and easy to use .

 

[Bravesst]

I’ve had my Li’l Bud for a few days now, thought I’d share my first (few) impressions:

The craftsmanship is outstanding! The gnarled walnut feels like SILK. The edges are rounded and feel great in the hand.

A small negative - there is a little discoloration on the bottom, I am pretty sure it is the beeswax. I will reach out to @Bravesst about it at some point - I’m sure there is an easy fix. I feel like he may have mentioned something about walnut and beeswax a few weeks back but I am in the process of re-reading the entire thread and haven’t gotten back there yet. Anyhow, not a big deal, certainly something that can wait until after the 4th!

I like the button. I love that when you press down on it, it becomes flush with the bezel as opposed to below it.

I love that there is no need for a preheat. Just press and draw and you can get great clouds on first hit with no preheat.
On my very first draw, I got a bountiful, tasty cloud.
On my second draw, I combusted. My mistake was that I was waiting for the preheat and treating it like my Milaana. I haven’t combusted since.

One thing I am noticing, and I’m not sure if it’s my own technique failure, or if it is the nature of the heater but, I feel like I often don’t get a good second hit if I try again too quickly. Almost like it performs better from cold (er).
I reserve the right to change my mind on this - I haven’t used it long enough to make an educated opinion yet.

The technique needed is basically all about the draw. Slow and steady wins the race. As others have stated, the draw needs to be slow but also powered.
My problem with this technique has been the stem. Don’t misunderstand me - the stem is both beautiful and well made.
But the wide opening just wasn’t working for me. Drawing it properly irritated my throat too much, so I was getting very inconsistent results.
HOWEVER - today I received a tapered wooden stem and it has been a game changer! I can now draw slowly but with power for as long as I need and my throat is so much happier! Taste is excellent! Clouds are excellent!

So far I am really happy with my Li’l Bud!
I am looking forward to continuing my rigorous testing. For science.

Thanks so much. I'm happy my fellow NY'er likes it. I do find the cooler unit to sometimes produce more heat, and a better hit. This might be why. When testing coils for resistance, the resistance will go up after I blast a coil with a full 10 seconds of juice. Resistance on the next press, might go up 4 or 5 ohms.

Quick fix (not really necessary, but will bring you back to cool faster). Draw a bit after you release the button. You can even remove the stem and pull directly from the unit to cool the coil, readying it for the next monster hit.

The end grain might discolor if it gets a little wet, a drop of water on the table, hands a little wet. End grain is wide open and and very porous, and this is not varnish, but rather wax. Apply a little heat from a blow dryer, the wax will begin to liquify, just buff up with a clean soft rag.

With those of you with a sensitive throat, @Alan makes lots and lots of tubes of ANY size or shape. Contact him directly for info. I find if I load right, it smooths things out quite a bit, even with the 18mm tubes. Inverted screen, about 1/16 from the tip, herb dried and crushed or ground, load to just fill the screen. The evenly ground, dried herb will prevent heat from sneaking through. Also, clogging things up at all increases harshness. A nice even flow is the goal.

Here is a cooling technique I use. Sometimes I'll take a really big draw but instinctively hold it in my mouth for a quick second. It's huge, but not so much hot as really thick and dense. I then carburete in some air through my nose to mix in with the vapor a bit, before inhaling into my lungs. The whole process takes an extra second or two.

A change of tubes will change everything as well. The tube is HALF the vape, it's where the vaporization happens. I encourage you to experiment with tubes to find the right combination for you. Alan can create just about anything you can think of. He's got cork tapers, glass inserts, and all sorts of options. PM him.

@HashSlingingSlash3r
Welcome aboard. This thread is like a vaporizer soap opera, *As Lil' Bud Turns* . You can tune in daily and follow the progression of your batch, or just the general evolution of Lil' Bud and Vapwood. This is a good group of people, and growing daily.

Getting stock for Timber will be easier due the the more narrow shape. I should be able to use pen blanks, stock for turning wood.

One last thing this morning. I've been working on the website, trying to reach more people. My Google ranking is pretty good for phrases like wood vaporizer, on demand convection vape, and stuff like that (check it out). I want people to know about my *Open Build Policy*, and how they can follow Lil' Bud's progress every step of the way. Anyway, you can read about the open build policy at: https://vapwood.com/

 

[Bravesst]

Some of you have who've been following the thread have probably expected a Cherry sale. Well, here it is, happy 4th of July! For me, it's the easiest wood to work with, while everybody is buying up the Quilted Maple, Purple Heart, and Figured Walnut (quite difficult to work with). I've got lots and lots of beautiful cherry stock, and quite a few Cherry LB's in the works.

Time to move some Cherry LB's, coupon code cherryinjuly will save you 20% on a Basic Cherry Lil' Bud only. This sale will run through the weekend, ending Sunday night at midnight. The first few units will get into batch 7 (LB 2.o). I believe that turns out to be about a $35 savings, and puts an LB in your hands for just over $150 (with an @Alan mouthpiece and shipping included). Limit one per customer.

cherryinjuly
https://vapwood.com/shop-lil-bud

 

[TeeJay1952]

I jumped in. I am a cheap bastard and luv a deal. I didn't get reduced price. Send me a rebate or an extra stem or wave at me and say thanks.

 

[RushVaporTrails]

@Bravesst , on the first page of this thread you mentioned that 20700 batteries would be compatible with the LB, but without rereading the whole thread, I don't seem to remember any other mentions.

I have zero experience with any batteries that are not your normal standard A, AA, AAA 9V, C,D.

Wondering if you can use 20700 and what the differences would be.

Currently, I am using the Samsung batteries and the LG batteries 18650 that you recommend on the Vapwood website.

I did buy them off ebay and not IMRR so its totally possible these batteries are not the real deal and that's my fault, but what I am noticing is excellent vapor on a fresh battery and not so great vapor on a battery that went through a session or two. But when I put what I think is a poor performing battery back on the charger it doesn't seem to have lost a lot of juice and is almost still full.

Also noticing that the button itself seems to get hot to the finger after a few hits, wondering what your thoughts are on that.

Thanks as always for your reply!!

 

[Bravesst]

I jumped in. I am a cheap bastard and luv a deal. I didn't get reduced price. Send me a rebate or an extra stem or wave at me and say thanks.

I think you put the promo code in the wrong place. I can rebate you or give you another stem, and because I'm a nice guy, I'll also wave and say thank you ->thank you

@RushVaporTrails
This thread probably shoulda been restarted, but rather it was moved. Anyway, originally, before I realized how powerful and efficient the coil can be, I was exploring ways to get more heat and efficiency. Now it's kind of a mute point and I don't have immediate plans to change batts. Who knows, maybe on Timber. 20700's are bigger, some last longer, some more powerful. Just had a discussion with @Alan about the switch - the achilles heal of our original LB. If the switch is getting warm, it could just be the heat from the body conducting into it. If it is getting hot, uncomfortable in any way, it's a faulty switch, and I'll retrofit the unit and replace it free of charge.

MORE THOUGHTS ON THE SWITCH
The switch has been a thorn in my (our) side. I searched far and wide to find the right switch for LB, literally spending hundreds of dollars on switches I'd never use. When the original switch was decided upon, I had few problems, but slowly but surely every *dead* LB turned out to be the switch. Too much heat or too much current was the culprit - maybe both. Surprisingly, most of the switches hold up, maybe it has something to do with the user, but I think that there probably is some inconsistency with each switch.

After completing batch 6, I knew I had to upgrade the switch capacity. I searched and found the perfect 3 amp / 16 mm switch, pretty much in the same price range. The switch is heavier, has more more mass, and seems more resilient in comparison to the 2 amp. The flush round version is very easy to operate in this form. The switch fits nicely, and handles all the amperage the 18650 can generate. I don't think heat will be an issue with these heavy duty little switches.

Most 2 amp switches will probably hold up just fine. I will gladly fix any that do not. From here on out, I expect the switch issue to be reduced considerably, but it is still the only possibility when something goes wrong, unless the battery is dead.

 

[P.A.M.]

Surprisingly, most of the switches hold up, maybe it has something to do with the user, but I think that there probably is some inconsistency with each switch.

I doubt it's users too, it doesn't take Einstein to press a button . Even if pressed too hard it should last . Ok possibly user if pressed too long but i don't see how that could be under normal use and LB performance unless not getting any vapor

The switch fits nicely, and handles all the amperage the 18650 can generate.

Awesome , that will eliminate any said possible user error or hot button on long hauls .

Most 2 amp switches will probably hold up just fine. I will gladly fix any that do not. From here on out, I expect the switch issue to be reduced considerably, but it is still the only possibility when something goes wrong, unless the battery is dead.

Awesome , Mike , that is Standing behind your product and all you can do really. You got better building the LB and the switch didn't keep up! The best thing to do for Lb progress is finding another switch which you now have . plus i will add, i agree 100% , the switch isn't in your controls yet you still stand behind them . When looked at other vapes threads, handcrafted or manufactured, (seal problems, won't work out of the box , batteries that don't fit , etc) the LB stands out as being a trouble free , quality , tough lil guy! And at the price point , it is a steal of a deal ! Lil'Bud rocks !!

Happy 4th my southern friends !

 

[RushVaporTrails]

. If it is getting hot, uncomfortable in any way, it's a faulty switch

@Bravesst, unfortunately this is me. hot to the point where I had to let go of the button. I will PM you, thanks.

 

[Bravesst]

@Bravesst, unfortunately this is me. hot to the point where I had to let go of the button. I will PM you, thanks.

No worries, and I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

 

[KingSol]

PLEEEEAAASSSE HELP. I've been trying all day to use the code"cherryinjuly" and it just won't work. Tried all lowercase, all CAPS, hell, I even tried "christmasinjuly" with no luck. Can I please have a Cherry unit with a narrow cherry mouthpiece like the one posted above.

(By the way, Greetings to everyone. Hope you all had a great holiday.)

 

[Bravesst]

@KingSol
I just re-did the coupon code. I have no idea why it wasn't working, but it is now, so anyone interested in "cherryinjuly" it's all set to go.