The Lotus Vaporizer

artist · May 13, 2014

:-)hi all(-:
....definitely... this must be the day...
i begin to notice the forming of a crack in my two weeks old replaced plate....
on the same exact place then before...
no burning...no overheating...original 'honest' lighter...extra super clean butane...careful use...etc...etc..
and now, when i touch the plate with the nail of my finger i can already feel the crack,
it is not even dark like before...just forminng a crack, that in the end will be same lenght than the one i had on the first plate....
now i am afraid of even using it,
i will have to mail 'verdampftnochmal' again...
!in only one month 2 times the same issue,,,,!
even used the lotus less than before with the new plate because i also got me a 'vaponic' (which is so good to have as a backup,,,)
also now i don't now if i should send it back and replace it again directly,
because i am afraid i will get the same kind of plate a third time,,
so i wondered, if it is not better to report my issue here directly @Max Jitter ...
and maybe wait until he has a solution and then we all maybe send our broken plates directly to him,
for a working new one?!?
what do you think of that @Max Jitter ,,,,
because i am not happy with sending a broken plate back each 2 weeks,
always having to pay the shipping and always disturbing those nice people from 'verdampftnochmal' with the same issue...'?!?
....please don't get me wrong, i really like the 'lotus'....but....

:-) thanx all (-:

ataxian · May 13, 2014

Ratchett said:
I noticed my Lotus has been heating slower, and the heat is more evenly distributed once I replaced the plate. The crack allowed the Lotus to heat faster than it should (and possibly intake some of that butane through the crack?). I get 4 draws, where I would previously get 2. Using similar heating patterns both times.

I'm just messing around!
ZIG ZAG's are too harsh.
I changed my lighter torch and it made a big difference!

grokit · May 13, 2014

So it's the metal plate that's cracking, not the wood?

FlyingLow · May 13, 2014

Correct grokit. I don't know if I have read of any wood failures, only people that have scorched theirs. It is the hot plate that several of us have had issues with.

Ratchett said:
Omf, this isn't looking too good!...Is this a recurring theme? Do most vapes only survive 1 month on average? No wonder most people have multiple vapes!

I don't think it is that dramatic an issue, and here is why:

Max & Mendo have proven to be quick to respond with support to any and all customers who need it.
This is a medicinal delivery device that is going to be constantly improved on (see proof of all the different versions and prototypes). Given its medical role, I have full confidence Max will not rest until any issues are identified and corrected.
I can't tell how many Lotus units have sold because I am not with the company, but considering how long they have been around I would imagine the overall failure rate is still quite low.

Below is a quote from Max just last week. Note he is going to take care of any issues- friggin awesome of Mendo to do, and it gives me comfort to see they are actively looking for an issue and they are going to take care of any customers with existing conditions.

This company stands behind their product and communicates openly with their customers, and those are some of the reasons I'll continue to support them:

Max Jitter said:
I'll have to say that I am concerned about the cracking plates and am investigating possible causes. It may be simple over-heating but I am not assuming that.
In the meantime anyone's plate that is under a year old and hasn't been damaged by over-heating can be replaced under warranty. Send an email with a picture of your plate and your shipping info to
contact@mendovape.com

jambandphan03 · May 13, 2014

Here is a shot of my plate back lit. You can see tiny holes starting to form on either side of the indention (10 and 2) and there is a third smaller hole starting about 5 on the clock position. I just discovered this yesterday, after deciding to take a closer look at my first plate. I purchased my lotus 9/23/13 and removed the plate a couple of weeks ago. I love the lotus, and hope we can get this worked out, its become one of my favorite vapes for many reasons.

t-dub · May 13, 2014

This means both my plates might be affected as well. I don't use my Lotus much, however, its my off the grid solution.

Unisonruss · May 13, 2014

My replacement plate is only a few months old, and a crack has appeared. No noticeable change in the functioning of the Lotus, still working great.

cityslang · May 13, 2014

I left mine in the garage for a couple of hours and the plate did ping a couple of times on initial heat up and later from warmer room temp it didn't not noticed the pinging before can't see any cracks or discolouration TBH.

One thing I've noticed is 2 of the ridges encroach on the very edge of the rim where people's cracks are these 2 that encroach on the rim have slight folds/creases in the metal if you roll the plate through 45 degrees in bright light they become more apparent maybe a potential weak spot?

Those with cracks are the cracks where individual ridges are inside on edge of lip?

basement farmer · May 13, 2014

Crisis in Lotusland. Off to give my two plates a good look. Back in a few....

grokit · May 13, 2014

Do you have to remove the plate to inspect it efffectively?

I noticed a change in behavior from my lotus a while back after hearing a pop, but it still works well.
However I did have to alter my technique again to prevent combustion.

Delta3DStudios · May 13, 2014

grokit said:
Do you have to remove the plate to inspect it efffectively?

I noticed a change in behavior from my lotus a while back after hearing a pop, but it still works well.
However I did have to alter my technique again to prevent combustion.

I didn't have to. First off, hearing a pop is fine occasionally is fine (I think). Do you hear a "crinkle" sound (kinda like crushing a soda can) when you apply heat every time? I did - thought it was normal as I hadn't paid too much attention to the sounds when heating up previously.

I had been inspecting my plate often, but never really noticed. Even after I located what I thought was a crack, I wasn't entirely certain it wasn't some crud on the plate. I actually had to use a toothpick and wiggle one side of the crack gently to see it move.

It's been 20 hours since my email to Mendo, still no response. I'm still concerned about my replacement plate - it was bent before I installed it! Seriously, why would they wrap a fragile thin piece of metal (spare plate part kit) in bubble-wrap? It would have been better in a piece of cardboard folded in half and taped up! Probably wouldn't have gotten bent as easily in shipping/storage.

I should note, as mentioned elsewhere, the 3 screws holding the plates to the Lotus strip easily. Additionally the screws are simply threaded into the wood. I would advise to NOT remove those screws unless you intend to replace the plate (and replace those screws with fresh ones included in the kit - though my replacement kit only had 2 screws, not 3!)

Yoduh · May 13, 2014

ataxian said:
I'm just messing around!
ZIG ZAG's are too harsh.
I changed my lighter torch and it made a big difference!

Do you have a link to your lighter? Looks awesome!

Delta3DStudios · May 13, 2014

Just heard back from MT -

Sounds like they're working on redesigning the plate currently

FlyingLow · May 13, 2014

I had no doubt Max would be on it.

pigfoot · May 13, 2014

Hadn't looked at the thread for a few days, thanks for the help people!

SSVUN~YAH said:
I know exactly what smell your talking about, I couldn't us my D020 with the Lotus early on bc it was so close and the smell was unpleasant to me. I don't know if it had to do with my torch being too powerful or improper flame technique. However once I got my Madelaine Fury I haven't had a problem bc the circumference of the flame is top notch for Lotus use and the flame adjustment is sooo easy! What pieces are you using with your Lotus cap? What lighter/s do you use?

So far just the 6.5 Al stem, and the included Honest lighter, with Xikar butane. I carefully read the thread and instructions, seemed like I needed to get the center of the cap red to get vapor, maybe I was overheating? Seems kinda tricky to get it right.

cybrguy said:
I also have a new LOTUS and am learning how to use it effectively, and I am not there yet. I have had no problem getting low temp vapor and it is quite tasty. But I haven't had as much success with hi temp vapor. After a couple sessions my plate hasn't changed color yet. I may be trying too hard not to combust.

The problem for me is I end up too high to keep experimenting. I suspect tonight I will get some color to my plate...

I could get low temp vapor, but not thick hits yet.

cybrguy said:
Well, I DON'T, actually, but everything I have read, including the "instructions" that come with the Lotus has said that, when used correctly, after a couple uses the center of the plate will discolor and that that is normal.

"NOTE: The hot plate will turn blue with use. This is normal and does not effect the durability or operation of the Lotus."

Every picture I have seen of a Lotus not brand new has shown a discolored plate. I know I may be crazy, but I don't think this belief is an indicator of it.

This is what my plate looks like right now.

Wow, that's a really clean plate. Mine was turning slightly blue after a few sessions

oklahomie said:
I had a question regarding using epoxy to re-attach a stir stick. Maybe I'm being overcautious here, but I know that vapors from epoxy are poisonous (as is clearly stated on the package). Since the air intake holes are located right next to the hole for the stir stick, is there any fumes inhaled after an extended lotus session? I've heard some mention "high-temp" epoxy, but then others just seem to use regular epoxy.

I wouldn't worry about that at all, just leave it overnight to cure. Heck, it doesn't need to be super strong, use Elmer's if you are concerned about the epoxy.

HugieLewis · May 13, 2014

Ratchett said:
Just heard back from MT -

Sounds like they're working on redesigning the plate currently

I like hearing that. I have been considering (lusting after?) a lotus but this thread was making me pause. Knowing that this will be addressed though...I know a lotus is in my future plans.

FlyingLow · May 13, 2014

Anyone on the fence, there is no reason to be hesitant.
Speaking as one of the ones with a bad plate, even in a less than perfect condition- it is still one of the best vapes on the market and I used it with the broken plate every day I had it until I sent it in. Worked great, just had to be more cautious not to combust (not an issue with fresh plate).

Delta3DStudios · May 13, 2014

Absolutely. Don't let this plate issue stop you from buying one.

Even with the crack, my Lotus still worked, it just got a LOT hotter faster, and easier to combust - but I worked around it. I have pictures of the inside, but won't post them publicly for any 'copycats' to steal.

I only replaced the cracked plate because I had a spare on hand, and because I didn't like the idea of the crack. That said, I could have probably continued to use the plate for months before the crack got to the point of making the Lotus unusable.

FlyingLow · May 13, 2014

It also appears most of the examples of cracks are really just hairline fractures [at least in comparison to my old one].

Delta3DStudios · May 13, 2014

FlyingLow said:
It also appears most of the examples of cracks are really just hairline fractures [at least in comparison to my old one].

True, they all appear to be minimal, however they are large enough to allow superheated air to enter the Lotus, causing an uneven heat distribution, and change the heating dynamics of the vaping process. I believe i've had the crack for over a week or two, and has caused combustion with several friends who are new to the Lotus.

I did two solid sessions before I discovered the crack. Immediately replaced it, and tried an innaguration session within one hour of the last session with a cracked plate (same herb, same torch, same glass, all conditions identical, aside from the new plate and my medicated levels :lol:

)

Heatup times were certainly much slower than previously (I'd say going from nothing to milking my D020 took twice as long). Also the red glow is way more visible (and continues to be much easier to see). Additionally, I can get more hits from one scoop. Previously I'd be tapped out after 2 or 3, now I'm averaging 4 (5 if i'm going easy with the heat)

While the hairline cracks appear minimal, thermally, they are making a big impact on the process.

Does a crack in the plate render the Lotus useless? I don't believe so. It simply makes using the Lotus a bit more challenging to use, kinda like a loose clutch

Do I prefer a non cracked screen? Absolutely :2c:

FlyingLow · May 13, 2014

great metaphor!

cybrguy · May 13, 2014

pigfoot said:
I carefully read the thread and instructions, seemed like I needed to get the center of the cap red to get vapor, maybe I was overheating? Seems kinda tricky to get it right.

This thread goes from before the Lotus was released, all the way to today. Over the course of time several components have changed as well as instructions for use. Here is an example post made around changes...

The Lotus Vaporizer

If one follows early instructions its possible they could damage their LOTUS, let alone combust in error...

peterpiper · May 14, 2014

peterpiper said:
Bollocks had a really good look at my plate and have 2 tiny cracks one at 12 o'clock and the other at 6 both coming from the middle of the ridges. Only use lighter provided.

Contacteb vapefiend (uk) late yesterday. They replied almost instantly saying they will contact co. Received email this morning saying they will send replacement asap (they making now). Excellent service from both.

Bvapst · May 14, 2014

I got same problem as someone posted here : my lotus hot-plate-kit came with a bent plate (and not slightly). I've took it out of the plastic bag really carefully cause I've seen this issue addressed from someone here.
I order it from Verdampftnochmal and the plate was exactly in same packaging as Mendocino Therapeutics does. I would also think the tiny plate would be better protected between some hard-cardboard instead of this softy material.
Now I definitely don't want to use that bent plate... Who is in fault ? The Berlin shop, MT, ... ? Well, I just hope I won't have to consider myself "screwed"... I will post a picture if needed, I don't have time right now.
@Max Jitter : Anything to say ?

Anyhow I took of the plate. My wooden ring is all blackened, I was expecting it...
Any input on how to take of the last plates/ring ? I would like to clean under it... And I'm afraid to bent it or to break something.
Also there is no discolouration under the hotplate. But there is definitely discolouration on the plate under it : around the tiny holes : blueish kind of colour. I will picture all of this later !

Delta3DStudios · May 14, 2014

Bvapst said:
I got same problem as someone posted here : my lotus hot-plate-kit came with a bent plate (and not slightly). I've took it out of the plastic bag really carefully cause I've seen this issue addressed from someone here.
I order it from Verdampftnochmal and the plate was exactly in same packaging as Mendocino Therapeutics does. I would also think the tiny plate would be better protected between some hard-cardboard instead of this softy material.
Now I definitely don't want to use that bent plate... Who is in fault ? The Berlin shop, MT, ... ? Well, I just hope I won't have to consider myself "screwed"... I will post a picture if needed, I don't have time right now.
@Max Jitter : Anything to say ?

Anyhow I took of the plate. My wooden ring is all blackened, I was expecting it...
Any input on how to take of the last plates/ring ? I would like to clean under it... And I'm afraid to bent it or to break something.
Also there is no discolouration under the hotplate. But there is definitely discolouration on the plate under it : around the tiny holes : blueish kind of colour. I will picture all of this later !

Good to know it's not just me! I also suggested yesterday in an email to Steve at MT the same thing - cardboard instead of bubblewrap to protect the spare plates!

Don't worry, your bent plate will still function just fine once installed. But for how long? Time will tell

I would suggest not removing the bottom plate. I would also personally avoid using fingers on that metal surface, oils on your finger could negatively affect that plate (my opinion, nobody else has said this).

Instead, use pressurized air to blow any crap out of the cap. Before every session I normally blow into my cap to loosen any herbs stuck inside

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