Discontinued Lil' Bud by Vapwood
- Thread starter Bravesst
- Start date
TRDreviews
Vaked
and am already very much looking forward receiving it next year, when he has built it!
I'm a little stoned and was confused why it would take a year, then I looked at my calendar
I have been working with @Bravesst to translate the spiral coil mesh heater design into an all wood body battery powered unit. There have been some challenges, but he is doing a wonderful job and is really committed to the product. He has the tools, time, and skills to make it happen.
The spiral coil mesh heater is a stand alone assembly attached in two spots at the bottom. It is rigid and won't move from side to side. The design does not rely on glass to prevent the coil from contacting the wood. Heat is transferred from the coil to the wood via radiant transfer. The hotter the coil, the more radiant energy it will emit. Glass provides no protection from the radiant heat energy as it will pass right through.
Keeping the wood body cool is an energy balance equation. When you push the button, energy is released from the battery into the coil at a rate of speed determined by the charge left in the battery. You can remove that energy from the coil and use it for roasting if your draw rate is at an appropriate speed for the energy input. Too slow of a draw, and the extra heat energy will be radiated into the wood and roasting tube. Too fast, and the air won’t heat enough. The coil should not be heated until glowing before drawing air. The preheat time should be very short. The more efficient the energy transfer to the air, the longer the battery will last. The switch can be intermittently released / pressed to control the energy release.
The flower roasting is a part of the energy balance equation too. The entire mass of flower must be brought up to vaporizing temperature, which takes more time with more mass. The more metal and glass in the air path, the longer it takes to get to vaporizing temperature. A wood roasting tube will rob less heat away from the roast than a glass tube. If the air draw is stopped while heat is still being applied, the flower mass will still be at vaporizing temperature and producing vapor. Some of that vapor will drop back down into the coil area if the tube is still connected. This can cause the coil area to temporarily smell. It is better to continue drawing air through the tube after removing the heat until it cools down and stops producing vapor. Best to remove the roasting tube after each hit. If the wood does get a little too warm, draw air through it to quickly cool down. The high surface area of the coil removes the heat quickly.
Best of skill and luck to @Bravesst and good fortune to those who receive the products he makes.
The spiral coil mesh heater is a stand alone assembly attached in two spots at the bottom. It is rigid and won't move from side to side. The design does not rely on glass to prevent the coil from contacting the wood. Heat is transferred from the coil to the wood via radiant transfer. The hotter the coil, the more radiant energy it will emit. Glass provides no protection from the radiant heat energy as it will pass right through.
Keeping the wood body cool is an energy balance equation. When you push the button, energy is released from the battery into the coil at a rate of speed determined by the charge left in the battery. You can remove that energy from the coil and use it for roasting if your draw rate is at an appropriate speed for the energy input. Too slow of a draw, and the extra heat energy will be radiated into the wood and roasting tube. Too fast, and the air won’t heat enough. The coil should not be heated until glowing before drawing air. The preheat time should be very short. The more efficient the energy transfer to the air, the longer the battery will last. The switch can be intermittently released / pressed to control the energy release.
The flower roasting is a part of the energy balance equation too. The entire mass of flower must be brought up to vaporizing temperature, which takes more time with more mass. The more metal and glass in the air path, the longer it takes to get to vaporizing temperature. A wood roasting tube will rob less heat away from the roast than a glass tube. If the air draw is stopped while heat is still being applied, the flower mass will still be at vaporizing temperature and producing vapor. Some of that vapor will drop back down into the coil area if the tube is still connected. This can cause the coil area to temporarily smell. It is better to continue drawing air through the tube after removing the heat until it cools down and stops producing vapor. Best to remove the roasting tube after each hit. If the wood does get a little too warm, draw air through it to quickly cool down. The high surface area of the coil removes the heat quickly.
Best of skill and luck to @Bravesst and good fortune to those who receive the products he makes.
I really don't think anyone could explain it better than that. I have a very high standard to live up to, as anyone who's used Alan's products. Personally, I was converted to the coil design when I purchased one of @Alan's iHeat cartridges, truly an innovation in vaping. My unit, with it's perfectly formed coil, puts the heat in the treat, and not much anywhere else.
I'm working feverishly to perfect every aspect of the Lil' Bud, and eventually Timber, to reach the level I need before release.
Thanks for your patience,
Mike
Lil' Bud Progress Report
Necessity is the mother of invention...
Coil Heating, ala @Alan, and tapered wood joint spells no glass. All systems are in place to repeatedly recreate the best possible air path.
The Switch Box is simple, but allows everything else to happen in the assembly process, while also acting as a cap for the oven floor. It's the brain behind the unit.
The Battery Compartment, the power that drives everything, has been the hold up, as I wait for various parts to arrive. Still waiting on a single part before assembly can happen.
Once all parts are in stock, the final specs can be nailed down 100 percent, and some final cosmetic tweaks can be made, and production started.
Below are a couple of pics of a cherry / walnut prototype, with specs just about finalized. If all goes well, and parts arrive when expected, assembly will be up next.
Necessity is the mother of invention...
Coil Heating, ala @Alan, and tapered wood joint spells no glass. All systems are in place to repeatedly recreate the best possible air path.
The Switch Box is simple, but allows everything else to happen in the assembly process, while also acting as a cap for the oven floor. It's the brain behind the unit.
The Battery Compartment, the power that drives everything, has been the hold up, as I wait for various parts to arrive. Still waiting on a single part before assembly can happen.
Once all parts are in stock, the final specs can be nailed down 100 percent, and some final cosmetic tweaks can be made, and production started.
Below are a couple of pics of a cherry / walnut prototype, with specs just about finalized. If all goes well, and parts arrive when expected, assembly will be up next.
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Thank you. This design clicked, as I'm sure future improvements will as well. For a bunch of reasons, this little unit is a big step towards finalizing the design. It's not fared / finished up yet, but I wanted to show off the design. My opening units will all be combination of cherry and walnut, as in the pictures. The final touches on lid design will happen when I have everything I need to proceed.
Diggy Smalls
Notorious
Looking real good. Thanks for sharing your progress. Another FC Original Vape that looks to be a winner. I wish I had the money for all the vapes I want. Anyway, thanks for sharing the process. It's really cool to see follow the transformation of your original idea into something else. It's awesome.
Anyway, thanks for sharing the process. It's really cool to see follow the transformation of your original idea into something else. It's awesome.
DirtyD
Well-Known Member
When you get all this worked out I definitely want one. And a timber. Since you are building the lil bud first , I'll take that first. If I pre order, about how long do you ballpark estimate you will be ready to ship?? Not rushing anyone, just would like an idea on time frame for release. Excited about this. Merry Xmas , D.
Applying the finishing touches to an already sound design is my favorite part, and that is where we are now with Lil' Bud. The safest bet to get in on the pre order or on the waiting list is on the website. If all goes well and I can source all parts needed, I estimate 2 to 3 weeks for Lil' Bud to start shipping the first units (maybe another month for full scale production), and about 2 to 3 months for full scale production of Timber.
LINK ONE: https://vapwood.com/lil-bud-1
LINK TWO: https://vapwood.com/pre-order-/-waiting-list
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Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, except Lil' Bud. Official launch date 12/24/17. Sure there will be some tweaks, possibly cosmetically, but here she is, no glass, coil heater, side load battery. It stands 87 mm x 58 mm x 29 mm. This unit is all cherry, but I plan to contrast Cherry and Walnut, buyers choice.
Testing has begun...
Testing has begun...
sickmanfraud
Well-Known Member
Really a work of art.
@Bravest, is there a way to cut both pieces from the same block of wood? I am under the impression that this adds a PIA component, but I personally would even pay extra to have the matching pieces.
@Bravest, is there a way to cut both pieces from the same block of wood? I am under the impression that this adds a PIA component, but I personally would even pay extra to have the matching pieces.
This is a quick couple of pics, no cloud chasing or special lighting. This unit just works!
@sickmanfraud
I can think of ways to use one piece of wood, it's a bit more time consuming, but I guess it could be an add on option if you'd like. It will be standard in contrasting Cherry and Walnut in a variety of options (main body, switch box, door). All units will be completely finished with all natural bees wax in a special process that involves heating the unit and fully faring and finishing before assembly. The next prototypes you see, should be fully cosmetically finished units as well so you can get an idea of what you like.
Baked, me and the load, with the full, round, even colored ABV pattern of a well formed coil, while the entire unit remains exceptionally cool to the touch.
@sickmanfraud
I can think of ways to use one piece of wood, it's a bit more time consuming, but I guess it could be an add on option if you'd like. It will be standard in contrasting Cherry and Walnut in a variety of options (main body, switch box, door). All units will be completely finished with all natural bees wax in a special process that involves heating the unit and fully faring and finishing before assembly. The next prototypes you see, should be fully cosmetically finished units as well so you can get an idea of what you like.
Baked, me and the load, with the full, round, even colored ABV pattern of a well formed coil, while the entire unit remains exceptionally cool to the touch.
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Lil' Bud Update 12/27
I'm getting lots of inquiries on the Lil' Bud. All going well. Pre-order sale is almost over, and price will be set at $150 for a bare bones unit, with an additional $35 for a mouthpiece, stir tool, and two batteries. I don't like to predict exact ship dates, but pretty much everything is finalized. I'm in the process of testing right now, and some minor changes may still occur as parts become available. The pre orders and waiting list have exceeded my expectations, and hopefully will continue to do so. All units will be built and shipped on a first come, first serve basis. Pre orders will go to the head of the list.
Estimated first shipping should be in a 2 or 3 weeks. If you'd like to pre order or get on the list, here's the link. https://vapwood.com/lil-bud-1
I'm getting lots of inquiries on the Lil' Bud. All going well. Pre-order sale is almost over, and price will be set at $150 for a bare bones unit, with an additional $35 for a mouthpiece, stir tool, and two batteries. I don't like to predict exact ship dates, but pretty much everything is finalized. I'm in the process of testing right now, and some minor changes may still occur as parts become available. The pre orders and waiting list have exceeded my expectations, and hopefully will continue to do so. All units will be built and shipped on a first come, first serve basis. Pre orders will go to the head of the list.
Estimated first shipping should be in a 2 or 3 weeks. If you'd like to pre order or get on the list, here's the link. https://vapwood.com/lil-bud-1
HindelangGG
Well-Known Member
I already ordered a Lil bud from your Shop and cant wait to get Mine. i wanted to ask If IT would be possible to offer different Accessoire-Packs because i am from Germany and wont Order everyone time from the USA
I would Just need Something Like 2 mouthpieces and a stir tool
Modnote: Edited to remove reply from quote tags
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Rrose Selavy
log enthusiast
Working with Alan, creator of the HI and IntstaHeat Cartridge, has been invaluable. With his assistance, I've been able to perfect the Lil' Bud design, eliminate all glass, while incorporating a *heating coil*, and pretty much solve every challenge that came along in the design process. The results will speak for themselves as I tweak a few final issues before shipping begins.
Big shout out and thank you to @Alan for his assistance in the development of Lil' Bud.
I must address the no glass issue one more time. There was some talk on Reddit about Lil' Bud, and glass free skeptics are concerned. The best way I can think to dispel some misconceptions is to post Alan's eloquent explanation of Lil' Bud's all wood body and coil mesh heater, calling it the *Science Behind the Beauty*. I felt it needed to be up front and on the home page of https://vapwood.com . If there are skeptics, and there always will be, you can feel free to pass this information on. Glass does not provide any protection against RADIANT heat, only distance does, and the rigid vertical coil is fixed in place, with adequate clearance to prevent heat transfer to the wood body as long as you continue to draw while depressing the button (and beyond). Virtually no preheat is needed.
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namasteIII
Well-Known Member
Sneak preview, today's prototype
Pre order sale ends 1/1
wow best looking one yet! can't imagine what these will look like a year from now, when you've got it all figured out. Good luck!
Diggy Smalls
Notorious
Yeah man this is exciting.
Have you experimented with what happens if you do not draw while pressing the button? Like does it just get a little warm? Catch on fire? People preheat Vapes a lot before drawing, especially with convection Vapes.
This looks so beautiful and I love the price point. I wish I had the cash to make the sale
Have you experimented with what happens if you do not draw while pressing the button? Like does it just get a little warm? Catch on fire? People preheat Vapes a lot before drawing, especially with convection Vapes.
This looks so beautiful and I love the price point. I wish I had the cash to make the sale