Discontinued Lil' Bud by Vapwood

Vapeur Rogue

Est. 2013- Never Lookin' Back

nonbeliever

Well-Known Member
Now with a few days under my belt with the Lil Bud, I can repeat. Wow! It truly is already my daily driver. Mike, just outstanding! A usable, functional piece of art and craft. I like the way it feels, I like the taste, and I like the control I have over my vaping. It’s gone everywhere with me all weekend - here we are enjoying the Borealis of Lights show in Seattle the other night. What a ball

10ggsr4.jpg


I’ve been a one-hitter, dugout guy all my life. A few years ago, I decided it’d be healthier to vape, and quickly recognized convection is the way to go. I’ve used a few, and only owned two before my Lil Bud, some desktop vape long gone after about a week of use, and a Grasshoppervape. The Grasshopper has been great when it worked, but reliability has been, shall we say, frustrating. Cool technology, but time will tell if it is perfected.

Needless to say, my frame of reference is limited compared to some you VAS-infected madmen (and/or women).

Once I started playing with the Lil Bud, I found a few key learnings I thought I’d share.

Screen depth matters. The first big learning was never being able to get the right depth within the roasting tube for the dome bowl screen, likely too deep.. I had already happened to have gotten some of the top hat screens (I believe it was @beyondsixstrings who mentioned them, thank you!), and that immediately fixed the charring issue I experienced the first few bowls. I think the screen being in too far forced too much preheating requirement the first few times out, and I had no breath control (probably this mostly).

30vyy3r.jpg


The second big learning, and actually the most interesting one, was the self-regulation versus computer-regulated use you all have been discussing over the last few weeks around the Elite. My other two vapes were both regulated (though I never thought about it that way). As such, they were set and forget, but also had to be reset to change the vaping dynamics for a bowl (or not, if you chose the go big and hit it til it’s dead model). The ability for me to control the vaping dynamic through both controlling the heating button, as well as my inhalation velocity is amazing. I can change how I vape it over the life of the bowl. That’s beyond satisfying, not too mention is really effective. I’ll be interested in hearing how you early Elite users find the difference.

I think a few of you have been discussing the draw velocity with the wide, stock roasting tubes. The almost non-restrictive draw threw me for a loop at first, but even now that I’ve gotten the hang of it, I feel like I want to fight with it a bit more.

What is the dimension of the stock roasting tube ID?

The third big learning. I love the simplicity. More than I ever imagined I would. No screen to read, no dial - just some herb, a battery and a button. That’s easier than a one hitter and a lighter.

I was initially a little surprised at the size (I also never knew how large an 18650 battery was either btw), but now find I like it. I love the feel of the Walnut, it’s comfort and the warmth of it. My spouse, a cartridge pen user, and whom did not like the GH at all, vaped Lil Bud all weekend. And enjoyed it immensely as well, in fact, sought it out to use a few times. That’s a real testament. She’s particular.

Mike, thanks so much for an awesome product! This kills!
 
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bossman

Gentleman Of Leisure
@nonbeliever such a fun post. Thanks for taking the time to share.

I'm a fan of my cherry LB 2.0 for that ability to craft each hit, yeah.

I got a 4" tube with a glass lining from Alan and it made it easier for me to consistently get big hits. I should probably make myself use the short stem just as like cross training. With a 3" or 3.5" you could still take it out maybe? I only use mine at home so.
 
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Bravesst

Full Steam Ahead
Manufacturer
Now with a few days under my belt with the Lil Bud, I can repeat. Wow! It truly is already my daily driver. Mike, just outstanding! A usable, functional piece of art and craft. I like the way it feels, I like the taste, and I like the control I have over my vaping. It’s gone everywhere with me all weekend - here we are enjoying the Borealis of Lights show in Seattle the other night. What a ball

10ggsr4.jpg


I’ve been a one-hitter, dugout guy all my life. A few years ago, I decided it’d be healthier to vape, and quickly recognized convection is the way to go. I’ve used a few, and only owned two before my Lil Bud, some desktop vape long gone after about a week of use, and a Grasshoppervape. The Grasshopper has been great when it worked, but reliability has been, shall we say, frustrating. Cool technology, but time will tell if it is perfected.

Needless to say, my frame of reference is limited compared to some you VAS-infected madmen (and/or women).

Once I started playing with the Lil Bud, I found a few key learnings I thought I’d share.

Screen depth matters. The first big learning was never being able to get the right depth within the roasting tube for the dome bowl screen, likely too deep.. I had already happened to have gotten some of the top hat screens (I believe it was @beyondsixstrings who mentioned them, thank you!), and that immediately fixed the charring issue I experienced the first few bowls. I think the screen being in too far forced too much preheating requirement the first few times out, and I had no breath control (probably this mostly).

30vyy3r.jpg


The second big learning, and actually the most interesting one, was the self-regulation versus computer-regulated use you all have been discussing over the last few weeks around the Elite. My other two vapes were both regulated (though I never thought about it that way). As such, they were set and forget, but also had to be reset to change the vaping dynamics for a bowl (or not, if you chose the go big and hit it til it’s dead model). The ability for me to control the vaping dynamic through both controlling the heating button, as well as my inhalation velocity is amazing. I can change how I vape it over the life of the bowl. That’s beyond satisfying, not too mention is really effective. I’ll be interested in hearing how you early Elite users find the difference.

I think a few of you have been discussing the draw velocity with the wide, stock roasting tubes. The almost non-restrictive draw threw me for a loop at first, but even now that I’ve gotten the hang of it, I feel like I want to fight with it a bit more.

What is the dimension of the stock roasting tube ID?

The third big learning. I love the simplicity. More than I ever imagined I would. No screen to read, no dial - just some herb, a battery and a button. That’s easier than a one hitter and a lighter.

I was initially a little surprised at the size (I also never knew how large an 18650 battery was either btw), but now find I like it. I love the feel of the Walnut, it’s comfort and the warmth of it. My spouse, a cartridge pen user, and whom did not like the GH at all, vaped Lil Bud all weekend. And enjoyed it immensely as well, in fact, sought it out to use a few times. That’s a real testament. She’s particular.

Mike, thanks so much for an awesome product! This kills!

This is enough to make me realize that the unregulated Classic needs its own thread. The great stuff about unregulated LB needs a place to be discussed.

I like to keep the load further back, but love the fixed screen. Once @Alan suggested boring a slightly larger 1/2 inch hole, over the 12 mm hole, to create a shoulder for the screen to catch on, while increasing bowl size a mm or so, I made that customization on every stem I use.

The pull velocity / force overrides everything else at this configuration - coil distance, foil lining, turbo vents. The power is either ON or OFF, but the heat stays in the coil chamber unless you pull it up to the load. How you do that defines your experience. That's why LB can be many things to many people.

My last batch of LB's was fine tuned with that in mind. My goal is to make this unregulated device truly self regulated, by allowing a powerful heat source to hover just at the right distance to the load, available at the touch of a button, combined with a controlled draw, but not so overwhelming where the heat source simply ignites the material at the slightest excess. That was key, allowing room for different inhalations styles, while still melting your face off in a very tasty way.
 
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beyond6strings

Just another traveller in the Cannaverse
I've been absolutely loving my @Alan long Cherry roasting tube with my LB 2.?

The coil heats up so quickly that I've found I can do the same long slow draw with my LB that I do with my Solo OG. But it's more fun to accomplish that with a self-regulated device, and I find it tastier too.
 

Vapeur Rogue

Est. 2013- Never Lookin' Back
I just got my unique in yesterday! Folks weren't kidding about the craftsmanship and service. I'm happy to add it to my quiver, and impressed with the similarity of size between the various artisan vapes in my collection. Excited about trying it out soon! *I may also need to look into one of these roasting tubes...

At this point in the Elite build process, every day is an adventure. Last prototype build went well, today, not so great. Sparing you the boring details, many hours of work did not result in a working prototype, and I'm a bit confused as to why. I have a theory that it might be the actual buttons, and how well they are positioned under the cover plate. I powered it up and got a white screen, nothing else. I soldered 4 wires to the board, actually that part of it went really well. Last time wires were too long, this time, I went too far and had to struggle with wires that were a hair short. I managed to get past all this, and BAM - white screen!!! I had to pull away. My last formed coil didn't survive the attempted rebuild that also went south, so my next order of business is forming coils, and getting a couple of repairs together. I need to take a break from the Elite for a couple of days...

Apologies to @Bravesst - I had forgotten about the post you made about back ordered gauges when I wrote you. Take all the time you need to recharge- I understand burnout far too well- and thank you for your work.
 
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Slickwilly

Well-Known Member
Here is my latest and greatest LB 3.0 received form @Bravesst . It simply rocks! :rockon:

Feels smaller in my hand compared to my others. Where only talking about 4 mm here, but it does. Its probably because mostly my grip is different. I have been using my ringer finger on this LB to press button which makes the unit almost disappear in my hand. All my other LBs I use my middle finger to press button, resting a finger above and below button and pinky underneath it. The backplate area is more rounded off on the edges, makes for a softer feel not so sharp like my other LBs. Those few slight changes I noticed make it have a more comfortable feel to it in your hand.

This LB also really heats up quick. Surprises you if not paying attention, took a little taming but all good now. Mike mentioned something about a new spring coil technique he has, he said don't ask, so I didn't. :lol:
Still playing with different tubes and screen combos to see what works best. So far I'm back to the short stems with dome screen, can feel the heat better to control it more. Have a few @Alan glass lined tubes on order to play with later :brow:

nbve3l.jpg


Here is a comparison between the new and old style magnets on the backplate. I like the new smaller one much better still has a great snap to it, but easy to remove. I usually just slide up the backplate until bottom magnet snaps to top magnet to access battery.

o0crx4.jpg


Here is a side to side comparison.

1z5q9kx.jpg


Also received this batch 8 beauty! I'm sorry to say Mike but this LB 2.? blend is my favorite :love:

178o0h.jpg


Here's is the wife's batch 8 LB 2? Mike was such a great guy that he replaced her whole unit after the switch went bad and it had developed a split. No questions asked either, great customer service.:clap:

34oyjxk.jpg


Here is a shot of them with my batch 5 LB 1.5. The LB that started it all for me :tup:

2r75636.jpg


Ok enough porn for now :D

Keep up the awesome work Mike, it is greatly appreciated! :clap:
 
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Bravesst

Full Steam Ahead
Manufacturer
@Vapeur Rogue / no apologies necessary. I'll be working on gauges next week.

@Slickwilly @nonbeliever @nonbeliever @P.A.M. @beyond6strings and everybody else commenting on the thread - I'm glad you all appreciate the evolution of LB. The Classic and Blend are the result of taking things one step at a time, one challenge at a time, and bringing it to the best possible outcome I am capable of.

Some news, the Elite now has it's own thread in the unreleased portable section of the forum! To celebrate the reclaiming of the Classic thread, it is sale time.

>>VAPWOOD SALE

15% off the Blend Racing Stripe Edition (see Slickwilly's pic) with coupon code: SPEEDRACER.
20181003-103146.jpg


I'm also going to give 10% off on the unit that started it all, the LB Classic, coupon code: CLASSICO / available in Cherry and Walnut only
walnut4short.jpg

These will be next batch units (10), projected turn around time November/December.

Now it's time to get back to basics and go build some coils...
 
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Slickwilly

Well-Known Member
Once @Alan suggested boring a slightly larger 1/2 inch hole, over the 12 mm hole, to create a shoulder for the screen to catch on, while increasing bowl size a mm or so, I made that customization on every stem I use.

Mike you wouldn't happen to have a picture of one of your tubes drilled with a screen in it?

How deep is the 1/2 hole?

I have a few extra tubes and wood like to try it out, plus haven't touched my drill press for a while. :D
 

RushVaporTrails

Well-Known Member
So, as many of you know October 17 was a significant date in Canadian history as the entire country has gone legal with recreational cannabis.

But our favorite Canadian son, @P.A.M., couldn't resist getting himself thrown in the slammer.

2nrk01z.jpg


Hard to imagine what he could have done to deserve the incarceration but at least he got to take his LB Classic with him.

11udgs0.jpg


Word on the outside is that the rest of the inmates are jealous of the huge, face melting hits achieved by this little wooden device. Supposedly he is not sharing unless others provide their own stem. Ya know, germs and everything....

So, once he gets out, he'll be posting here once again.

No doubt, the LB classic is getting him through these dark days.
 

Bravesst

Full Steam Ahead
Manufacturer
Never been incarcerated. I'm sure he'll have some good stories. I got roped into work for the next 3 days so limited shop time, which is okay, as I need to do some *mental work*. As a matter of fact, can't linger here this AM, I'm actually teaching a fire safety class to some first graders right now (movie on).
 

beyond6strings

Just another traveller in the Cannaverse
Since this thread is now back to the LB Classic a fully self-regulated device I thought it might be fun to talk about the variables that affect the experience; grind, draw, button-technique, tamp, screen placement, battery, and maintenance.

Over the past week I've been paying special attention to how I tamp the loads. It's one of the variables when using any vaporizer, but I find it even more important self-regulated devices and especially so with the LB. For me it was the final hurdle in getting consistent sessions with my LB, and I think I've got it figured out.

BTW, given that everybody's draw speed is different what I share may not be useful for everyone. I can suck a bowling ball through a hose...

Given that I have a strong draw when I first got my LB I was overpowering the short roasting tubes. Especially with the original screens. I found that using the rimmed/top-hat screen with a tighter mesh helped this, but I found that I needed to tamp the load pretty hard to create the draw restriction I need. And that's what I do now, and it's fabulous. As long as the flower isn't too dry or powdery.

But when I did that with my longer stems with a narrower ID I charred quite easily and lived closer to combustion than I wanted. So I took out the top-hat screen and used the OG, but still tamped it quite firmly. And it was still too easy to char.

So recently I've gone to tamping the long stem quite lightly-just leveling the load after I do the straw method to fill it. Just like I do my Solo OG. And it's perfect. Now I can great sessions with either the long or short stem. So I can choose the taste and throat feel I want, but get clouds either way.

And just as I have this 'figured out' I find that I'll get 2 new 4" glass-lined cherry roasting tubes early next week. I'm hoping that the light tamp will work in those, otherwise I may have to mess with the one variable we don't talk much about.

Screen depth. Anyone mess with that? The top-hat screens are 'self-seating' and I just use my @DDave funnel to set the OG screens so that they're always at the same depth, and I've not found it necessary to change.
 

Bravesst

Full Steam Ahead
Manufacturer
Been so busy lately with work and work and work... my posting has been limited. I am back at coil forming, realizing how the LB is nothing but a house for a coil. You all have LB's of from different batches, but most of you have the most important spec as 3.0, that's the distance from stem to coil at 10 mm. That's a great place to start from with stem screen variations. You can load to the tip, and still be cool, or push the screen in a bit, and still be close enough. I think the foil lining helps even things out, and possibly provides a bit more oomph for the greater distances.

No matter how you prep, grind, you don't want any air pockets in your flower puck. Air pockets will allow hot air to sneak past the herb, making things harsh and wastefully uneven. I have a couple of stems with a half inch hole (13mm) bored into the 12 mm tip, providing a stop for the screen. I also drilled holes 8 tiny around the circumference of the stem (about 1/8 from tip). I love this stem and have been using it all the time in my PB&J Blend...
 

HerbieVonVapster

Well-Known Member
Been so busy lately with work and work and work... my posting has been limited. I am back at coil forming, realizing how the LB is nothing but a house for a coil. You all have LB's of from different batches, but most of you have the most important spec as 3.0, that's the distance from stem to coil at 10 mm. That's a great place to start from with stem screen variations. You can load to the tip, and still be cool, or push the screen in a bit, and still be close enough. I think the foil lining helps even things out, and possibly provides a bit more oomph for the greater distances.

I notice the difference between the standard 19/22 when compared to a 19/19 stem. The 19/22 runs noticeable warmer. I guess the extra 3mm closer to heater is the reason.
 
HerbieVonVapster,
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Bravesst

Full Steam Ahead
Manufacturer
Good Saturday Morning,
Believe it or not, working again. It all evens out, because I'll only be working 2 days next week. Plenty of shop time to work on batch 9, 10, as well as develop the Elite. I'm trying to keep a balance on developing new stuff and keeping up with the Blend / Classic orders. Ironically, just when LB has peaked, Classic sales have slowed, waiting on the Elite. My only concern is that we may not fully appreciate just how self regulated the Classic currently is, and the change in performance may not be as dramatic, especially for those who have mastered and enjoy the manual on demand, convection experience. I am anxious to find out.

Reminder on sales / deals

Sweet deals gallery is still $150 across the board, with free domestic shipping.
Mouthpiece $25 / Batteries $20 additional
>>SWEET DEALS

Still active coupon codes
SPEEDRACER will give you 10% off LB Blend
CLASSICO will give you 10% off LB Classic Walnut and Cherry
 

SnowDome

Well-Known Member
Any ETA on the last shipment of batch 8? Seeing all these amazing pics is making me wish I had mine aswell
 
SnowDome,

P.A.M.

Vapo Rising
Hey FC !

@RushVaporTrails :rofl: too funny! thanks for the visit bro!

@Slickwilly :cool: dang, you got some serious wood mate!

@Vapeur Rogue , Congratulations on your new LB! Still liking it and in your quiver? Will we get to see it ! :brow:

@Mr. Gweilo 420 , way to screw the mailman and get the LBb yourself ! :nod:
_________

This happened to my roasting tube :uhh: it fell out of my
Pocket on to the pavement and got stepped on! Roasting Tube 1 - Pavement 0 .

IMG-2897.jpg


At @Alan , as seen above your roasting tube passed the 200lbs "step on" test, that's fantastic!

Is this winning screen below ( 1st screen on left) your creation or Mike's ?

IMG-2899.jpg


It's the perfect screen for the LB ! No wonder it comes with it :doh: I'm not sure why I never gave the screen that could a chance, if others have tried that screen or not , but man , it totally rocks ! :rockon:

The stamped screen? is made of solid thick and tighter mesh pattern compared to the dome
and rimmed screens.

It's advantages are simple , offering the perfect air restriction while sitting put in roasting tube . It's stronger mesh makes the screen walls sturdier , sliding down the tube less easily compared to a dome screen. It offers better air restriction and taste compared to the rimmed the screen.

Abv from stamped* screen . :nod::tup:

IMG-2894.jpg


It is the weed that binds us !

Vape On!
 

Bravesst

Full Steam Ahead
Manufacturer
So great to have you back @P.A.M. Not the same without you. You're correct, the stamped screen is king. The dome, which works well, I wind up flattening out into the shape of the stamped. I am eager to experiment a bit with stems / screens. The half inch hole bored into the 12 mm hole is just one example.

Today will be work on coils that will go into the next batch of Elites, Classics, and Blends. I also have an idea to really move forward on finalizing the Elite. If I can pull this off, an Elite working prototype is right around the corner.

Once again I'm sitting with my Lil' Bud (Reddy), and Lil' Bud in my hand. It's early, but this is our routine. He's doing much better on medication, slowly but surely, and he continues to improve. No better combination, enjoying LB with Lil' Bud.
 
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