Ascent Vaporizer by DaVinci

Hey OF,


wanted to use the beads coz I don't have glass flowers yet.. kinda hard to get in the EU.
Have similar ones to these: http://www.k2-accessories.com/100-p...13-p-90.html?sesid=208r4881bue5chkcs6uko09973, also got the 8mm ones which fit pretty good in the bowl (2 per level).

But I do doubt to some extend that it's not (all) about the beads.. Never lost the plastic taste yet. But now it's really bad, won't dare to use it.

If it's about them and I had something evaporated off them:

I cleaned everything - but maybe I have to swill the glass parts with water after isoing?
What I didn't clean is the silicone vapor path inside the device with stems out. There could be invisible residues of something.. Either of the ISO from the cleaned stems not being completely dry before inserting and/or some shit from the beads... What could that be.. It's glass.. Don't get it.

Can't get it... Have to repeat that the device never really tasted neutral..always some plastic taste.
Wonder if the ascent wasn't ok the whole time and now that it has been used like 6-7 times it's showing that it's a faulty one. Maybe the glass bead thing is just a coincidence time wise.. Man, I feel screwed

vapen00b said:

wanted to use the beads coz I don't have glass flowers yet.. kinda hard to get in the EU.
Have similar ones to these: http://www.k2-accessories.com/100-p...13-p-90.html?sesid=208r4881bue5chkcs6uko09973, also got the 8mm ones which fit pretty good in the bowl (2 per level).

I cleaned everything - but maybe I have to swill the glass parts with water after isoing?

Click to expand...

I was afraid of this. Those are "crackle beads", glass that's been shocked (thermally) to break it up. The ones I've seen are overcoated with plastic (?) of some sort, I assume to keep them from chipping or falling apart (not good to release glass shards around the necks of women who could later sue you......).

Such a coating, if there, likely isn't effected by ISO or water. Once it's overheated (never intended by the bead maker) that coating would likely get soft and stuck somewhere even as it condenses other places. And it's not going to wash out any more than it would wash off the bead in normal use.

I doubt any got out the gap between the stem parts, but that too could happen.

You might want to run a simple test. Put a couple of the (hopefully new) beads in an ash tray or similar and hit them with a small torch on one point until it glows. The let it cool and look and feel for damaged coating.

If this is the case, I agree with you. For health reasons it's not wise to use it. While putting the spare stems in will cover some of it, deposits in the bowl (perhaps your "looks more dull..and not quite shiny coverage") will need to be removed. I'm afraid that means a trip to the shop since we can't do that in the field. FWIW I'm not sure it won't be covered on the warranty. That is what you did was and innocent experiment (not 'tampering' or known risky) along the very lines (providing a spacer) the maker and many others are trying.

FWIW I just checked the finish on my oven. It's just what you'd expect, soft smooth glass with a polished surface (since last melted).

Anyway I'd try roasting a couple of them. See if you get the smell and can find any evidence of damaged coating?

Regards,

OF

Edit: Another easy to do test occurred to me, try scratching the surface of the bead with steel. That is 'shave' a spot with a razor blade (or even a sharp knife). The glass should be unaffected, but any plastic used should be much softer than the steel. If you can see (or better still feel with a fingernail) any nicks in the surface that points back at a coating. OF

vapen00b said:

Hi guys,
yesterday I got some glass beads and started a tiny session with em on top of the herbs.
Taste got pretty strange after a short while...

Click to expand...

OF said:

Bummer. As the old troubleshooting joke goes, 'what was the last thing you did before the lights went out?'.

Click to expand...

Also - have you tried heating the thing up totally empty and taking a sip? or with just herb (no beads, flowers, etc.)?

OF said:

I was afraid of this. Those are "crackle beads", glass that's been shocked (thermally) to break it up. The ones I've seen are overcoated with plastic (?) of some sort, I assume to keep them from chipping or falling apart.

Click to expand...

HAH! I'll bet that's it!

OF said:

You might want to run a simple test. Put a couple of the (hopefully new) beads in an ash tray or similar and hit them with a small torch on one point until it glows. The let it cool and look and feel for damaged coating.

Anyway I'd try roasting a couple of them. See if you get the smell and can find any evidence of damaged coating?

Click to expand...

And that would confirm it! If that turns out to be the problem, and some of that burnt plastic has stuck in the Ascent's oven, a "dry run" or two should burn it off and rid the device of the bad flavor and, more importantly, the toxic fumes.

Hi guys,
really appreciate your thoughts and help, thx a lot! This is really a great community and I m glad I found my way here. Hopefully I can help someone too ... Maybe just with things NOT to do.. Like takin these glass beads..

OF said:

I was afraid of this. Those are "crackle beads", glass that's been shocked (thermally) to break it up. The ones I've seen are overcoated with plastic (?) of some sort, I assume to keep them from chipping or falling apart (not good to release glass shards around the necks of women who could later sue you......).
Such a coating, if there, likely isn't effected by ISO or water. Once it's overheated (never intended by the bead maker) that coating would likely get soft and stuck somewhere even as it condenses other places. And it's not going to wash out any more than it would wash off the bead in normal use.

Click to expand...

Damn.. You scare me. You can be totally right, just thought glass = glass... But your point makes sense. Do you really think, I won't get rid of the possible invisible residues?

I doubt any got out the gap between the stem parts, but that too could happen.

Click to expand...

What I realised was an artificial smell at the lower end of the internal stem.. Around the whole surface nearby the holes. And: residue was quite transparent and felt a lil gluey/sticky there.. Surface wasn't smooth. (Guess that happens normally too.. But guess not necessarily within one tiny loaded session..?)
At least it could indicate, that the whole shit hasn't gotten any further up the internal path... I could easily throw the contaminated glass stems away.. But what to do with the silicone interior? How to clean that?

You might want to run a simple test. Put a couple of the (hopefully new) beads in an ash tray or similar and hit them with a small torch on one point until it glows. The let it cool and look and feel for damaged coating.

If this is the case, I agree with you. For health reasons it's not wise to use it. While putting the spare stems in will cover some of it, deposits in the bowl (perhaps your "looks more dull..and not quite shiny coverage") will need to be removed. I'm afraid that means a trip to the shop since we can't do that in the field. FWIW I'm not sure it won't be covered on the warranty. That is what you did was and innocent experiment (not 'tampering' or known risky) along the very lines (providing a spacer) the maker and many others are trying.



FWIW I just checked the finish on my oven. It's just what you'd expect, soft smooth glass with a polished surface (since last melted).

Anyway I'd try roasting a couple of them. See if you get the smell and can find any evidence of damaged coating?

Click to expand...

Yeah, I try to do a test. Hopefully a normal lighter does the job. Checked the bowl out with a flashlight.. It's shiny too and reflecting.

Did another qtip ISO job on the bowl and rubbed it dry thoroughly. Removed the smelly stems (at least the base part is concerned).
Now I'd like to clean the inner silicone path... But I did enough silly shit. Don't dare to ISO it... It has leaks and Im not sure how to handle that and if silicone likes ISO..?

Regards,

OF

Edit: Another easy to do test occurred to me, try scratching the surface of the bead with steel. That is 'shave' a spot with a razor blade (or even a sharp knife). The glass should be unaffected, but any plastic used should be much softer than the steel. If you can see (or better still feel with a fingernail) any nicks in the surface that points back at a coating. OF

Click to expand...

I don't have a torch just a usual lighter. I'm gonna try to test it nevertheless.
But already get the feeling that you are totally right with your scenario... All about the beads.
Just hope to get my ascent "clean" again...

MrNaturalAZ said:

Also - have you tried heating the thing up totally empty and taking a sip? or with just herb (no beads, flowers, etc.)?

Click to expand...

No, not yet.. I'm really concerned about the bad fumes... Don't dare to take another sip... Yesterday the tip of my tongue felt strange already after one hit... And the teeth didn't feel so clean afterwards... God bless my lungs..
I did mean not harm them so much by vaping - and now I end up fuckin up totally.. Hopefully it's all gonna be good...

HAH! I'll bet that's it!



And that would confirm it! If that turns out to be the problem, and some of that burnt plastic has stuck in the Ascent's oven, a "dry run" or two should burn it off and rid the device of the bad flavor and, more importantly, the toxic fumes.

Click to expand...

Yeah,really do hope, that I can just burn it off...

How would you guys treat it to recover everything? I'm so unsure what to do next.. .not want to do another stupid ass thing. Man, I d love to love my ascent again...

vapen00b said:

How would you guys treat it to recover everything? I'm so unsure what to do next.. .not want to do another stupid ass thing. Man, I d love to love my ascent again...

Click to expand...

I agree, tough call, but I sure wouldn't suggest inhaling any more either.

I think it's worth a try to 'burn it off', just don't hit it in the process. I'm thinking maybe put a piece of paper towel or cotton in the bowl and use that and a stick to quickly 'wipe the walls' while hot a few times? Get it soft and mechanically either absorb it or at least wipe it away? Solvents are a big problem, even the ones that are pretty bad on you and other parts (like say acetone or naphtha) aren't all that aggressive on the very sorts of plastics likely used to protect the beads.

Still, Ascent is clearly capable of reaching temperatures where something happens???

Perhaps some thought on the matter will bring some insight...... Ascent is too good to abandon.

Regards,

OF

How would you recommend burning off? With stems inside? Don't wanna spread the shit upwards..maybe I'm lucky and it's currently only in the bowl and on the lower stem (which I removed). If I'd heat it up without stems it would most likely go up in the silicone path, wouldn't it?

The idea with cotton sounds good. Just to be sure: would those cotton pads be ok (that the ladies use)? The ones I'm talking about don't have perfume on it.. Suitable?

Still, Ascent is clearly capable of reaching temperatures where something happens???

Click to expand...

sorry, what do you mean exactly? I don't understand

vapen00b said:

How would you recommend burning off? With stems inside? Don't wanna spread the shit upwards..maybe I'm lucky and it's currently only in the bowl and on the lower stem (which I removed).

Click to expand...

AFAIK, the oven runs with it open, so that would be the way to go. Open it up and support the upper part somehow (a MFLB on its side works well) so that the toxic fumes just go up and out into the air. you can also then use a cotton swab or paper towel and stick to try and wipe it out while hot.

Still, Ascent is clearly capable of reaching temperatures where something happens???

Click to expand...

sorry, what do you mean exactly? I don't understand

Click to expand...

The oven is capable of reaching 420+ degrees - if it got hot enough to soften or melt the plastic enough to release fumes, it will also get hot enough to facilitate cleaning and/or burn off any remaining plastic residue from the beads.

vapen00b said:

How would you recommend burning off? With stems inside?

The idea with cotton sounds good. Just to be sure: would those cotton pads be ok (that the ladies use)? The ones I'm talking about don't have perfume on it.. Suitable?

sorry, what do you mean exactly? I don't understand

Click to expand...

I'd probably leave the stems out. And the door open. Maybe even tape off the spot the stems go through? Anything that condenses in the upper part of the unit won't be in the vapor path later on since it's cold then and fairly well sealed off.

Cotton pads should be OK, just check. I've come across ones with polyester in them, not good. Pure cotton would work, as would cotton cloth, like say old Levis or tee shirts?

Some plastics are pretty tough, we need it to soften up enough to scrape off the glass surface, Ascent is clearly capable of getting this plastic, whatever it is, to change. So it should work better hot, and Ascent should be hot enough at full blast.

Although I've never tried them, the 'Magic Eraser' favored by some might also be worth a try, But I'd do it cold, no sense adding more problems.....

MrNaturalAZ said:

The oven is capable of reaching 420+ degrees - if it got hot enough to soften or melt the plastic enough to release fumes, it will also get hot enough to facilitate cleaning and/or burn off any remaining plastic residue from the beads.

Click to expand...

Very well put, probably clearer than I did. Always good to get a different 'take' in such cases......although next time maybe I'll standby and let you take the questions.......

Thanks, good to know it's getting across.

OF

Hi guys,


just wrote a really long post and then my computer fucked up... arrrgh. Try to be brief and precise now:

Did "cleaning" with wooden tooth pick and cotton pads for about an hour. no "skidmarks".. just maybe a really really slight yellowish lining around the oval shaped bottom (around the "corners"). but that can be also regular residues I guess.

the i did some dry hits on max. temp. still tasted a lil like plastic - but have to say that never really got away before.
Heres my question: doesn't your dry hits (@ max temp, stock stems, bowl empty but closed) taste a lil like plastic? not even slightly?

After some sips my tongue felt kinda irritated...sensitive.. maybe even a lil numb on the surface.. yours too?
(normally I surely wouldnt do dry hits..and its logical that hot air can irritate and dry the tongue... but I had that feeling too when the beads and herbs were in.. so I try find a clue)


About the beads: did also heat a new one up with a lighter for about 2 minutes and let it cool down. the surface got a bit dull and maybe I bit "sticky" - the odor wasnt as much as I expected.. had to sniff for it.. but there was some of that bad smell in a way... as it cooled down I took a closer look and scratched the surface... I could remove some of the color.. so its tinted on the outside... this should be at least one evident fact showing its the beads. Took one of the used one and examined: around the hole(s) surface is dull.. guess the heat did "attack" here first...

Maybe I'm lucky and got that worst things out by heating and heating at max... and scratching and "polishing", then sipping... letting it on at max. for a while.
The old stems Im gonna throw away, at the former lower part is (or was) definitely a bad smelling and sticky residue around the holes. the other bad stuff could have gone on the herbs below them.

Hope you guys can give me your impressions and answers to my question once again. I owe you!

Thank you!

vapen00b said:

Hi guys, just wrote a really long post and then my computer fucked up... arrrgh.

Click to expand...

Looks like both copies came through, so if you see this in time, maybe you can delete the dupe.

vapen00b said:

Did "cleaning" with wooden tooth pick and cotton pads at max. temp for about an hour. no real "skidmarks" neither on cotton nor bowl.. just maybe a really really slight and thin yellowish lining around the oval shaped bottom (around the whole bowl). but that can be also regular residues I guess.

Then i did some dry hits at max. temp. still tasted a lil like plastic - but have to say that never really got away before.

Click to expand...

Excellent, thanks for the update. Sounds like you're getting it under control, good on ya as they say.

I wouldn't expect to see any evidence ('skid marks'......love it) since the coating was originally clear and you're looking at most at a small amount. Finish of the bowl surface is probably your best indication.

I can't comment on such tastes, very subjective, and many say I have no taste. While I think 'very little' might be true, they seem to think they have a lot of evidence.....and there's a lot of 'em.

I hesitate to bring this up, as it's ripe for abuse and problems, but we're big boys and girls here so...... How about carefully plugging the four holes in the bottom of the bowl with cut off round toothpicks? Cut each one off so it seats solidly (sealing) without sticking out too far below. Cut the tops off even with the oven top. Then carefully put a dab of toothpaste (mild abrasive) on a toothpick end and go to work on the corners. Replace the paste as needed, but try to keep the quantity low as possible for the job. Clean up with damp (water) q-tips, leaving the plugs in place. I'd do a second 'rinse down' before carefully pulling the plugs. A tiny bit of the toothpaste isn't a big deal really, but not what you want to be adding to your bud I think?

Anyway, kudos for taking it by the horns. Sounds like you've got it on the run.

MrNaturalAZ said:

Looks like both copies came through, so if you see this in time, maybe you can delete the dupe.

Click to expand...

I just reported it, hopefully that will take care of it as only Mods can delete posts anyway?

OF

OF said:

I hesitate to bring this up, as it's ripe for abuse and problems, but we're big boys and girls here so...... How about carefully plugging the four holes in the bottom of the bowl with cut off round toothpicks? Cut each one off so it seats solidly (sealing) without sticking out too far below. Cut the tops off even with the oven top. Then carefully put a dab of toothpaste (mild abrasive) on a toothpick end and go to work on the corners. Replace the paste as needed, but try to keep the quantity low as possible for the job. Clean up with damp (water) q-tips, leaving the plugs in place. I'd do a second 'rinse down' before carefully pulling the plugs. A tiny bit of the toothpaste isn't a big deal really, but not what you want to be adding to your bud I think?


OF

Click to expand...

OF, thanks so much for your time and creativity.

Just to be sure I got it right:

Put the sticks in coming from above the bowl. Why would you cut em off even with oven top? You don't want to close it anyway? Or do you even mean to close and heat the thing up at a certain point?

What about the glass kinda finish of the bowl + tooth paste + pick? Think it's gonna rub down and result in way bigger problems? On the other hand: you think those whatever particles frm the beads are gonna be brushed away with the help of the paste?


@MrNaturalAZ : since OF is a tasteless genius could you gimme your experience and feeling concerning my questions? If you find the time to try it out and answer, I'd love to hear about it:

vapen00b said:

Heres my question: doesn't your dry hits (@ max temp, stock stems, bowl empty but closed) taste a lil like plastic? not even slightly?

After some sips my tongue felt kinda irritated...sensitive.. maybe even a lil numb on the surface.. yours too?
(normally I surely wouldnt do dry hits..and its logical that hot air can irritate and dry the tongue... but I had that feeling too when the beads and herbs were in.. so I try find a clue)

Click to expand...

Thanks to all of you, also for reporting my double post. Didn't see it.. Now I hopefully know how to handle that thing.

vapen00b said:

Put the sticks in coming from above the bowl. Why would you cut em off even with oven top? You don't want to close it anyway?

What about the glass kinda finish of the bowl + tooth paste + pick? Think it's gonna rub down and result in way bigger problems? On the other hand: you think those whatever particles frm the beads are gonna be brushed away with the help of the paste?

Click to expand...

You're welcome, glad we're getting it sorted out.

Yes, cork the holes from the top. Cut them off so they don't block the scrubbing to come, but not too short lest you have trouble getting them back out. No big deal, the idea is to keep stuff from getting in where it's hard to get at it to get it out. No need to close it. Nor, I think to heat? But I'd do it cold anyway, toothpaste is not good roasted......

There should be no scratching issues with toothpaste. The abrasives used are really mild so they don't wear your teeth out. OTHO they typically have porous components (that normally trap plaque and tartar) that should help keep the junk bound up until you can rinse it out. It's kind of a fun game, called 'lapping' in many trades. The idea is abrasives hard enough to do the job (and in this case not scar the working surface) get imbedded into the "tool" typically made of brass for machine tools and held fast while the 'business side' of the grit does the work. Yeah, brass to cut steel. Or in our case, wood to wear away the plastic coating.

And, of course, toothpaste rinses well with water. Even in very small amounts. As you tongue easily demonstrates after every meal........

And even if there was some polishing of the surface of the glaze, it'll be confined to the corner and defy detection.

OF

@CarolKing does the wong go all down to the glass screen? Or how does it work?

silvercloud358 said:

As an alternative to Gong ,tried using UpTech's orig cart's rubber mouthpiece ~

liked the 'feeling' of soft rubber vs glass ,soo decided to use stock mouthtube w/

it ~ only con ,Gong gives more length for extra fast cooling ( increased air ratio ) ,

soo ,will do more comparisons

Click to expand...

Interesting. I have one lying around in my car. Must give it a try.

OF said:

You're welcome, glad we're getting it sorted out.

Yes, cork the holes from the top. Cut them off so they don't block the scrubbing to come, but not too short lest you have trouble getting them back out. No big deal, the idea is to keep stuff from getting in where it's hard to get at it to get it out. No need to close it. Nor, I think to heat? But I'd do it cold anyway, toothpaste is not good roasted......

There should be no scratching issues with toothpaste. The abrasives used are really mild so they don't wear your teeth out. OTHO they typically have porous components (that normally trap plaque and tartar) that should help keep the junk bound up until you can rinse it out. It's kind of a fun game, called 'lapping' in many trades. The idea is abrasives hard enough to do the job (and in this case not scar the working surface) get imbedded into the "tool" typically made of brass for machine tools and held fast while the 'business side' of the grit does the work. Yeah, brass to cut steel. Or in our case, wood to wear away the plastic coating.

And, of course, toothpaste rinses well with water. Even in very small amounts. As you tongue easily demonstrates after every meal........

And even if there was some polishing of the surface of the glaze, it'll be confined to the corner and defy detection.

OF

Click to expand...

Thanks, OF!
When I get the chance im gonna check it out... Too busy ATM. And don't wanna screw it up (again). Guess before I will try another cycle to see if it has gotten better. I m definitely posting as soon as I've tried brushing it
Sorry for my short reply, it's late over here..zzzzZzzzz

Bye for now, thank you so much

Sativape said:

@silvercloud358, can you get your hands on some unpressed bubble?

I keep it loose and dry and mix it with some fine ground bud.

I have played around with different ratios to find balance between taste and vapor production.

I would say in terms of volume (I will weight it out too) 90% bud : 10% bubble works amazing.

If you were to add more bubble, then the bubble will outlast the bud and the taste will be compromised.

I found the best method is just sprinkling the bubble onto the finely ground bud and mixing it slightly not pressing it together.

This is maximize the surface area of the bubble to allow for even air flow.

Click to expand...

Hey guy ,just mixed up som jasmine crumble ( @ 5:1 ; me needs extra juice after king tolerance gets thru ) ~

Opinion 1st time out ,no chemmy aftertaste ,just pure *Skywalker OG/Louis x111 in front of Jasmine Crumble ( no problem :-) ~ ThankYou Sir ,it's well appreciated

Psst* ... ..as per ur suggestion mixed by hand on parchment ,sweet

@KidFated. The WonG is about an inch above the hinged opening.

CarolKing said:

@KidFated. The WonG is about an inch above the hinged opening.

Click to expand...

Awesome thanks!

Experimenting battery heat control : seems that '"minimize temp w/long ,steady

slow rips w/heavy pulls @ end"' will keep overheating to a minimum ~ find that

qwik pulls @ temp. higher than vape-zone ,will overheat easily ~

Also ,proper **ventilation of *airpath critical ( 2 glass screens in oven floor ,2

GS @center ,and 1 GS topper under cotton )

Psst* .. .. me finds identical results w/w/o adding bare concentrate direct to bud

Psst** .... FWIW ,usually ,the larger the cloud ,the hotter the battery ,soo best

to "trombone" glass filter

Shout out to anyone for link to ''rubber mouthpiece tips"' ,similar to W9Tech's

standard cart component ~ UpTech packages them together ,only

Hello.
Want to share my experience up to this point with my purchase of the Ascent. Purchased it 6 days ago from a local store who happens to be an authorized Davinci dealer.
I bought the stealth model and will be returning it to the store today for the second time already. The first one was returned for the temperature display glitch where the unit won't sit between 398 and 402 when warm. When I returned the the store the manager pulled out at least five brand new Ascents and they all did it. They gave me a new one anyway.
Having a session last night and when I closed the unit the hinge gave and now there is a big gap between top and bottom parts. I have been very careful with the Ascent I want it to last as long as possible like the OG Davinci I have.
I love this vape when it's working. Hopefully the third time is the charm
Thanks for all the great info and have a great day!

kgb33 said:

Hello.
Want to share my experience up to this point with my purchase of the Ascent. Purchased it 6 days ago from a local store who happens to be an authorized Davinci dealer.
I bought the stealth model and will be returning it to the store today for the second time already. The first one was returned for the temperature display glitch where the unit won't sit between 398 and 402 when warm. When I returned the the store the manager pulled out at least five brand new Ascents and they all did it. They gave me a new one anyway.
Having a session last night and when I closed the unit the hinge gave and now there is a big gap between top and bottom parts. I have been very careful with the Ascent I want it to last as long as possible like the OG Davinci I have.
I love this vape when it's working. Hopefully the third time is the charm
Thanks for all the great info and have a great day!

Click to expand...

Part of your issues were also on my agenda to investigate design snag @ 401-

402 ~ agreed ,no big deal here ,but as for the hinge ,caution before use