opensource log vape?

Hey All, In May 2011 I bought myself a PD and love it. I have noticed while the craftsmanship is appreciated as top notch on most (if not all) log vapes; there are valid reasons why people would want to build their own. Eg shipping times, customs, wrong power transformers, satisfaction of constructing one ...
I was wondering if anyone would be interested in collectively putting together some free plans for building a heat exchanger and installing it into a "log"? The goal of this project is not necessarily to improve the design but to make having a quality affordable vape available to all.

I was thinking a list of materials, where to get them, tools needed, some designs, and pictures available for free in a download-able format?

liontea said:

Hey All, In May 2011 I bought myself a PD and love it. I have noticed while the craftsmanship is appreciated as top notch on most (if not all) log vapes; there are valid reasons why people would want to build their own. Eg shipping times, customs, wrong power transformers, satisfaction of constructing one ...
I was wondering if anyone would be interested in collectively putting together some free plans for building a heat exchanger and installing it into a "log"? The goal of this project is not necessarily to improve the design but to make having a quality affordable vape available to all.

I was thinking a list of materials, where to get them, tools needed, some designs, and pictures available for free in a download-able format?

Click to expand...

Can you tell us more about what you are thinking of? It sounds like you want to keep it simple. Do you want a consensus Eterra/PD/MZ/UD/etc. copy in kit form; maybe clone the prior PD kit (with a few fixes)? Must this be an actual "log" vape (requiring a lathe, wood-working tools, a real workshop, which few have), e.g., are you attached to wood? Or would you be willing to use alternative materials for its insulating, structural mounting and visible/esthetic components, such as ceramics, plastics, metal?

I think you should look for someone with a PD pandora that has the instructions. (I've also build one, but I bought the pandora kit 2nd hand, long story I got the wrong package, but the instructions and a few parts were missing, currently this PD is out of service because in my attempts to put it together with wire I bought myself I used too thick wire, broke off one of the legs of the resistor, soldered it back on but it kept breaking again every month or so, and I haven't gotten around to getting a new resistor yet since they're only available in the US and the only companies I can get it at have shipping costs of around 20 euro, only one doesn't but they only take businesses as customers, a friend said I could use his commercechambernumber to order it but I haven't come around to doing this yet)

liontea said:

The goal of this project is not necessarily to improve the design but to make having a quality affordable vape available to all.

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If you are not trying to improve, I believe there are quality, affordable vapes available to all.

Magic9 is right. i consider myself a person who is real cheap and likes to stretch the dollar as far as possible. however when it comes to vapes, unless you're trying to improve, buying one would most likely be more convenient for all. being able to find all the correct materials for DIY vaporizer and putting it together is easier said than done. there are a lot of well-informed members on here who could point a person in the right direction in terms of quality, efficiency and affordability just as long as they ask!

Cough Underdog Cough

I agree that there are definitely quality, affordable vapes out there. But, I also believe in the value (and fun!) of DIY projects. Here's one write-up on why DIY can be a good thing to do:

The Courage to Screw Up: Why DIY Is Good for You

To me, seems like Zapman Rick, Toasty-Top Alan, Underdog Dave, Purple-Days Tom, etc. are all DIY'ers in one way or another...

placetime said:

I agree that there are definitely quality, affordable vapes out there. But, I also believe in the value (and fun!) of DIY projects. Here's one write-up on why DIY can be a good thing to do:

The Courage to Screw Up: Why DIY Is Good for You

To me, seems like Zapman Rick, Toasty-Top Alan, Underdog Dave, Purple-Days Tom, etc. are all DIY'ers in one way or another...

Click to expand...

DIY projects are fun and informative. I don't know that I personally would want to DIY something that I inhale from though. It can be done of course, but I don't trust myself. I am heavily in favor of tinkering and doing things yourself, but this is one I am not brave enough to do myself.

Hi Liontea,

I think this is actually a great thread. DIY is great fun, and I am a proponent of opensource for sure.

Unfortunately, I am electrically challenged, but I think those with experience in building Pandorras may be able to help. I think a very good resource for this would be Alan of the Toast Top and HI vapes. I have never spoken with him personally, but he seems to be very open about his vapes and definitely seems like a very helpful fellow. I suggest e-mailing him: alan@wood-tops.com

Also, Rick of Zapville is also a great guy and would definitely be willing to help, I'd imagine. Try e-mailing him as well at Zapman@aromazap.com.

Best of luck, and do update this thread, if you would not mind, as you go along! This would, in fact, be a great entry into Vaporpedia as well.