Cool. That's exactly how I do it too. Push on the edge of the ring so it lifts up and then grab it easily with the other hand.I too fought that ring when I first got it. Many's the time I'd have a near perfect fill going only to spill some getting the GD ring out so I could put the top on.
I then changed approach for a while. I'd load the base sitting in a small metal mint tin. Just let the excess spill out of the pan (let the tin bottom keep track of it). Then, after fitting the top, I'd shake off any excess and close the tin again (with the spilled bud in it) until I'd spilled enough to make it worth while collecting it (which of course went into the next loading.....).
Then I changed my technique. Dropping it on and poking it into place is actually pretty easy, even when you're clumsy I think. And it does make loading easier. The hard part (for me) was fishing it out again without messing up the load. Then, the little light came on. By pushing down gently on the rim of the ring with one finger at the milled out spot (6 and 12 o'clock in your bottom photo) the far side of the ring pops up making snagging it with the other hand very easy. Easy to do, it just takes a flat place to set the VM and both hands......and everything you need is in the egg. And on your hands.......
OF
I have ditched the funnel, my fingers are too big to manipulate it easily. I'm using one of the brides treasued antique sterling silver salt cellar spoons instead (DON'T tell her) and it works much better. One spoonful is perfect for filling the Vapman. It's quick, easy, and also good for spreading and retreiving any material spilled around the edges of the bowl. I got a replacement on Ebay last night for $8 so I can return my girl's treasure before she notices it's missing. They are all over Ebay, from $0.99 to $2,500 each. I plan on getting one of the $2,500 ones to see if it really works that much better than the $10 version.
That finishing grinder looks great.
That spoon method is interesting.It works great too, a large coarse pile from my Chromium Crusher becomes a small fine pile after the FG does its thing; mechanical concentration of weight/volume and decreased partical size to maximize surface area exposure greatly improves the quality and quantity of vapor. Of course large vs small pile is still tiny either way, size is definately relative.
OF, I discovered the exact flip 'N tip method you describe to remove the funnel early on and still think it's the next best method for me (since I already have the spoon). I have found the spoon far and away easier, faster, and more accurate to use. Pinching the herb, rolling it off a folded card, dumping/brushing/scraping from the grinder, even with the funnel inplace, didn't work nearly as well for me. Too much, too little, and disturbed piles were frequent out comes. The spoon makes it all so much easier.
A warm and friendly hello to everyone!
I am the inventor and manufacturer of vapman, nice to meet you all here on the vapman thread!
Almost 10 years ago, it was a rainy and coldish February evening, I was sitting in front of a blank sheet of paper, which I still have, making the very first drawing of some ideas running through my head about a portable and gas driven vaporizer.
Now, when I am reading all the different and interesting comments of this threat, my mind keeps wandering back to this very moment which I remember as it was yesterday. To read comments of happy users of vapman fills me with great joy and satisfaction, back then I was just wishing and hoping but I had no clue of what I could expect. The dedication, respect and love this small vaporizer gets on this thread is touching me, I am so happy vapman found such a great family, thank you all. This said, it is clear to me, that I am not needed, you guys understand vapman as good as I do and I feel very much connected which is a great feeling. I have no intention to influence nor to lead this thread in any way, it is not a good idea to touch a running machine but I am happy to join in and respond to any questions directed to me.
Sincerely,
vapman
A warm and friendly hello to everyone!
I am the inventor and manufacturer of vapman, nice to meet you all here on the vapman thread!
Sincerely,
vapman
Glad to know that I am not alone,
it must be some sort of vapman syndrome and it seems that there is no cure to it. At least I know now
that I am absolutely normal and I don`t need a doctor.
I agree. I've owned a Vapor Brothers (big box vape), an MFLB, and a Vapolution pocket vape, and after I got the hang of the Vapman I just don't think I need any other vape.Vapman virtually replaced all other portables for me.. It's just got it's own soul, it's own energy. It's got it's own good vibes! Must come that way straight from the man himself....
Edit-pretty much replaced my home units as well