The Toad from Morwood
- Thread starter Dan Morrison
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fangorn
Well-Known Member
hi @Dan Morrison !
(not lucky enough to have a Nomad 1 or 2 ... and probably having to wait 1 or 2 years before my turn comes ... I would be the happiest in the world if I could get my hands on a toad ... I will be the French frog who most often kiss a toad
)
for the discussions around the coating ... I have a preference for the natural version ... yes there are other non-natural materials inside ... but if the envelope is ... that changes a lot for me ... the feeling in hand ... the pleasure of having a "purest" product ...
and for the colors ... I like the idea of the "sunset gradient ..."
if that helps, when you mentioned cherry wood ... I immediately thought / visualized a cherry red gradient for the color of the coating ...
good thoughts !!!
(not lucky enough to have a Nomad 1 or 2 ... and probably having to wait 1 or 2 years before my turn comes ... I would be the happiest in the world if I could get my hands on a toad ... I will be the French frog who most often kiss a toad
)for the discussions around the coating ... I have a preference for the natural version ... yes there are other non-natural materials inside ... but if the envelope is ... that changes a lot for me ... the feeling in hand ... the pleasure of having a "purest" product ...
and for the colors ... I like the idea of the "sunset gradient ..."
if that helps, when you mentioned cherry wood ... I immediately thought / visualized a cherry red gradient for the color of the coating ...
good thoughts !!!
Copacetic
Somewhere North of The Wall
Cherry red sounds good to me too, and if I were you I'd go for whichever finish offers the best durability/stability, regardless of cool factor. All-else being equal the traditional approach has some extra charm, but it shouldn't be at the expense of longevity and reliability. Just my two cents.
I love your paper work, but I also can't stop myself from wondering how a leather cover would look on the Toad!
Whatever finish you go for, I'm in
bkkbob
Obsessive Collector
Please don't forget all my emails and messages if you drop 15, you probably have me on do not disturb mode 
Honestly, all of them look amazing. I would just want you to surprise me. I think most of us lack the artistic skills to even suggest to you how to improve on your designs, they are all so unique and beautiful. If acrylic doesn't change the look and adds to the durability it may be a good idea. I really love the simple clean look of all your Toad wood samples and device samples.
S
Honestly, all of them look amazing. I would just want you to surprise me. I think most of us lack the artistic skills to even suggest to you how to improve on your designs, they are all so unique and beautiful. If acrylic doesn't change the look and adds to the durability it may be a good idea. I really love the simple clean look of all your Toad wood samples and device samples.
S
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BakedDiogenes
Well-Known Member
Also a vote for blue color (or gray color) but I think we will all take whatever is available!
+1 for blue, especially in that gradient style.
Vaporware
Well-Known Member
Blue, gray and/or green solids or gradients would be cool, and so would a lot of other colors! You talked about doing it before, and if you have time then painting little accents (or more expansive designs) on at least some of them would be cool. Since you’re doing all of the design yourself it could be a much quicker process.
In addition to the types of imagery we already talked about, some of the Japanese vending machine style stuff could look cool and be easier to do than more organic designs. Anything in the various styles you worked on for Nomad sleeves would be cool too, if any would be easy enough to do. Good chance to keep those skills up maybe?
If you don’t have time for that I get it, but even a little stamp or brand of your symbol or something on some of them might be cool.
The gradients and even solid colors do look nice though, so it wouldn’t be bad to do any/all just like the one you just made. I like your paintings too though, and I think they’re one of the things that made the Nomad I so special, so I think it’d be a shame not to see anything beyond gradients on any of them.
I prefer the natural/traditional materials/methods, but the way you described it I think the acrylic would still be fine so you should probably decide based on what you think will be best.
If you’re still not sure, maybe make a batch or half batch of each and see if that makes the decision easier?
…and I think I already expressed my interest in these.
@xtraclipsforxtrashit A retractable stem would be cool, and I can think of ways to do it with a modified stem or other more complicated changes, but this project is supposed to make it faster and easier for Dan to build and that’s moving in the opposite direction…
If it’s something other people really want though, I could put together a design or two to consider if Dan or another woodworker wants to make anything like that as an add-on for Toads or Nomads, but I’d still need to figure out the best way to pull it out without modifying the body. Most of the things I’ve thought of so far would leave something uncomfortable against your lip, but I have a couple of thoughts that could work better.
In addition to the types of imagery we already talked about, some of the Japanese vending machine style stuff could look cool and be easier to do than more organic designs. Anything in the various styles you worked on for Nomad sleeves would be cool too, if any would be easy enough to do. Good chance to keep those skills up maybe?
If you don’t have time for that I get it, but even a little stamp or brand of your symbol or something on some of them might be cool.
The gradients and even solid colors do look nice though, so it wouldn’t be bad to do any/all just like the one you just made. I like your paintings too though, and I think they’re one of the things that made the Nomad I so special, so I think it’d be a shame not to see anything beyond gradients on any of them.
I prefer the natural/traditional materials/methods, but the way you described it I think the acrylic would still be fine so you should probably decide based on what you think will be best.
If you’re still not sure, maybe make a batch or half batch of each and see if that makes the decision easier?
…and I think I already expressed my interest in these.
@xtraclipsforxtrashit A retractable stem would be cool, and I can think of ways to do it with a modified stem or other more complicated changes, but this project is supposed to make it faster and easier for Dan to build and that’s moving in the opposite direction…
If it’s something other people really want though, I could put together a design or two to consider if Dan or another woodworker wants to make anything like that as an add-on for Toads or Nomads, but I’d still need to figure out the best way to pull it out without modifying the body. Most of the things I’ve thought of so far would leave something uncomfortable against your lip, but I have a couple of thoughts that could work better.
BakedDiogenes
Well-Known Member
Blue, gray and/or green solids or gradients would be cool, and so would a lot of other colors! You talked about doing it before, and if you have time then painting little accents (or more expansive designs) on at least some of them would be cool. Since you’re doing all of the design yourself it could be a much quicker process.
In addition to the types of imagery we already talked about, some of the Japanese vending machine style stuff could look cool and be easier to do than more organic designs. Anything in the various styles you worked on for Nomad sleeves would be cool too, if any would be easy enough to do. Good chance to keep those skills up maybe?
If you don’t have time for that I get it, but even a little stamp or brand of your symbol or something on some of them might be cool.
The gradients and even solid colors do look nice though, so it wouldn’t be bad to do any/all just like the one you just made. I like your paintings too though, and I think they’re one of the things that made the Nomad I so special, so I think it’d be a shame not to see anything beyond gradients on any of them.
I prefer the natural/traditional materials/methods, but the way you described it I think the acrylic would still be fine so you should probably decide based on what you think will be best.
If you’re still not sure, maybe make a batch or half batch of each and see if that makes the decision easier?
…and I think I already expressed my interest in these.
@xtraclipsforxtrashit A retractable stem would be cool, and I can think of ways to do it with a modified stem or other more complicated changes, but this project is supposed to make it faster and easier for Dan to build and that’s moving in the opposite direction…
If it’s something other people really want though, I could put together a design or two to consider if Dan or another woodworker wants to make anything like that as an add-on for Toads or Nomads, but I’d still need to figure out the best way to pull it out without modifying the body. Most of the things I’ve thought of so far would leave something uncomfortable against your lip, but I have a couple of thoughts that could work better.
My only issue with the solids, at least the very first Toad @Dan Morrison posted here, is it immediately reminded me of these.
myla
Anvibian
Hi Dan,
I put my name on the list for a Nomad II last August and I would really like to have a Toad to ease the waiting so I am in too. I have 2 EVO’s for desktop and Vapcaps and Solo for portable. There have been some very interesting portable vapes and Induction heaters lately but my desire is to have a Nomad II and a Toad before I consider anything else. Your work to me is the greatest, really appreciated!
I put my name on the list for a Nomad II last August and I would really like to have a Toad to ease the waiting so I am in too. I have 2 EVO’s for desktop and Vapcaps and Solo for portable. There have been some very interesting portable vapes and Induction heaters lately but my desire is to have a Nomad II and a Toad before I consider anything else. Your work to me is the greatest, really appreciated!
In addition to the types of imagery we already talked about, some of the Japanese vending machine style stuff could look cool and be easier to do than more organic designs. Anything in the various styles you worked on for Nomad sleeves would be cool too, if any would be easy enough to do. Good chance to keep those skills up maybe?
I 100% will be doing a few of these sorts of painted sleeves!
All your other thoughts are great as well, thanks!
I'm going to make a final pair of toads, one with acrylic, one with wheat starch/shellac... and do a comparison of crafting time.. that's really the only variable that may be significantly different.
The hardest part of wrapping is that bottom lip. I wrap the shell with the bottom plate on, so as to form a perfect fitting lip. But i can't get any glue squeeze out onto the bottom plate or...obviously.. i'll never be able to separate it once the glue dries. The adhesive that is best able to help with this lip will likely win. So far it's kinda looking like the acrylic might be better in that regard...
Another note on natural vs synthetic is that for any special edition painted shells, I'll be using acrylic paint. I've tested every single paint medium out there, and nothing beats acrylic for this purpose. And compared to a natural medium like casein, the two paints look and feel absolutely identical. The trick is finding the right paint... in my case I like a thin viscosity matte finish paint. I much prefer gouache/watercolour working properties, but the durability of those is non-existant.
@BakedDiogenes , oh man... I actually think re-creating that box design would be so cool! I enjoy the idea of a vape looking like a vintage cigarette box. I can totally understand that design bringing back some bad memories for some people though.
You got it @myla Thank you! I think this would fit in nicely with your collection.
gordontreeman
Everythings coming up Milhouse!
I think this is probably the play. For me its the idea of the natural finish that is cooler (the tradition and process), but if it impacts durability of your paint/other finishing process or is just a right royal pita to craft then you should probably go with what is more feasible.
I hope its obvious that I'm excited to try to get a toad at some point, but I see we're all formalizing it so please see my posts from a few pages ago
. If you end up going with acrylic and have no use for the casein/wheat starch washi prototypes, I would happily take them off of your hands! I'm excited to see what you come up with for colors--I also dig the gradient ideas!
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BakedDiogenes
Well-Known Member
“issue” might have been the wrong word, just more an association thing as a cigarette smoker.
Whatever you come up with will probably be up my alley. Having spent a good chunk of my life in Japan and S Korea, I’m heavily drawn to the Eastern aesthetic.
A solid colored paper wrap to compliment the wood used (will all Toads be pear?) would look good, and even a solid eggshell or ivory sort of color would be a good contrast. I don’t know anything about dyeing paper, but it looks like you could even recreate a marbled effect, given your talents and willingness to experiment.
cx714
Unregulated Tendencies
I see it more as a polite mad scramble. The thinly-veiled urgency with which we’re all jockeying to be in that first 15 might be more flattering than all the declarations of love for Dan’s craft.I hope its obvious that I'm excited to try to get a toad at some point, but I see we're all formalizing it so please see my posts from a few pages ago
I’m also a fan of the gradient/wash effect, esp. in cooler tones, tho when I read that Dan might be painting more sleeves, I was like
. Like I needed another reason.
attackpoints
Well-Known Member
Funny that you mention that @BakedDiogenes, they also reminded me of cigarette packs, but these ones in particular: Player's No. 6
Haha I sure hope it's flattering! I really appreciate the in depth posts about process, it really builds excitement. It's nice to think that there will be devices out there that are so thoughtfully crafted. I'm feeling very lucky to be apart of this community.
BakedDiogenes
Well-Known Member
I actually really like the look of those. Might even be cool to replace the script with a serial number and maybe some kind of logo (some sort of amphibian, perhaps?).Funny that you mention that @BakedDiogenes, they also reminded me of cigarette packs, but these ones in particular: Player's No. 6
Haha I sure hope it's flattering! I really appreciate the in depth posts about process, it really builds excitement. It's nice to think that there will be devices out there that are so thoughtfully crafted. I'm feeling very lucky to be apart of this community.
Ripstar
Well-Known Member
Same!And, of course, I want to sign up for it.
attackpoints
Well-Known Member
Maybe something like this by Jakucho Itoh? I love this style of painting but it may not work as a logo.
seriousTone
Well-Known Member
Yeahhhh I've been quietly dreaming about something of Dan's with leather. And like brass rivets.
@xtraclipsforxtrashit A retractable stem would be cool, and I can think of ways to do it with a modified stem or other more complicated changes, but this project is supposed to make it faster and easier for Dan to build and that’s moving in the opposite direction…
If it’s something other people really want though, I could put together a design or two to consider if Dan or another woodworker wants to make anything like that as an add-on for Toads or Nomads, but I’d still need to figure out the best way to pull it out without modifying the body. Most of the things I’ve thought of so far would leave something uncomfortable against your lip, but I have a couple of thoughts that could work better.
Yeah I did forget this was suppose to be an easy fun project. But I just threw it out there just because, maybe it will come in handy in a future product.
That'd be a cool aftermarket add on to be able to do but I wouldn't know anything about anything like that.
I believe the Firewood has this feature? (It's a sick feature but I'd personally rather have the Nomad II.)
namasteIII
Well-Known Member
I'm down for edible toads personally, we all know Dans devices are secretly built for the apocalypse.
Vaporware
Well-Known Member
Yeah, the Firewood 7 has a retractable stem but there is a separate bowl on the bottom, the stem goes up the side and there’s a whole other ceramic piece and little glass tube between the bowl and the stem.
I do like the FW7 (although I would refine a few things), but it is a fairly different design from the Nomad/Toad/etc. so the same stem design wouldn’t work. Some similar ideas could work, but if you’re using even Dan’s fabric case it’ll be at least as good in most situations. Maybe better since it should keep some lint out too.
If you think it needs more protection, a little cap to cover the end of the stem might be a preferable solution in this case.
I did explore a few retractable and covered stem designs earlier on... but in the end the case won out as being all-around more practical and simple. I'm more and more leaning towards minimalism in my designs... and this Toad is the ultimate expression of that so far. Plus, the less moving parts, the less that can go wrong.
There are forest fires far north of us, but somehow the smoke has made its way down here. Not to worry, as our area has been very rainy lately, but the daylight is coming through the orange sky making the daytime look like a never ending sunset. It's actually pretty damn cool!
I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a few golden shots in the window.
If you look closely here you can see some subtle horizontal lines inside the paper. These lines are an artifact of the traditional washi making process. Pretty neat!
@Copacetic I did wonder about a leather shell for this... but making it seamless seemed rather difficult. Also, the bottom lip needs to be quite ridgid, I was afraid that the leather would be too flexible. I do think it would look cool however, and age verrryy nicely. So maybe one day! This design leaves a lot of areas open to explore down the road.
I also tried a wrapped wood veneer shell, but ultimately didn't like the wood on wood look.
My ultimate shell would be made from washi with a urushi lacquer finish *drool*.
hahaha, I had a good laugh over that jockeying comment.
There are forest fires far north of us, but somehow the smoke has made its way down here. Not to worry, as our area has been very rainy lately, but the daylight is coming through the orange sky making the daytime look like a never ending sunset. It's actually pretty damn cool!
I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a few golden shots in the window.
If you look closely here you can see some subtle horizontal lines inside the paper. These lines are an artifact of the traditional washi making process. Pretty neat!
@Copacetic I did wonder about a leather shell for this... but making it seamless seemed rather difficult. Also, the bottom lip needs to be quite ridgid, I was afraid that the leather would be too flexible. I do think it would look cool however, and age verrryy nicely. So maybe one day! This design leaves a lot of areas open to explore down the road.
I also tried a wrapped wood veneer shell, but ultimately didn't like the wood on wood look.
My ultimate shell would be made from washi with a urushi lacquer finish *drool*.
hahaha, I had a good laugh over that jockeying comment.
namasteIII
Well-Known Member
Dang yeah I’m loving the simplicity and minimalism of these designs. Just a small pretty box.
Ripstar
Well-Known Member
For real, the minimal style is "big".
attackpoints
Well-Known Member
Wow golden hour is really making the button pop
What a beauty