Discontinued herbalAire

[nicelytoasted]

Magic 9: I've been using my stock 2.1 mouthpiece for my glass for quite a while now. I find it mates well INSIDE my 18mm bong and bub, and is quite stable vertically, but not as much horizontally, so I find it works best by just "sitting" inside my glass, with no horizontal force when inserting and removing. Also, all my mouthpieces have been conditioned to make a nice, tight seal into my HA, by always keeping them in the HA as it heats and cools. This makes them more stable overall. Just to be safe, I always add a fine screen on top of the load, in the crucible, in case it ever came out, thus preventing the load from spilling all over. (By doing this, you can also get rid of the tiny screen inside the mouthpiece, which is a PITA to remove, and/or clean.)

I've never used 14mm myself, but I believe the stocker just mates TO the glass, and doesn't go inside, like the 18mm.

 

[darco]

Sorry for back-to-back, but I ran out of edit time.

I see the piece above is too long for the crucible also. For those using the original stock mouthpiece, does it mate to 14mm or 18mm? Is the only difference that you have to hold it to glass to make the seal?

I have been using the stock mouthpiece with my headford disc bubbler and pinnacle water tool and both of them are 14mm. The seal is fine, but like nicelytoasted said, it mates to the glass so you have to hold it in place. I have been using this configuration daily for a year now, but its a 2 handed activity, and hence am getting the GonG connectors from PV.

 

[Magic9]

Thanks for the replies. I ordered this for my log https://store.kultureva.com/hvy-glass-straight-mini-water-pipe-clear-with-sandblasted-logo/dp/11500 and if I can just hold up the HA to the 14mm downstem, or put it into 18mm joint (kind of close to water on a small piece though), even better.

Now I need to purchase my very first vape for a second time. Wish me luck explaining that to the wife.

 

[darco]

Nice glass at a good price however, since the joint is at an incline, you will have to hold the ha to the glass. Even if with the 18mm joint the mouthpiece may go inside, but the seal between the mouthpiece and the ha body is not strong enough to take the weight of the ha in an incline.

IMO hydrated vapor from the ha is the best vapor I have personally experienced in my 3 year experience with a limited number of vapes. You are in for some happy times!

 

[TheHerbPuffer]

I purchased my herbie about two months ago and it has been without a doubt my best investment in recent memory.

I usually use between .2-.3 of ground material with the two screens. I enjoy vapebonging and have found that .1 doesn't produce enough vapor for that method.

I start off at a notch before 350, take a handful or so direct draws, then turn it to the first notch after 350 and start vapebonging. I get about ten draws from that then direct draw to 400.

 

[Magic9]

Here is the response from Herbalaire regarding the Tong and material directly into chamber.
Since I subscribe to grinding, and like to keep things clean, I think I'll just stick to the stock mouthpiece then.

The H2.2 model will not accommodate the Tong adapter with the crucible as the Teflon base of the adapter needs to be seated within the chamber to lend support when the unit has been turned upside down to be used with a water tool. Loading material directly into the chamber without a crucible is recommended and will not clog the tiny jets at the bottom of the chamber. Material can be taken out with the cleaning tool provided in the mouthpiece kit that came with your unit. Further cleaning can be done with a little bit of isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush or a swab. If you have anymore questions or concerns do not hesitate to ask.
-HerbalAire Support

 

[Magic9]

Could you just stick a log vape stem in the chamber and use it as a log vape? Either with a nylon stem (which would be loose) or with a silicon stem (which might fit perfect). Can anyone try this out? Or direct me in the right direction if already attempted?

 

[Magic9]

Does anyone know if the log stems will fit into the heating chamber of the HA? The nylon stems would be pretty loose, but may work.

I'm also interested if the UD silicon stems would fit. It seems like they would nicely. Would they melt?

I used to have an HA, but sadly sold it awhile ago so I cant test these out myself. Any one tried? Thoughts?

Edit* Maybe a silicon ring that would seal the stem after inserted. The reason for all this being conservation. And to see if the HA can do EVERYTHING.

 

[Pcpvapors]

You can use the HA as a direct draw straight out of the box, the only advantage I could see with the log stem is a forced reduction in load size.

 

[Magic9]

You can use the HA as a direct draw straight out of the box, the only advantage I could see with the log stem is a forced reduction in load size.

Pretty much. Forces it to be more efficient. It took me about 3 zap loads in the HA to cover the screen. For about the same amount/quality of hits.

Also, I like to hit it once or twice to stay level and come back to it later. With a stem, this beats dumping the crucible. If you leave the crucible in there, it leaks. I'd like to load a stem, hit once or twice, set it down.

Can an HA be as/more efficient than a log vape? Throughly roasting material in tiny loads. Easy enough to test. Just need someone with an HA and some nylon/silicon stems. Someone has had to try this before.

Bags. Whip. Direct Draw. Vapor bong. Extreme extraction. Log sized loads?

 

[notmyrealUSERname]

i know that people have used glass solo stems with a bit of plummers tape wrapped around the stem to form a seal.

solo stems have small bowls. solo stems are cheap. that might work for what you want.

 

[ILoveRadiohead!]

I just started using my Herbalaire yesterday and love it so far after a couple sessions. I can testify that solo stems work fine in the oven and I didn't even really feel a need to wrap the stem for a tighter seal. The load was very evenly browned, more so even than from the solo. The solo stem lightly packed holds about 2 PD bowls so efficiency is very good though not quite at PD levels (not sure if anything can beat the smallest load log gapes there).

I mostly just tried the HA direct vapebonging through a PNWT and another tool and it worked great. However, I was planing on giving the bag filling system a spin seeing as how for bigger groups of people I don't really like dealing with glass. Even without trying it I'm not thrilled with the stock plastic mouthpiece and flimsy bags that come with the HA and I've already ordered the arizer extreme glass ballon mouthpiece and picked up some Reynolds bags.

Is it necessary or worthwhile replacing the vinyl tubing that goes from the air pump to the HA? I know from experience that silicone in vaping through a whip is much preferred to vinyl but didn't know if there would be any noticible difference in bag filling. Also, am I correct that I should pick up some 5/8" size screens to sandwich loads in the crucible for bag filling as well?

 

[Magic9]

Thanks guys. The Solo stem idea was pretty much what I was looking for. Is there a noticible difference between the regular stem and the PVHES stem when using with an HA?

Who uses the HA without the crucible? Whole or ground product? Does it clog the jets? Does it stop the load from "cooking" while not hitting it?

 

[nicelytoasted]

ILR:

I never saw the need to change the stock pump tubing myself, since I never noticed any difference when bag filling. Taste is so subjective, though.

The 5/8" screens should work well, as they are just slightly larger than the crucible's inner diameter. I also add another on top of the load, especially when vape bonging it.

Magic9:

Although I do use the crucible, HA tells me that many never use one, and it never clogs! However, I suggest cleaning the crucibles regularly, as well as the heater core.

I never liked to grind my medicine, since it loses many volatile actives during the process of drying and grinding. I'd rather maximize getting as many actives into the crucible as possible. The excellent penetration and extraction from the HA allows you too even compress a whole bud in there, and it still evenly browns the entire load right through, like no other vape, imo.

 

[Magic9]

Would not using the crucible eliminate the wasted vapor? When I had one before, you could see vapor pour out of the top. Maybe w/o the crucible, it wouldn't cook? I won't see one for a few days still, but wondering about others experience.

Also thinking about some 7th floor tubing in case I want to go whip style.

 

[Egzoset]

Salutations,

I'm posting these 2 additional photographs of my v2.1 heater setup in order to ease future comparisons with those of the updated models. On top we can see that the heater body has a trench meant to host a thermocouple junction, below it's a view showing how this thermocouple is held in place:

Thermocouple Installation Notch (Heater body)​

Thermocouple once in place (yellow wiring)​

Please take note that HerbalAire's original installation technique was radically different as there used to be a metal screw in there which was biting into plastic, including the electric insulation... Having spare teflon bits at hand i just prefered to depend on it instead, to make sure the tiny thermocouple junction doesn't slip. Additionally, i just found this part of the design has been modified in v2.2 (and i'll bet the Elite differs from mine as well at that level).

The heavier gauge red wires carry power to the heater through a series overheat protector attached to the heat exchanger shown below:

Page 38​

Finally, here's a global view for the reader's convenience:

Page 54​

Of course detailed photographs of the v2.2 and Elite models might prove useful in the future, eventually.

 

[Vicki]

Salutations,

I'm posting these 2 additional photographs of my v2.1 heater setup in order to ease future comparisons with those of the updated models. On top we can see that the heater body has a trench meant to host a thermocouple junction, below it's a view showing how this thermocouple is held in place:

Thermocouple Installation Notch (Heater body)​

Thermocouple once in place (yellow wiring)​

Please take note that HerbalAire's original installation technique was radically different as there used to be a metal screw in there which was biting into plastic, including the electric insulation... Having spare teflon bits at hand i just prefered to depend on it instead, to make sure the tiny thermocouple junction doesn't slip. Additionally, i just found this part of the design has been modified in v2.2 (and i'll bet the Elite differs from mine as well at that level).

The heavier gauge red wires carry power to the heater through a series overheat protector attached to the heat exchanger shown below:

Page 38​

Finally, here's a global view for the reader's convenience:

Page 54​

Of course detailed photographs of the v2.2 and Elite models might prove useful in the future, eventually.

Thanks for posting this! I like being able to see what my HA looks like on the inside.

 

[CheeseSandwich]

Here's what a 2.2 looks like inside, except the loose thermocouple...thanks for enlightening me @Egzoset

 

[Egzoset]

Salutations Vicki,
Salutations CheeseSandwich,

I like being able to see what my HA looks like on the inside.

It's a pleasant event everytime there's an opportunity to add another contribution, which makes me want to address my own appreciation to CheeseSandwich who actually provided me an incentive by initiating this (in private at first).

Here's what a 2.2 looks like inside, except the loose thermocouple...

Thanks to this significant snapshot we can now begin to compare the v2.1 vs v2.2 internals:

• It's evident HerbalAire's thermocouple mounting method has been revised and most likely for the best.

• The A.C. power transformer appears to have been replaced by a lighter/smaller one and i suspect this, in turn, has made it easier/more suitable to move that particular component on the side.

It happens those are two items i wished to read about for quite some time, i must admit!

 

[The Shrike]

As I have C.O.P.D and am a smoker, I got into vapourising a few years ago, and with the help of these forums got a Vapourstar and then a Glass version, (forget the name,) in conjunction with my Weedstar Double Bubbler. Electric vapourisers were financially out of my reach then, as they are much more expensive here in the UK. Although I found the high and efficiency much better, I eventually stopped using them due to the constant re-lighting once the bubbler was cleared; it became a real PITA which spoiled my enjoyment but also resulted in combustion at times - too many times and not good for C.O.P.D!

So, it was back to joints, but over time, the chest constriction caused by them started me thinking of investing in a "proper" vapouriser as I can afford one now. Perused the forums and down to this thread, settled on a Herbalaire 2.2 which arrived yesterday. As you can imagine, it was a real step-up in ease of use, taste, and efficiency - I got twice as many hits than my previous experience. The effect was also quicker and had much more of a kick and elevation.

Very happy and impressed with this unit, but here's the story. The bubbler has a 18mm joint, so the standard mouthpiece sitting in the top of the HA fits inside it as people have said, enabling you to have the HA vertically mounted atop the bubbler. No problem until half-way through, I decided to turn the temperature up. AAgh, horizontal force! Herbie took a sommersault to the left onto the carpet, and the crucible shot out the top of it to the right. Basically, the HA had parted company with the mouthpiece, which was still in the bubbler! To me, this was because the heat was no longer at the heat chamber/mouthpiece, but rather at the mouthpiece/glass joint, as I noticed this getting warmer throughout the session. The HA was fine and so was my substance in the crucible, as having read this thread completely, I had put a screen on top of my goodies - all was still there and I happily, with great relief, continued. Certainly a testament to the durabilty in such circumstances.

I hope you have found this first-time-user story amusing, but it has brought to mind a few questions I hope you can help me with.

It seems there are two solutions to this.

1) Use the HA teflon adapter. However, you cannot use the crucible, which could mean debris getting down into the innards as you load the heat chamber.

2) Use the Planetvape Gong adapter. Some people have reported great difficulty removing this, resulting in damage to the HA.

I would be very grateful for any opinions on this, and appreciate the best solution is simply to be more careful.

I also took the advice to heat the unit up for half an hour unloaded to clean it before first use. I waited for it to auto shut off, but it didn't - is this because it was unloaded?

Thanks for reading, and it is not an understatement to say that I am absolutely delighted with my HA - the potency is something else!

 

[Magic9]

you could also try the GonG for the Solo on the HA. It's a little smaller in diammeter than the HA one which should be less likely to get stuck. The trade off is a little more air-to-vapor ratio.

I haven't used it, but did use a Solo stem with great success.

 

[GratefulVapor]

you could also try the GonG for the Solo on the HA. It's a little smaller in diammeter than the HA one which should be less likely to get stuck.

Agreed.

I have used all sorts of different methods, for attaching my Herbie to my assorted Bubblers & Tubes. From the OEM Standard Mouthpiece, to Whip Modifications (with a GonG adapter on one end), multiple variations of SOLO Stem mods (from the GonG to the OEM Strait), & last but not least .. the PV GonG HerbalAire adapter. To be honest, each of them has positives & negatives. I initially had a LOT of trouble, using the PV GonG adapter (HA), & had to return it for a 2nd. They claim that they are all the EXACT same size; however they are not (IME). Once I received one of proper size, I have not had much trouble removing it from the unit. I think they have worked out all the kinks now, so I wouldn't worry about using one if you're interested. I plan to purchase a second one, the "shorty" version, eventually. I no longer use the Solo GonG in my Herbie, because it does not fit tight which makes 'one handed clearing' quite difficult. Not to mention that they are not as thick/reinforced as the HA adapter.

Shrike, do not feel alone/inexperienced. What happened to you, has happened to me more times than I can count! Especially during the first 6months of HA wielding. Luckily you didn't blow your load . Also, as you pointed out, fortunately the HA is quite durable & can handle these types of accidents without damage (majority of the time). There are so many options when using the HA with GonG Joints. Enjoy your Herbie; it WILL treat you well!
I love my Herbie

 

[Egzoset]

Salutations everybody,

The late v2.1 - 2.2/Elite changes in layout configuration, relatively to the crucible + main teflon mouthpiece and/or PonG adapter to be exact, well... In retrospective, that relatively recent manufacturer modification only confirmed my lasting impression that more efficient spending of my resources resulted from this simple substitute illustrated below:

​

When prepared with teflon tape as suggested the Arizer Solo glass stem becomes a convenient fit-them-all option which i found to be sufficiently versatile in different vaporizer scenarios - or even with no vaporizer involved at all (if you're desperate enough!):

​

The trick? Finding a v2.1 HA crucible + joining bits to match the glass wand...

Cost of the whole setup? Hummm... At most a snack for 2 at McDonalds i guess.

 

[The Shrike]

Thanks GratefulVapor, since you say the PV GonG now seems to be sorted out, I've ordered one of those. £40 including shipping to the UK, but should be worth it for stability and peace of mind!

Thanks to all for your replies - much appreciated.

 

[Jeremy Driscoll]

Help broke my crucible. Where get new cheap one please?