OK......here is the new mod
@Bravesst
I've taken the picture so that you can see exactly what I mean about using the o-ring when it can't around a single location because it enlarges the diameter by too much.
That is when you let the ring move along the axis of the stem so that at each locatiuon the diameter of the stem inside the Apollo tube is only enlarged by a single width of the o-ring (slightly more actually as it tapers away) rather than by double the width of the o-ring as it does when the o-ring goes around the stem at a single level height (i.e., as they are normally used)
Sorry if my earlier explanation wasn't that clear.....but now that you see what I mean, if you go back an re-read it then it is easier to see what I was describing with the photo in front of you.
A picture is worth many words of description!
Comfortable clouds......haven't used a direct draw vape since my Solo.....and even then I was using it with a whip going to a bong at the end.
The draw resistance on this is perfect. You can definitely feel it......which is helpful in judging volume intake......but still more free flowing than a Mighty.
When my Milaana arrives, if I remember, I will compare the draw resistance to a fully open 19mm stem.....but for now, I really do like the 14mm draw restriction.
You can see that I've used the Solo stem mod on one end utilizing the double layer SonG joint that seals both into the Apollo tube as well as the lower half of the herb chamber (see 2nd last Photo 3).
The herb chamber will stick to the silicone.....but it isn't an extremely tight connection.....just a vapour tight connection.
This is more stable then an o-ring which can't hold the two pieces together at all.....but rather just seals the connection when a little pressure is applied. IMHO a much better solution than just the o-ring by itself.
The other side is very secure with the distorted o-ring helping for a much better friction fit. I pushed the silicone all the way to the end of the Solo stem before taking the last operational photo.
The silicone at the leave end of the Solo stem is really just used for helping with keeping the glass stem spaced/centered within the larger Apollo tube with an added benefit of helping to protection the glass stem from impacts.
It also looks nice when all lit up from hitting the boost button
On the 14mm glass end.....I cheated - I sacrificed my Supreme v3 large diameter silicone tube to slide over the end of the 14mm glass stem.
This tubing fits around 14mm.....which is why it was chosen by Ed the inventor of the Supreme as a direct draw mouth piece coming off of the smaller Supreme bowl 14mm silicone rings......but it is also very thin walled - unlike the other 3/4 OD, 1/2" ID large tubing that I have.
The thinner walled tubing was almost a perfect fit inside of the long stock Apollo tube and only needed the o-ring to make sure that it was secured on fairly snugly.
The silicone tubing was also very tricky to maneuver together and I used some "special tools" to help me get them on - as well as a lot of thumb pressure(see last photo 4)
By the time I was done, my right thumb was sore.....and my left thumb had formed a thick skinned blister that never popped....and I don't think it will either....but the skin has sheared away from the flesh underneath
The personal sacrifices I make in the name of
Where's my Nobel?
I tried to use the distorted o-ring trick to secure the Solo stem into the bottom of the Apollo tube a bit better but it gets outside of the diameter of the Apollo tube in that configuration and gets caught against the sharp walls of the heat shield when pulling it out.
Side Note: @Vape Dr. - I didn't know what you meant in your PM'd explanation when you experienced the same thing until it also happened to me and I realized what you were talking about.
Now in hand it feels very nice.....long enough but still not too awkward and can still stand on its own vertically on top of a water piece. The PNWT clone (or f-bomb style) inline bubbler still works very well but is a bit too top heavy to be walking around with it. Although seated and lounging with the PNWT clone still works well.
I have even sipped on it at power level 3/4 to start before climbing as my session continues and ending at 7/8 - depending on when I stop getting vapour. Extremely dark ABV with this kind of usage at the end......but so far no combustion - just reduced taste at the end
Now for the tools that help make wrestling with silicone tubing just a little easier .....but still a huge pain in the butt!
A crochet hook of unknown sizing ......and a palette knife paint spreader purchase from an art store.
Separate the silicone tubing with the paint knife and use the blunt end of the hook to push and the fine end to maneuver small pieces together or pull back on the silicone to position into it's final place.
I want to first say thank you for all your work. Those are clear and concise written instructions, and solid pics. This week I may get to play a bit. I'd like to employ some of your techniques and find the md that works best for my situation.
I love simplicity, and don't mind working hard to get there, always worth it.
Got some playing, ehhh, work to do. Thanks for the illustrated manual. All Apollonauts should read.
