Discontinued The Timber Elite by Vapwood

[Bravesst]

It's another day in the virtual neighborhood we call FC. Today, a much needed break from the shop. No, the live edge, which needs lots and lots of testing, is not claimed yet. The cover plate is also a bit knotty, gonna look real sweet assembled.

As far as the rest of the 15, I will be assigning units to owners, but only after final assembly. Right now I need to shift gears and go from woodworker to vape technician. The boards need to be wired up, and screens connected. I can then mount to the cover plate. I'll also need to form another dozen or so coils. I never expected to be able to bring 16 units along this quickly, but I've been streamlining this process for over a year now, and it's paying off.

Just a reminder on Elite deals...

• coupon code: ELITIST saves you $30
• if you upgrade to a walnut Elite, it comes with a free walnut roasting tube ($25 value, limited offer)

 

[Bravesst]

Good morning and happy St. Paddy's day. My sweet spot this morning is starting at 26 watts. How low can we go?

I'd like to speak openly and honestly about the Elite pricing. There are always a couple of ways to go, high and low. The benefits of lower pricing is obvious to the consumer, but the benefits of a slightly higher price can be a bit more difficult to see. Lower price means more sales, more sales mean longer waits OR less workmanship / quality control. I've been through these numbers many times, and I know what I need to get to put out this truly *elite* product, taking the time each process deserves, sourcing out the absolute best parts, and then putting in the time to make everything as good as it can be. Unfortunately that doesn't come cheap.

With that said, I just put the Classic on sale today (code STPADDY) to open up LB to as many people as possible.

 

[HerbieVonVapster]

In the meantime, I can't say enough good stuff about the DNA75C. As a self regulation guru, this is quite a departure. In my defense. it was on demand convection that really attracted me, and self regulation was just part of that. I've had other regulated vapes, but always session / conduction vapes. Controlling wattage, adding in some preheat, seems to pair well with dry herb and our coil, and it's very simple. I like simple.

Hehe I knew you would love it. Really glad to see a manufacturer embracing the ideal of using this powerful chip to control and regulate such an important part of the vapor experience.

Don't get me wrong you can master a unregulated device and get great hits. But as a heavy medical user find the benefits of the chip controlling power a better fit for my needs.

The lil bud original has joined the vaporbar collection and will still get used on occasion. Most of my collection of vaporizers are units that have replaceable batteries. So no biggie if they sit dormant between uses.

With my high tolerance find a different vaporizer still allows me to experience the high feeling if wanted. Most of my use is medical for pain and to slow the muscle wasting down. Still it's enjoyable to change mindset at times and helps with the side effects of some of the other pain drugs have on mood.


Sorry rambled little off subject there.

I'd like to speak openly and honestly about the Elite pricing. There are always a couple of ways to go, high and low. The benefits of lower pricing is obvious to the consumer, but the benefits of a slightly higher price can be a bit more difficult to see. Lower price means more sales, more sales mean longer waits OR less workmanship / quality control. I've been through these numbers many times, and I know what I need to get to put out this truly *elite* product, taking the time each process deserves, sourcing out the absolute best parts, and then putting in the time to make everything as good as it can be. Unfortunately that doesn't come cheap.

As a consumer rather pay more upfront for a quality product than get something a little cheaper and deal with possible lower quality/workmanship. You end up paying for it one way or another and rather pay more upfront knowing i'm getting the best workmanship. Instead of paying less and dealing with settling for just a presentable working product.

The elite feels good in my hand and I'm proud to have it in my collection. I don't mind paying a higher price. I know it be in my collection and will be around for years. Much longer than vapes priced in the same range like SB Mighty, so for me there was a lot of value with the elite purchase.

I also feel you take great pride and enjoyment in producing the best lil buds you can. Personally rather see you able to continue enjoying producing the quality products you are. Than trying to just knock a bunch them out to make the same buck. No one wins there I feel.

 

[muunch]

anticipation ramping up over here! I can't wait to play around with this thing...

 

[HerbieVonVapster]

Sorry for the crappy pic just wanted share how things are coming along with temperature control tweaking on the elite. Set at 410 it used 24w average over 13 seconds. Board temperature is 91.3 The average temperature over the 13seconds was 410 peaked at 422.

[/IMG]

 

[Bravesst]

Sad, sad news. My little buddy, Reddy, who Lil' Bud is named for, passed this morning. He's been sick since July and had quite a few up and downs. This morning he had a seizure he never came out of. My wife and I are crushed. Just remember him every time you pick up your Lil' Bud.

 

[nonbeliever]

Sad, sad news. My little buddy, Reddy, who Lil' Bud is named for, passed this morning. He's been sick since July and had quite a few up and downs. This morning he had a seizure he never came out of. My wife and I are crushed. Just remember him every time you pick up your Lil' Bud.

Always heartbreaking.

So very sorry.... a toast to Reddy....

 

[money2]

Deepest condolences to you and your family Mike this is terrible news.

 

[P.A.M.]

My condolences, Mike.
It's hard but time does help . Take the time to heal, you were as loyal to him as he was to you. You are a good man , we're here for you bud, stay strong.

 

[Slickwilly]

Mike,
So sad to hear. Our deepest condolences from the wife and I.

 

[bossman]

I'm sorry for your loss, Mike.

 

[Mr. Gweilo 420]

Hey Mike, so sorry to hear about Reddy passing. I think there are a lot of animal lovers here so we feel your loss. Take care mate and I will be thinking of you and your little man when I hit my Lil Bud tonight.

 

[szano]

Sad, sad news. My little buddy, Reddy, who Lil' Bud is named for, passed this morning. He's been sick since July and had quite a few up and downs. This morning he had a seizure he never came out of. My wife and I are crushed. Just remember him every time you pick up your Lil' Bud.

Mike,

So sorry to hear of the passing of the original LiL Bud!

Been through it so so many times! I have had dogs most of my
60+ years and it never gets easier.

Condolences to both you and the wife.

Gone but never forgotten …..

 

[Bravesst]

Thanks everybody, support is really important, and much appreciated. I wound up on the shop for half day yesterday, as it's the only thing that distracts me. I wired boards, normally a job I would have left to a *feel good* day. Suddenly wiring up, testing the board is about the easiest part of the job. Evolv did a great job with this, making it a pleasure to work with. Even the finicky screen attachment is pretty basic with the right tools / touch. By tomorrow, I'll have 10 boards ready to be popped into units, and I believe I will split the batch at that point, and begin final assembly on those 10.

 

[Bravesst]

Good morning all...
Times like these make you think what's important in life. I know my vape building mentor @Alan's philosophy is to make as many people happy as possible. That means treating people fairly, as well as being fair to yourself.

VAPWOOD MISSION STATEMENT
Make cannabis users happy.

With that said, I simplified the Elite listing. It now comes with a roasting tube and battery, basically everything you need to get started. Pricing after the standard $30 discount is as follows. The only change for the foreseeable future, is the $30 discount, and who it's extended to. Right now, I opened it up to everybody.

Let's sell some Elites!

Maple: $299
Cherry: $309
Walnut: $319
Koa: $329

*the website reflects these changes

 

[muunch]

those Koa units are going to be absolutely killer

 

[Bravesst]

Koa is gonna be killer for sure. The bottom cap and cover plate will either be cherry or walnut due to the interlocking grain of he Koa not holding up well to the machining that needs to be done. I'm looking forward to getting started on my Koa stock.

Here's a peek at the DNA75C, wired up, screen attached, ready to be installed in an Elite. Notice the 14 gauge (orange) wire that goes to the coil, while the 18 gauge (black) wire goes to the battery. We are making vape history here.

 

[HerbieVonVapster]

VAPWOOD MISSION STATEMENT
Make cannabis users happy.

With that said, I simplified the Elite listing. It now comes with a roasting tube and battery, basically everything you need to get started

Awesome news is stem going be 19/22 or different size with elite. Also what batteries are you using? If stem you decide is different size HMU I send you a payment for it and couple batteries.

Been enjoying the elite and currently chatting with one of the Mods over at evolv. Kicking around a couple other ideals to improve TC accuracy.

One thing he feels is very important is to have case thermal properties and cold OHMS set correctly. Being off by small amount on cold OHM changes temperature. Also he suggests not locking the OHM.

My suggestion is to do what done with the tubo owner does and included cold ohm for each unit. Another suggestion would be to run the case thermal analyzer before shipping. It's added work but I feel would help to have these 2 variables along with the mod resistance we discussed preinstalled. Then have customer hooks up to escribe first thing to back up the data for them. Heck guess you could even email a copy of the file for there elite.

The extra work upfront work would save the customer needing to preform these items. Plus help with QC since you know everything set up properly before it leaves the workshop. This also allows customer a working backup if they screw any settings up.

 

[Bravesst]

Same stem @HerbieVonVapster , I like keeping things simple. Such interesting info on the science behind the board. I am very impressed you've engaged the forum mods on escribe. There is lots going on here...

The stainless coil is SS316, and while there is no 510 connector, there are steel and copper connections being made. The coil wires are connected to the board wires with double ring connectors (Alan is a freaking genius) screwed together. All in all, there are six ring connectors, and 2 butt splice connectors, as well as two small screws that anchor the wire to the wood disk. All of this does point to about half the mass of a 510 connector, hence .002. I see how the mods agreed that lowering it could only help. I've lowered in on my personal unit, and probably will with every Elite from here on out, but let's not jump ahead as the research / testing is still being done. Just so you know, I've been still in Watts Boost, anywhere from 25 to 30 watts, punch at 8.

The other thing that's very interesting is all the variables the Elite brings to the table. We can vary all sorts of distances. Right now the coil is about 5 mm's below the basket screen and the tube sits about 5 mm's above the basket screen for a total of 10 mm (magic number). The screen within the tube can also be recessed back, and I usually sit it back about another 3 mm's or so. The inconsistency of the flower puck from user to user will also impact accuracy, or at least there will be confusion on what the coil can do at that temp you see if testing with an improperly packed load or clogged screen. You won't be able to adequately pull the heat to where it should be. This is unique to dry herb.

I shipped the first batch of Elites and only kept one unit for myself. I've personally found my sweet spot, at least for now, and almost refuse to make changes, as I'm building and not playing much with software. With this next batch, I realize I need to make a couple of units built for pure testing that I can experiment with, compare to, while my DD is unaffected. I need to separate business and pleasure, or even using the Elite becomes work - blasphemy!

I've got 5 Walnut Elites fully assembled. One is the live edge and I'm not sure it made it. The grain deep in the knot may have crumbled slightly. It's right at the coil / basket screen, and I think it will ruin the draw. I'm gonna test it over the weekend. I've been trying to think of viable ways to fill in the grain, seal the air path with no adhesives. So close. If it doesn't happen, I'll need to transplant the over $100 worth of parts, but I'll never get back the hours I poured into that beauty. I'll post pics before I do anything...

 

[NizzyJones]

One is the live edge and I'm not sure it made it. The grain deep in the knot may have crumbled slightly. It's right at the coil / basket screen, and I think it will ruin the draw. I'm gonna test it over the weekend. I've been trying to think of viable ways to fill in the grain, seal the air path with no adhesives. So close. If it doesn't happen, I'll need to transplant the over $100 worth of parts, but I'll never get back the hours I poured into that beauty. I'll post pics before I do anything...

That's a drag but if nothing else you've got a real looker for photos.

 

[P.A.M.]

My suggestion is to do what done with the tubo owner does and included cold ohm for each unit. Another suggestion would be to run the case thermal analyzer before shipping. It's added work but I feel would help to have these 2 variables along with the mod resistance we discussed preinstalled. Then have customer hooks up to escribe first thing to back up the data for them. Heck guess you could even email a copy of the file for there elite.

The extra work upfront work would save the customer needing to preform these items. Plus help with QC since you know everything set up properly before it leaves the workshop. This also allows customer a working backup if they screw any settings up.

Second that suggestion. You want people to receive their Elite at its best and want them to be able to resolve things quickly if they accidentally mess up their settings.

Im writing and vaping a OG stem with OG LB thinking of Mike and Reddy. I think I'll exclusively use the short stock roasting tubes with the Elite . I find they work better for small doses and they are very maintenance free being
the vapor hits you straight in the face !

 

[Bravesst]

I also want people to receive their units with the best programming possible. I don't believe testing cold ohms will be too big a deal, and testing case thermal properties seems pretty straightforward as well. How do you think these readings should affect settings, other than just providing the customer with the info @HerbieVonVapster ? I currently have my unit set to .34 cold ohms, but I've been using it in Watt Boost. I have not run the case thermal analyzer.

edit:
I was just playing around with it (case thermal analyzer), and wasn't really getting what I was supposed to be reading other than the temp.

Thanks @P.A.M. house is way too empty, wife and I feeling a bit lost. The Elite does take the edge off...

 

[HerbieVonVapster]

Case thermal charges discharges battery raises lowers temps (why it needs be 25-50%) and measures how the thermal properties interact with the room temperature and chip temperature sensor. He's a couple link discussing it. Takes a couple hours to run the test some instruction in first link 2nd post. Some additional info in second link. Will try find a better write up on benefits of running it.

https://forum.evolvapor.com/topic/70112-case-analyzerthermal-settings/?tab=comments#comment-927279

https://forum.evolvapor.com/topic/70146-hcigar-vt250s-casethermal-settings/

 

[Bravesst]

@HerbieVonVapster So it's really important to let the unit sit overnight, USB connected, then run test. It mentions taking 2 to 3 hours, so not sure if it's feasible to run on every unit.

Gonna be a productive day assembling units. I'd like to get another 4 assembled, but that's asking a lot. My max in one day has been 3. Looking forward to getting caught up on all pre-orders / orders by the end of April.
--------------------------------
As I type, my Elite is hooked up to the case thermal analyzer. It's waiting for the temp to steady. It's down about 74 F, been waiting about 25 minutes, it started at about 80, down to 70.
--------------------------------
Program running, still not sure what this will tell me, or how I should make changes based on the info.
---------------------------------
Analyses Complete
Time Constants: Cooling 376.5 s / Heating 353.23 s
USB Charge AT: 0:00 F, 60.74 F/A, 49.14 F/W

any ideas on proper adjustments based on the above info, or are the adjustments automatic when you hit accept, bit confused on the software?
-----------------------------------

The test ended and I was able to *accept* settings. I uploaded to the device and took a hit, still in Watt Boost mode, punch at 8. The hit was large, very large, with wattage set to 27. It was still velvety smooth and cool, but really big. I lowered wattage to 25 and bam, another nice big smooth hit, but a bit more manageable for my lungs. After two more nice hits, things got a bit wispy so I bumped back up to 26 / 27 for thicker, higher temp vapor. I also have my mod resistance set on .02. I am anxious to start testing TC modes. Thanks @HerbieVonVapster .

 

[P.A.M.]

It mentions taking 2 to 3 hours, so not sure if it's feasible to run on every unit

Why ? If it's helpful to the Elite, I sure hope it will be deemed feasible. Or that instructions on how to do it will accompany the Elite .