Discontinued The RBT Milaana (unregulated single 18650)

Oogendoogan said:

Wow this thing just really helped my mood after that horrible penguins game lol. Two stems and I'm gone. Not used to using so little bud. I even milked my 14inch zob beaker which was cool but not as nice as my matrix this thing packs a punch.. Not sure exactly what it is but the vapor is so thick.. It also seems to get me higher than other convection vapes? Who knows..? This thing rocks. Peace and good night everyone.

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I was watching the same game vaping my Milaana. We probably vaped together! Awkwardly though .... I was cheering

@Vape Dr. is that some forced patina via torch on the copper lid?

nondarb said:

I too work with wood. My unit was BURNT, and not by a router. Moot point IIRC the mi and zi are made on a CNC machine.

Funny everyone's mark is more or less in the exact same mark and yet there's tooling on all sides..

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The Mi is not made on a CNC. It was a HAAS triple or four axis machine that some Zion bodies were built on which is overkill for making vapes and considering the cost of the machine it may not even really be used for either the Mi or Zion now or in the future. It is a precision machining tool for metal and not wood. It spends at much faster rpms than wood sanders and routers. It is also not going to handle an organic material as well as metal so tolarance and finishing would be an issue for this machine IMO.

We also dont know that the Mi is being built completely by hand or by the HAAS. It takes some serious programming to teach the machine to make the simplest parts.

Lastly, I thought you work in rough carpentry. I would not consider that wood work in the since of wood shop. You cut and nail 2x4s man...far fucking cry from wood shop. Now if you have cabinet experience or something more relevant to an actual wood shop then I apologize but it really sounds like you don't from you not understanding the common wood-working knowledge things like what @Dramma Lamma posted. I am not trying to spark drama or pick a bone with you by any means...just looking to clear up things. If I am wrong, I can take it.

AJS said:

I was watching the same game vaping my Milaana. We probably vaped together! Awkwardly though .... I was cheering

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Hahaha we forsure vaped together. That game pissed me off! Why couldn't we just beat you guys like we did the whole 3d?!!

nosmoking said:

Lastly, I thought you work in rough carpentry. I would not consider that wood work in the since of wood shop. You cut and nail 2x4s man...far fucking cry from wood shop. Now if you have cabinet experience or something more relevant to an actual wood shop then I apologize but it really sounds like you don't from you not understanding the common wood-working knowledge things like what @Dramma Lamma posted.

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You don't know me or my experience so I suggest not talking about it. I'm in commercial carpentry, I'm not a lowly stick framer. I install millwork (among a LOT of other shit), and have worked for millwork shops, but you are correct in that my work is primarily in the field. I have however been working on building a small shop on my own time as a hobby. I am by no means implying I am (nor have I ever) some master craftsman of wood. Just a tinkerer.

None of those burns look like the one on my unit, if I wasnt still waiting for its return I'd gladly show it. @WakeAndVape unit isn't like that either, but I could care less if you or anyone else agrees dude. I don't appreciate the rude implications about my trade or skill set.

If I'm wrong, its no skin off my back (seems others are a lot more invested in this lol?). Atleast I wasn't rude about it. So how about we all accept eachothers for what they are? You know what they say about opinions eh? They're just like assholes, everyone's got one. But just because they're like assholes doesn't give people the right to shit all over others.

cannabis.pro said:

@Vape Dr. is that some forced patina via torch on the copper lid?

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Yes it is @cannabis.pro I am in the process of making it more steam punk looking.

nosmoking said:

The Mi is not made on a CNC. It was a HAAS triple or four axis machine that some Zion bodies were built on which is overkill for making vapes and considering the cost of the machine it may not even really be used for either the Mi or Zion now or in the future. It is a precision machining tool for metal and not wood. It spends at much faster rpms than wood sanders and routers. It is also not going to handle an organic material as well as metal so tolarance and finishing would be an issue for this machine IMO.

We also dont know that the Mi is being built completely by hand or by the HAAS. It takes some serious programming to teach the machine to make the simplest parts.

Lastly, I thought you work in rough carpentry. I would not consider that wood work in the since of wood shop. You cut and nail 2x4s man...far fucking cry from wood shop. Now if you have cabinet experience or something more relevant to an actual wood shop then I apologize but it really sounds like you don't from you not understanding the common wood-working knowledge things like what @Dramma Lamma posted. I am not trying to spark drama or pick a bone with you by any means...just looking to clear up things. If I am wrong, I can take it.

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nondarb said:

You don't know me or my experience so I suggest not talking about it. I'm in commercial carpentry, I'm not a lowly stick framer. I'm install millwork (among a LOT of other shit), and have worked for millwork shops, but you are correct in that my work is primarily in the field. I have however been working on building a small shop on my own time as a hobby. I am by no means implying I am (nor have I ever) some master craftsman of wood. Just a tinkerer.

None of those burns look like the one on my unit, if I wasnt still waiting for its return I'd gladly show it. @WakeAndVape unit isn't like that either, but I could care less if you or anyone else agrees dude. I don't appreciate the rude implications about my trade or skill set.

If I'm wrong, its no skin off my back (seems others are a lot more invested in this lol?). Atleast I wasn't rude about it. So how about we all accept eachothers for what they are? You know what they say about opinions eh? They're just like assholes, everyone's got one. But just because they're like assholes doesn't give people the right to shit all over others.

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Please take any further discussion along these lines to PMs.

Oogendoogan said:

Not sure exactly what it is but the vapor is so thick

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You know what it is! 15%...

Gotta love the hair band.

These are the caps I use for stem safety. These aren't to cap a load, they're to protect your stems from multiple foot drops. It'll just bounce.

I have them on both stems at all times when not in use.

So, I handed a loaded Bam Bam with a fresh battery to a buddy last night who had never seen or heard of one. All I said was don't hold down the button for more than 5 seconds at a time. He proceeded to get incredibly good hits and finished the bowl in 3. That is quite impressive for a new user, and says GOBS about Milaana.

I can't imagine this vape not doing very well when the word gets out. Everyone who has tried mine wants one.

AJS said:

These are the caps I use for stem safety. These aren't to cap a load, they're to protect your stems from multiple foot drops. It'll just bounce.

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Those look like cane tips. And they look like they would work well. Not quite as well as not dropping the stems to begin with...

Here is the bottom of my early model. Notice the "hot spots" from the router, I assume (way less severe), all at the top couple mm of the routed edge. I imagine there will be fewer and fewer marked units as things get dialed in.

If, instead, mine was torched to access the heater, then he did a superb job hiding it.

I don't know. It just seems like a "Duh" to me.

Sorry about the feet. Easiest way to hold it for the pic...

Truth be known it is just a killer vape. All the rest is bullshit.

Vape Dr. said:

Yes it is @cannabis.pro I am in the process of making it more steam punk looking.

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Great idea and flame polishing! This calls for some combustion!

Tried basket screen method... gotta say, not a fan. Gunks up too fast...

Some finish sanding and bees wax








All you ever need...

Used an old ELB for an intake cover, not perfect but I like it better than just the mesh. I think my next mod will be the guitar pick.

Bravesst said:

Tried basket screen method... gotta say, not a fan. Gunks up too fast...

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eh... I go back and forth, but can't decide on a favorite. Like both ways, but do prefer basket through a bubbler.

Don't really think it gets much more gunked in basket mode, just that the gunk is on more of the screen. Best to clean them frequently anyway. For a quick clean I go pretty hot with the button with no load. You'll get some vapor as you vape residue off the screen. Not the tastiest IMO, and pretty hot, but still effective.

Then I take the screen out, hit it with a old toothbrush that has a few drops of ISO on it, rinse, dry and back into the stem. Usually give it a dry hit or two before loading, just to get rid of any remaining moisture. Quicker than soaking for 1/2 hour or more (I usually soak screens overnight) and not too difficult.

Clean screens are a necessity with a set-up like this IMO. I'm damned near religious about it with my nano, and so far have been about the same with my Milaana. Depends some on what you're putting through it and how you like to hit it, but I clean or change screens about every 5 loads.

Bravesst said:

Tried basket screen method... gotta say, not a fan. Gunks up too fast...

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Maybe vary technique or don't grind as fine then.
As someone who solely uses it basket with a few attempts at dome/flat, I would say the latter gunks up faster. It always gets crumbs in the crack between the screen and the glass for me.
Everyone's mileage varies with this vape, it's difficult to find the variables.

Thanks @cannabis.pro I appreciate the compliment!

It took some time to get that patina. When I was doing it with a propane torch it was to hard to regulate the heat, I had to get it red, it would turn all kind of cool colors then back to a dark brown.

I got this patina by getting the tab red hot with a propane torch (I used needle nose pliers in the tab hole to hold it) then I dunked it in a shot glass of water for a second.

Now were cooking because the tab was still hot I was able to use a torch lighter and just hit up the places I wanted the color.
You will get super cool color combos depending on how close or far you hold the torch.

I also "aged" the lid screw.

For my next venture I plan on trying to distress the wood a bit to bring out the grain and give it a grayish/blueish/greenish tone with a homemade concoction I'm working on.

I have been practicing on some different maple blanks. Should be doing both soon. I will post pics for sure!
I got a pretty sweet guitar pic that should match. FYI you want a medium pick if you want to notch it to swing out and double as a stem lock.

There is more planned for it but 1 step at a time!

@Smoke1ForMe the guitar pick mod is a must!
I hated not being able to carry the Milaana without the battery in it.

I hit the guitar shop, 35 cents and a drilled hole and I was in business! I think RBT should implement this mod standard. It's so simple and cheap and just makes sense!

If you are creative notch the pick on the stem side. It takes some doing but with a med pick notched locks the stem too which is nice, some washers are needed for this to get the right height of the stem collar.

Thin picks work best if you just want to break the connection. You won't have to do anything but drill a hole.

I posted prior that a 3/4" screen formed over the bottom of a AAA battery will give you just about the perfect fit for the intake. Way cheaper than an ELB!

@AJS So many variables... I ground extra fine this last batch. I'll try a looser grind, either way, can't lose.


Why don't I have 5 guitar pics? DOH

@Vape Dr. thanks for the tips! I am going to head to the guitar shop to pick a few up. I think having it lock the stem would be ideal. Yeah the ELB I used had fallen apart at the seam a while back definitely wouldn't have used a functioning one.

Man you guys are having a blast with the Milaana! And now I know why - this thing is very nice, especially with the beefier batteries I *just now* pulled off the charger...

Anyhoo - @Bravesst you might be able to get away with less gunk if you vary your screen depth a bit. With Zion mine were plugging up after a couple of stems. When I moved the screen a bit closer to the heat source that took a bunch of the gunk away.

It's also fun to clean a stem just by vaping the screen (sorry, forgot who mentioned it above). One of these days, maybe not today, and maybe not tomorrow, but soon... you'll pick up Milaana and have a few draws, and then go to change loads and discover you've been vaping empty the entire time...

Just checked Millie's bottom and she has a wee scorch around 2/3rds. Not a biggie... I'm still thinking, but @Vape Dr. and @phattpiggie have both had some great ideas for these vapes! I'm starting to lean towards a bit of a ratrod theme, to go with the old beater in the garage. Maybe a nice faded or lime-washed red, with some pinstriping kinda worn away. Or maybe just burn some striping in and soak it in lime and see what happens? Maybe stain with tea and seal with beeswax?

I just giggled as the most likely scenario is it falls out of my pocket into a pail of old motor oil in the garage, dipped in solvent quickly to clean, and then gets dried out with compressed air. And next set of fresh batteries, vaping in the garage, cause this massive fireball to blow through garage and Muggins here winds up looking like one of the Looney Tunes characters, but holding up Milly instead of a smoking match...

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Sometimes we need instructions...

Oh speaking of instructions, new models from planetvape should have them finally I am told! I think they will be posted on the website soon as well, they seem to be modelled on my own drafted Zion instructions and there was a surprise perk revealed on the back of them I saw... (also I think a new online ecig retailer has joined to distribute soon and may even offer proper male to males eventually)

Also now my Hoppers just got here, crazy automatic convection tech a few bowls in, but a few compromises with that stealthy size and fancy tech I can tell already (based on simple diffences between GH and Mi designs, both very effective tools with pros and cons, its like automatic digital vs manual analog). Very lucky to have both now, we're finally where vaping should be, what is VAS? With products like these two there's no need, feel like I've reached the top of the portable vapor pyramid (okay okay there are still a few I'd like to try and plan to test!) though my Milaana is only a rough beta (no shorty stem) as are my Zions, but Hoppers seem to be near final? More to post there

Thanks for all the photos folks. Keep 'em coming.

I like to see the variation in units, and the evolution in design and finish with so few units and short timeframe is cool to see.

Shit Snacks said:

Oh speaking of instructions, new models from planetvape should have them finally I am told! I think they will be posted on the website soon as well, they seem to be modelled on my own drafted Zion instructions and there was a surprise perk revealed on the back of them I saw... (also I think a new online ecig retailer has joined to distribute soon and may even offer proper male to males eventually)

Also now my Hoppers just got here, crazy automatic convection tech a few bowls in, but a few compromises with that stealthy size and fancy tech I can tell already (based on simple diffences between GH and Mi designs, both very effective tools with pros and cons, its like automatic digital vs manual analog). Very lucky to have both now, we're finally where vaping should be, what is VAS? With products like these two there's no need, feel like I've reached the top of the portable vapor pyramid (okay okay there are still a few I'd like to try and plan to test!) though my Milaana is only a rough beta (no shorty stem) as are my Zions, but Hoppers seem to be near final? More to post there

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I'm gonna say it.. Grasshopper vs milaana. what's your opinion? I am only concerned about vapor production and quality.. No need to review the aesthetics. I feel like I trust your opinion from reading your posts and this seems like a good match up, and competition for best on demand portable?(Zion excluded)

Oogendoogan said:

I'm gonna say it.. Grasshopper vs milaana. what's your opinion? I am only concerned about vapor production and quality.. No need to review the aesthetics. I feel like I trust your opinion from reading your posts and this seems like a good match up, and competition for best on demand portable?(Zion excluded)

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lol someone just asked me in the GH thread too, definitely need more time and fresh herbs, but same applies to apples Grasshopper just can't touch Milaana vapor quality, still great though just nature of the different designs: simple natural manual convection power vs stealthy tech automatic convection power. Both are extremely useful and seem to render desktops rather moot (they just need pass through options) I've said Milaana is like MFLB+LSV so Grasshopper is like Pax+Evo