Silver Surfer Vaporizer

Vitolo

Vitolo

Vaporist
jeffp

jeffp

psychonaut/retired
I've been meaning to post this question about an issue I've been having for awhile. This is an issue that occurs with at least two SSVs so it's not the SSVs, I think. Too many times my bowls combust and often it requires a new screen change. I doubt it has anything to do with inhaling force; they are always steady and vigorous. Is it possible that this is due to the fact that voltage is spiking from my outlet? The SSV is plugged into a surge protector but i've read that surge protectors crap out after a short period of time and need to be replaced. In other words the surge cutoff craps out.

Has anyone else dealt with this issue and successfully resolved it?

Thanks alot in advance.
 
jeffp,
Vitolo

Vitolo

Vaporist
I believe that after a time of peek performance, the heaters do slowly deteriorate, and we bit by bit turn up the heat level.
We do not change our learned draw method, however.
as an SSV ages, we draw more cautiously ( slow down/speed up accordingly).
changing habits is difficult.
it takes effort to adjust to the new output of an aging SSV
 
jeffp

jeffp

psychonaut/retired
Vitolo said:
I believe that after a time of peek performance, the heaters do slowly deteriorate, and we bit by bit turn up the heat level.
We do not change our learned draw method, however.
as an SSV ages, we draw more cautiously ( slow down/speed up accordingly).
changing habits is difficult.
it takes effort to adjust to the new output of an aging SSV
Click to expand...

Thanks Vito but I don't think turning up the heat is the answer; it's more of an inconsistency. Draw method is focused but sometimes the heater will flare while inhaling causing combustion. It's possible also that the screen - which gets resiny in short order - is obstructing airflow... this could be the reason. Yet changing screens on a weekly basis seems excessive.

For what it's worth, when i stir, I tend to lightly scrape the screen back and forth and also around the circumference.

I sent in one or two SSVs over the years for servicing because of this problem but it was unfortunately not resolved.

With a clean screen, this does not happen or at least it doesn't happen as much.
 
jeffp,
Vitolo

Vitolo

Vaporist
jeffp said:
Yet changing screens on a weekly basis seems excessive.
Click to expand...
I have followed this procedure at minimum once a week for 10 years:
The following posts show a daily routine for the screen that I have used that entire time as well:
http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/silver-surfer-vaporizer.2/page-92#post-4297
clean-1.jpg
 
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jeffp

jeffp

psychonaut/retired
fantastic video and very helpful. thanks for posting it. is that a vacuum hose you're using at around 3:38?
 
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slozukimc

Well-Known Member
jeffp said:
Thanks Vito but I don't think turning up the heat is the answer; it's more of an inconsistency. Draw method is focused but sometimes the heater will flare while inhaling causing combustion. It's possible also that the screen - which gets resiny in short order - is obstructing airflow... this could be the reason. Yet changing screens on a weekly basis seems excessive.

For what it's worth, when i stir, I tend to lightly scrape the screen back and forth and also around the circumference.

I sent in one or two SSVs over the years for servicing because of this problem but it was unfortunately not resolved.

With a clean screen, this does not happen or at least it doesn't happen as much.
Click to expand...
Sounds like you just need to understand that even the finest of machines requires maintenance. Clean the screen often and be gentle with it. I have not gone through an entire pack of screens in about ten years of owning DaBuddha.
 
A

acolyte

Well-Known Member
I can see how the wand and heater cover would last me 100+ years if I didn't break them.

@jeffp, how do you replace the screen, and what size screens do you use? And what wand type?

If using ground glass, 7th floor recommends an upward curvature to the screen for better air flow. I have found this really does help. edit: of course Vitolo already has this covered..


I've combusted twice, both times seemed somewhat random, I couldn't tell if the heating element was "flaring up" so to speak, but I was vaping normally and then all of a sudden it combusted without any apparent change in draw rate. Still learning why that may be. But this is in about 2 months of lots and lots of use, so to me it's basically insignificant.

Is it happening lots for you?
 
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7thFloorVapes

7thFloorVapes

Well-Known Member
Company Rep
We are blown away at the love for the SSV! Thanks! We are impressed you've had the same setup for that long! Way to maintain things! The screen being "domed" we "believe" causes the air path to go other places in the wand, rather than just shooting down the middle. We love that users have their own process, and style. The more time you spend with an SSV the more you'll become accustomed to doing it "your way." As for the life of the heater? We "believe" what you are describing is a "dimmer switch" issue. Our heating elements are designed to run for life. We actually have one that has been running for 10+years has been turned off and on, and is still running strong. So with that in mind, we know for sure they will work for that amount of time. As far as random combustion, the heating element can be "spiking," but that is due to the dimmer switch. Finding the right draw speed, and temp takes experience. We find most combustion happens during sessions with multiple users. As there is a difference in the speed of the draw between users. We suggest starting with a fast draw and then slowing as it seems fitting for you. We are happy to repair any unit under warranty, and we offer a service to fix those which are no longer covered... Thanks again for all the love. ~BJ
 
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acolyte

Well-Known Member
Hi there 7th Floor!

The 10+ year SSV, is that the very original one or just one close to it? I remember reading on earlier pages that the "original" ssv that was on for 10+ years recently stopped working possibly? Not sure where the source on that info was.

I don't have a dimmer switch but my apartment complex really sucks and sometimes loses power, I can't run a microwave and electric kettle at the same time for example. But my SSV and Microwave work great :tup:

So I think that may be why mine spikes sometimes.

In regards to losing power, not sure.. Vitolo sure seems to know his stuff not sure how many SSV's he has used before but perhaps he's just encountered some issue with 1 particular unit. I'm sure he'll be back in this thread :)
 
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slozukimc

Well-Known Member
acolyte said:
Hi there 7th Floor!

The 10+ year SSV, is that the very original one or just one close to it? I remember reading on earlier pages that the "original" ssv that was on for 10+ years recently stopped working possibly? Not sure where the source on that info was.

I don't have a dimmer switch but my apartment complex really sucks and sometimes loses power, I can't run a microwave and electric kettle at the same time for example. But my SSV and Microwave work great :tup:

So I think that may be why mine spikes sometimes.

In regards to losing power, not sure.. Vitolo sure seems to know his stuff not sure how many SSV's he has used before but perhaps he's just encountered some issue with 1 particular unit. I'm sure he'll be back in this thread :)
Click to expand...
They are speaking of the dimmer switch in the SSV.
 
A

acolyte

Well-Known Member
LOL perfect statement, that actually makes a lot more sense. I know normal dimmer switches are prone to issues just never thought of the heat knob as working in the same way (I'm not an electrical engineer). Thanks.
 
7thFloorVapes

7thFloorVapes

Well-Known Member
Company Rep
The unit in question is located at our former headquarters. A "Sharper Image" of head-shops called HEMP. It is, in fact, the very first Silver Surfer Vaporizer. I spoke with Steve K. (our owner) to clarify more. "it gets turned off and on with the open sign, for twelve years now! That way we can take it through the heating and cooling process. Still works great!"
 
jeffp

jeffp

psychonaut/retired
acolyte said:
I can see how the wand and heater cover would last me 100+ years if I didn't break them.

@jeffp, how do you replace the screen, and what size screens do you use? And what wand type?

If using ground glass, 7th floor recommends an upward curvature to the screen for better air flow. I have found this really does help. edit: of course Vitolo already has this covered..


I've combusted twice, both times seemed somewhat random, I couldn't tell if the heating element was "flaring up" so to speak, but I was vaping normally and then all of a sudden it combusted without any apparent change in draw rate. Still learning why that may be. But this is in about 2 months of lots and lots of use, so to me it's basically insignificant.

Is it happening lots for you?
Click to expand...

Exactly, yes, but I'm certain that Vito is correct in terms of thorough maintenance. I use both the official SSV screens and a less expensive stainless steel screen from ebay and always with upward curvature. Just the simple act of cleaning out the hose or replacing it, and regular cleaning of the wand - which I admit I don't do - has to make a significant difference. Sorry for the delay in responding... was away from computer most of the week.
 
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Vitolo

Vitolo

Vaporist
I do not always remove the screen for cleaning. In fact I never do, and only did it in the video to show how to get it out and put it in.
  • I put the wand, bowl against left hand, in a spot that provides best closure.
  • I fill wand with 91% Iso.
  • I shake vigouraously, with bowl side down....
  • Each few shakes fills the bowl with Iso
  • Keeping thumb over wand(hose) end I dump the bowl of Iso into sink (the rest will remain due to thimb closing off end)
  • When the Iso is gone, I use hot water (been running the whole time) and rinse the wand out in each direction
  • I then put a couple drops of Dish soap in and fill with hot water and shake again.
  • When done I rinse well in both directions, and inspect the screeen by holding the wand up to a light... bowl end closer to me.
  • I hold each end of wand at the nozzle of a Shop-Vac for a few seconds.
19 out of 20 times, The screen is clean and sparkling.
Once in a rare while it has "flecks" of abv on it.
I start over, rather than remove the screen.
My screen has been taken out to demo in that vid once, and maybe 6 times in all of the years, to demo to new owners the technique.
 
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acolyte

Well-Known Member
Vitolo, after reading your post, I realized something must be wrong with my screen. :\

I've replaced my screen a few times, and have always had the same issues. The screen moves around a lot at first, herb flies through as a result into my mouth, bad airflow, etc. When I read that you basically never remove your screen it blew my socks off :o

So I changed the screen one more time, and it seems this time, after a bit of effort.. I got the perfect fit! :love:

Really good airflow, the screen is SOLID IN PLACE, does NOT move around at all when I stir. And did I mention the airflow is better than ever before?

I used the same method as before - cup the .625" screen into a contact lense shape with the end of your finger. Then put it in the wand, dome up. But this time I used my steel pick tool to push the screen edges down over and over until it seemed really solid.

My ssv is now soaring better than ever before. And here I was raving about it earlier. :wave:
 
jeffp

jeffp

psychonaut/retired
Having thoroughly cleansed the wand, i'm happy to say that there was zero instances of combustion. What Vito described makes perfect sense; the resin that builds up provides the pathway to combustion. I had (I know this now) erroneously allowed for the buildup for utilizing a few month's resin. What a pleasure it is to hit from the SSV with a clean wand - it's like starting anew and realizing again what a great vaporizer this really is.
 
jeffp

jeffp

psychonaut/retired
I like Vito's cleaning technique alot especially the wisdom of leaving the screen in place.
i let the wand soak in ISO overnight in a mason jar and then scrape and rinse and that works perfectly also. I would love to stumble across something that's a great fit for the wand and ISO for cleaning. The mason jar does the job but something akin that's more narrow and tall would be perfect.

Vaporbabe - the Da Buddha is an excellent less expensive option but I prefer the control (the Da Buddha is hands free which I don't need or care for) and greater efficiency of the SSV (standard model).
 
jeffp,
Aimless Ryan

Aimless Ryan

Came to read about grinders; fucked combustion
When I had an SSV, I would clean the whip and wand by taking off the mouthpiece and shoving that end of the whip into the bowl area so it's basically almost like a hula hoop. With alcohol in it, of course.

Don't know if that's any better than any other way, but that's what I did.
 
Aimless Ryan,
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