Vapman

Bolano

Well-Known Member
Hey everyone,
I've got a question for the wood workers here. I decided to upgrade my vapman pear tree basic. I bought some good quality linseed oil and gave it a coat. It looked amazing. I let it dry and applied another coat. It looked even better. At this stage I got a little greedy and applied another coat. The vapman looks amazing but now tastes of varnish every time I light up. I tried sanding it down which has definitely lessened the varnish taste but it's still there.

Does anyone know if repeated sanding will remove the smell or if it's a lost cause? I'd be heartbroken if I've ruined this little beauty so any ideas or advice is appreciated.
 

OF

Well-Known Member
Does anyone know if repeated sanding will remove the smell or if it's a lost cause? I'd be heartbroken if I've ruined this little beauty so any ideas or advice is appreciated.

It will diminish it but it's probably soaked in a fair ways. When it's 'removed' is your call. Soaks in solvents like Acetone are a double edged sword here, they will wash some out but also dissolve some and can carry it even deeper into the wood where it will be hard for the smell/taste to get out to you. Still a possible 'last resort'?

Next time you decide to mess with it, polish the surface (talc or 'rotten stone' dust being common) well then add ONE more drop, spread as thin as you can with your finger. Let it dry fully. Then polish and add another drop. Fine gun stocks often have 20, 30 or more such layers. That gives it the 'deep golden' finish prized by owners. OTOH military stocks are typically soaked in drums for a day or more, often heated, to soak in as deep as possible since they will see rough duty and will never see service once issued. Even if the stock gets scraped or chipped the wood is still protected from rain, mud and the other realities of the hard life they're intended for.

If you watch the VM video, the factory applies a very thin coat with a drop or two on a cloth wrapped around a finger tip.

You might try moderate baking, say 120F or a bit more. Perhaps keeping it in strong sunlight? The very fact you can smell it means it's still evaporating over time. That means it's getting less and less?

OF
 

Bolano

Well-Known Member
Cheers OF, thanks for the feedback. I might have to let this one go but I'll try a few of your suggestions first. The weather has picked up in London over the last week so I'll leave it in the sun for a while and see if it has any effect.

Last resort will be the acetone but I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks again!
 
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Dutch-Mic

Well-Known Member
I just had a very, very satisfying and rewarding session with one of my Vapmen, together with the station.
Always astounding how far just a little can take you. Love it.
God bless René @vapman. :)

You inspired me today:

iwp3me.jpg
 

almost there

Well-Known Member
Hey everyone,
I've got a question for the wood workers here. I decided to upgrade my vapman pear tree basic. I bought some good quality linseed oil and gave it a coat. It looked amazing. I let it dry and applied another coat. It looked even better. At this stage I got a little greedy and applied another coat. The vapman looks amazing but now tastes of varnish every time I light up. I tried sanding it down which has definitely lessened the varnish taste but it's still there.

Does anyone know if repeated sanding will remove the smell or if it's a lost cause? I'd be heartbroken if I've ruined this little beauty so any ideas or advice is appreciated.
it will lessen over time and you may have noticed while using the vapman a fair amount will also sweat out from the wood when it's hot. Do some empty heat ups to sweat out as much as possible, wipe it up and let it air out over a few days.
 

OF

Well-Known Member
it will lessen over time and you may have noticed while using the vapman a fair amount will also sweat out from the wood when it's hot. Do some empty heat ups to sweat out as much as possible, wipe it up and let it air out over a few days.

Good point, it will lessen over time. But when it becomes OK is subjective, if the OP is sensitive to it (and apparently is) it could take a long time.

Also, remember, Linseed oil is only an oil until it dries. Unlike say mineral oils or waxes. It then becomes very hard, stable and long lasting (which is why it's so useful as a finish). In 'raw' or 'boiled' (pure) form this can take a very long time (which is why you should put it down in a series of very very thin coats, not slather it on). This is also why it's so important to be sure of the grade you use. Often agents (called 'Japan dryers' after the craftsmen there who have used it for generations), typically toxics including heavy metals. Not the sort of stuff you want to be around in a vape? Once hardened it's hard.....and there to stay. It's not sweating or going anywhere. When heated (in use) it will outgas some, bringing us back to the OP's sensitivity again.

Best plan is to not put more than you really want on in the first place. You can always add a bit more later, but like so much in life it's very hard to take back.

BTW, an old trick to keep the container from drying out over time is to store the can or jar upside down. If you allow it to harden in the container, you end up with a solid 'skin' keeping you from using the remaining material (another reason, aside from cost, for buying small containers).

Weekend regards to all.

OF
 

204Markie

Well-Known Member
My oiled walnut Vapman sans Mica just came in. I didnt realize how much I love this thing till it was gone. If I could choose only one vape it would still be the vapman. Best experience hands down!

Did some bubble hash in it already
1 dab and 1 bowl that I filled with the mflb finishing grinder. Gotta char this baby so it wont smoke up anymore!

As always 420 in the 204!
 

M0J0

I am a leaf on the wind ~ watch how I soar...
Good deal folks. Thanks for the feedback. I put a small order in for now (I'm still growing here so have to be careful). I did ask for some accessories.

Rene and I go back a little actually. I have been wanting to bring the vapman to the US for a while but it wasn't in the cards with the other situation I was in. Now I control it all so it's time to make the move. And the etching is a great idea. I have some ideas there and may reach out to our local guy who was doing that before (someone please remind me who that is). And I already have stems in the works. I sent one of my personal units off for @khelek41girl to have some fun with. I am anxiously awaiting her ideas and creations. More to come.....

@VGOODIEZ, Yes! Mojo is ALIVE!

How's it going, my awesome freak brothers and sisters?

I am state-side again. After the hurricane craziness, I've been doing other things...

The forum stopped sending me notifications so I've missed a lot.
 

vapman

Well-Known Member
Manufacturer
Hey dear friends of vapman!

Made a very few basic units of Cocobolo and some really dark ebony and I thought I might share some pictures with you. These units are not for sale because they are sold already. I am not dealing, only teasing!:)

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rvabh0.jpg





vapman
 

vapman

Well-Known Member
Manufacturer
Thanks for the compliments!

These woods are on the CITES list of endangered species and can't be shipped legally without a special certificate anymore. I don't have such certificate and only use these woods if delivered and picked up from the workshop by the client itsself.


vapman
 
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