The Lotus Vaporizer

jambandphan03 · Dec 12, 2013

I'm using a longer flame with more distance now, when I first started, my flame was really small and had to be super close, and heated for a longer time, which I think did the most "damage" to the plate. I've figured it out since then, but wasn't sure if I already caused too much damage to the plate. Thanks for the response NF

masaki · Dec 12, 2013

ataxian said:
If it's that much better than the SOLO I will throw both mine away into the trash can!

Just make sure you throw it away in my trash

ataxian · Dec 12, 2013

masaki said:
Just make sure you throw it away in my trash

My WAX pens are full!

My SOLO's taste really good for a portable.
Mine are in my woodshop.

The LOTUS is just to see if the HYPE lives up?

natural farmer · Dec 12, 2013

ataxian said:
The LOTUS is just to see if the HYPE lives up?

The Lotus tastes more like the Nano most possibly and less like the Solo my dear friend!

NeeChee · Dec 12, 2013

One little gem i noticed with the Lotus that i don't get on my SSV. For some reason on these cold winter days i really enjoy the smell of a roasted bowl with the wooden cap. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire come to mind.So does the saying " i love the smell of napalm in the morning?

ataxian · Dec 12, 2013

NeeChee said:
One little gem i noticed with the Lotus that i don't get on my SSV. For some reason on these cold winter days i really enjoy the smell of a roasted bowl with the wooden cap. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire come to mind.So does the saying " i love the smell of napalm in the morning?

Now you use a LOTUS and a SSV?

That's my plan to just add the LOTUS to the mix!

I'm not giving up my medical program I'm currently on!

masaki · Dec 12, 2013

ataxian said:
Now you use a LOTUS and a SSV?

That's my plan to just add the LOTUS to the mix!

I'm not giving up my medical program I'm currently on!

The never ending program lol!

I hope to get a nice water piece and lotus to match with sometime in the near future

AdventurousMoustache · Dec 12, 2013

jambandphan03 said:
Just wondering if this looks like normal wear for 2 1/2 mo. use on the plate? Sorry I couldn't get more focused shots, my camera just refused to lock in. I don't have the tool to open it up and see what the inside looks like. I have tried to be as careful as possible with it. It's fairly dented and discolored in the center.

that is very normal wear and tear!

Buildozer · Dec 12, 2013

jambandphan03 said:
Just wondering if this looks like normal wear for 2 1/2 mo. use on the plate? Sorry I couldn't get more focused shots, my camera just refused to lock in. I don't have the tool to open it up and see what the inside looks like. I have tried to be as careful as possible with it. It's fairly dented and discolored in the center.

The first thing that comes to mind when I see those pics is Big Foot, LOL..
My buddy has had his for probably a couple months now, and he has little dimples that formed where it gets heated too.. Less rainbow'd out though.

jambandphan03 · Dec 12, 2013

thanks for the replies. I am not as concerned about the color changing, that's pretty cool lookin :cool:

What does concern me is the the way the metal is bending down towards the inside, could it possibly obstruct or change the airflow? You can see how it's stretched inward around the center post a bit. If its normal, and nothing to be concerned about, I'll not worry.

Dr. Plutonious · Dec 12, 2013

I will make one suggestion, and it's about the website.

When I ordered I was presented with two price options for shipping to Canada, there was no text saying what either was. I guess it was supposed to be something through USPS, but I can't even tell what it was supposed to be as of now. Tracking says it is priority mail but USPS themselves say it is first class mail. It's going to take 10-15 days. Had I known it was going to be first class mail, I would have gone with the faster shipping. If it isn't here by Monday I won't be able to take it with me on my ski trip, the reason I got it.

Anyways, just something to consider in the future. I was cramped for time (Black Friday sale and it was Sunday night) so I didn't email. Probably should have done that.

filteredhead · Dec 12, 2013

jambandphan03 said:
...the way the metal is bending down towards the inside, could it possibly obstruct or change the airflow? You can see how it's stretched inward around the center post a bit. If its normal, and nothing to be concerned about, I'll not worry.

Thanks for that detail, I was not able to see bends in your earlier pics. The center of my vapor cap plate does have a bit of a concaveness to it but not real bends in it that I've ever seen. As part of a vapor cap tune-up have flattened a few dents by pressing them out with bottom of small dash spoon (of course after already having removed the top plate for cleaning).

Regarding the butane residue colors that form on the vapor cap, many folks here (including me) seem to use "refined" butane (e.g. vector) but the residue still appears. I've used a wire brush to remove top plate colored residue deposits a couple times by gently and lightly running the wire brush over the plate in warm soapy water. I don't know if that will cause excessive early wear and tear so I don't plan on doing it often.

Below is what my vapor cap looked like after the first couple months of usage, and after it was cleaned:

A hex wrench labeled 0.05" fit the screws of my Lotus vapor cap. The wire brush was purchased at dollar store.

natural farmer · Dec 12, 2013

filteredhead said:
Thanks for that detail, I was not able to see bends in your earlier pics. The center of my vapor cap plate does have a bit of a concaveness to it but not real bends in it that I've ever seen. As part of a vapor cap tune-up have flattened a few dents by pressing them out with bottom of small dash spoon (of course after already having removed the top plate for cleaning).

Regarding the butane residue colors that form on the vapor cap, many folks here (including me) seem to use "refined" butane (e.g. vector) but the residue still appears. I've used a wire brush to remove top plate colored residue deposits a couple times by gently and lightly running the wire brush over the plate in warm soapy water. I don't know if that will cause excessive early wear and tear so I don't plan on doing it often.

Below is what my vapor cap looked like after the first couple months of usage, and after it was cleaned:

A hex wrench labeled 0.05" fit the screws of my Lotus vapor cap. The wire brush was purchased at dollar store.

Great job brother! I'll try that tomorrow as well! Would the tough part of a kitchen sponge do the trick you reckon?

EDIT: I noticed that black ring under the hot plate? Charred wood right? And the intake holes are there... Have you noticed any difference in taste?

filteredhead · Dec 12, 2013

Thanks NF, really glad to see more folks here taking a look at the Lotus. IIRC when i tried the abrasive side of a dishwashing sponge it worked albeit kinda slow going at removing the residue colors. Since I had this wire brush sitting around (has what looks like fine stiff metal/steel bristles) decided to give it a try and it seemed to work with less effort for me.

Johny · Dec 13, 2013

jambandphan03 said:
I'm using a longer flame with more distance now, when I first started, my flame was really small and had to be super close, and heated for a longer time, which I think did the most "damage" to the plate. I've figured it out since then, but wasn't sure if I already caused too much damage to the plate. Thanks for the response NF

Yeah, same problem here. The small flame is what charred my cap. Larger flame is quick so nothing heats up too much for an extended period of time. Starting to notice that higher flame and quick 6-7second light ups give me the smoother and best clouds versus small flame and hitting it for 10-15seconds. For those that barely started using the Lotus or those with a Lotus on the way, I suggest using a flame thats just a little bit larger than suggested. And I really do mean a little bit. Don't want you to blast a hole right through it lol

Anyone ever hear a clicking sound when plate heats up and cools down? Mine does it every session but I'm fairly certain it's just the plate popping like a snapple cap as it expands and contracts.

Vapodudule · Dec 13, 2013

Thank you all for pictures and washing ideas.

@jambandphan03 WOuld you say your lotus performs differently than before?

I really wonder if i did subjectivly perceive the loss of performance provided by a marked plate.

I am glad to announce that my mojo-lotus is back, i think the key point is a high position of the flame after having enough temperature. back to 5+ each load if i want.

For me and nowadays the best hits are the two first wispy (oddly) hits and their taste. I frequently finish the extraction with Mr nano to avoid any scortches.

basement farmer · Dec 13, 2013

Funny that you posted this filterhead. I logged in to ask if anyone had ever disassembled their cap for a thorough cleaning.

Have you noticed any improvement in performance?

I'm less concerned about the dis-colorization than I am about all of the vaped crud clinging to the air pathway.

filteredhead said:
Thanks for that detail, I was not able to see bends in your earlier pics. The center of my vapor cap plate does have a bit of a concaveness to it but not real bends in it that I've ever seen. As part of a vapor cap tune-up have flattened a few dents by pressing them out with bottom of small dash spoon (of course after already having removed the top plate for cleaning).

Regarding the butane residue colors that form on the vapor cap, many folks here (including me) seem to use "refined" butane (e.g. vector) but the residue still appears. I've used a wire brush to remove top plate colored residue deposits a couple times by gently and lightly running the wire brush over the plate in warm soapy water. I don't know if that will cause excessive early wear and tear so I don't plan on doing it often.

Below is what my vapor cap looked like after the first couple months of usage, and after it was cleaned:

A hex wrench labeled 0.05" fit the screws of my Lotus vapor cap. The wire brush was purchased at dollar store.

filteredhead · Dec 13, 2013

Johny said:
Anyone ever hear a clicking sound when plate heats up and cools down? Mine does it every session but I'm fairly certain it's just the plate popping like a snapple cap as it expands and contracts.

Yup mine does that as well, agreed, perhaps its the thinner inner plate that pops as it goes through cool-heat-cool temperature transitions.

basement farmer said:
Funny that you posted this filterhead. I logged in to ask if anyone had ever disassembled their cap for a thorough cleaning.

Have you noticed any improvement in performance?

I'm less concerned about the dis-colorization than I am about all of the vaped crud clinging to the air pathway.

It is possible that differences were minor enough for me to not notice, maybe if there was more caked on residue performance diff would have been noticeable to me? However as it were so far I did not notice any performance difference with dis-colorization present on the cap versus after having cleaned the cap.

basement farmer · Dec 13, 2013

Just thought I'd ask..

I figured that cleaning probably wouldn't make much of a difference since the ability to draw through a J hook seems pretty unlimited, plus I have a newer cap that I use which I don't notice any difference.

I have a minor ding in my cap which I figured happened due to handling. You guys must really get yours 'effing hot if you're hearing the heating expansion/ contracting and/or warping caps. I probably run mine way cooler than most peeps. My ABVs are mucho lighter than most pics I see on this forum. I have unlimited weed available, so I don't feel compelled to take it to limit heat-wise.

filteredhead said:
Yup mine does that as well, agreed, perhaps its the thinner inner plate that pops as it goes through cool-heat-cool temperature transitions.

It is possible that differences were minor enough for me to not notice, maybe if there was more caked on residue performance diff would have been noticeable to me? However as it were so far I did not notice any performance difference with dis-colorization present on the cap versus after having cleaned the cap.

Bvapst · Dec 13, 2013

Today I could clearly see the center of the plate gently being sucked in while heating it and coming back "straight" up right after I stop heating it. I've realized that before but never really care about.
I have to say I got same result in discoloration as all of you but I have it since ~1 month only. I'll try that cleaning, thx for the tip!

The thing I'm more concerned about is the wood charring. I don't have tools right now to unscrew my plate but I really hope it didn't charred as much and I'll try to be more careful. I suppose I scorch it too much when I want to vape hash quite fast. But if the wood is charring then it's seems more clear where does that smell come from.. and it is clearly on the air-path so that doesn't sound appealing $:\$ .

filteredhead · Dec 13, 2013

With short hits i don't hear much popping, however with sessions where taking several larger longer back-to-back hits, then i hear the popping sound from within the vapor cap probably due to the extra heat build-up. I figure with longer hits (where flame is held farther away for 20 seconds or more) a larger diameter of the inner plate heats up and warps/bends from temperature transition. I think the wood charring is due to heat absorbed by outer steel ring cover as result of long draw/heat cycle where jet lighter's heat cone expands and heats the steel ring.

I don't seem to hold the flame too close nor consider it over-heating the vapor cap, regardless those dis-colorations still occur with vector butane and with holding the flame away for long hits my Lotus abv still comes out between gold and dark brown.

During long draws I try to keep the flame about 1.5 to 2.5 inches away from the top plate (after the initial close-in heat-up). Perhaps its wear and tear, i dunno, for me the popping/clicking sound occurs during longer draws, and also sometimes after a longer hit is over the cap makes the sound while I reload the wpa. Here's an older video of a longer draw with flame distance and abv color in case anyone is interested.

jambandphan03 · Dec 13, 2013

Vapodudule said:
Thank you all for pictures and washing ideas.

@jambandphan03 WOuld you say your lotus performs differently than before?

I really wonder if i did subjectivly perceive the loss of performance provided by a marked plate.

I am glad to announce that my mojo-lotus is back, i think the key point is a high position of the flame after having enough temperature. back to 5+ each load if i want.

For me and nowadays the best hits are the two first wispy (oddly) hits and their taste. I frequently finish the extraction with Mr nano to avoid any scortches.

Actually, I do think there has been a slight change in performance, which prompted me asking about it in the first place. I am getting mixed results, so its hard to say if its me or the plate. I am still getting plenty of vapor but even with higher flame, it seems I have to get it pretty hot before good vapor production starts, so I don't know... it's also been colder lately, and I don't know if that effects heat times and what not. As long as I am not about to burn a hole in the thing I'm ok with how it's still performing now, and there is always the replacement plate...

Johny · Dec 13, 2013

Bvapst said:
Today I could clearly see the center of the plate gently being sucked in while heating it and coming back "straight" up right after I stop heating it. I've realized that before but never really care about.
I have to say I got same result in discoloration as all of you but I have it since ~1 month only. I'll try that cleaning, thx for the tip!

The thing I'm more concerned about is the wood charring. I don't have tools right now to unscrew my plate but I really hope it didn't charred as much and I'll try to be more careful. I suppose I scorch it too much when I want to vape hash quite fast. But if the wood is charring then it's seems more clear where does that smell come from.. and it is clearly on the air-path so that doesn't sound appealing $:\$ .

What's your flame length? I used to notice the plate move up and down as well when I used a smaller flame. Now that I'm sticking to a longer flame it all happens too fast to notice. Vapor production is fast. Heats up quick. Cools down WAY fast too. With a small flame my cap, including the wood, would be too hot to handle at the end of my bowl because I would torch for too long to heat it up. The lighter would get too hot as well (using Honest sleek lighter from Lotus kit). I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record but I really do think that a larger flame can fix the wood charring problem because although the flame is hotter, you hit the bowl for a shorter period of time so there is less time for the heat to transfer over to the wood.

*edit* my flame is fairly close, the tip of the main flame hits the plate and I go in circles following the inner edge of the circle on lotus. 1st hit, all taste, no visible vapor really. 2nd hit, good vapor cloud and taste. 3rd & 4th hit, less taste but the taste from 1&2 lingers, huge vapor clouds. I usually think "that had to combust, no way thats all vapor" lol Lotus surprises me with how thick the vapor can get....if that matters any.

Fenton Mewley · Dec 13, 2013

NinjaMindTriks said:
I was also supposed to receive a herb scoop...

Thanks for the heads up. I ordered an herb scoop, screens and extra hot plate (gotta be prepared!) from MT.

EZvapes shipped out their backordered natural caps today (I also got a WPA!)

I should be getting all of the goodies by Wednesday. Holy crap this is gonna be good. :nod:

feeney417 · Dec 13, 2013

Hi there, I ordered the J-hook kit just the other day.
How do I know if I am getting the new improved cap or the old cap?
What about the bowl size, Is this the 70% bigger bowl?

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