Discontinued Lil' Bud by Vapwood

[Bravesst]

Looool. Reposting a pic rom someone else is not a fact. I could leave my lil bud outside the house in high humidity conditions just to grow mold and then post pics here accusing the product just to harm. Reposting pics without facts is unethical and u have no rights to do so. Especially since you are not the owner of this unit and there is no one to tell us wtf happened there.
Chill n Lil guys !
Chill n Lil...

Exactly

 

[Fat Freddy]

Not to add fuel to the feud, but the photo above with the alleged mold might instead be carbon residue from a combustion event. Perhaps forced air/breath was applied to the bowl and scattered the carbon residue inside the unit?

 

[sickmanfraud]

Not to add fuel to the feud, but the photo above with the alleged mold might instead be carbon residue from a combustion event. Perhaps forced air/breath was applied to the bowl and scattered the carbon residue inside the unit?

I agree, from my computer screen, it looks like marks from combustion, not mold.

 

[beyond6strings]

I don't think any of us should speak on conjecture. We don't know what it is. If the person returns to Mike we will. Until then we won't.

Here's what I do know. I'm going to go start my day with a little Amnesia Haze in my very dry, mold-free, fully functioning Lil' Bud.

Have a great day.

 

[scion34]

I don’t see how marks from combustion would make it behind the button block when it’s all screwed together. It could as well be a design flaw with the unsealed block joint allowing to much moisture to wick in from sweaty palms and humidity.

 

[beyond6strings]

I don’t see how marks from combustion would make it behind the button block when it’s all screwed together. It could as well be a design flaw with the unsealed block joint allowing to much moisture to wick in from sweaty palms and humidity.

It could be all sorts of things. Someone could have drooled, the person may have been caught outside in the rain, or something could have gotten spilled inside and it wasn't dried properly. I could go on with possibilities and all are as likely as any other. There are endless ways water or moisture could have gotten in there-if that's what it is-and once water gets into wood that's going to happen.

Given that quite a few of us have these and nothing like this has shown up on another unit it's likely it was caused by 'outside' interference.

And if it's sweat, I'm not sure it's a design flaw as much as it's a bummer. I would hope that most of us are aware that water/sweat and electronics don't mix. I wouldn't put my wet, sweaty hand near a part where two pieces of wood and the electronic button meet. That's on the edge of user error. And I wouldn't blame Mike for any of it. Wood swells and gets moldy when it's left wet in a humid environment. Wood swells above 60% humidity and shrinks when below 45%.

And again I could go on. I'm not an apologist. I am confident that if anything happened to my unit that Mike would set it right. He's that kind of guy.

But before we assign any blame to anyone (including the user), Mike, or another vapor expert should have it in their hands. Until then everything any of us say, including me, is conjecture.

Or as I like to call it; jacking off mosquitoes. An entirely worthless endeavor.

 

[Fat Freddy]

 

[SloJimFizz]

Looks like char marks to me. No moisture in the wood, that would be clearly visible. You can see the applied finish and where it ends.
Also, the screen above the heater will most certainly look like that screen shown above with normal use, even more so with a combustion or char session, which is inevitable in this type of unit.

 

[Montezhuma]

Hey there followers of this thread. I am the owner of the deconstructed Lil Bud. I want to clarify straight away that there was nothing wrong with my vape. At all. Functioned perfectly from the day I received it. Yes it was from entexchange, I will provide more context in a moment. I hadn't spilled anything or gotten it wet when I took it apart. I did not pull it apart for any reason other than my own morbid curiosity. I'm not here to start any controversy or stir up an ent pile. I liked the lil bud, and I admired how simple it was. Two wires, a switch, a heater and five screws make this thing function. Here are a few more pictures for context.
https://imgur.com/gallery/3lKtB3F

Now I'm not sure what the consensus is on whether it is mold or not, but I believe it to be as such. As you can see from the photos there are similar spots on other portions of the vapwood that are not in the airpath. There is some charring on the one side of the "air box," close to where the heater sits. I'm not an expert, I won't pretend to be, but I don't see it being entirely relevant. If someone thinks otherwise, please comment. Now onto how I came to own this device. Like a lot of others I purchased my vape through ent exchange. The owner claims to have put it through about five stems worth of material, after which he found another vape to suit his needs. The vape shipped from a town in Massachusetts to me in SC. What I assume is, after he replaced this vape and set it aside, it sat for a time. I received it, tested it, and set it aside. I used it with others who seem to enjoy it, they even told me I may not get it back if I ever left it behind. I believe this vape has been gently used, cared for in the proper manner ( I clean my vapes religiously), and most importantly, loved. Now I did state where these vapes have been located, two similar, and regrettably humid states (although I've never been to MA). I want to end this post with one statement. This vape is made of wood. Wood is porous. It can garner mold just like any surface that holds moisture. It's no stretch of the imagination to think that the inside of the device would have a hard time expelling moisture. The inside of the device is as I can see a bit more unfinished. That is, I see that it was not sanded to the same smoothness as the outside. I want to reiterate that I've thorouly enjoyed this device, and I admire the simplicity and craftsmanship. However I will regrettably not be using it until it's clear what is happening with it. In the end, even if I get shit on for not caring for my device, or if the issue can't be helped, I won't mind. I simply thought it was best to bring this to the communities attention. If there are any more questions, or you would like to see other detailed pictures of the device, please let me know. Thank you for your time FC

 

[beyond6strings]

Hey there followers of this thread. I am the owner of the deconstructed Lil Bud. I want to clarify straight away that there was nothing wrong with my vape. At all. Functioned perfectly from the day I received it. Yes it was from entexchange, I will provide more context in a moment. I hadn't spilled anything or gotten it wet when I took it apart. I did not pull it apart for any reason other than my own morbid curiosity. I'm not here to start any controversy or stir up an ent pile. I liked the lil bud, and I admired how simple it was. Two wires, a switch, a heater and five screws make this thing function. Here are a few more pictures for context.
https://imgur.com/gallery/3lKtB3F

Now I'm not sure what the consensus is on whether it is mold or not, but I believe it to be as such. As you can see from the photos there are similar spots on other portions of the vapwood that are not in the airpath. There is some charring on the one side of the "air box," close to where the heater sits. I'm not an expert, I won't pretend to be, but I don't see it being entirely relevant. If someone thinks otherwise, please comment. Now onto how I came to own this device. Like a lot of others I purchased my vape through ent exchange. The owner claims to have put it through about five stems worth of material, after which he found another vape to suit his needs. The vape shipped from a town in Massachusetts to me in SC. What I assume is, after he replaced this vape and set it aside, it sat for a time. I received it, tested it, and set it aside. I used it with others who seem to enjoy it, they even told me I may not get it back if I ever left it behind. I believe this vape has been gently used, cared for in the proper manner ( I clean my vapes religiously), and most importantly, loved. Now I did state where these vapes have been located, two similar, and regrettably humid states (although I've never been to MA). I want to end this post with one statement. This vape is made of wood. Wood is porous. It can garner mold just like any surface that holds moisture. It's no stretch of the imagination to think that the inside of the device would have a hard time expelling moisture. The inside of the device is as I can see a bit more unfinished. That is, I see that it was not sanded to the same smoothness as the outside. I want to reiterate that I've thorouly enjoyed this device, and I admire the simplicity and craftsmanship. However I will regrettably not be using it until it's clear what is happening with it. In the end, even if I get shit on for not caring for my device, or if the issue can't be helped, I won't mind. I simply thought it was best to bring this to the communities attention. If there are any more questions, or you would like to see other detailed pictures of the device, please let me know. Thank you for your time FC

And thank you for posting. While MA is a humid climate, I live here, it isn't during the winter months when that Lil' Bud was here. I've had to treat all my wooden devices with bee's wax so that they won't shrink and crack-the humidity in my home has been in the 30-35% range since November.

It certainly means I'll be paying close attention come summer though, cuz it will get muggy here come July & August and maybe into September.

 

[Fat Freddy]

@Montezhuma - just FYI

• "Appearance and texture. Molds form colonies that will most often appear as fluffy, velvety or hairy spots or patches of various colours. This is easily observed with species of Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Cladosporiumgrowing on surfaces of plaster, wall paper, paint, damp wood, carpets and other floor coverings. Actively growing mold in the early stages of growth has hair-like extensively branching filaments (hyphae), which develop a more hairy appearance as the mold matures. This can easily be seen under a magnifying glass or a portable handheld microscope. Actively growing mold may be soft, slimy, and damp and may smear when touched. Inactive or dead mold is dry, appears powdery and rubs off the surface easily subsequently becoming airborne. If one presses a sticky tape on the suspicious surface, mold should easily stick to the tape unless the surface is wet."
• https://www.moldbacteria.com/mold/how-to-distinguish-mold-growth-from-other-discolorations.html

 

[P.A.M.]

 

[beyond6strings]

@Montezhuma - just FYI

• "Appearance and texture. Molds form colonies that will most often appear as fluffy, velvety or hairy spots or patches of various colours. This is easily observed with species of Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Cladosporiumgrowing on surfaces of plaster, wall paper, paint, damp wood, carpets and other floor coverings. Actively growing mold in the early stages of growth has hair-like extensively branching filaments (hyphae), which develop a more hairy appearance as the mold matures. This can easily be seen under a magnifying glass or a portable handheld microscope. Actively growing mold may be soft, slimy, and damp and may smear when touched. Inactive or dead mold is dry, appears powdery and rubs off the surface easily subsequently becoming airborne. If one presses a sticky tape on the suspicious surface, mold should easily stick to the tape unless the surface is wet."
• https://www.moldbacteria.com/mold/how-to-distinguish-mold-growth-from-other-discolorations.html

Thanks for this information.

 

[Bravesst]

Hey there followers of this thread. I am the owner of the deconstructed Lil Bud. I want to clarify straight away that there was nothing wrong with my vape. At all. Functioned perfectly from the day I received it. Yes it was from entexchange, I will provide more context in a moment. I hadn't spilled anything or gotten it wet when I took it apart. I did not pull it apart for any reason other than my own morbid curiosity. I'm not here to start any controversy or stir up an ent pile. I liked the lil bud, and I admired how simple it was. Two wires, a switch, a heater and five screws make this thing function. Here are a few more pictures for context.
https://imgur.com/gallery/3lKtB3F

Now I'm not sure what the consensus is on whether it is mold or not, but I believe it to be as such. As you can see from the photos there are similar spots on other portions of the vapwood that are not in the airpath. There is some charring on the one side of the "air box," close to where the heater sits. I'm not an expert, I won't pretend to be, but I don't see it being entirely relevant. If someone thinks otherwise, please comment. Now onto how I came to own this device. Like a lot of others I purchased my vape through ent exchange. The owner claims to have put it through about five stems worth of material, after which he found another vape to suit his needs. The vape shipped from a town in Massachusetts to me in SC. What I assume is, after he replaced this vape and set it aside, it sat for a time. I received it, tested it, and set it aside. I used it with others who seem to enjoy it, they even told me I may not get it back if I ever left it behind. I believe this vape has been gently used, cared for in the proper manner ( I clean my vapes religiously), and most importantly, loved. Now I did state where these vapes have been located, two similar, and regrettably humid states (although I've never been to MA). I want to end this post with one statement. This vape is made of wood. Wood is porous. It can garner mold just like any surface that holds moisture. It's no stretch of the imagination to think that the inside of the device would have a hard time expelling moisture. The inside of the device is as I can see a bit more unfinished. That is, I see that it was not sanded to the same smoothness as the outside. I want to reiterate that I've thorouly enjoyed this device, and I admire the simplicity and craftsmanship. However I will regrettably not be using it until it's clear what is happening with it. In the end, even if I get shit on for not caring for my device, or if the issue can't be helped, I won't mind. I simply thought it was best to bring this to the communities attention. If there are any more questions, or you would like to see other detailed pictures of the device, please let me know. Thank you for your time FC

I appreciate your dilemma. Pack up the parts, and send to me. Ill be happy to replace it for you.

LB is not intended for water use, but I want to suggest that if you do, a whip is mandatory.

 

[beiberhole69]

@Bravesst - This is my first participation on this thread, I was not out to attack you nor did I speak ill of your product. I only meant to raise awareness of this issue to you, and to the community. The way you responded was very unprofessional, and a bit concerning. The health of your customers shouldn't ever be described as "bullshit".

That doesn't look good

 

[TRDreviews]

SNIP

I'm from Massachusetts, it isn't nearly humid enough in this state to cause mold in a short time.

I have over 10 wooden vapes, the only issue I seem to have is the wood cracking in Mass due to cold weather.

 

[Fat Freddy]

I'm from Massachusetts, it isn't nearly humid enough in this state to cause mold in a short time.

I have over 10 wooden vapes, the only issue I seem to have is the wood cracking in Mass due to cold weather.

Remember....there is mold in marijuana, harmless to most of us, but nevertheless Aspergillus (sp?) is often present (spores not easily seen without magnification) such that if you are a patient scheduled for any type of organ transplant the medical staff would likely declare you ineligible if they were aware of your indulgence.

I'm aware of this as I've a rare, incurable cancer that is typically treated with a stem cell transplant and in such procedures the patient is required to sign an agreement not to engage in certain activities so as to limit exposure to such antigens prior to the procedure. Sorry. TMI?


.

 

[Summer]

Know one knows what conditions it was kept in. Even though it's dry here in winter on the east coast doesn't mean that it wasn't keep in a house/room with a humidifier set at 45 - 50% humidity which is quite moist/humid in the winter with the heat running. The only thing you can do is take a swab of whatever it is & have it analyzed at a lab. That's the only way to know definitely. Until then, it's all conjecture.

 

[Montezhuma]

Thank you for the offer Bravesst, I do intend on sending you the device. However I would appreciate you thoughts on this matter, as it could have far more reaching issues. Do you agree or disagree about there being mold on the device, whether misused or not( I should note, I have never attempted any sort of water pipe adaptation with the device). Do you believe this to be a completely isolated incident, and that no other device owners should be worried or concerned? At any rate I think we can agree that the possibility is undoubtedly there, that other devices could suffer the same. Is there anything you would like to add, as the designer of this device?

 

[oddjobold]

Thank you for the offer Bravesst, I do intend on sending you the device. However I would appreciate you thoughts on this matter, as it could have far more reaching issues. Do you agree or disagree about there being mold on the device, whether misused or not( I should note, I have never attempted any sort of water pipe adaptation with the device). Do you believe this to be a completely isolated incident, and that no other device owners should be worried or concerned? At any rate I think we can agree that the possibility is undoubtedly there, that other devices could suffer the same. Is there anything you would like to add, as the designer of this device?

In fairness @Bravesst cant really make a statement until he sees the unit for himself. However if i was a customer i would expect one once this unit has been inspected.

How about other units out there? You had to take yours apart to find this "mold". Was it easy to take apart? Has anyone else checked? How do other users check?

Its hard to tell if this is an individual case if no other units are checked.

 

[Summer]

@Montezhuma, please don't badger Bravesst for his assumptions before he gets to assess the issue, which he can't do until he gets to see the issue 1st-hand. It's jumping the gun. Don't create drama where there isn't any yet. Just get the device back to him. The sooner you do, the sooner we'll all know.

 

[Montezhuma]

In fairness @Bravesst cant really make a statement until he sees the unit for himself. However if i was a customer i would expect one once this unit has been inspected.

How about other units out there? You had to take yours apart to find this "mold". Was it easy to take apart? Has anyone else checked? How do other users check?

Its hard to tell if this is an individual case if no other units are checked.

It's easy to take apart, just five screws. The leads must be disconnected for the button assembly to come out

 

[Andreaerdna]

Montezhouma, are you suggesting lb customers to take apart their units? Why not every wooden vape? If that is mold any wooden vape could be affected

I have few and never seen mold despite some resting unused in closet for months

Wooden smoking pipes exist mold free way before bravesst started making his own baby

wood is not easily attacked by molds is what I mean

What you experienced is a very strange, hard to explain, rare and customer related occurrence IMO (wine or soda involved maybe?)

So why not just send him the device and let the inventor do his job trying to understand what could have happened and solve it for you?

 

[Montezhuma]

To answer everyone's questions simply, I want to know what's going to happen once he has the vape. Everyone but the creator has told me to withhold questions until he's seen it, however he has only offered to replace it. While a great offer, I've heard nothing from bravesst in regards to what he will do to address the defect, regardless of how it happened. I don't believe it is in anyone's best interests to toss something like this aside. It should be handled openly, that is all I am suggesting to bravesst. To answer the last post, since it peaked my interest, wood is wood, so the possibility is always there. Wooden pipes/ vaporizers are all fundamentally different from each other, from a design, construction, and function stand point. How would this be different looking into other wood devices, such as a milaana, a sticky brick, the upcoming nomad, or even an old fashioned wooden pipe? No idea. It's all conjecture. That's what these forums are for, and that kind of discussion should be encouraged. That is all I wished to do.

 

[jardri]

One thing I was wondering. Wood is a porous living thing. Could it just be a bad piece of wood which had spores mixed with darkness, heat and a humid climate? In this supposition there is no human mistake just the variability of the natural resource and life itself.