This is actually round two of our portable E-Cigarette tests, with profoundly different results. In round one, we tested an E-Series e-cigarette using glycerin tinctures and subsequently with cannabis acetate oil.
Our E-Series was of insufficient watts to vaporize oil directly, and required a carrier menstruum like glycerin or propylene glycol. We conducted our experiments using glycerin, which we directly extracted the cannabinoids with, as we were never able to directly mix glycerin and cannabis oil concentrates.
That limited the potency that we were able to achieve, and while the E-Series produced medicinal effect, it was not impressive, so we switched to cannabis acetate, suspended in enough ethanol to allow saturating the wick, which we then allowed to flash off.
E-Series
Test panel members frequently used the word, “Wow” to describe their experience, because although the cannabis acetate is probably no more potent than the oil it was made from, it passes the blood brain barrier so much more quickly, that it just arrives, instead of the effects coming on.
We were pretty happy with the medicinal effects produced by the cannabis acetate, but as not many folks can produce it or lay hands on any, we decided to put the project on hold, until someone came up with something with enough wattage to vaporize straight cannabis oil extracts, or we had more time to devote to developing our own.
Recently we had a couple of cheeep Chinese battery packs donated to us in a joint R&D program, along with a pile of different carts to try out, and have been having our way with them. Hee, hee, hee………
We didn’t do deep supplier research, but we were able to get inexpensive mix and match components on line at:
http://www.cloudsofvapor.com/store/130-cartomizers/65-boge-cartomizers.html
There was a wide selection, but the pens we selected were under $30 each and the 510 carts that we chose were only $1.60 apiece, plus he picked up some other carts cheeeep, which looked interesting.
There were a number of other 510 cart manufacturers available, but at this point are more focused on process than who makes the best cart.
The pens were labeled with different names, though they appeared identical. The one that I ended up with is labeled Tornado-C and Joytech. According to my meter, it is putting out 3.8 volts
Let me start by announcing that there is no question that they have developed a system that is hot enough to vaporize straight oil, and deliver a full hit, so now we can move on to the nuances!!!
Thank ya’ll folks who moved the ball this far and may the Great Spirit bless you!
We started our tests using a KR-510 stainless cartridge @ 1.9/2 ohm (brand ?) and decarboxylated Absolute Amber oil, as it was easiest to load by heating it up and injecting it into the carts with a glass syringe.
Alas, while the device delivered nice effective hits, not only did some of our carts leak out the bottom, but the oil was of low enough viscosity, that if you laid the pen down, the oil would eventually slump and run out all by itself.
What seemed to work best in the 510 carts was oil that was still in its carboxylic acid form and stiff at room temperature.
We started with some thin film vacuum purged Absolute Amber, which had the feel of dry lacquer to the touch, and chipped when we tried to scrape it from the Petri dishes.
Thin film vacuum purged Absolute Amber with no heat
We warmed it over simmering hot water to soften it enough to scrape, and after wiping it off the razor blade with a .045″ diameter 17-4PH stainless steel weld wire, we inserted the wire in the carts and heated it until the oil dropped off, using a small Bernzomatic pencil torch and then gently heated the cart to get it to evenly fill.
When it cooled down it was of a hard shatter consistency and the pen could be laid on its side with impunity.
Raw BHO Oleoresin Vacuum purged at 115F
We subsequently tested some C-99 vacuum purged raw BHO oleoresin extract, which brings us to the subject of taste and of wax.
The pen vaporizers as tested deliver a full potent hit, but most of the taste nuances are lost, as compared to a hit from a Titanium nail, skillet, or wand. That doesn’t mean that it tastes nasty, just that I couldn’t tell the differences between strains with the pen, while I can with the other three systems.
What we did note comparing the raw oleoresin extract and the Absolute Amber using a Ti skillet or nail, is that we can taste the plant waxes, and note it in the aftertaste, as well as feel its coating effects on our teeth and mouths. It is best described as a slight birthday candle taste.
I have popped the waxes from dried winterizing filters in my mouth and chewed them, to see what they tasted like, but they pretty much have no taste, and feel like candle wax between the teeth.
As a tongue in cheek thought, I was reminded of the occasional forum poster asking if any other heavy BHO smokers are experiencing congested lungs.
Of course smoking anything is a bad thing for your lungs, not to mention the carcinogenic byproducts of pyrolysis. If you light cannabis essential oils, you will note that it puts off a black sooty smoke, but even vaporizing oil with wax in it, may be leaving wax deposits behind in their lungs, instead of black soot.
Perhaps an argument for vaporizing absolutes, instead of raw oleoresins or concretes!
We also tested a couple of larger carts, with plastic tanks for the oil, and they worked with decarboxylated Absolute Amber, but they also had to be kept vertical to keep from leaking, so we will be concentrating our efforts around the 510 type cartridge and oil in the carboxylic acid Absolute Amber form.
Even using the 510 cartridge is not without its learning curve and problems. It will also clog so that you can’t draw through it, if you don’t keep drawing though it until it cools down each time.
When it did clog, it usually eventually cleared by holding the heat button down, while simultaneously pulling a hard vacuum on the stem with our lips and tongue. When it warmed enough, it popped free, and we released the button while continuing to draw.
Now that we have working models, we will add the vapor pen to our next vaporization test panel, as well as continue to look for the ultimate cartridge made in heaven. Until we learn more and try out more systems, we have no opinions on who makes the best thangs!
While field testing this pen in public to gauge the reaction, in one incident an usher came to investigate the smell, though left puzzled.
That revived one of my original thoughts about public vaporizers, and that was to make one like a drinking mug with a straw that you sucked on for vapors and blew on to exhale through an activated charcoal scrubber. Plenty of room for batteries and more discrete than even a pen vaporizer.
On the design list, but not at the top and I’m running out of hands and hours. Bless anyone who runs with the idea and produces a viable product before we get around to building one!
TKR-510 cart with cover removed.
Inserting mouthpiece
Tank cart with cover removed. Cover on and ready.
Tank of decarboxylated Absolute Amber.
We liked this style of charger connection, which can charge from a computer, as well as my auto and home cell phone charger.
Posted by Ecig on June 14, 2013 at 4:15 PM
Good blog post. I absolutely appreciate this site.
Keep it up!
Posted by Skunk Pharm Research,LLC on June 14, 2013 at 5:03 PM
Thanks for the good thoughts and bon appetite!
Posted by Vapor review on June 10, 2013 at 2:10 AM
Excellent weblog right here! Also your site loads up very fast!
What web host are you the usage of? Can I get your associate hyperlink in your host?
I want my site loaded up as fast as yours lol
Posted by Skunk Pharm Research,LLC on June 11, 2013 at 8:36 AM
We use Word Press and they do a good job.
Posted by S on May 22, 2013 at 11:49 PM
I am wondering if Ryan ever sent you one of his I-CON Pro vaporizers and, if yes, if you are testing it yet. My ultimate goal is making my own extract for use in one of these pen vaporizers (That and to use in edibles.) but it’s hard to find good reviews and I’m not willing to spend a Benjamin to find out if it works or not.
p.s. – I’m drooling over your classes and am trying to justify spending the airfare from AZ to attend a BHO class.
Posted by Skunk Pharm Research,LLC on May 24, 2013 at 10:24 AM
No I-Con Pro vaporizers arrived for testing. Always waiting with bait on mah breath for new toys to test!
Posted by digigold on April 30, 2013 at 3:09 PM
I would not recommend using an e-go battery (3.7-3.8V) for this. You are way better off getting VV/VW mod PV. I got a Vamo that can go up to 6V or 15W depending on addy resistence. The Vision STV Nova Tank Clearomizer addys I have work well for me. You can get the Vamo for about $40, and the addy for $12 (There are cheaper addys out there like the Kanger MT3 shown in this article for $6, but IMHO going chep on your addy is never a good idea.) **Prices from http://www.exhalevapors.com
I have use a STV Nova w/ a Vamo to vape regularly. I usually purchase ((haven’t tried making my own yet.) some VG cannabis extract tincand mix 4 parts of this VG with 1 part plain PG (super cheap). I sometimes add some flavoring as well. This combo vapes well at 9-10W.
Cutting the VG with PG reduces clogs and the necessary wattage, so if you used 30% PG instead of 20% like me, It will vape even better and you can turn the power down on the VAMO, but you sacrifice on taste and potency.
Happy Vaping!
Posted by Skunk Pharm Research,LLC on May 1, 2013 at 7:24 AM
Thanks for the input DG!
Not sure why we would need more battery capacity, when we are able to vaporize straight oil with what we have. Have you tried any vapor pens using straight oil yet?
Posted by max peselev on April 21, 2013 at 9:37 PM
How would one go about finding parts and components necessary to design and build a portable vaporizer pen of there own… I know that may seem like a elementary question but I am interested in the idea of toying around with making my own but have no idea where to find the parts to do so.. any tips or places you ould point me to?
thanks!!!
Posted by Skunk Pharm Research,LLC on April 24, 2013 at 3:01 PM
You can find the mix and match pieces at http://www.cloudsofvapor.com/store/130-cartomizers/65-boge-cartomizers.html
From there, I guess it depends on what you had in mind,
Posted by Ryan Boyle on April 6, 2013 at 7:10 PM
I am the owner of I-Con Vape an Arizona based, pen style vaporixor company. We have what i believe to be the best cartridge to use for concentrates, as ell as one for flowers and one for tinctures. Our conentrate tank( the I-CON Pro) is a ceramic chamber with heating element, no wick system what so ever. I would be honored to send you one. It is the least I could do for the wealth of knowledge you have bestowed upon us all. Let me know where to send one for you guys!—Thanks again for this site!
Posted by Skunk Pharm Research,LLC on April 7, 2013 at 7:16 AM
Thanks for the good thoughts and offer Ryan! We would be delighted to test your pen and I sent you our mailing address!
Peace, GW
Posted by Genki on April 4, 2013 at 8:32 PM
I use my Smoktech Redux (clearomizer) cut the metal tube low profile exposing the heating element and wick. Trimmed the wicks and you have a small dabbing well. Place your Wax or Budder (do NOT use natural Concentrates) onto the heating element and fire a few times to melt (can also be done using a lighter).
Posted by Nicki on January 26, 2013 at 12:46 AM
I recently stumbled over a new pen company in southwest CO called the Trill Pen. So far it is a dependable pen without leaky cartridges or battery issues (since early December)… They offer options for carts (flowers, oil, etc) and the guys who sell them went out of their way to make sure I knew how to use my pen and have even followed up with me to make sure im happy!! The price was fair compared to the Gpen and Atmos… but their customer service is what is really winning me over!
Posted by Skunk Pharm Research,LLC on January 29, 2013 at 6:05 AM
Thanks for the heads up Nicki!
Posted by Randy on December 21, 2012 at 11:36 AM
Try gentlemans brand web site. They sell an oil cart that works, have to drip-melt waxes etc to load, and can be messy if u miss. Also they have terrible customer service. But the carts are inexpensive and fit ego style batteries.
Posted by hunter on December 18, 2012 at 6:45 PM
Hey guys, found a recipe for a propylene glycol / bho solution that is stable at room temperatures that I think I will try tomorrow. Have you had the chance to experiment any more with these systems? The process I found involves heating the PG, adding BHO chuncks, and emulsifying with a dremel tool for about 15 minutes. I am hoping the resulting solution will be a bit easier on the battery, the carts, and the lungs. I have also heard of an alternative solution, which simply involves heating a bottle of vegetable glycerin, adding bho, and shaking. Just curious if you have any experience or insight in this type of process
Posted by Skunk Pharm Research,LLC on December 19, 2012 at 5:58 AM
We experimented with VG, but not PG, because we determined that a carrier was not needed, and we get better results and flavor using straight oil.
Posted by klrbudy420 on December 13, 2012 at 5:37 AM
ware can I immediately purchase the same, exact vortex-C model, oil vaporizer kit please. Thank you!!!
Posted by Skunk Pharm Research,LLC on December 14, 2012 at 6:27 AM
We got our test samples from http://www.cloudsofvapor.com/store/130-cartomizers/65-boge-cartomizers.html
Posted by Logan Scheres on November 2, 2012 at 1:22 PM
Delta9 is a rip off, the “Kanger 510″ cartomizers(Best cartomizer IMO) are exactly the same as there omicron carts. The batteries are all the same, just a different look, most are just eGo-c’s, power is power lol. The “persei” is just a big battery vaporizer and should only be like 100-150, Like the lambo or smoktech both have more features than the persei and are cheaper by far. What i am interested in that they are coming out with is the “hercules” cart, It is a cartomizer that has a 6 month warranty, can be cleaned very easily, very heavy duty, and can use Oil(BHO or whatever), E-juice(Nicotine), Water Extracts, and just plain old herbs. But it does require that HIGH power, around 6v-7.4v to get to proper temp. I just don’t like the price lol but ill probably sell a couple fingers and toes and grab one.
I’ve been vaping with my pen for a while now and love it!! Vape everywhere I go, the store, the bar, walking the dog, mowing the lawn, driving, anywhere i can i usually am lol. Some people smell it but just look around puzzled on were its coming from. At the bar most people just think i have smelling clothes or something.
Posted by Skunk Pharm Research,LLC on November 3, 2012 at 7:01 AM
Maybe hang onto the fingers and toes. At the rate that the vapor pen manufacturers are pirating one anothers designs, how long can it be before there are generic versions out there?
Posted by ommp pay it forward on October 4, 2012 at 10:48 AM
Thanks Graywolf, I see that Specialized Formulations is coming on line soon. http://www.specializedformulations.com/
Posted by Skunk Pharm Research,LLC on October 4, 2012 at 2:00 PM
So I understand. Looks like her site and lab are almost there.
GW
Posted by ommp pay it forward on October 4, 2012 at 2:39 AM
Do you guys have the Ti Rod on this site or a link?
Posted by Skunk Pharm Research,LLC on October 4, 2012 at 5:37 AM
http://skunkpharmresearch.com/vaporizing-oil/
Posted by Ommp Payit Forward on October 4, 2012 at 2:37 AM
Say do you guys have a photo or link here to the ti rod?
Posted by Skunk Pharm Research,LLC on October 4, 2012 at 5:36 AM
We discuss it and show pictures of a Ti wand at http://skunkpharmresearch.com/vaporizing-oil/.
We’ve had to make our own, so not sure where else they may be available except for Specialized Formulations, who also has them made by our source. They are just bringing their site on line, so let me check and see if they are open for business and get back to you.
Posted by John on August 7, 2012 at 2:45 AM
Hi I would love to be on your test panel for this i am missing my right hand and this would be great to get to try , i know you guys probably have a lot of people already waiting to be on test panel so no problem, I took your class you did at ngf awhile back and appreciate all you guys do, Thank you for posting your findings is very cool of you.
Posted by Skunk Pharm Research,LLC on August 9, 2012 at 7:28 AM
Check your e-mail!
Peace, GW
Posted by Rusty on June 30, 2012 at 11:31 PM
Check out the different designs and wattage options they have at delta9vapes.com they’re pricey but they seem to be a step or few ahead of everyone else