Regarding the capsule lid, the ceramic bottom is loose on mine. It has some play but doesn't feel like it will detach. Anyone else's do this?
Yes that is normal
stem has a lot of reclaim built up. Any tips on getting it out to add to a bowl, besides using ISO and evaporating it out or using it as a straw with a fatty liquid?
I don't really bother reusing that anymore, in it is easier to scrape and smear on a nug for another bowl, could be possible here though I'm not sure worthwhile (you don't have to use it as a straw, you can just boil it in the liquid and then remove it, drink after it cools)
What screen mesh size works for you? I ordered a 5-pack from Marc but I can get 200 screens for a little more than he's selling them for. Anyone know what mesh size is 'standard' for the FW9?
FW7 was regular 1/2-in, but they might be a little smaller in the FW9 as the chamber capsules slightly narrow towards the bottom...
I'm still not clear on the whole convection vs. conduction with the FW9. If the heater heats up both the air and the capsule, how can you get one or the other with it?
Doesn't really matter, it is a hybrid, sounds like you are using more conduction like me though
It’s hybrid leaning towards conduction due to how well the ceramic maintains heat between hits, and folks like @Shit Snacks like to further boost conduction by doing a longer heat up and slow draw to get the capsule itself hot while not pulling as much hot air through
The main reason it would be considered a conduction hybrid, is because the heating element metal coil is wrapped around the ceramic chamber, ceramic is great and unique, though it would still be conduction even if it were metal or glass over there too... There is convection, because of the power, it can maintain temp and pull hot air from the heating element through the chamber as well, since there is plenty of air flow available
and drawing relatively quickly well past the cooldown buzz to try and cool off the ceramic a bit. It definitely gets bigger clouds and cooks quicker when I heat soak but I get really nice effects with the quicker back to back draws.
Yes so higher temps quicker draw, shorter hit, could maximize the convection more (along with how you load and pack, grind consistency etc) However what you describe is still true when you are using to maximize conduction with low temps and long hits the way I like, there is not necessarily more preheat after the first hit or two, and it still retains a lot of heat so I always let go of the button and keep inhaling for a while until vapor stops and I can clear the heat as well (nice to take a little bit of time between hits yeah this way though still some back-to-back too)
my stem was a little loose and would easily go left and right (especially when extended) so I bought some sticky felt (1 or 2mm thick) and added more (there was already a white piece on top) to the sides and one little piece at the bottom, now the stem is "locked" in place, it still slides easily but has some resistance to it and doesn't wobble anymore. I also added a small piece inside the battery compartment so the battery doesn't hit the walls anymore if shaken.
Yeah that is the suggested resolution, however I am really happy with my customized GVB stem, being longer non-retractable, with shorter small connector stem piece, all one piece, it fits pretty secure flush
Oh yeah the battery door is feeling a little more loose with mine, I like that it's not difficult, but might need some adjustment over time? Not rattling or anything yet