My question is about the herbs in the trench after the first hit. They seem to "clump" up into a little football, requiring a very hard shake, or even a poke to un-clump. Is this normal or is it a sign that my herbs are not completely dry???
Welcome to the Forum, glad you're enjoying your LB.
In general, clumping comes from too much moisture in the goods going it. This also contributes extra fouling and slows the vape process down by robbing heat. You're on the right track I think. Try a little more drying on some (I find a quick grind speeds this up), followed by a second fine grind and see if that effects the results.
My 'take' (could well be off) is the steam melts trichomes and surface resins and kind of glues stuff in place. For the box to work well the goods have to flow freely over the screen.
Here is a picture of my Kava beta test box. As you can see, it looks nothing like the final version, and it quite primitive. There isn't even a light in this box.
I got the same thing. Notice the box color? Doesn't look much like the new unit except the shape of the new trench? Not only is there no light, but there's also no serial number (it's been removed from mine), to me this is clearly a special test rig but it was sent with the Kava extract a custom dispenser (very small dabs needed) and the extract. And detailed instructions for testing the Kava.....not the box. We were asked to report on the Kava, not the box. And of course there's the NDA in play.
So yes, I'm kind of old fashioned about things like this, I viewed the test confidential and the gear as not belonging to me
until the test was declared over. I don't consider it mine to sell, loan out or use for other purposes until then. No problems with others who see their responsibilities differently, just explaining why I never tried oil in a unit I don't still consider mine.
I definitely make every effort to be honest with folks and present information as best I know it. I don't lie. I think I share these traits with others invited to be Beta Testers......in fact I think honesty is a key point here. If anyone ever doubts my honesty or sincerity (or wants to ask why......), please feel free to PM me. Folks do with 'what's the real story you're not telling the other guys....' posts from time to time, no problem.
I want folks to have confidence in what I and 'the usual suspects' say, as I believe most do.
Regards and Merry Christmas to all.
OF