Thanks, it's all more than good my FC brethren!!! Sorry if I was a tad prickly, just a side effect of swimming upstream.
One final note on the design/assembly: A friend (who I'd convinced to preorder Zion but canceled due to inactivity) came by as I was packing the Milaana for shipping. He's a dealer in fine antiques, and sorry to say, was not impressed. He pointed out the copious/sloppy adhesive, slightly misaligned corners, and of course the potential to break the glass merely by swinging the battery door was a deal breaker (seems like a blatant design flaw IMO). Anyway, he was happy that he'd canceled his Zion order months ago. He said it looked like something he'd make if he had a weekend to make a vape. Not trying to offend, just providing honest focus group feedback. Incidentally, this same friend did quite like my FW. I found the Milaana to be a nice lil nugget o' wood, but those looking for fine handmade craftsmanship may be disappointed.
I beg to differ, "pal"...the customer is always right!
Signed,
A former customer
First, the customer is not always right. I don't know what world (or time in history) you live in to think that is the case, but it hasn't been in the US for quite some time. And, more and more businesses are telling pain in the ass or whiny customers, "Don't come back. I don't want your money." I have a few small businesses besides my day job and I make no qualms about it. If the headaches, relentless bitching, moaning and whining (like we've seen too much of here - some not even from customers!) starts seeming like it outweighs the profit margin - it only makes sense to cut those people loose. Not that it is phrased like this, but I think that may be much of the sentiment in RBT's refund - and i know it is why I (and suspect others here) regularly suggest to incessant whiners to just get their fuckin refund and be on their merry way.
Second, I don't know what you thought you were getting. Maybe I totally missed what you read, but I thought all along I was getting a revolutionary, kick-ass, portable heater and an all glass airpath. Handmade (or close to it), yes. But, handcrafted? No. If the initial posts and the way RBT and his friends closeby described it didn't tip you off, all of the pictures of an unfinished piece of wood should have. I don't know why it would be any surprise the copper door would swing around - it looks pretty obvious to me in all of the pictures. The glue shouldn't be like that, nor should the corners - but just taking a guess here... they may have been working as quickly as possible to get them out the door for those who have been waiting. And, I really couldn't give less of a fuck about what a dealer in fine antiques thinks about it. I didn't buy a fine antique (neither did you in case you're wondering). I bought a portable convection vape that was supposed to deliver the power of convection desktops. Focus group feedback? Really? I better stop, but maybe you should as well (or should have before this post).
That's why I wrote what I did (that you quoted). You came on, said you didn't like it and why - then sold it. Done, right? Be done then, would you?
From a different perspective.... I'm loving my Milaana!! Yes, it is just a hunk of unfinished wood (though considering what stain i want to put on it every time I use it). Corners look fine and there is just a bit too much glue where the bottom is glued to the body. Kind of figure that will pretty much disappear with the staining. Yeah, it's got glass and yeah the copper battery top will hit it if you try to change the battery with the stem in. But, why would I? Why would anyone? It's pretty obvious the stem should only be in there in use - not while changing a battery.
Which brings me to the main point, and the best thing about it. It produces AMAZING vapor without a cord. Pure convection, flavor city with huge clouds on demand. It does take a little practice to get the technique down (and gleefully enjoying that practice by the way!), but it ain't rocket science. So, I can be sitting at home, out on a hike, cruising a country road, wherever whenever and getting great vapor on demand just how I want it right then. Thinner, low temp "headier" vapor? Easy - no problem! Feel like ripping a big cloud? Just feather the button less and adjust draw a little. Want to go through water? No problem - change to an M2M and have at it. I'm blow away by it. Was all I was hoping for and then some.
One more thing I wanted to throw out here before I get off this rant... I read somewhere above some suppositions by someone who doesn't have an Mi. Never a good idea by the way, though I have seen it happen here and in the other RBT thread more than a few times. Anyway.... someone said something about drawing faster to cool the heater. They obviously don't have one. There is no drawing past the heater on your first couple loads on a fresh battery. I instinctively tried when it was getting a little hot, and I was too buzzed to remember to release the button. I just pulled like I do with any other portable (and a few desktops) to cool it down. Bad idea, and last time I'll do that! When my 5 minute coughing session finally let up, I went and scraped my lung off the wall 10' away!
EDIT: Forgot to include, if you pre-ordered you're getting a first run new product that is now barely in production. And, no matter how long you're waiting - you're still ahead of true "consumer" production. If you might have problems with a few warts in the looks or issues that have yet to be found, you should wait a couple months and buy one from a true consumer vendor. You'll also probably get the customer service more than a few have been whining about here. But, you won't get the pre-order discount, and you won't get your Milaana as soon as some others. If you pre-ordered and want those things, please get your refund - and pay retail when it is available. But, whatever the case realize what you're getting into and keep your expectations realistic. If waiting after payment, unexpected shipping, lack of CS or other such quibbles are going to be an issue for you don't pre-order. Not this or anything else, vape or otherwise.
Modnote: As mentioned above by Pakalolo, please leave thread moderation to the staff.