The Nomad From Morwood

Vaporware

Well-Known Member
@flammy Coming, later today...posssibly tomorrow if things take longer than I expect (we all know my track record here!). I'm getting some video as well...just to switch things up. The chatoyancy of some of these woods just needs video to properly show it off.

@xtraclipsforxtrashit I originally intended for people to be able to make their own charcoals, but after more experience I came to realize that the results may not be acceptable...depending on a lot of factors.

The Okin charcoals I ended up producing are pretty unique. They're made at a very high temperature (unlike pretty much any charcoal available, other than Japanese Binchotan), but...you can't just shoot for a screaming hot temp, because there is a point where the charcoal becomes almost like pure crystalline carbon, and it starts to become very hard to light and keep lit.

Also, the vessel should be steel, or stainless steel, without any contamination. It's possible that old steel vessels (like paint cans) have a coating, solder, or some kind of plating on the inside. The volatiles from these contaminants would likely be driven out by the time the charcoal reaches final temp, but it's best to avoid it all together, since charcoal is very absorbent and will suck in airborne contaminants just like active carbon (which is essentially very similar to a high temp charcoal).

I tested longer charcoals, there is a point where it becomes too long to work effectively at the start of the burn. Also, when wood turns into charcoal it shrinks, a lot. If the length is greater than the diameter, you'll have a poor yield due to cracking and major distortion. I find it's best to stick to about the same length as the diameter so that the pieces of wood shrink evenly.

Anyhow, I made a batch a few months ago and have plenty to go around if anyone needs it!

____

Okin II - I get asked allll the time if there will ever be a re-run of the Okin, or an Okin II. And every few months I get out my sketchbook to tease out more designs. I've gone through several prototypes in the last couple years, just testing the waters.

My most recent design that I thought had some promise is sort of interesting. It's basically a little wand type handle, sort of like a dab tool, not much bigger than a short pencil. This wooden wand has a little bit on the end that sticks into the charcoal and holds it firmly. Now you've got a little wand with a glowing charcoal on the end.

I made a matching bowl, not much different than a typical pipe bowl, that has an inlet that's a little larger than the charcoal. You simply use the pipe while holding the charcoal just inside of the inlet. It's sort of like a sticky brick in that you're holding a heat source at the opening of an air inlet. The difference is that the opening of said inlet only needs to be about 10mm away from the herb load, so you can make the entire inlet/bowl very compact.

I was thinking of bringing back some of my more "pipe" styled pieces to be used with the charcoal wand, for a totally old-school analog experience.

I also made a glass bowl/inlet, which is pretty cool because you can watch the herb while you're inhaling..which pretty much guarantees that you'll never combust.

Another cool thing is that this method seems to be a very effective use of heat, so the charcoals can actually be used several times for multiple micro-dose sessions per charcoal. I think you could get about 3-4 bowls out of a single charcoal.

What's holding me back from going further is the fact that, performance wise, the Nomad/Toad platform still outpaces the charcoal in terms of ease of use. The charcoals still require prepping, lighting, and technique to use properly... where as the Nomad/Toad is just so simple and quick.

I also know that this style will always be very niche due to the stigma of charcoal itself. I wouldn't feel comfortable marketing this product to just anyone... since there are dangers that go along with the charcoals... fire hazard, and if you don't prep them properly, dust hazard.

I still think it would be a fun project, and I know I could improve ease of use with some further tweaking of the inlet and heat diffuser, but with so much on my plate these days I'm trying not to take on anything until I have more free time! haha.

You guys can let me know how you feel about it.... perhaps the enthusiasm will build for it and I'll have no choice!

I’ve been interested in the Okin ever since I got into the Nomad, so it would be great to have a chance to get some version of it!

The dust is a bit of a concern, but I guess with your prep method it shouldn’t be?

Still, this might be a good opportunity to integrate the filter idea you talked about in the Toad thread. It could probably just be pressure fit between two parts if the bowl and stem or stem and a mouthpiece were separable… :sherlock:

I’m sure it’ll be a while before you can get to these and I wouldn’t prioritize them over the Nomads/Toads right now either, but I’m definitely onboard when you decide to make some!

Also, thanks for the pics @mourningbell ! We rarely see new pics of the really worn sleeves.

I’m guessing yours wore faster because of the specific pattern on it? I think the gold parts are embossed?

Because of that I’m not sure it’s the best representative of how most sleeves will wear, but I’m still curious how you usually carry yours. Bare in a pocket?

I’m glad it looks like it’s got a good amount of use! :rockon:
 

MonkeyTime

Well-Known Member
I’ve been interested in the Okin ever since I got into the Nomad, so it would be great to have a chance to get some version of it!

The dust is a bit of a concern, but I guess with your prep method it shouldn’t be?

Still, this might be a good opportunity to integrate the filter idea you talked about in the Toad thread. It could probably just be pressure fit between two parts if the bowl and stem or stem and a mouthpiece were separable… :sherlock:

I’m sure it’ll be a while before you can get to these and I wouldn’t prioritize them over the Nomads/Toads right now either, but I’m definitely onboard when you decide to make some!

Also, thanks for the pics @mourningbell ! We rarely see new pics of the really worn sleeves.

I’m guessing yours wore faster because of the specific pattern on it? I think the gold parts are embossed?

Because of that I’m not sure it’s the best representative of how most sleeves will wear, but I’m still curious how you usually carry yours. Bare in a pocket?

I’m glad it looks like it’s got a good amount of use! :rockon:
I'm thinking if you want a filter in that, a punched out T-sac tea filter would be great, I'm using them in my TM and MV now. You could double them up for those looking to create some airflow restriction too.

Hmmm, I'm on the Okin if it happens, I love Dan's work.
 
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mourningbell

Certified human
I’ve been interested in the Okin ever since I got into the Nomad, so it would be great to have a chance to get some version of it!

The dust is a bit of a concern, but I guess with your prep method it shouldn’t be?

Still, this might be a good opportunity to integrate the filter idea you talked about in the Toad thread. It could probably just be pressure fit between two parts if the bowl and stem or stem and a mouthpiece were separable… :sherlock:

I’m sure it’ll be a while before you can get to these and I wouldn’t prioritize them over the Nomads/Toads right now either, but I’m definitely onboard when you decide to make some!

Also, thanks for the pics @mourningbell ! We rarely see new pics of the really worn sleeves.

I’m guessing yours wore faster because of the specific pattern on it? I think the gold parts are embossed?

Because of that I’m not sure it’s the best representative of how most sleeves will wear, but I’m still curious how you usually carry yours. Bare in a pocket?

I’m glad it looks like it’s got a good amount of use! :rockon:

I think the finish and embossing of those gold parts played into it wearing fast, though the corners have worn through a bit--so maybe I'm just treating it too roughly? Not sure.
 
mourningbell,

Vaporware

Well-Known Member
I think the finish and embossing of those gold parts played into it wearing fast, though the corners have worn through a bit--so maybe I'm just treating it too roughly? Not sure.

I think that a decent amount of wear was always built into the design…like the Nomad sleeves aren’t really finished until they’re worn, and they can take a lot of wear before they get to a point where I’d be bothered by it…but I do think yours has worn more than most for the reasons we talked about. I know that Dan changed some processes too, so being an earlier sleeve it may have worn faster than some of the later ones will due to small details in the way the sleeve was made.

I actually like the wear on yours, but if it’s more worn looking than you want or if it gets to that point, after talking to Dan about the best way to do it I’d either layer on some new art or get someone to do it for me. You should be able to keep doing that indefinitely I think, so it would keep changing but every version should be cool. If you do more with it, please post some new pics! :)

If you don’t mind describing what got it to this point though, it would be helpful for other Nomad users to know how long it took to get to this point, how much use it gets, whether it’s ever in a case or always loose in a pocket or bag or something, or whatever you’d like to share about it.

Even if your experiences wouldn’t translate directly to most other sleeves, it’s good data for Dan and other users to have!

I remembered you were questioning your sleeve choice after you got it, so I hope you’ve been happy enough with it over the last couple of years, but if you still want a change this is a great chance to mix it up. :)

For anyone who didn’t see it new, here are a couple of pics:


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sSo0Eg87_o.jpeg


shows how different it looks in different lighting. Wish I'd gone for a different sleeve (although the gold does look nice in the light) and the high instead of low powered heater but I love it regardless. Been using it to vaporizer hemp recently (due to legal troubles) and it's been great. I use Stu's method for loading although I don't always push it to the other end before I cash the bowl. Just because vaping is so cheap regardless.

Thanks Dan ❤️
 

seriousTone

Well-Known Member
The Okin charcoals I ended up producing are pretty unique.


I made a matching bowl, not much different than a typical pipe bowl, that has an inlet that's a little larger than the charcoal. You simply use the pipe while holding the charcoal just inside of the inlet. It's sort of like a sticky brick in that you're holding a heat source at the opening of an air inlet. The difference is that the opening of said inlet only needs to be about 10mm away from the herb load, so you can make the entire inlet/bowl very compact.

I was thinking of bringing back some of my more "pipe" styled pieces to be used with the charcoal wand, for a totally old-school analog experience.


Thanks for letting me know all that, I guess I maybe won't give it a try hahaa.

Please post pics of the sketches of the Okin successor!

And PLEASE if you start making pipe style pieces again, I so BEEN called dibs on being number 1 on that waitlist! :nod:
 
seriousTone,

mourningbell

Certified human
I think that a decent amount of wear was always built into the design…like the Nomad sleeves aren’t really finished until they’re worn, and they can take a lot of wear before they get to a point where I’d be bothered by it…but I do think yours has worn more than most for the reasons we talked about. I know that Dan changed some processes too, so being an earlier sleeve it may have worn faster than some of the later ones will due to small details in the way the sleeve was made.

I actually like the wear on yours, but if it’s more worn looking than you want or if it gets to that point, after talking to Dan about the best way to do it I’d either layer on some new art or get someone to do it for me. You should be able to keep doing that indefinitely I think, so it would keep changing but every version should be cool. If you do more with it, please post some new pics! :)

If you don’t mind describing what got it to this point though, it would be helpful for other Nomad users to know how long it took to get to this point, how much use it gets, whether it’s ever in a case or always loose in a pocket or bag or something, or whatever you’d like to share about it.

Even if your experiences wouldn’t translate directly to most other sleeves, it’s good data for Dan and other users to have!

I remembered you were questioning your sleeve choice after you got it, so I hope you’ve been happy enough with it over the last couple of years, but if you still want a change this is a great chance to mix it up. :)

For anyone who didn’t see it new, here are a couple of pics:
Honestly I think I've sent around 100 bowls through it, 150 max. The old loading system with the briar wood ring and two screens was kind of a pain in the ass; I have a vape (Flowermate Slick) which is more of a bitch to unload, but the Nomad was up there. Now? It's convenient as fuck, so I've been using it regularly alongside my Omni XL.

Normally when transporting I'll keep it in one of my pockets, so that may explain the extra wear on the corners. I really do like the worn look more than when it was new though; wear gives the Nomad more texture, character, and contrast! ☯️

While I know Dan would do a better job repainting the sleeve than I would (some of the sleeves he's painted are INSANE), I'm gonna take a shot at it sometime in the future bc I enjoy painting (abstractly).
 

madhockeydad

Art is beauty
I think that a decent amount of wear was always built into the design…like the Nomad sleeves aren’t really finished until they’re worn, and they can take a lot of wear before they get to a point where I’d be bothered by it…but I do think yours has worn more than most for the reasons we talked about. I know that Dan changed some processes too, so being an earlier sleeve it may have worn faster than some of the later ones will due to small details in the way the sleeve was made.

I actually like the wear on yours, but if it’s more worn looking than you want or if it gets to that point, after talking to Dan about the best way to do it I’d either layer on some new art or get someone to do it for me. You should be able to keep doing that indefinitely I think, so it would keep changing but every version should be cool. If you do more with it, please post some new pics! :)

If you don’t mind describing what got it to this point though, it would be helpful for other Nomad users to know how long it took to get to this point, how much use it gets, whether it’s ever in a case or always loose in a pocket or bag or something, or whatever you’d like to share about it.

Even if your experiences wouldn’t translate directly to most other sleeves, it’s good data for Dan and other users to have!

I remembered you were questioning your sleeve choice after you got it, so I hope you’ve been happy enough with it over the last couple of years, but if you still want a change this is a great chance to mix it up. :)

For anyone who didn’t see it new, here are a couple of pics:

The sleeves look cool. I’m glad Dan stopped offering them as I like the look of wood and I prefer it tactically. In a correspondence with Dan he said every one of those took a lot of effort. While cool it’s such a custom feature with a high cost to make and I’m glad Dan is more focused on making the devices.

For the II there is no option except for a super new cool case. The design looks amazing and this is hand dyed too!!! Honestly the skill, thought, effort, and dedication that Dan gives is amazing. Mine should be in the mail on Tuesday. I’ll post photos and maybe a video of the unboxing, impressions, and of course that taste of GG#4.

My garden is full of flowers, corn, and sunflowers. Now in the evening with a fire roaring I’ll enjoy the Nomad.

Peace.
 

Vaporware

Well-Known Member
@mourningbell Thanks for the details! I’m glad you’re getting more use out of it with the new chambers. :)

I would still talk to Dan about how to paint it (types of paint, what to seal it with, etc.) to make sure it comes out good and stays that way for a while.

Also, if yours was ever unused for very long, make sure you clean the contacts at some point (or get someone to do it) to make sure you’re getting the best performance it can deliver.

Dan’s posted instructions, but unless I’m forgetting something basically the hole in the bottom plate that the heater fits in and the metal the button touches to complete the circuit should be cleaned with an eraser periodically. The one behind the button is a bit tricky to get to, but the bottom plate is easy. The more you use it though, the less often you have to clean the contacts. I think Dan said he cleans his every 6 months to a year or so.

Sorry if you already knew all of that, but I want to make sure everyone’s getting the most out of their Nomads and just judging by the amount of use and amount of time you’ve had it, it sounds like yours could be ready for a cleaning if you haven’t already done it. :)
 

Dan Morrison

Well-Known Member
Manufacturer
Here's a little finishing action with a curly koa Nomad II. I tested a bunch of new finishes in the last year or so, and ended up really liking Osmo. Their "extra-thin" formulation works nicely on these super dense stabilized and exotic hardwoods.

This finish is a mixture of plant based drying oils and waxes, all food contact safe, no smell, and non yellowing.

I go with two coats of Osmo, then I finish up with a very fine abrasive buff and finally a polish with carnauba wax.

Here is the first coat!

 

BigJr48

Well-Known Member
Here's a little finishing action with a curly koa Nomad II. I tested a bunch of new finishes in the last year or so, and ended up really liking Osmo. Their "extra-thin" formulation works nicely on these super dense stabilized and exotic hardwoods.

This finish is a mixture of plant based drying oils and waxes, all food contact safe, no smell, and non yellowing.

I go with two coats of Osmo, then I finish up with a very fine abrasive buff and finally a polish with carnauba wax.

Here is the first coat!

Can I get a link to your website pls
 
BigJr48,

Dan Morrison

Well-Known Member
Manufacturer
@madhockeydad, I send beeswax mineral oil finish with every Nomad. The osmo works best as a light coating, so re-application isn't needed. It's very durable stuff. Woods like African blackwood, cocobolo, and other dense exotics...as well as the stabilized woods, will never need refinishing.. and very little maintanence with the beeswax, maybe twice a year for the first year...and once a year or two after that. Softer woods will benefit from the beeswax every few months.

All these woods will look better and better over time!

@BigJr48 I only have an Instagram, @morwoodco
 

SloJimFizz

Unknown Member
Here's a little finishing action with a curly koa Nomad II. I tested a bunch of new finishes in the last year or so, and ended up really liking Osmo. Their "extra-thin" formulation works nicely on these super dense stabilized and exotic hardwoods.

This finish is a mixture of plant based drying oils and waxes, all food contact safe, no smell, and non yellowing.

I go with two coats of Osmo, then I finish up with a very fine abrasive buff and finally a polish with carnauba wax.

Here is the first coat!


That's what I love about Koa right there. Hypnotizing. That grain has so much life when you spin it.
That's either mine or @SquirrelMaster but I do think that's my collar wood. All of these units are looking stunning @Dan Morrison
Those carrying pouches are freaking beautiful too. I'm going to need a crappy case to protect your work of art case that's carrying my Nomad II. :)
 

madhockeydad

Art is beauty
That's what I love about Koa right there. Hypnotizing. That grain has so much life when you spin it.
That's either mine or @SquirrelMaster but I do think that's my collar wood. All of these units are looking stunning @Dan Morrison
Those carrying pouches are freaking beautiful too. I'm going to need a crappy case to protect your work of art case that's carrying my Nomad II. :)
A case for a case…. Be careful with that logic it may take you ten minutes simply to get it out!!
 

SquirrelMaster

Well-Known Member
Here's a little finishing action with a curly koa Nomad II. I tested a bunch of new finishes in the last year or so, and ended up really liking Osmo. Their "extra-thin" formulation works nicely on these super dense stabilized and exotic hardwoods.

This finish is a mixture of plant based drying oils and waxes, all food contact safe, no smell, and non yellowing.

I go with two coats of Osmo, then I finish up with a very fine abrasive buff and finally a polish with carnauba wax.

Here is the first coat!

tenor.gif

You said it would pop and wow you did not lie!

That's what I love about Koa right there. Hypnotizing. That grain has so much life when you spin it.
That's either mine or @SquirrelMaster but I do think that's my collar wood. All of these units are looking stunning @Dan Morrison

Those carrying pouches are freaking beautiful too. I'm going to need a crappy case to protect your work of art case that's carrying my Nomad II. :)
She's a beauty that's for sure! I cannot wait to see and hold mine :D .
 

namasteIII

Well-Known Member
He will have to confirm and it its not like it matters.

I’m 60 something and I think I was batch 3, last of the Nomad 1s. I think the batch after that had a choice of Nomad 1 or 2 but that could be wrong.

Seems like he did start again at zero tho if yours is 4.
 

madhockeydad

Art is beauty
He will have to confirm and it its not like it matters.

I’m 60 something and I think I was batch 3, last of the Nomad 1s. I think the batch after that had a choice of Nomad 1 or 2 but that could be wrong.

Seems like he did start again at zero tho if yours is 4.
Sure does. See can confirm that mine is a II. I wonder how big the batches are? Anyone know?
 
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