Discontinued ThermoVape

[Cheerios]

I just watched Nate, the engineer of the Thermovape T1 fully disassemble and reassemble the T1, without using any tools. The only issue I'm having is removing the core from the delrin plate. I am able to pull the switch out easily, but the core seems to be glued into place or something, it's not budging and the video it seems to slip out with very slight pressure.

 

[OF]

Warm it up and wrap a couple rubber bands around it (or use rubber gloves) for traction.

OF

 

[Cheerios]

I boiled all of the pieces with the exception of the contact switch in water. I cleaned out the delrin plates and reassembled all of the pieces and it works as good as new.

Thank you everybody for their inputs, much appreciated looking forward to the next sesh!

Cheerios

 

[zombonaut]

The T1 got so many things right. If I could magically make it...

1. Have better battery life.
2. Require no mixing for even extraction.
3. Have a clog free/resistant mouthpiece.

it would be the perfect pocket rocket for me. (It's my favorite portable as it is.)

The Cera addressed these issues but gave up ground in other areas such as portability, and heat up time.

I love how aggressive the T1 can be if you push it hard. I feel like that high temp vapor is harder to achieve on the Cera.

 

[Frenchy]

Long time lurker here, I have always been interested in the thermovape T1 but I've never actually bought one. I know the T1 has been out of production for a while now, but I was wondering if you all think it would still be a good choice for a first vape.

 

[zombonaut]

The T1 is a great stealthy portable, but not necessarily the unit I'd recommend as a first vape purchase. The Arizer Solo is one you might consider. It's a good value, and is hard to beat when it comes to taste, efficiency, ease of use, and dependability.

 

[hoptimum]

The T1 got so many things right. If I could magically make it...

1. Have better battery life.
2. Require no mixing for even extraction.
3. Have a clog free/resistant mouthpiece.

it would be the perfect pocket rocket for me. (It's my favorite portable as it is.)

The Cera addressed these issues but gave up ground in other areas such as portability, and heat up time.

I love how aggressive the T1 can be if you push it hard. I feel like that high temp vapor is harder to achieve on the Cera.

The Cera will get there, but it will get pretty hot

I like the Thermovape for concentrates (Revolution), but I'm not sure I'd make the T1 my daily driver for herbs. The Solo, Ascent, Firefly and Indica would probably qualify as more reliable herb portables, IMO. By the way, I plugged the Revolution into a PNWT for the first time and it just about knocked me off my chair.

 

[Frenchy]

Thanks @zombonaut I have looked into the solo too. I just wanted to make sure you all didn't find the T1 obsolete at this point.

 

[R.John.Blake]

Long time lurker here, I have always been interested in the thermovape T1 but I've never actually bought one. I know the T1 has been out of production for a while now, but I was wondering if you all think it would still be a good choice for a first vape.

I found this forum when I was researching the Pax by Ploom for my first vape. After a few weeks of extensive reading, I wound up buying the T1 instead.

I don't say this to toot the T1's horn but to emphasize that usually a choice of vaporizer ultimately comes down to the personal needs of the patient/pothead (with most else being equal).

Having said that I wouldn't recommend the T1 for a heavy user with high tolerance who uses on the go primarily. Although it's quite stealthy (head and shoulders above the solo), lugging around extra batteries and ground up weed for the extra bowls can get troublesome.

On the other hand, if that's not an issue, I would highly recommend the T1!

Flavor is fantastic. Getting a second hand T1 at a reduced price is even a sweeter deal as these things are near bullet proof (just get new batteries). And there's plenty of customer support, from the manufacturer and from all these stand up guys here in this thread.

I did eventually get the Pax but only because my needs changed a bit, but I still have my T1 and I'll keep it as it's still useful.

 

[Frenchy]

That's good to know. I've only combusted a hand full of times and then I decided I wouldn't do it again until I bought a vaporizer. Needless to say my tolerance is close to 0. I think I may go with the T1 after all. Would you all reccomend Pipe's power adapter?

 

[zombonaut]

The power adapter would be useful especially if you are primarily a home user, but wandering around the house under battery power with the T1 is great too. You can just switch to fresh batteries for each session.

Check the classifieds every once in a while and watch Ebay for a reasonable price. You should be able to get one for around $100-$120.

Sorry about the double post. I blame the Purple Days. Is there a way for me to delete it?

 

[hoptimum]

That's good to know. I've only combusted a hand full of times and then I decided I wouldn't do it again until I bought a vaporizer. Needless to say my tolerance is close to 0. I think I may go with the T1 after all. Would you all reccomend Pipe's power adapter?

If you intend the T1 to be your daily driver, I would think the power adapter will be essential.

 

[Shit Snacks]

That's good to know. I've only combusted a hand full of times and then I decided I wouldn't do it again until I bought a vaporizer. Needless to say my tolerance is close to 0. I think I may go with the T1 after all. Would you all reccomend Pipe's power adapter?

T1 was my first, simple strong hits and stealthy with swappable batteries. Then the power adapter reinvigorated it for me (and I just had my core rebuilt as well. Using it with the WPA and a bubbler is also pretty incredible...

So you'll probably be ok with just some solid batteries for a while since your tolerence is low (just get some extra batteries on amazon, bc they don't give too many good hits before dying), then you can get the PA later on when you feel like you need more power. And a waterpipe and WPA will of course really take things to another level too

 

[Frenchy]

Cool. Do you know where there are any WPAs available or would it be best to just improvise one?

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but for those not in the know right now, ThermoVape has closed as a company effective tomorrow, 8/29/2014. From their website:

We regret to inform you that we are closing up shop on August 29, 2014. All remaining orders and warranty items will be shipped by that date. We will do our best to answer emails up until then and possibly shortly after to resolve anything pending during the last few days.

ThermoVape wishes to thank all of our customers and supporters who have stayed with us over the past few years. We appreciate your patronage, and we've always prided ourselves on providing the highest quality devices and customer service.

Sincerely,

The ThermoVape Team

http://thermovape.com/

Unfortunately this means that there is no longer an active warranty on any of their products, and now there's currently nobody that can do warranty replacements or product repairs should it come to that. With that being said, I can't really recommend the purchase of a T1 from the perspective that if something happens to it you won't have any way to really fix it. Granted, it is a good vaporizer for what it is, nothing can take that away, but now it's "obsolete" as far as fixing it. Who knows, they may last years and you may move on from it, or it might go bad sooner. Hopefully something good comes out of this somehow, maybe somebody from the company will offer repairs privately. Maybe once it's done, it's done. But... I still kind of want one...

 

[hoptimum]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but for those not in the know right now, ThermoVape has closed as a company effective tomorrow, 8/29/2014. From their website:

We regret to inform you that we are closing up shop on August 29, 2014. All remaining orders and warranty items will be shipped by that date. We will do our best to answer emails up until then and possibly shortly after to resolve anything pending during the last few days.

ThermoVape wishes to thank all of our customers and supporters who have stayed with us over the past few years. We appreciate your patronage, and we've always prided ourselves on providing the highest quality devices and customer service.

Sincerely,

The ThermoVape Team

http://thermovape.com/

Unfortunately this means that there is no longer an active warranty on any of their products, and now there's currently nobody that can do warranty replacements or product repairs should it come to that. With that being said, I can't really recommend the purchase of a T1 from the perspective that if something happens to it you won't have any way to really fix it. Granted, it is a good vaporizer for what it is, nothing can take that away, but now it's "obsolete" as far as fixing it. Who knows, they may last years and you may move on from it, or it might go bad sooner. Hopefully something good comes out of this somehow, maybe somebody from the company will offer repairs privately. Maybe once it's done, it's done. But... I still kind of want one...

I wonder if there's enough of a repair business to justify a small company, or at least someone working part time on repairs. I imagine there are still some remaining assets and parts. What happens to those in a case like this?

 

[mestizo]

I can only think of one person that might have an answer to that question, and that person has to be @OF.

 

[hoptimum]

I can only think of one person that might have an answer to that question, and that person has to be @OF.

I'm guessing there's a good reason OF has been mostly silent on this.

 

[OF]

I wonder if there's enough of a repair business to justify a small company, or at least someone working part time on repairs. I imagine there are still some remaining assets and parts. What happens to those in a case like this?

I can only think of one person that might have an answer to that question, and that person has to be @OF.

I'm guessing there's a good reason OF has been mostly silent on this.

Yeah, the best reason IMO, I've really got nothing more to add right now? I've been involved in a few of these 'events' personally and understand how the usual practice is to not advertise it a lot in advance. In the past I've been 'on the inside' and knew that co workers were about to get canned.......that's not ta nice burden to carry.

I think the rub with setting up CS for the product is the use of the "IP" (Intellectual Property) involved. Same as making more T1s and DARTs, you need to 'get the rights'. They (TV) may, of course, eventually cease to be to a level that they will no longer defend their patents. But until then you'd need permission to use the protected materials (I assume the ceramics and heater wire?) or make new service spares.

I guess I find the whole thing a bit strange, really. Letting warranty support die really kills the value of the company. It's like they're 'walking away' to pursue other adventures. I'm sure 'the numbers' were carefully examined (probably a couple of times) by potential buyers and the 'nut' was just too big to face under the conditions. If sales revenue against 'CoGS' (Cost of Goods Sold) is bad volume won't fix it no matter who's signing checks. What's the old joke? "We lose a bit on each sale, but make it up in volume"? Like that.

There are several guys that have the skills needed, but without 'approval' from TV (and permission/access to spare parts) I don't see it happening.

More's the pity. A true loss to the community.

OF

 

[Shit Snacks]

That is terrible news, really does devalue the otherwise fantastic product line.

Thankfully I got mine rebuilt literally just in time, that would've been really frustrating if I had waited too long...

 

[hoptimum]

Yeah, the best reason IMO, I've really got nothing more to add right now? I've been involved in a few of these 'events' personally and understand how the usual practice is to not advertise it a lot in advance. In the past I've been 'on the inside' and knew that co workers were about to get canned.......that's not ta nice burden to carry.

I think the rub with setting up CS for the product is the use of the "IP" (Intellectual Property) involved. Same as making more T1s and DARTs, you need to 'get the rights'. They (TV) may, of course, eventually cease to be to a level that they will no longer defend their patents. But until then you'd need permission to use the protected materials (I assume the ceramics and heater wire?) or make new service spares.

I guess I find the whole thing a bit strange, really. Letting warranty support die really kills the value of the company. It's like they're 'walking away' to pursue other adventures. I'm sure 'the numbers' were carefully examined (probably a couple of times) by potential buyers and the 'nut' was just too big to face under the conditions. If sales revenue against 'CoGS' (Cost of Goods Sold) is bad volume won't fix it no matter who's signing checks. What's the old joke? "We lose a bit on each sale, but make it up in volume"? Like that.

There are several guys that have the skills needed, but without 'approval' from TV (and permission/access to spare parts) I don't see it happening.

More's the pity. A true loss to the community.

OF

OF, I have a functioning Cera and Revolution. Any tips about how I can keep then going as long as possible?

 

[OF]

OF, I have a functioning Cera and Revolution. Any tips about how I can keep then going as long as possible?

Good question. A very large part of the problems seem to come from over or under filling. Overfilling usually only makes a mess and wastes oil, but underfilling seems to lead to nasty burnt on deposits and sometimes heater failures (I'd guess trying to get that last hit out?). Contaminated concentrate is, of course, another 'soft spot'.

For myself, I plan to continue carefully watching the fill level, running only best quality oil (CO2 when I can get it). Used this way, Revolutions are known to go many dozens of grams, Cera EO ounces. I also plan to continue to boil out carts as they start to look/act fouled up (or just fouling). Pushing it at this level (just adding more oil on top of the fouling as long as it makes good vapor) seems to lead to junk that won't wash/boil out.

While I'll probably shy away from periods of 'TV only' like I've enjoyed in the past, I intend to have their products in reserve for 'special occasions' in the future.

I guess I'll also wonder from time to time what would have happened if TV had 'stuck to the knitting' WRT what made the original product work so well. Mass produced, very precise parts were made at very low costs due to the excellent match between design and the automated machines that made the parts. That got lost in the shift to ceramics and quest to 'make it better'. Had Cera and Luna enjoyed the low cost of production and high reliability of the original line I suspect we'd be in a different place.........

Who knows, someone may come along and pick the torch back up?

OF

 

[darkrom]

OF stop alluding to the future and just buy them out already. GOSH!

 

[Yoosh]

Thankfully I got mine rebuilt literally just in time, that would've been really frustrating if I had waited too long...

Woe is me...

 

[OF]

Woe is me...

You're not alone. Perhaps that should be "woe is we"?

An unfortunate loss for sure, but hopefully clearing the way for the next fellow to have his lash? A series of brave experiments as I see it, some successful, some not so. Ample 'lessons' for those who follow, should they care to benefit from it.

BTW, I would not try to read too much into 'Zeki could have told....' as I'm sure that script was worked out for him. In a similar vein the 'we're planning to move' is also likely to have been honest. As I've said before, there was a plan at one point to move the shop to a smaller space in the next building over (nothing but production and service). I saw the space (Nate took me over). This was several months back, when he took me over there was a different 'we're going to move' plan going on involving a storefront operation in SoCal. I think they had the spot picked out in fact. Initially they were going to just sell products (theirs and some others) in a high traffic mall near dispensaries and some college campus; but would transfer production down there once they were established and workers could be trained. Service would remain in a smaller shop up here for the time being. Something happened to that plan, but the 'move to a smaller shop' plan carried on/evolved.

I also think there were other options explored that I wasn't told about. Probably 'up to the last minute'. Earlier this month AFAIK the plan was still to move to the smaller shop rather than shut down.

OF