From what I've read here, the walnut will age nicely even if left unfinished. What do you mean by "otherwise damaged" apart from the aesthetics? Just curious.
Also, I think here is very little information how the Vapman performs with concentrates. I know there is the concentrate screen option, but over time the middle section should suffer quite a lot?
I'd like to read some long term experiences.
It depends on how you view your VM, I suppose. I don't generally care much about cosmetics, but a nice warm piece of walnut beats an old stick in the details? My opinion, of course. The open pores mean stains from everyday happenings can 'dig in', even things like soot, and need bleaching to remove, or lots of careful sanding (or both) should you decide later that your 'one and only, now very hard to find' could use a little clean up.
Some of course, will cherish that look. It does take all kinds, after all.
It's not going to stay very nice inside, due to the lack of the heat shield. It's going to char and burn in an often uncontrolled way that leads to intentionally taking the torch to it. Which is cool for those who want that?
A finish also seals out water, not that many use them in the hot tub these days. Mechanically, that could lead to troubles. More important to some than others, I offer it for consideration......
Linseed oil is easy and proven very effective (which is no doubt why 'the man' uses it?). Military rifle stocks have been finished this way and survived years in battle, and decades in civilian use. Protects good as they say. Good paste waxes, high in Carnauba, you can roller skate on. And eat (it's what keeps M&Ms shiny). You know all that lovely old stuff in museum display cases? Most of it's waxed. Wood, metal and even cloth in some cases I'm told. Either finish easily wipes on, hardens, and can be easily buffed to a lasting shine. IMO worth considering. And now, when it's new, is the time.
Concentrates are covered quite a lot. Both the factory screens made for the purpose and home made versions. How many is also a factor. As is cleaning them.
The center section fouls of course. Faster with concentrates. This too has been discussed several times in great detail. Repeating it all would be an effort and covering all the aspects/opinions expressed by predecessors would be uncertain. Any one guy, or even a team of them, is likely to leave something out?
Cleaning is mechanical at least VM has some good stuff on being careful with the tiny screws (not to strip them, and get them back on 'the right tightness'). He suggests scraping with a pen knife in fact, not that many of us do that? Chemical possiblly, soaks in Acetone? Again, something best avoided?
So lots of 'long term experience' waiting for you, hundreds of pages of it. Some easily skimmed over, some very important. Enjoy.
Regards to all. Stay separated and safe. "Don't bunch up, one round will get you all".
OF
I love heavy hitting vapes that take a bit of learning and also use tiny amounts of herb, and the package looks so sleek and beautifully designed. Shame to see that they aren’t being made anymore, though I’m confident mine will last me quite a while
