The Nomad From Morwood

[DirtyD]

Have the beautiful nomad # 36 in the lab for a few hours now. You gotta imagine it in your mind. Chiyogami 0997, walnut body, cherry collar, med - high heat heater podule. Once I set the included' in the unit screen' properly: (see imgur manual. ) and dialed in how to load and hit this thing, boy oh boy with the high heat core you don't need much gas.... it's all about how you hit it. Once you got that, you got dat. Absolutely loving this beautiful heavy hitting nomad, more testing is needed tho.
Back to the lab... cheers all! Thanks Dan I love this thing!!!! D.

 

[Dan Morrison]

@DirtyD Hahah, glorious.

 

[triskelion]

Yeah they will in they meantime i enjoy my other beauty's ✌

Yes will do, between you and me? I am on the list too, but you're ahead and we will be fine,
by the way Just got this splinter Z. Boom!

 

[ZC]

Spending some time with 030 tonight. Arrived yesterday.

First impression is that even Dan's beautiful photos do not do this vape justice. It's the most beautiful object I've ever owned. It's absolutely unreal how precise the work Dan has done is.

The stem loading method for two screen is a little bit more finicky than comparable vapes that use 18mm glass joints, since those have "tophat" style screens available. 2 screens in the nomad basically requires the dowel.

The little wooden tube as a bowl/spacer is brilliant. It makes it really easy to pack a consistant, fluffy bowl without risk of crushing it by the second screen. It is again, a bit finicky adding this extra part but I believe it's well worth it.

Mouth draws work but really the story is slow draw rate is pretty much required, but the Nomad has an extremely open and free throwing airpath.

Being really used to similar vapes this is easy for me but I find this kind of vape is really hard to use for beginners.

Alan's blackwood roasting tube with a 14mm taper looks subtle and elegant in the Nomad.

I've only tried the high heater.

The magnet button feels really solid and is satisfying to press. It also doesn't feel likely to accidentally press.

It feels a bit less powerful than some similar 1850 convection vapes but it's easily the most finely made and it creates really smooth vapor with more even extraction than any of any of the others.

 

[RelaxedNow]

Spending some time with 030 tonight. Arrived yesterday.

First impression is that even Dan's beautiful photos do not do this vape justice. It's the most beautiful object I've ever owned. It's absolutely unreal how precise the work Dan has done is.

The stem loading method for two screen is a little bit more finicky than comparable vapes that use 18mm glass joints, since those have "tophat" style screens available. 2 screens in the nomad basically requires the dowel.

The little wooden tube as a bowl/spacer is brilliant. It makes it really easy to pack a consistant, fluffy bowl without risk of crushing it by the second screen. It is again, a bit finicky adding this extra part but I believe it's well worth it.

Mouth draws work but really the story is slow draw rate is pretty much required, but the Nomad has an extremely open and free throwing airpath.

Being really used to similar vapes this is easy for me but I find this kind of vape is really hard to use for beginners.

Alan's blackwood roasting tube with a 14mm taper looks subtle and elegant in the Nomad.

I've only tried the high heater.

The magnet button feels really solid and is satisfying to press. It also doesn't feel likely to accidentally press.

It feels a bit less powerful than some similar 1850 convection vapes but it's easily the most finely made and it creates really smooth vapor with more even extraction than any of any of the others.

Until recently, I too thought it was necessary to use a slow draw. But, I’ve now discovered (read Dan’s post, actually, IIRC) that with the med-high heater a fast draw works very well, if I preheat for 3-5 seconds and keep the button pressed while drawing. At this point I haven’t decided which I personally prefer, but this approach helps a lot when I’m trying to share a stem. The slow draw and feathering of the button is really tough to teach to others.

Enjoy, however you choose to use your Nomad. It’s all about flexibility and personal preferences.

 

[Copacetic]

Spending some time with 030 tonight. Arrived yesterday.

First impression is that even Dan's beautiful photos do not do this vape justice. It's the most beautiful object I've ever owned. It's absolutely unreal how precise the work Dan has done is.

The stem loading method for two screen is a little bit more finicky than comparable vapes that use 18mm glass joints, since those have "tophat" style screens available. 2 screens in the nomad basically requires the dowel.

The little wooden tube as a bowl/spacer is brilliant. It makes it really easy to pack a consistant, fluffy bowl without risk of crushing it by the second screen. It is again, a bit finicky adding this extra part but I believe it's well worth it.

Mouth draws work but really the story is slow draw rate is pretty much required, but the Nomad has an extremely open and free throwing airpath.

Being really used to similar vapes this is easy for me but I find this kind of vape is really hard to use for beginners.

Alan's blackwood roasting tube with a 14mm taper looks subtle and elegant in the Nomad.

I've only tried the high heater.

The magnet button feels really solid and is satisfying to press. It also doesn't feel likely to accidentally press.

It feels a bit less powerful than some similar 1850 convection vapes but it's easily the most finely made and it creates really smooth vapor with more even extraction than any of any of the others.

Congratulations on getting your Nomad ZC
I'm glad to hear that Dan's wooden capsules are working out.
Something I plan to try when I get mine is to install the 'body' screen, then use the stem with a single screen like the regular 18mm stems we're used to, but instead of just loading loose herb, using pre packed wood capsules.
Have you by chance tried this?
It might provide easy loading/unloading, whilst also placing the load a little closer to the heater?
I'm glad that you're enjoying your new vape , any chance of a pic' or two?
(blackwood stem
)

Until recently, I too thought it was necessary to use a slow draw. But, I’ve now discovered (read Dan’s post, actually, IIRC) that with the med-high heater a fast draw works very well, if I preheat for 3-5 seconds and keep the button pressed while drawing. At this point I haven’t decided which I personally prefer, but this approach helps a lot when I’m trying to share a stem. The slow draw and feathering of the button is really tough to teach to others.

Enjoy, however you choose to use your Nomad. It’s all about flexibility and personal preferences.

Its great that so many of you are finding success with differing approaches, versatility is definitely a prime quality for a vape IMO.
I had been assuming that the Nomad would require the same looong, slow draw that many other convection vapes demand, so I'm looking forward to trying short mouth pulls (I've never had much success with these via my Milaana's), and fast draws (again, this has always been problematic, causing 'tunnelling' hotspots with the 18mm stem vapes I've tried).
Can I just check that you are finding that its the MED/HIGH heater that works well for the pre-heat/fast draw method @RelaxedNow ?

Dan has really been bending over backwards to accommodate my custom sleeve lunacy, and showing great enthusiasm whilst doing so!
I've gone all-in with my Nomad and requested both a custom sleeve, and collar (cocobolo collar,box elder body).
I can't wait to see the finished vape, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of sleeves Dan's other custom customers have gone for (or that Dan has come up with in the case of those who have elected to hand him the reins).

to all!

 

[GetLeft]

I'm with @ZC (and a couple others) regarding the double screen method. I'm not much of a tinker, so the extra step in loading and the longer heat up time it requires made me go without that second screen. And the thought about pushing the whole capsule from one end to the other to get simple, complete vaporization of the material in the capsule didn't work for me. The dowel is smaller in diameter than the wooden stem insert, so in using it to push the capsule through to the opposite end of the stem, it pressed the screen upward into the material, compacting it and noticeably affecting the airflow. I'm sure with a little practice I could work that out, but I've decided just to go without the second screen.

I did find, however, to no surprise, that material was dropping into the heater, so yesterday I did what @abracadaver mentioned doing - I dropped the screen in above the heater. I modified the stem screen set up as well, inverting its position from the way Dan set it up. I'll see if it changes anything. I'm hoping it extends the time needed between cleanings. My screens are clogging pretty quickly; I'm getting maybe two stems before needing to clean to keep performance at a maximum. Picking up a few extra screens is probably a good idea .

What's going to keep me using this bad little boy for now is the exquisite richness of the vapor. The low heater really coaxes out the flavor, from beginning to end. I'll probably hit the high heater later today to get around the slow draw required with the low heater. But I don't want to sacrifice that flavor, so I'm a little hesitant…

 

[Dan Morrison]

@GetLeft , The screens come with a little dome shape pressed into them, this feature isn't really that necessary, just something I like to do. Sometimes if the screens are a tight fit in the glass stem, the pressure needed to push the two screens and load will deform that dome and flatten the screen.

This is most likely why it compressed your material. Once the screen is flat, however, it shouldn't compress your load any more, so long as you keep your material within the wooden insert.

In any case, I actually never use the 'push the entire load to the other end of the stem' technique, so I can't really comment on if it's even a thing you need to worry about doing.

As for the screen clogging, switching the top and bottom in-stem screens will always keep the screen closest to the heater fairly clean. It's one of my favourite things about the two screen setup. I switch the screens around every handful of sessions, depending on the stinkyness of what's in there (which can make a big difference!).

It sounds like you prefer the single in-stem screen setup.. so perhaps there is another way to clean the screen without needing to remove it...hmm. I'll have a think on it!

I'm glad that you are experiencing the low heat module in all its slow flavor quenching glory.

 

[RelaxedNow]

Congratulations on getting your Nomad ZC
I'm glad to hear that Dan's wooden capsules are working out.
Something I plan to try when I get mine is to install the 'body' screen, then use the stem with a single screen like the regular 18mm stems we're used to, but instead of just loading loose herb, using pre packed wood capsules.
Have you by chance tried this?
It might provide easy loading/unloading, whilst also placing the load a little closer to the heater?
I'm glad that you're enjoying your new vape , any chance of a pic' or two?
(blackwood stem
)


Its great that so many of you are finding success with differing approaches, versatility is definitely a prime quality for a vape IMO.
I had been assuming that the Nomad would require the same looong, slow draw that many other convection vapes demand, so I'm looking forward to trying short mouth pulls (I've never had much success with these via my Milaana's), and fast draws (again, this has always been problematic, causing 'tunnelling' hotspots with the 18mm stem vapes I've tried).
Can I just check that you are finding that its the MED/HIGH heater that works well for the pre-heat/fast draw method @RelaxedNow ?

Dan has really been bending over backwards to accommodate my custom sleeve lunacy, and showing great enthusiasm whilst doing so!
I've gone all-in with my Nomad and requested both a custom sleeve, and collar (cocobolo collar,box elder body).
I can't wait to see the finished vape, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of sleeves Dan's other custom customers have gone for (or that Dan has come up with in the case of those who have elected to hand him the reins).

to all!

Yes, I am using the med-high heater. I’ve been using it exclusively for so long that I can’t even compare it to the low-med any longer. I just know it works for me. I’ll have to swap them and give the other try again now that I’m more familiar with my Nomad. I still need to try the wood inserts too, but just haven’t bothered. I certainly appreciate the magnetic button though! I haven’t used another vaporizer since I upgraded.

I'm with @ZC (and a couple others) regarding the double screen method. I'm not much of a tinker, so the extra step in loading and the longer heat up time it requires made me go without that second screen. And the thought about pushing the whole capsule from one end to the other to get simple, complete vaporization of the material in the capsule didn't work for me. The dowel is smaller in diameter than the wooden stem insert, so in using it to push the capsule through to the opposite end of the stem, it pressed the screen upward into the material, compacting it and noticeably affecting the airflow. I'm sure with a little practice I could work that out, but I've decided just to go without the second screen.

I did find, however, to no surprise, that material was dropping into the heater, so yesterday I did what @abracadaver mentioned doing - I dropped the screen in above the heater. I modified the stem screen set up as well, inverting its position from the way Dan set it up. I'll see if it changes anything. I'm hoping it extends the time needed between cleanings. My screens are clogging pretty quickly; I'm getting maybe two stems before needing to clean to keep performance at a maximum. Picking up a few extra screens is probably a good idea .

What's going to keep me using this bad little boy for now is the exquisite richness of the vapor. The low heater really coaxes out the flavor, from beginning to end. I'll probably hit the high heater later today to get around the slow draw required with the low heater. But I don't want to sacrifice that flavor, so I'm a little hesitant…

I quickly got tired of messing with two screens and use only one in the stem. I feel I’m getting good results and am unlikely to ever go back to two.

Don’t be afraid to try the med-high. It’s possible the flavor is better with the low heater, but with the med-high it still beats my other devices.

@GetLeft , The screens come with a little dome shape pressed into them, this feature isn't really that necessary, just something I like to do. Sometimes if the screens are a tight fit in the glass stem, the pressure needed to push the two screens and load will deform that dome and flatten the screen.

This is most likely why it compressed your material. Once the screen is flat, however, it shouldn't compress your load any more, so long as you keep your material within the wooden insert.

In any case, I actually never use the 'push the entire load to the other end of the stem' technique, so I can't really comment on if it's even a thing you need to worry about doing.

As for the screen clogging, switching the top and bottom in-stem screens will always keep the screen closest to the heater fairly clean. It's one of my favourite things about the two screen setup. I switch the screens around every handful of sessions, depending on the stinkyness of what's in there (which can make a big difference!).

It sounds like you prefer the single in-stem screen setup.. so perhaps there is another way to clean the screen without needing to remove it...hmm. I'll have a think on it!

I'm glad that you are experiencing the low heat module in all its slow flavor quenching glory.

I use the pick that Ralph sells as a Tubo accessory, to empty the stem and scrape the screen without removing it. Maybe you’ll come up with a better tool, but this is working for me.

 

[DirtyD]

Now I've got a way better grasp on how to properly load and fire off this high heater , boy am I pleased. Hits like a champ with only a 3 or 4 sec preheat from cold. I'm sure when I buy some new batteries as mine are old I'll get some real juice going. So super stoked to see the smaller than expected size of the unit AND the diameter of the loading tube. Somehow I thought the bowl tube was way bigger, glad it's not, as I microdose part time. Also, everything fits together and works well with each other. I set the body screen and use one screen in the tube. The paper shell is a thing on it's own. How did he do this? The paper is a rigid shell, yet feels cushy and comfy in the hand. Even tho I followed this thread drooling since day one, seen every step In the development, build, my unit etc....still when you use it and hold it you're still blown away by how much thought and attention and invention went into this. It will be neat to see how it ages as well. Soon as I get my $ straight ill get a low heater because why not? Forgot to mention that the effects from my material in the nomad are strong and convection-y. Now that I've got my hit technique more dialed in I'm getting awesome taste throughout. Been loading smaller bowl amounts, a little over an eighth inch from the screen, and I set the whole load back about same distance. Love this thing. Cheers Y'all, D. #36.

Ps. Just the button itself is another thing. I have abalone, and it looks so cool. It's like a little framed picture. Cheers

 

[seriousTone]

Here's the thing, what is yall's abv turning out like with the lo heat heater and med high heat heater?

Can you get it this brown?

I like to make my abv at least this brown, sometimes just one step further where it's almost black on the very verge of combustion. I don't fuck around with keeping it because it's a hassle so I try and get as much out of it at as I can and dump it the fuck out.

Also, about how many bowls are you guys getting before noticeable drop-off in vape quality?

 

[Kalessin]

Here's the thing, what is yall's abv turning out like with the lo heat heater and med high heat heater?

Can you get it this brown?

I like to make my abv at least this brown, sometimes just one step further where it's almost black on the very verge of combustion. I don't fuck around with keeping it because it's a hassle so I try and get as much out of it at as I can and dump it the fuck out.

Also, about how many bowls are you guys getting before noticeable drop-off in vape quality?

I can get mine that brown, or near to with the high heat. That's about what I aim for, or perhaps a shade less dark. Haven't been keeping up with the battery usage, but probably 5 or 6 bowls before I feel a need to change batteries

 

[Stu]

I'm having a hard time getting the sleeve off. Any tips? I'm wondering if putting that wax on the wood might act as a lubricant.

I'm sure it'll loosen up with age, but it's been a challenge getting it off. I probably has to do with me putting it on with too much force, but as I mentioned it's damn tight and hard to budge.

 

[Dan Morrison]

@Stu,

Depending on your local humidity, it may have tightened up more. They are accustomed to my dry winter 30% RH. You're right in that it will stretch and eventually slide on and off much easier, but during the break-in period, I do know that some sleeves can feel very tight.

See if it helps to not grasp the sleeve too tight when you pull it off. A tight grip can compress the sleeve harder onto the body..if that makes sense. It's kind of counter-intuitive, since you obviously need to grasp the sleeve in order to pull on it... but just keep that point in mind I suppose. It has helped me.

Wiggle the sleeve and body side to side as you pull, the wiggle motion helps.

Make sure your sleeve is on the correct way, with the air hole aligned with the heater module. If it's on backwards it could be slightly tighter fitting that way.

Apply some of the finish I included labelled for the "sleeve" on the inside of the kraft sleeve. You can apply it to the top third of the sleeve where you'll feel the protective finish. You can focus your efforts in the corners. It will go on and darken the kraft at first, but once the paste wax dries it will go back to looking like unfinished kraft. Just apply a very thin coat with your finger and wipe it off right after applying it. Leave to dry for about 10 minutes before putting it back on the body.

This will help it slide better until things loosen up.

If for whatever reason the change in humidity is causing some really stuck sleeve issues, I have further suggestions for modifying the sleeve to fit a bit looser. I hand fit each sleeve using a little bit of sandpaper or abrasive pad (the stuff I included with each Nomad) in the inside corners of the sleeve. The inside corners are where most of the pressure is applied, so a bit of sanding in these areas will fix any tight sleeve. But I'd wait a little bit before resorting to this tactic, since you wouldn't want it to end up too loose in the end.

I can do a little sleeve sanding tutorial for you if it comes to that. No problem at all.

Of course, if you'd like me to tweak the sleeve fit, I am more than happy to as well. But I believe it'll start to fit better and better really soon!

Let me know if those suggestions work for you and we can go from there.

Also, don't be afraid to really yank on that sucker, You won't break it, and if you somehow did... I'll happily fix it!

 

[Stu]

Apply some of the finish I included labelled for the "sleeve" on the inside of the kraft sleeve. You can apply it to the top third of the sleeve where you'll feel the protective finish. You can focus your efforts in the corners. It will go on and darken the kraft at first, but once the paste wax dries it will go back to looking like unfinished kraft. Just apply a very thin coat with your finger and wipe it off right after applying it. Leave to dry for about 10 minutes before putting it back on the body.

This will help it slide better until things loosen up.

Thanks Dan, the finish on the inside of the sleeve did the trick. It goes on and off easily now.

I'm really enjoying this thing much more than I thought I would. I mean I always knew it'd be beautiful and all that, but I was pleasantly surprised by how good of a performing vape it actually is. Bonus!

 

[seriousTone]

I can get mine that brown, or near to with the high heat. That's about what I aim for, or perhaps a shade less dark. Haven't been keeping up with the battery usage, but probably 5 or 6 bowls before I feel a need to change batteries

That's pretty damn good, thank you.

 

[Ramahs]

 

[triskelion]

Love wood since my Childwood

 

[Copacetic]

Anyone out there got a Nomad that you've not shown us yet?
C'mon you lucky bums, let's 'em!

You'll never find a more appreciative audience than your brother and sister FC'ers

 

[ClearBlueLou]

I agree! There ought to be a gallery of the Nomads, I’d love to see every one of them.

 

[MonkeyTime]

Ok Ok, but only once, and you can't tell anyone I showed you!

I've played with both the heaters and with and without the stem insert, I like it not matter the set up. No combustion yet, not really even close. But I have toasted a few loads until well beyond what I normally do just to see how she reacted. She can be a very refined piece, I think it's time to single in on one heater and setup and perfect.

I did do a full tear down after receiving it. It was just as expected. The attention to detail was superb. Everything was thought out, rethunk, and then refined. We all watched it evolve, to now hold it is gratifying in a very special way. This one carries some very special memories for me, it's a personal vessel of sorts. I feel much like @Stu , I would have been pleased with it just for it's physical appearance, when you see how it functions, it really completes the hole experience.

I'm working on a stirring aid and stem caps, when I have something to show, I'll post them up to give you guys ideas!

Dan, I can't thank you again enough! Now, I remember you talking about a concentrate heater at one time. After playing with the high heat version, I'm thinking this might make a special little one hitter for dabs with one tuned a little hotter. The load is right there, we're working with a small bowl area....... we still thinking alike?

 

[seriousTone]

Ok Ok, but only once, and you can't tell anyone I showed you!

I've played with both the heaters and with and without the stem insert, I like it not matter the set up. No combustion yet, not really even close. But I have toasted a few loads until well beyond what I normally do just to see how she reacted. She can be a very refined piece, I think it's time to single in on one heater and setup and perfect.

I did do a full tear down after receiving it. It was just as expected. The attention to detail was superb. Everything was thought out, rethunk, and then refined. We all watched it evolve, to now hold it is gratifying in a very special way. This one carries some very special memories for me, it's a personal vessel of sorts. I feel much like @Stu , I would have been pleased with it just for it's physical appearance, when you see how it functions, it really completes the hole experience.

I'm working on a stirring aid and stem caps, when I have something to show, I'll post them up to give you guys ideas!

Dan, I can't thank you again enough! Now, I remember you talking about a concentrate heater at one time. After playing with the high heat version, I'm thinking this might make a special little one hitter for dabs with one tuned a little hotter. The load is right there, we're working with a small bowl area....... we still thinking alike?

The way your sleeve looks like it has texture makes it really nice! Wow, I actually really like your sleeve/wood combination.

 

[MonkeyTime]

The way your sleeve looks like it has texture makes it really nice! Wow, I actually really like your sleeve/wood combination.

I have wondered if all the papers end up with the same texture. This one is very close to a leathery suede. It's a wonderful compliment to wood, which is also buttery soft, but firm. This vape is a seven course meal of compliments!

 

[Copacetic]

THAT'S the stuff @MonkeyTime!
MMMMMMMMM

The ability to strip the Nomad right down is superb.
You'd have to be confident in your work to encourage us lot to play Operation with your work.
It sounds as though Dan's work is great inside and out

 

[ClearBlueLou]

Copacetic, what’s that in your avatar? I thought it a Nomad, until I had a closer look.

Monkey Time, you remind me of the old Major Lance tune...the setting of your pic is perfect for your Nomad, they seem much of a piece