Thanks for the info!
I was very shocked to see that center nipple which used to be a pin, because as you all know by now, my original Vapman is at least 1.5 years old and the center pin looks fine. (I've posted many pics here).
In fact, I sent it to laser engrave recently, which I would not have done if I thought it didn't have a lot of live left in it.
I think this video says it well when it says that the Vapman is a precision instrument, like an expensive Race Bike. They are fast and tough but you still have to treat with with care and maintain them by cleaning and oiling them. If you just ride it and not maintain it, or drop it on the street at the end of each ride, it won't give you good service for long.
I'm not saying that Vapman was abused. I am saying that when you treat it a bit more carefully, like by cleaning the bowl right after each session, keep it clean, not forcing the mouthpiece, etc. It will give you better service for a longer period of time.
The Vapman is deceptive in many ways.
People think less of it because it's a wooden, jet-powered vape that seems simple.
It is simple, but there was a lot of experimentation, time and thought behind it to get to where it is now. (I'm going by what René has told us about the process of creating it).
It also looks like you can just throw it around and no harm would come to it, but this is not true.
Think of it as an expensive race bike and treat it that way, and it will last you many, many years.
Maybe the fact that the Vapman is very moderately priced compared to the electronic bells-and-whistles type of vapes is also deceptive and makes people think it's cheap. If you watch the making video you'll see all that goes into making one of these Functional Art Pieces...
Sorry for the long post. I was going to make it shorter, but I didn't have time.
Mean that in a kidding sorta way.
