Vapman

LongDraw said:

I did see that about the mflb mouthpiece, thanks for posting that again. My only wish, and i know has been stated before, is if the glass could be shorter and fit down the whole way of the top part with metal screen on the bottoms.

Did my first cleaning with it this weekend, and just like i prefer, easy peazy. Only used a damp qtip with iso on the copper bowl and the metal screen, didn't take anything apart.

O, I did think of one question i wanted to see if anyone had some thoughts. Was doing searches with the use of concentrates and the vapman.

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I'm glad you're enjoying your VM, it's a great vape for sure. Not only effective but deceptive in it's simple appearance and charming at the same time. Rene (the maker) is a rare combination of Scientist/Engineer and craftsman. Appropriate he comes from the land of fine watches. He understands well materials as well as the physics behind his creation. Many would include 'artist' in that list, but that's not a strong suit for me so I'll leave it to them.

If you want to extend the glass stem from MFLB to the screen (through the wood mid section) that's easy to do by drilling through with a quarter inch bit. I'd do it with a 'spare' mid section, with the screen removed. Likewise, the glass used is a standard size (1/4 inch again). It's very easy to 'cut' to any length you want by filing a small nick in the side (triangular file) and 'flexing' the tube from the other side with thumbs together like breaking a pencil. A stress fracture starts at the nick and runs neatly around the tube leaving a near perfect edge. You can then 'fire polish' it in a torch flame (or even you gas stove) by holding it in the flame until you get yellow discharge from the edge (from the Sodium IIRC). A few years back a made a couple hundred plastic stems and a few dozen glass ones to custom lengths for Members as my own '4/20 celebration'. I'm looking at a ten inch or so piece of the glass left over from that. I'm sure there's plenty of 'how to' Utube videos on cutting and polishing glass tube, it's a classic 'chem lab' skill.

Be advised to be careful cleaning the pan, it's Copper inside but has a very thin Gold coating (which is why it says pretty rather than looking like an old penny). Very easy to scratch it and lose that great feature. Some guys have 'got away' with careful scraping of deposits, some have messed up their little friend. Some (including me) have reported good results with careful use of "Magic Eraser" you might search on that in this thread?

Tough call on the concentrate screens. I think most use one as designed but folk's are different. Experiment and see what you prefer? For myself, I use one then 'flame' it clean before next use. It's SS so you can 'heat it until it glows' which will burn everything off (no solvents or scrubbing), including the junk deep in the mesh. Takes less than a minute before it's ready for a fresh use.

My 'best tip' with VM remains not to be too shy with the heat. You can overheat it and combust but it's not that easy and I think you should explore that threshold so you can appreciate the full range of options (not that most would want to run near that hot).

Regards to all.

OF

LongDraw said:

Do most just use one screen and a small amount, or tend to use 2 screens, the second to top. I thought i read of some using all 3 screens, i am guessing two for bottom and one on top?

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I usually use 2 screens for solid resins (like a sandwich) and 3 for more liquid resins (2 down to hold the resin, 1 on top to "protect" the filter from sticking).
But then I need a little more heat to get the extra metal hot. (station level 5 or 6)

But it's not a must to use so many screens, it's just my convenience.


The screens are cleaned with the torch after use, the Vapman screens are very robust and of good quality, heating to glow doesn't bother them. II still have the first screens, bought a few years ago.

Personally I like to use the sandwich method. Works well for European style hash that don't melt. The filter stay clean like this.

basement farmer said:

I'm pretty good with the torch but am thinking that in the name of science it'd be interesting to have something calibrated for consistency. Am still considering.

Yeah....the grinder. Ordered and had immediate buyers regret. Probably because I have a mint Rasta 4 inch Cosmic Case....for some reason many vapes isn't an issue for me but more than one grinder is. Long story short, an evening email was responded to immediately by Scott at VGZ and he took care of it next business day. Can't say enough good things about this retailer.

I did nab the next Yew that became available. It's a gift for someone else...unfortunately

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That's a shame. The Lift is a really good grinder. That and the BCG are top notch but I give the edge to the Lift. You're a good friend that gives nice gifts...someone is in for nice surprise.

I did some maintenance cleaning for several of my vapes recently. My newer walnut VM looked good as new so I decided to pull out my original classic and get it back in shape. Usually I keep all my vapes clean and tidy but the older VM had been designated for concentrates and , well, they're quite messy. When I tried to twist it apart it was stuck together and broke one of the legs beneath the pan. what an awful feeling. I can't leave it crippled like that so I'm searching for a place to buy a replacement pan. anyone ?

LongDraw said:

Hey everyone, thanks for the replies.

With stirring it is something i have done on pretty much any vaporizer i have had, nothing that bothers me and more a part of the ritual. BUT, i think i agree with the vapman. After stirring for awhile and then not, i don't really think it is needed since there is a thin layer of product on the copper bowl there isn't any real product with layers beneath. Without stirring i have been doing maybe 5 to 6 heat cycles and then calling it done.

With station temp i started at 3.5. Recently moved up to 4.5, and wil try 5 tonight. After i get through the higher levels will def need to give a go around the 2.5 like people have mentioned. I def like the flavor, in addition to the effect.

I did see that about the mflb mouthpiece, thanks for posting that again. My only wish, and i know has been stated before, is if the glass could be shorter and fit down the whole way of the top part with metal screen on the bottoms. This would mainly just be ease of cleaning, and don't know if it would make a difference on flavor. Again, just throwing out really the only change i would like personally, obviously a great and well tested set up. Tried to find what that kaledioscope stem looked like, but cound't find any pcis even on their site, kinda seemed like it wasn't available to all, but may have missed it just did a quick search on my phone.

Did my first cleaning with it this weekend, and just like i prefer, easy peazy. Only used a damp qtip with iso on the copper bowl and the metal screen, didn't take anything apart. I think after more use, then during on of the cleanings, may remove the mouthpiece to try and clean the wood section some. Figure will try to minimize the times i actually remove the screws to clean the screen.


O, I did think of one question i wanted to see if anyone had some thoughts. Was doing searches with the use of concentrates and the vapman. Not sure whether i found a consensus with the use of the screens. Do most just use one screen and a small amount, or tend to use 2 screens, the second to top. I thought i read of some using all 3 screens, i am guessing two for bottom and one on top? Would like to try concentrates in the vapman, kinda slower experience then enail, but also don't wanna make a mess of the vapman.

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I've only ever used one screen for concentrates or hash. Works without any issues for hash.
I've vaped some CBD crumble using the station and one screen. That worked fine but I had to be careful to hold the vapman upright which takes away some of the fun. It's such a beautiful piece it just feels more natural to be able to roll it be hand when using.

I guess I'll have to try two screens

VapeKnight said:

When I tried to twist it apart it was stuck together and broke one of the legs beneath the pan. what an awful feeling. I can't leave it crippled like that so I'm searching for a place to buy a replacement pan. anyone ?

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Bummer indeed. I suspect you're in a bit deeper than you expect. If your unit is old enough the pan is captive in the body. That is to say the legs are installed 'in situ'. That is one at a time from below with it in place. It's trapped and won't come out (or more importantly new one go in) without special tools (there's a great video of the man himself using them to 'rivet' each tube in by hand with a munchkin size hammer).

IIRC someone had a set of those tools and parts to make pan assemblies close by, otherwise it's back to Switzerland for the change. You could yank the old out and then open the hole in the body enough to accept the new pan I suppose, but that still eaves the issue of the new pan assembly? You could of course scarp a 'new' assembly from the cheapest VM you can find and rebuild you're old friend that way?

OF

My Station arrived today. I had been on the fence about getting a log vape but then realized the Station along with my already owned Basic Pear would give a log vape vibe in a somewhat unique approach. I really like the ritual and natural materials. I know many are quite adept at maximizing the Vapman’s abilities, but for me I always felt I couldn’t devote the time needed to become more than competent. For me, this is like having someone who is an expert paint my house compared to me doing it. I mean I’ll get the wood covered along with a lot of window edges. An expert does a professional job due to experience and devotion. After just a couple pans I can already tell the Station is the professional way to Vapman bliss for a technique slob like me!

I was actually hoping to replace the entire pan and leg assembly which seems to be held in place with there screws. Is that sold anywhere ?

VapeKnight said:

I was actually hoping to replace the entire pan and leg assembly which seems to be held in place with there screws. Is that sold anywhere ?

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Understood. Yes, you can get one from 'the factory' or perhaps more locally, but if it's an older unit (more than say a year?), it won't do you any good since the hole in the body is too small to insert a replacement from below. Older ones had their pans built 'in place' (using special tooling), newer ones have a slightly bigger hole.

If it's not too badly damaged I seem to recall an owner reporting being able to stake it back in place with a tiny center punch using a drill shank or other 1mm (?) wire up the center of the tube for support stopping just short of the rolled over lip.

And again, if you can't buy a replacement easily another option is to strip one from the cheapest VM you can find new or a used one? First, I'd try taking the screws out and see if the pan will pass through the hole and be easily removed. If it doesn't that will prevent replacement...........

Good luck.

OF

got it. thanks OF. it served me well and I still have a working VM. None of my current vapes will likely see any use for the next few weeks as I have recently acquired a Pax Era. You know how it goes in the honeymoon period...

flammy said:

That's a shame. The Lift is a really good grinder. That and the BCG are top notch but I give the edge to the Lift. You're a good friend that gives nice gifts...someone is in for nice surprise.

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It's OK. I feel right about my decision .... may go through with it at a later date.

...for my kid's birthday. He just moved to Danchorage. He needs a stealth vape and also appreciates fine workmanship

basement farmer said:

Thanks man...kind of in the fence regarding the station since I don't really mind the inconvenience of using a torch.....I could def the benefits when exposing the VM to others.

I'm also severely torn among the many choices on the VGZ site. Tempted by that yew VM as sell as the Lifted grinders that they list. But seriously I really don't any more vaping kit. I need help.

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I'd like to come back and perhaps nudge you off the fence.

I had issues with my Station shortly after getting it which made it difficult for me to fully endorse it. This said, I found out a few days ago that some material had been accidentally deposited into the cup of the Station's heating rod. It burned and left behind ash that I didn't notice. It was easy to remove with a light blow of the breath and quick dry q-tip swab. This ash apparently had prevented good contact between Station's heating rod and the Vapman which resulted in very inconsistent results.

After cleaning, the Vapman and Station combo has been my go to option. I micro dose and this is the most efficient micro doser that I've ever used. Prior to clearing out the ash, I was using the Station anywhere from 3 to full power. Since cleaning, I am using the Station just below 2 with great results. I will most likely play around much more with the different settings but I very much prefer the lower end of the scale. I'm finding that the low settings really allow you to stretch the material out and give more hits.

There are clear advantages to using the Station. The different settings do make a difference in level of extraction which in turn has an impact on effects achieved. The ability to maintain a particular setting during a sesh makes the Vapman such a breeze to use. Also, with the Station the time between hits is greatly reduced. I have to wait perhaps 5 seconds between hits when using the Station. The precision of the regulated temp also makes it much harder to combust especially at the lower settings.

I also feel that using the Station has an impact on taste. When using a lighter, it seems like you are more prone to warming the wood to the point where it is imparting some flavor during the hit. The Station's heating is precise and minimizes amount of heat that the wood experiences thus reducing woodsy taste. I'm not saying this is good or bad but just my observations.

I've also started doing something with my Station that is most likely counter intuitive to the way that the Vapman should be used but I couldn't help myself. I have started to take hits off the Vapman while it is still sitting on the Station. I have come to understand that vapor production isn't important with the Vapman and I can get visible vapor even without doing this but if I take hits with the Vapman still on the Station I am able to get some pretty big clouds.

If you are a fan of the Vapman, I honestly you should grab a Station if able...for you know, the sake of Science . It find that you can compare this to the induction heater and its impact to the Dynavap but the Station actually allows for temp adjustment. The Station has been a game changer for me when it comes to the Vapman and has made it one of my go to vapes now. I think Vgoodiez is sold out on the Station currently but I also believe that he has more on the way. Holler at him and I'm sure he could set one aside for you.

Got my Station a few weeks back, ^ what the gentleman above me said. Definitely an item worth saving for if things are tight.

Hi Guys,

Would like to share with you some customisation I did on the station.

Before:


After:


A docking station for the station!

The base embed the power brick, I've also change the main cable for a 90° one that is a bit longer than the original to compensate for the length loss between the power brick and the station.
I've shorten the cable between the power brick and the station (add another 90° plug behind the station itself, hidden here), and made the base out out plywood, cork, wrapped with kraft paper with a layer a japanese lacquered black paper (not forgetting some holes for heat dispersion).

The station itself fit snug on the base but everything can be removed /unplugged easily.

Cheers,

I've done a terrible thing. Every time after using my Vapman, I dump the load and I clean the bowl while it is still hot, but some buildup have remained after years of usage and I wanted to get rid of it.

It was a bad idea.



I haven't done my research and now I feel like I've hurt an old friend.
I'll probably end up buying another Vapman because I can't stand looking at this bowl like it is now,
but was wondering if it is safe to use it like this while I save money for another Vapman?

Thanks in advance.

It's only a few scratches, just polish it

My first Vapman was totally scratched on the inside. Couldn't get rid of debris that came from vaping hash in another way. But it was no problem, there was not even a slight difference in performance

hujdimislav said:

I haven't done my research and now I feel like I've hurt an old friend.

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Don't worry, it's not bad. On the contrary, at random you invented the Inside Vapman Pan Drawing, short IVPD!
If you gently continue to draw, we will see a picture of your natural garden as soon as it's finished.


You can probably use Magic Eraser sponge to polish out most scratches. Alternatively you can use some toothpaste and a cotton swab to polish it out veeeeeeeery carefully. ;-)

hujdimislav said:

I haven't done my research and now I feel like I've hurt an old friend.
I'll probably end up buying another Vapman because I can't stand looking at this bowl like it is now,
but was wondering if it is safe to use it like this while I save money for another Vapman?

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As has been said, it should be plenty safe to use, the damage is cosmetic. Not to discount appearance, of course, but it's subjective and not 'mission critical'? The very thin Gold plate is there to prevent it looking old (think King Tut's mask?), but I would not polish it as it's very thin ans (as you discovered) soft.

Enjoy it with it's faults as we do old friends in life?

Regards to all.

OF

hujdimislav said:

I've done a terrible thing. Every time after using my Vapman, I dump the load and I clean the bowl while it is still hot, but some buildup have remained after years of usage and I wanted to get rid of it.

It was a bad idea.



I haven't done my research and now I feel like I've hurt an old friend.
I'll probably end up buying another Vapman because I can't stand looking at this bowl like it is now,
but was wondering if it is safe to use it like this while I save money for another Vapman?

Thanks in advance.

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Why on earth would a few scratches make it unusable? You've just given it some personal character, that's all.

I know a few scratches aren't a big deal but wanted to make sure because I didn't know if there is another layer of something beneath a thin gold layer. If I understand correctly now, it is a copper bowl with a gold layer, nothing more.

Thank you all for your answers.

Back to using my old friend

This saddens me to read (from the Vapman website):

'DEAR VISITORS
BEFORE YOU VISIT THE WEBSITE, I WOULD LIKE YOU TO READ AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE.
My name is René Balli and 14 years ago I launched the vapman vaporizer after years of designing, developing and making adjustments to the original model. At the time, vapman was one of the first portable vaporizers available world-wide.
This same vaporizer (and its variants) is still prized by connoisseurs, vape enthusiasts and everyday users around the world. The authentic taste, the efficiency, the ritual and the elegant, solid and sustainable materials make the vapman a collector's item.
Vapman has provided me with a good income and much joy over all these years. At this point, I’d like to say a big thank you to all my valued and loyal customers! Since I am not timeless, unlike vapman, it is time to find a successor to the business.
I am ready for a change and know that someone out there will want to take this successful business with growing potential and make it their own. If your heart beats for the vapman and you are interested in owning the business or chatting about options, please write me an email: mail@element-medical.ch

Due to this impending change, until further notice no orders from new customers can be accepted. Of course, the guarantees for already sold items remain.'

Don't know how to express my gratitude for the Vapman, so I'll keep it short: thank you for the Vapman experience and all the best @vapman.

Fuck! I waited too long!
I guess this is one of those regrets I will have to take to my grave

Wow that is a real bummer, just picked up my vapman and station a month or so back. Would like to get a second set up, vapman and station, but was gonna wait for awhile.