Firewood Vaporizer

[trout_fishing_in_america]

While we're on the vapor path, how about a built-in screen over the heating element as well to prevent abv crumbs falling in there?

+1 for the internal screen! first mod I did on every fw (fw2 x 2, fw3). it could even be ss mesh, ultrafine, to keep the element ultra clean, permanent retaining ring on the underside, clean it inverted infrequently with q tip & iso.

 

[Crussell27]

I'd say just grind less fine.

 

[DirtbagDan]

FW4 gives me a reason to ditch Zion.

 

[vapen00b]

+1 for the internal screen! first mod I did on every fw (fw2 x 2, fw3). it could even be ss mesh, ultrafine, to keep the element ultra clean, permanent retaining ring on the underside, clean it inverted infrequently with q tip & iso.

+1 would also like to keep it clean. We had a discussion twice about how to clean the unit completely... There's no way to get it back to 100% once something falls down... The smaller the particles, the worse. Even if you barely grind it's just a matter of time.. Something is gonna get trapped someday and from then on it's only getting stickier. No big deal to me for now, but I'd love the cleanliness of the Milaana

 

[Baked55]

Ok so have only read the past 20 pages so far. but after the amount of times it was recommended and what I've read so far this vape sounds great and just what I need. I know there was some comparisons to the grasshopper a couple pages back but I was just looking to see if anyone else had any input on it. I am specifically wondering how they compare in efficiency, portability and vape temp as I have read the fw vapor can get a little hot. I was also looking for opinions on if I should get tha fw3 or hold out for the 4. Also wondering if there was a general idea when it should come out (even just of its early or late fall). Thanks for any help.

 

[Vapenvy]

So...This thread got incredibly interesting all of a sudden....

If i can add my 2 cents, after the first few days with the fw3 i have never had an issue with the draw sensor. Once you know the vape you can tell pretty quickly if it has failed to sense, however this is extremely rare once you get into the habit of a primer puff.

I would therefore not be keen on a button.

I think the quick buzz to confirm puff/heater would be good, but would like the option to switch it off as i wouldn't see it as necessary once you know the vape and it may become annoying.

As noted, the simplicity of this vape once you turn it on and set temp is awesome.

Maybe for those who want a button, instead of a button to modulate the heater, the on button could be used to start the heat cycle after you have set temp.

For example. Hold to switch on. Set temp - 2 to 5 presses. Then 1 quick click OR a primer puff to start the heater. Something like that.

Anyway, what has been teased so far for the fw4 sounds awesome.

To be honest, though, i am very happy with the fw3 and my milaana, so already have the best of both worlds, so probably won't be first in line for a fw4 so don't listen to me on features for it.

That may change once i see it and read reports though...

 

[Splatterpop Circus]

I am specifically wondering how they compare in efficiency, portability and vape temp as I have read the fw vapor can get a little hot. I was also looking for opinions on if I should get tha fw3 or hold out for the 4. Also wondering if there was a general idea when it should come out (even just of its early or late fall). Thanks for any help.

Disclaimer: I haven't had much luck with my Firewood (it's trickier than the other vapes I've used) so keep that in mind.

The Grasshopper is definitely more stealthy/portable than the Firewood, but they're both very easy to pocket and the Firewood isn't big enough to be a hassle by any means.

For me, the Grasshopper is much more efficient than the Firewood, but that's probably just because I suck at using the Firewood. The Firewood needs a lot more technique and I can't seem to figure that out. I'm in the minority there, though, most people seem to have no trouble, and if used correctly I'd expect it to be just as efficient as the Grasshopper.

The temperature on both is very hot, there's not a huge difference there. Unlike the Firewood though, the Grasshopper's mouthpiece gets very hot too. You can mitigate that with the little condom thing it comes with, but I haven't used that.

Personally I'd hold out for the FW4 as the cooler vapor sounds pretty nice, but you can probably get a used Firewood 3 for cheap right now, so that's something to keep in mind - there's one in the classifieds for $90, and I'll probably be selling mine too eventually.

 

[scottyc22]

How's the learning curve and ease of use with the FW3? I think I want some on demand goodness alongside my Boundless CF. Is it easy to get down? I've gotten mixed reviews on using it in groups and learning the technique.

 

[Vapenvy]

@scottyc22 I found it pretty easy to get down. There was certainly a few empty pulls early on until i got into the habit of a primer puff. After that, all good. Others seem to have different experiences here though.

Also, 'less is more' with this vape, so i got less impressive results early on when i tried to fill up the capsule. As others had recommended, filling up to no more than 3/4 full is optimal. More than this results in blocking screen/airflow and average results (but hey, even when you already know this from other convection vapes and members, it's hard to fathom that more material will yield less effect, so everyone should try a full pack to see for themselves)

I have only used in a group once and everyone got good results with basic instructions. I found battery life even better as it stays warm from passing from person to person and there is not really much need for primer puffs after the first couple, as the capsule is already warm, plus level 3 yields level 4 type vapor due to the retained heat, with less battery usage.

I would get at least 2 capsules if using with a group so you can load one while the other is in use, as the capsule is small so not really designed for group use (if you want constant vapor without downtime for reloading, that is). Also, the inbuilt battery limits this to about 6 capsules with about 3 1/2 hours charging from empty so will not keep a group going all night.

It absolutely knocked people about though, at this party, so the casual toker won't need to hit it all night anyway.

One guy is still telling people how this 'electronic pipe' with hardly any taste or 'smoke' laid him out for the next 5 hours....ah..good times.

Sorry for the long post...got carried away.

 

[DirtbagDan]

I'm for a hold button during draw, or perhaps a click on, click off button. I am not a fan of the draw sensor, even though I've mastered it.

 

[hippogriff]

I'm for a hold button during draw, or perhaps a click on, click off button. I am not a fan of the draw sensor, even though I've mastered it.

I feel both ways - I couldn't reliably get the hang of the draw sensor while in motion (the walking the dog test), but I LOVE the draw sensor when I'm seated properly w/ a good view, that's when an elegant interface get's out of your way. Also, if it were to be a button, it'd have to be ergonomic for single hand use. I like the button on my Milaana but it's specific to that super-fast vape. The button on my Grasshopper is kinda tiresome - in the way, loud, and difficult to use one-handed. Maybe a quieter version of the Flowermate button would be good - flush, tactile, short throw.

Hmm, I really see how an optional confirmation buzz mode is the developmentally fastest solution, and it really does address the problem, too.

 

[RUDE BOY]

Marc already discontinued the FW3 on the website, now i won't be able to pick up a new 3 as a back-up and I don't believe i'll want an FW4 'cause I Hate having chargers around for 18650s as they're not practical for me at this time.

...

 

[Baked55]

Ya was also disappointed to see that the 3 was discontinued. I was ready to pull the trigger on one and now not sure what to do as I was looking to get a vape within the next couple weeks and not sure how long the wait for the 4 may be.

 

[beefsupreme]

I think @firewood's idea of a quick buzz when the heater re-activates is a good compromise and will let you know right away when its working. It might also help with technique, for those who dont draw hard enough to start it reheating, this way you could draw harder and know when you've got the right amount when it buzzes.

Looking forward to the FW4.. The fall seems like its still so far away.

 

[KeroZen]

But that's precisely what I dislike: having to draw "hard enough" and/or perform a "primer puff". That's completely un-natural.

With a button I'm telling without ambiguity what the machine should do. With a sensor I have to adapt to what the machine understands, turning me into a machine myself. Everytime we have to adapt to machines it's a disaster: for instance just see how people look silly when they talk to their phone/answering machine and have to repeat several times and loud enough for the voice recognition to work. "Delete" (...) "I said de-lete!" ("I don't understand, do you mean "day light"?) (...) -throw phone away....

 

[Edric al-Fali]

I've been away battling two vaporizers. I have been working on that review and one comparing both of them. The FW3 is my favorite so far. It's a true portable and I can get the best hits out of it compared to my other vaporizers. I think the chamber is more efficient and cooks everything thoroughly despite its size.


With regards to the FW4... I'm excited, but also don't like one feature. Partially irrelevant since my FW3 is still relatively new. What about that fateful day when I need to replace my FW3 with the FW5 or FW6...

Anyways, at first I was against a draw sensor, but after I got used to it I liked it. I don't consider it worse or better; just different. I tend to puff mine out of habit before taking an actual hit; even with a button, I tend to prime the chamber with heat with some kind of pre draw. A button has no bearing on my liking of thise vape.

The mouthpiece on the FW3 is painfully short, but the inner diameter is close to 8mm, making it fairly simple to get a mouthpiece for it.

I would be excited for the FW4 but after buying a certain different wooden vape, I can honestly say that 18650 batteries are a hassle. I'm more than set up with a good digital charger, but I like being able to plug my FW and forget about it. I think it goes back to the portability issue; since all I need is a vape and plug vs a charger, plug, vape and battery cases.
I also understand that a lot of the complaints revolve around not being able to swap out batteries casually. So yeah, freeing up the ability to change the batteries on the fly is an advantage.

 

[KeroZen]

Marc could still try to include a Li-Ion charging IC over micro-USB into the device. Would be slower maybe than a dedicated charger but at least we would have the best of both worlds?

 

[paytonpenn]

If there is port on the new unit I think it should be dedicated as passthrough, no charging.

 

[KeroZen]

I don't think any USB port would be rated high enough for passthrough, they tend to be 1A to 2A max at 5V.

If we need a special charger+port we're back to the same problem, and I prefer using my Li-Ion charger that works for all my favorite devices rather than having to carry yet another special wall wart brick.

 

[beefsupreme]

I dont mind no-built-in-charging on the FW4 as long as I can get a full day's use out of one of the high-cap 18650's. I'd prefer a smaller and more ergonomic unit than one that has extra charging doodads inside taking up space. I dont mind carrying a single spare battery which I can hotswap in the field. My use-case generally has me home every night, except when i'm camping or something, and for that I'd just stock up on charged batteries.

 

[friedrich]

But that's precisely what I dislike: having to draw "hard enough" and/or perform a "primer puff". That's completely un-natural.

With a button I'm telling without ambiguity what the machine should do. With a sensor I have to adapt to what the machine understands, turning me into a machine myself. Everytime we have to adapt to machines it's a disaster: for instance just see how people look silly when they talk to their phone/answering machine and have to repeat several times and loud enough for the voice recognition to work. "Delete" (...) "I said de-lete!" ("I don't understand, do you mean "day light"?) (...) -throw phone away....

Except that's not at all how the FW3 works in practice, at least for me; it's consistently effortless, very natural. The simple set-and-forget interface is a big part of what makes it my favorite vape ever.

In addition to requiring a little extra repetitious, superfluous user effort (minor though it might be), I think a trigger would really complicate the design. A single-button UI may not be workable without becoming complex and confusing.

I would be excited for the FW4 but after buying a certain different wooden vape, I can honestly say that 18650 batteries are a hassle. I'm more than set up with a good digital charger, but I like being able to plug my FW and forget about it. I think it goes back to the portability issue; since all I need is a vape and plug vs a charger, plug, vape and battery cases.
I also understand that a lot of the complaints revolve around not being able to swap out batteries casually. So yeah, freeing up the ability to change the batteries on the fly is an advantage.

I don't really like dealing with batteries either, but I'll be happy with FW4 as long as one charge lasts through my usual day; if not, I'll probably stick with FW3 most days rather than carry around an extra battery too.

On the other hand, for some occasions (longer excursions than a single charge would cover) it will be much nicer to bring along spare batteries rather than a power adapter… unless the trip is long enough that those batteries will need charging.

 

[Grizzly_Adams]

Vaping at work right thanks to my stealthy fw3 thank god people use box mods and nobody can tell the difference lol

 

[Hjalmark]

Glad to hear you feel that way about having external charger only. I'm a tiny bit sad to lose the ease of just plugging the unit in to charge, but also happy about how removing the charger port makes it cleaner and reduces the size. I definitely am making sure that the removal and swapping of batteries can be done as quickly and easily as possible.

I think we are on the same page with the mouthpiece. It won't cool the vapor too much...just enough to take larger, more comfortable draws but not so much that you lose the feel.

I can easily make that change on the shutdown button press duration. That's an easy one and I can agree with the change.

There will almost definitely be a prototype sighting by the end of the summer. I have a really rough unit now, that basically just proves to me that I can accomplish all my design goals and gives me high confidence that everything will work. It only works in manual mode now where you press the button to go straight to temp then press it again to turn it off, but that's enough to make it is obvious to me that this one will be significantly better than fw3 in pretty much every measurable aspect

is there a mailing list for the Firewood 4 ?, it really checks a lot of boxes for what I hope to get from a vaporizer, feels like I should do what I can to follow up on so I am subscribing to this thread and any mailing list if they exist ?

 

[hitsfrpmthevape]

First time poster here! Hello all from the Caribbean!
I am a proud owner of a Firewood 3 (Walnut), yesterday I was with a couple of friends and we were using the FW. Something that I would like if Marc is going to keep using the same capsule system (that I love btw) in the FW4, that the extra capsules have different o-ring's colors so when you are sharing it each one could know who's capsule is for each one of the users or for different strains in each capsules.
I hope that you can take the idea, sorry english is not my first language and just used my 2nd capsule of the day.

 

[E0x]

First time poster here! Hello all from the Caribbean!
I am a proud owner of a Firewood 3 (Walnut), yesterday I was with a couple of friends and we were using the FW. Something that I would like if Marc is going to keep using the same capsule system (that I love btw) in the FW4, that the extra capsules have different o-ring's colors so when you are sharing it each one could know who's capsule is for each one of the users or for different strains in each capsules.
I hope that you can take the idea, sorry english is not my first language and just used my 2nd capsule of the day.

nice , caribbean fellow here too!