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I want to see everyone's wood....... (Stabwood, wood, mixed ) Regulated, Mechanical, Wood look alike

GorGon27

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
You must have worked your ass off without CNC because
That
is a very good fit. Well, the back is certainly nicer than the fake vinyl CF. I just have very bad luck with them but I cannot stop using them. I buy ten at a time wholesale. They all break of course and then I buy another case. I guess I have more money than brains. It is kind of a love/hate relationship here..I really want to love it but I keep breaking them. It is most certainly my fault though. It is very nice. At least yours will last you. I couldn't do that even though I do have CNC. because I keep breaking them. You have to understand the markup though. They are only $38 wholesale in a case! When you buy a $800 custom Mod it really is $800. I bet you could sell that for say $400 now however. You did a very good job. Especially considering no CNC. The only thing I really dislike about it is the vinyl CF on the back. It feels very cheap to me. I have no idea why they could not use real CF since some of their previous Mods had real CF. Otherwise I obviously like it enough to constantly replace it.

Manny, that is why I run NIMH in all my RC. Due to my condition I do not always get outside. So if the LI-PO's drain to low I am out of business anyways. Evolv's "jump start" without a fire proof bag is especially dangerous and irresponsible of them IMO. Otherwise I certainly have no complaints about Evolv! They have saved my day many a time. Certainly good to know they have my back since obviously VA does not! $100 for shipping? That was just the tip of the iceberg. You must be kidding me. I could have shipped it to them for under $20. I am sure that is going right in their pockets too. Especially considering how "nice" they were to me. I really shouldn't have bought another but I was buying a Mod not the company. That is "my" experience though which is odd because I know they are highly regarded.
 

MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
The Rebel again......ha
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GorGon27

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Oh Damn. I just asked them if they would change the order to a DNA 300W. I wanted a 550J but did not realize it was a squonker. I hope they get my message in time and will change my order. Luckily today was Sunday and they did not ship it yet. If they do I guess I will just have to send it back. My screw up. What a dumb ass I am not to read the description. The 3x18650 at 16W I use should last a few days even chain vaping. I would still really like a 550J. Is there any other Mod out that has a 550J. I will try googling it right now. The Knight is not worth the money right now without the latest chip IMO. It is still a great chip though. I honestly Prefer the Primo TI. The way you have to palm the Knight and block the screen I do not really like. Although the Duke is arguably the nicest one they have made. I do not know about the battery cap on the Primo 26650 but given my experience with them I bet they could care less if there is in fact an issue and it is not just that one unit. That is the thing with production Mods at any level. There are some duds. I certainly got one from them.

So Manny, wax will be enough to protect it? No need for Poly? You recommend renaissance? could use the spray synthetic, will last much longer. Just hope it does not react with it in some manner. That stuff lasts 50 car washes so going to last a long time on a Mod. I have put it on acrylic pens years ago and have not needed to reapply yet. I do feel safer with Poly but I really do not want to involve Bill with this. Although I am sure one of my guy's can manage that too. Since it is colored, Poly could cause it to bleed too. Like the Duke the color is the resin. This Primo I imagine the color is dye since there is no colored resin in it. It will be bad enough if it comes apart again, I do not need to wreck it myself right off the bat. I guess test a small area first.

I wish I could post a before and after of my Primo. You would not believe it. It was clearly defective. They could care less. Not only that, once $100 was off the table they just blew me off. That after 8 emails to reach them in the first place. I am not bashing them, just relating my personal experience. I know they are well known as top notch production Mods by almost everyone. In fact some people prefer them to customs. I don't but that is just my opinion.
I am afraid to use the SS too much until someone can confirm the faceplate comes off and how. Manny, Perhaps you can do me a favor and ask Foo this? Thanks
 

MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Can't wait for my rebel. It will be nice to have a 550J too.
Yours is a DNA 75C?
I have (2) Rebels a DNA 75c and a 250c, but use the 75c the most as a beater is perfect ........

And as long as you protect the Stabwood is what really matters.......

Poly is overrated and really for high end mods and requires a large amount of coats, The Renaissance was is good enough and works great, it dries immediately and has a petroleum smell to it..... But it's really good wax !

Hope they check their emails at VA .....

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GorGon27

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Luckily they changed it to a 300W DNA. That is a good example of CS. Or all that you would expect.
I am going to use synthetic spray wax. In this situation it is nearly Ploy. First of all Stabwood is not exactly what we know as "wood" per se.. The spray wax is indeed for much harder surfaces than wood, which indeed Stabwood is in fact. It will last a very long time in this instance. Is 100% waterproof as I wish. Is not oily, greasy, or smelly and provides a very hard protective coat to otherwise "harder" surfaces. No doubt renaissance is ordinarily better for butchers for things your hands will come into contact with though. Butchers is super greasy and stinks. Butchers I would say is the best wax on fine furniture and cabinets though. Well it is really a tossup with renaissance. Two different carriers, both hard Carnauba wax. Whichever you prefer really. Most workers have one or the other as a preference. Not others though. You certainly would never use synthetic spray wax on regular bare wood. It would completely ruin it. Since Stabwood is soaked in resin it is a completely different story. I have used it successfully on Stabwood many times. The color will not bleed as it is impregnated in the wood and not mere dye. It is indeed dye, but it is indelible. It is not indelible dye either. It is indelible in the sense that it is the coloring of the resin that was used to cure the wood. Plus it is lickity split to use.So that will suit me fine. I would use traditional wax save for I do not know when it has worn off and then the Mod becomes more vulnerable to cracking ETC. I certainly should have no worries about what happened to the last one though. That has never happened before to any Mod of mine. That one was clearly defective. Phil from Stabwood UK even agreed on this. Of course VA denied it. Well, they did not out right deny it, they simply avoided answering that question. At lease I have confirmed I cannot count on them for service. So I know that much now. Which is fine. Primo's are at a price now I do not care to buy another. although if this one is ruined in quick order I shall refrain from doing so. If It lasts a year that is good enough for the current price of them. they came way down in price, they used to be much more money. I am not sure what the duke was originally but obviously it had appreciated. Whoever bought Manny's should cherish it because they got one heck of a deal!
 

MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Yeah, I sold it to Jinx'd the (Primo Ti 26650) ...... And he polished her beautifully !!!!

Maybe he will post new images..........

The Java is very unique...... Her beautiful shape and her well rounded curves...... Aaaaaah


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Jinx'd

Platinum Contributor
Member For 2 Years
Saturday, I put the final, at least for now, coat of poly on it. this thing has been fighting me Tooth & Nail the whole way.
fix one thing, fuck up another. so, I about had enough. I touched up the F'ups and sanded, then this coat, that I still didn't get 100%.
but here it is, it does look really nice, though not perfect. in the future I may strip it and try something other than poly, idk.
the Para wood, I used auto pro grade urethane enamel, VERY thin coat. this shows the wood far more naturally.

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GorGon27

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
That is really nice jinx'd and you made it.

The Java is one of a kind. Literally. Is the Java resin and Stabwood or 100% Stabwood?

So get this. I got nervous about the spray wax. So I used Butchers. The Terps in the Butchers melted VA's "hairspray" finish. Now the brand new Mod is all sticky! I will have to sand it. I have now entirely lost faith in VA. Manny, what grit do you recommend to get it un-sticky and then mirror polish it before I reapply Butchers? I have to get that hairspray off but I do not want to cut into the wood. Since it would go below the top and bottom plate then. I really hope you can help me out here Manny since I know you are an expert at sanding. I also noticed you did not like my last two posts. Did I say something wrong? Thank you
 

MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
That is really nice jinx'd and you made it.

The Java is one of a kind. Literally. Is the Java resin and Stabwood or 100% Stabwood?

So get this. I got nervous about the spray wax. So I used Butchers. The Terps in the Butchers melted VA's "hairspray" finish. Now the brand new Mod is all sticky! I will have to sand it. I have now entirely lost faith in VA. Manny, what grit do you recommend to get it un-sticky and then mirror polish it before I reapply Butchers? I have to get that hairspray off but I do not want to cut into the wood. Since it would go below the top and bottom plate then. I really hope you can help me out here Manny since I know you are an expert at sanding. I also noticed you did not like my last two posts. Did I say something wrong? Thank you
If she's sticky she wet....... Let it dry

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MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
That is really nice jinx'd and you made it.

The Java is one of a kind. Literally. Is the Java resin and Stabwood or 100% Stabwood?

So get this. I got nervous about the spray wax. So I used Butchers. The Terps in the Butchers melted VA's "hairspray" finish. Now the brand new Mod is all sticky! I will have to sand it. I have now entirely lost faith in VA. Manny, what grit do you recommend to get it un-sticky and then mirror polish it before I reapply Butchers? I have to get that hairspray off but I do not want to cut into the wood. Since it would go below the top and bottom plate then. I really hope you can help me out here Manny since I know you are an expert at sanding. I also noticed you did not like my last two posts. Did I say something wrong? Thank you
No you didn't upset me, I just lost hope with Vicious Ant.........

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MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
That is really nice jinx'd and you made it.

The Java is one of a kind. Literally. Is the Java resin and Stabwood or 100% Stabwood?

So get this. I got nervous about the spray wax. So I used Butchers. The Terps in the Butchers melted VA's "hairspray" finish. Now the brand new Mod is all sticky! I will have to sand it. I have now entirely lost faith in VA. Manny, what grit do you recommend to get it un-sticky and then mirror polish it before I reapply Butchers? I have to get that hairspray off but I do not want to cut into the wood. Since it would go below the top and bottom plate then. I really hope you can help me out here Manny since I know you are an expert at sanding. I also noticed you did not like my last two posts. Did I say something wrong? Thank you
I have never sanded a sticky mod..... Maybe Jinx'd has since he's been having issues here and there with the VA Primo Ti

The Java is all Stabwood.....
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Rhianne

Diamond Contributor
Member For 2 Years
ECF Refugee
Saturday, I put the final, at least for now, coat of poly on it. this thing has been fighting me Tooth & Nail the whole way.
fix one thing, fuck up another. so, I about had enough. I touched up the F'ups and sanded, then this coat, that I still didn't get 100%.
but here it is, it does look really nice, though not perfect. in the future I may strip it and try something other than poly, idk.
the Para wood, I used auto pro grade urethane enamel, VERY thin coat. this shows the wood far more naturally.

View attachment 144613 View attachment 144614 View attachment 144615 View attachment 144616 View attachment 144617

That came out great! Looks beautiful.


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MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
That is really nice jinx'd and you made it.

The Java is one of a kind. Literally. Is the Java resin and Stabwood or 100% Stabwood?

So get this. I got nervous about the spray wax. So I used Butchers. The Terps in the Butchers melted VA's "hairspray" finish. Now the brand new Mod is all sticky! I will have to sand it. I have now entirely lost faith in VA. Manny, what grit do you recommend to get it un-sticky and then mirror polish it before I reapply Butchers? I have to get that hairspray off but I do not want to cut into the wood. Since it would go below the top and bottom plate then. I really hope you can help me out here Manny since I know you are an expert at sanding. I also noticed you did not like my last two posts. Did I say something wrong? Thank you
Most soft paper like 8000 to 12000 will not slide on sticky finish...... You have to go down to 6000 and then work up to 10000 and 12000 again to make it a smooth enough finish and get rid of all that old lacquer.....

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MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Saturday, I put the final, at least for now, coat of poly on it. this thing has been fighting me Tooth & Nail the whole way.
fix one thing, fuck up another. so, I about had enough. I touched up the F'ups and sanded, then this coat, that I still didn't get 100%.
but here it is, it does look really nice, though not perfect. in the future I may strip it and try something other than poly, idk.
the Para wood, I used auto pro grade urethane enamel, VERY thin coat. this shows the wood far more naturally.

View attachment 144613 View attachment 144614 View attachment 144615 View attachment 144616 View attachment 144617
Are you spraying her or brushing because the one mod that feels like glass is the Java and she got (15) coats of sprayed Poly........ I mean it feels like a sprayed hard rubber feel....... She is not soft in any way, but it has a real smooth rubber feel to her......
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GorGon27

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Edited:

Manny you meant you lost hope in VA or you lost hope in me insulting them?

The JAVA is a work of art and it is truly custom. As in built to your exact specifications. Hardly anything is "that" custom. Freaking looks amazing. 100% Stabwood is the best IMO. For one thing less likely to crack at the seam. I figured it was. It would be too big for my hand but it is yours! I am surprised you do not find the SS to small though. Quite frankly the Java is a lot nicer than the SS. I am happy you got me the SS though. Thank you for that.

Thank you for helping me with sanding and thank you for going back and liking my posts.I have personally had it with VA at this point. What kind of Mod you can't even wax?. At least I did not go ruin one of my expensive VA's though. I rarely even take those out of their boxes.

I waited until the morning to see if it was just wet. I guess it is just "rubbery". As I rubbed a cotton ball on it and it did not pick up anything. I thought it would be like glass. I guess not with that much wax on it. Although it does not look quite as shiny as their "hairspray" finish which is also explainable with wax on it. It does look kind of "smudged" to me but that may be my imagination. It is hard to tell with all the "eyes" in the wood. I figure it is as it is supposed to be. I achieved the expected results. Just not what I expected. I wanted a "glass" finish but honestly this shall suffice. At least I know it is now protected from the elements. I am guessing the feel must be similar to Manny's Java from what he describes. Since that is 5 coats of very thick wax. It is fine with me. I shall see how long it lasts now.

Okay, now we are in business! I had them hit it with 2000 grit paper and get that Afro sheen off. Then 2 coats Synthetic spray wax. Let it air dry between coats, did not wipe it off. So it is on there uniformly. Now it is like glass! I achieved what I wanted. Well my guys did. Thanks guys! Their "hairspray" coating is nothing but a hinderance IMO. Either coat it for real or don't bother.
 
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GorGon27

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Edited:

I apologize about going on and on about VA. I think I just let the cat out of the bag so to say though. They very well may be 1/4 of what average Joe consumer thinks they are. Sort of like Nike. In fact for production, Asomdus may represent a much better value! Although just because I have had a very bad experience all the way around certainly does not mean anyone else will. I am just relating my own experience. YMMV. Anyways I apologize that I made such a big deal about all of this. I still would not hesitate to tell anyone to get a VA..I just think they are nice. At your own risk of course. That is all.
 
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Jinx'd

Platinum Contributor
Member For 2 Years
Are you spraying her or brushing because the one mod that feels like glass is the Java and she got (15) coats of sprayed Poly........ I mean it feels like a sprayed hard rubber feel....... She is not soft in any way, but it has a real smooth rubber feel to her......

spray.... yes, it does have a rubbery'ish feel to it. plenty of "gription". though I am not holding it, or using it, for several days.
this stuff talked at least a week to dry well. and who knows how long to fully cure. I have sanded it after several days, and I can tell it is still somewhat gummy.

DON'T sand sticky anything. unless of course you want to F it up.
 

MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
spray.... yes, it does have a rubbery'ish feel to it. plenty of "gription". though I am not holding it, or using it, for several days.
this stuff talked at least a week to dry well. and who knows how long to fully cure. I have sanded it after several days, and I can tell it is still somewhat gummy.

DON'T sand sticky anything. unless of course you want to F it up.
GorGon27 is trying to sand a Vicious Ant that he used wax on it and it became sticky when it mixed with the VA coating...... I told him that it's probably still wet and he wants to sand paper it to remove the sticky feeling and simply wax it again.

I have never done it, because I found that if it's sticky it's not dry or not cured.......

Read his post and see if you can recommend a fix ......

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MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Edited:

I apologize about going on and on about VA. I think I just let the cat out of the bag so to say though. They very well may be 1/4 of what average Joe consumer thinks they are. Sort of like Nike. In fact for production, Asomdus may represent a much better value! Although just because I have had a very bad experience all the way around certainly does not mean anyone else will. I am just relating my own experience. YMMV. Anyways I apologize that I made such a big deal about all of this. I still would not hesitate to tell anyone to get a VA..I just think they are nice. At your own risk of course. That is all.
I recommend a Solarstorm or a Mozaic Java.....
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GorGon27

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I love my SS. Thank you Manny! The Java is obviously nicer but I just could not deal with that "game". I do not mean that as an insult either. I just personally could not deal with it. I would keep asking him questions and changing things and he would become thoroughly pissed with me. He would probably just cancel my order then. Which would be bad for Manny anyways. So I am just forgetting that one. The Java is considerably larger than the SS? I like Mods as small as possible.

Yes, I did resolve the VA. It now has a glass "hard shell" that will last for years. It is 100% waterproof AFAIK. Their "hairspray" coating is obviously latex based. The Terps in the Butchers melted it and made a sticky mess. my guys fixed it all up. It is very shiny and looks very nice now. I think they are total BS. why use that "hairspray"? so it looks good for a week? Either coat it or don't. My guys probably used stripper. I am not sure if they just went ahead and sanded it. They know what they are doing. People think Mexican people are stupid. They are far from it and as you know I speak Spanish.

Put 'em on the glass. That is a quote from a Sir Mix A Lot song. I know Anthony. He repairs Ham Radios. He is one of the best techs there is. He has serviced my equipment many times. I also know him from car clubs. He collects high end cars too. So a while ago I checked out his songs. Not really my style but funny nonetheless.
 

MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I love my SS. Thank you Manny! The Java is obviously nicer but I just could not deal with that "game". I do not mean that as an insult either. I just personally could not deal with it. I would keep asking him questions and changing things and he would become thoroughly pissed with me. He would probably just cancel my order then. Which would be bad for Manny anyways. So I am just forgetting that one. The Java is considerably larger than the SS? I like Mods as small as possible.

Yes, I did resolve the VA. It now has a glass "hard shell" that will last for years. It is 100% waterproof AFAIK. Their "hairspray" coating is obviously latex based. The Terps in the Butchers melted it and made a sticky mess. my guys fixed it all up. It is very shiny and looks very nice now. I think they are total BS. why use that "hairspray"? so it looks good for a week? Either coat it or don't. My guys probably used stripper. I am not sure if they just went ahead and sanded it. They know what they are doing. People think Mexican people are stupid. They are far from it and as you know I speak Spanish.

Put 'em on the glass. That is a quote from a Sir Mix A Lot song. I know Anthony. He repairs Ham Radios. He is one of the best techs there is. He has serviced my equipment many times. I also know him from car clubs. He collects high end cars too. So a while ago I checked out his songs. Not really my style but funny nonetheless.
Good finally got her going.....The Java is a bit larger or better said fatter because she uses a 26650.......
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GorGon27

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
By the looks of it the Java is a tad taller and longer too? I am sure he could make something smaller but there is just no way I have that kind of patience. A week is about it for me LOL. I am going to see if this Primo needs an Update right now. Like you had mentioned Manny that is one thing that kind of sucks about DNA. You never know if you are running something that needs a bug fix. Unless you check every day. Which I obviously do not.
 

MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
By the looks of it the Java is a tad taller and longer too? I am sure he could make something smaller but there is just no way I have that kind of patience. A week is about it for me LOL. I am going to see if this Primo needs an Update right now. Like you had mentioned Manny that is one thing that kind of sucks about DNA. You never know if you are running something that needs a bug fix. Unless you check every day. Which I obviously do not.
Yeah the new YIHI chips too.... My (4) year old SX350 V2 works flawlessly, but the new SX 485J on the Java was giving me a black screen, it would work, but I couldn't see shit.....

So I did that black screen fix update and it's been working perfectly ever since........

I guess the more color and temperature regulation and the more data you have to upload on the chip the more hiccups you will get.......
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GorGon27

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
That sucks. The more code they put on them the more bugs there are likely to be. So the 580J in fact is probably not nearly as good as the 350 V2.
This Primo actually had the latest firmware. It is a very high number. I do not care about that though unless they did not make many or it is a limited edition.

Now I know that Primo was messed up when it was brand new. I had to unscrew the nut on the battery cap to the last 1/2 of the last thread. Constantly falling off and not making contact. The new one is hardly unscrewed at all. Just like all my other VA Mods. That indeed was a defective Mod from day 1. Unfortunately it took about 7 months to completely self destruct. Or I would have known to exchange it. The kicker is the new one is much nicer IMO and was less than 1/2 the price. As everyone knows I have over 300 Mods. Maybe even 500. I have not actually counted but trust me it is a lot of them. Probably over 100 of them now are Stabwood. All of them are in fine condition. Except a few very inexpensive ones have small cracks in them. Nothing like what happened to that Primo. So it was absolutely nothing I did wrong. Even Phil from Stabwood UK whom sold it to me agreed it was defective. Unfortunately VA were just jerks to me. That does not necessarily mean they will be jerks to anyone else though. Maybe they were upset about what had just gone on there and took it out on me. I really don't know. I certainly would expect them to be more polite though. Quite frankly I feel they should have offered to replace it at no charge. No, $100 just for shipping. Then they inform me that they cannot fix it perfectly. I could have shipped it to them for less than $20. Furthermore, it took 8 emails to even get their attention. Then when I informed them I had decided to just purchase a new one I never heard from again. They could have at least said "let us know if you need anything else" or something. Like most decent companies do. Of course I have now told this story 10 times here. It is not my memory I just hate them now. I will still buy VA Mods because I like them but from now on I will consider them "disposable". I am not going to use my rare and expensive ones at all now in fear that they might break and I do not have a leg to stand on.
 

MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
That sucks. The more code they put on them the more bugs there are likely to be. So the 580J in fact is probably not nearly as good as the 350 V2.
This Primo actually had the latest firmware. It is a very high number. I do not care about that though unless they did not make many or it is a limited edition.

Now I know that Primo was messed up when it was brand new. I had to unscrew the nut on the battery cap to the last 1/2 of the last thread. Constantly falling off and not making contact. The new one is hardly unscrewed at all. Just like all my other VA Mods. That indeed was a defective Mod from day 1. Unfortunately it took about 7 months to completely self destruct. Or I would have known to exchange it. The kicker is the new one is much nicer IMO and was less than 1/2 the price. As everyone knows I have over 300 Mods. Maybe even 500. I have not actually counted but trust me it is a lot of them. Probably over 100 of them now are Stabwood. All of them are in fine condition. Except a few very inexpensive ones have small cracks in them. Nothing like what happened to that Primo. So it was absolutely nothing I did wrong. Even Phil from Stabwood UK whom sold it to me agreed it was defective. Unfortunately VA were just jerks to me. That does not necessarily mean they will be jerks to anyone else though. Maybe they were upset about what had just gone on there and took it out on me. I really don't know. I certainly would expect them to be more polite though. Quite frankly I feel they should have offered to replace it at no charge. No, $100 just for shipping. Then they inform me that they cannot fix it perfectly. I could have shipped it to them for less than $20. Furthermore, it took 8 emails to even get their attention. Then when I informed them I had decided to just purchase a new one I never heard from again. They could have at least said "let us know if you need anything else" or something. Like most decent companies do. Of course I have now told this story 10 times here. It is not my memory I just hate them now. I will still buy VA Mods because I like them but from now on I will consider them "disposable". I am not going to use my rare and expensive ones at all now in fear that they might break and I do not have a leg to stand on.
Shipping is ridiculously getting high..... Specially shipping to Europe, Phillipines, Malaysia......

I sold a mod (Vapedroid X1C2) to a guy in Germany......He paid me $700.00 and I paid $120.00 USPS to ship it........

I put a declared value of $96.00 US dollars because you can't ship it without a value if it gets lost, stolen or damaged.......

They charged him 96.00 Euros as import tax....... And it took two weeks to get there.....

So I'm not shipping anything international anymore...... Screw that..........too much trouble.......

If the guy says I never received anything ? What do I do then..... Reimburse the $700.00 and loose $120 shipping and also loose the mod, try to get USPS to reimburse me all the money......

Ha ha.... it's a joke this shipping crap around the world.....

There is no such thing as shipping overseas for $20 bucks.......

That's not even counting the customs declarations and documentation you have to fill out on top of everything else to ship internationally ......

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GorGon27

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I am pretty sure USPS has these "flat rate boxes" As long as it will fit in the small box I am pretty sure it is about 20 bucks. Of course I could be completely wrong. I do not think it is $120 or even $100 though. Maybe at the most $30. I honestly have no idea. If that is really the case that is sad. Amazon will ship you the same day within 6 hours for free if you have prime. I understand that is domestic but how the hell do they do that? Maybe they are just so big they can "eat" the shipping on their bottom line. Have no clue about that either. Maybe VA with $100 was spot on. Then for the current price of the Primo since they could not promise they could fix it good. It made more sense to buy a new one. It was just not very nice that they then completely blew me off. Maybe it is a different culture. I don't know. I will tell you in the UK the vast majority of folks are very polite. Of course their are some dicks but that is a minority. However, Phil takes the cake. That guy is almost too nice. Like I said I do not care about buying a VA still. I am not buying the company. They are pretty nice production Mods. I cannot believe what you Let your Duke go for. Mine is not for sale but if it was not a penny less than $1,200. Than assholes have the nerve to ask you if you will take less. I do not even answer people like that. At $1,200 I would entertain an offer though, maybe. I mean like $50 less. I am glad it has been all very good people in this thread. Let the jerks go somewhere else. Lord knows there are enough jerks on the internet. This is the only forum I have been on in about 20 years though. I just do not need kids insulting me and flaming me because they do not agree with my views. I know I even talked some shit here more than once but you folks were cool about it. I like all of you folks but Manny for one I never even met but I would trust him with my life. Well, at least I know he is not one of the many people that want me dead LOL.
 

MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I am pretty sure USPS has these "flat rate boxes" As long as it will fit in the small box I am pretty sure it is about 20 bucks. Of course I could be completely wrong. I do not think it is $120 or even $100 though. Maybe at the most $30. I honestly have no idea. If that is really the case that is sad. Amazon will ship you the same day within 6 hours for free if you have prime. I understand that is domestic but how the hell do they do that? Maybe they are just so big they can "eat" the shipping on their bottom line. Have no clue about that either. Maybe VA with $100 was spot on. Then for the current price of the Primo since they could not promise they could fix it good. It made more sense to buy a new one. It was just not very nice that they then completely blew me off. Maybe it is a different culture. I don't know. I will tell you in the UK the vast majority of folks are very polite. Of course their are some dicks but that is a minority. However, Phil takes the cake. That guy is almost too nice. Like I said I do not care about buying a VA still. I am not buying the company. They are pretty nice production Mods. I cannot believe what you Let your Duke go for. Mine is not for sale but if it was not a penny less than $1,200. Than assholes have the nerve to ask you if you will take less. I do not even answer people like that. At $1,200 I would entertain an offer though, maybe. I mean like $50 less. I am glad it has been all very good people in this thread. Let the jerks go somewhere else. Lord knows there are enough jerks on the internet. This is the only forum I have been on in about 20 years though. I just do not need kids insulting me and flaming me because they do not agree with my views. I know I even talked some shit here more than once but you folks were cool about it. I like all of you folks but Manny for one I never even met but I would trust him with my life. Well, at least I know he is not one of the many people that want me dead LOL.
Yeah those are for US shipping not international......

International shipping requires US custom forms declarations, insurance and it's paid by package measurements and weight.

I shipped a small box with a plastic mod and it was $126.00 to Germany....... I claimed it at a value of $96.00 US dollars and still he paid 96.00 Euros for import tax.....

FedEx and UPS was more........

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
 

GorGon27

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Damn. Not worth it IMO.

Hey, when you folks apply Poly or wax do you notice the wood gets a few shades darker? For instance if it is coffee and cream color it ends up nearly tobacco color? That always happens to me. Unless I am doing something wrong but I can't imagine what. Just spray it on and let it dry. It always gets darker on me. You?
 

MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Damn. Not worth it IMO.

Hey, when you folks apply Poly or wax do you notice the wood gets a few shades darker? For instance if it is coffee and cream color it ends up nearly tobacco color? That always happens to me. Unless I am doing something wrong but I can't imagine what. Just spray it on and let it dry. It always gets darker on me. You?
Yeah that's we call depth..... The wood itself and the colors get deeper and also darker......

That's what gives them a 3D effect......

Look at coat (#3) left and coat (#15) right......
f380f2d1b7def04ae846113278d04a86.jpg


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6ce25dae103ca7721633dfa44f70825a.jpg
 

GorGon27

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Yes, I can see that perfectly. That is exactly what happens to all of mine. I am glad to know I am not doing something wrong. I was not sure if that was supposed to occur or not. Synthetic spray wax should never be used on bare wood because it will severely damage it. The specific gravity of Stabwood by being soaked in resin is a completely different story. It is a much harder surface than bare untreated wood. It weighs more. Synthetic spray wax is only for hard surfaces. I have successfully used it on many things other than automobiles. Including Stabwood. In this usage it is sort of Poly junior". Although I would not put more than two coats of it or you will "flood" the wood and cause it to become waterlogged. Since it is a much thinner consistency than Poly. It will really get into the pores of the wood. In this instance it will last many years though. Unlike traditional wax. It is more of a hardshell coating. Apply each coat to saturation and let air dry about 8 hours or so. It does not have the grippy feeling of a lot of Poly but smooth like glass I prefer. It will still substantially darken the wood in just two coats like your pictures above. Figure like untouched right to the picture on the right(coat 13). Does not even require much sanding this way. It is shiny. Just a bit of light 2000 grit. Do not bite into the wood. You can find Synthetic spray wax at any automotive store or Walmart in the Automotive section. It is expensive but you get more than you will ever need and it never spoils. Completely soak a synthetic Chamois with it and buff it in until the wood is soaked. Then let air dry. You will know it is dry if it is not tacky whatsoever but smooth like glass. First prep lightly with 2000 grit paper from same sources. However if the Mod has a coating on it like VA does you will need a citrus based stripper. Only a citrus based stripper. Never use chemicals on it or you will melt the Stabwood into a blob! It is certainly a viable alternative for all but the very best Mods you wish to protect. I am certainly very happy with the outcome. plus it took less than a day, not over a month. I do not pretend it is Poly but for all but the very best mods it is very close. I just figured I would share this in case anyone does not wish to take the time to do Poly. It is nearly as good IMO I do enjoy finding alternative uses for things. I hope someone at least finds this useful.
 

GorGon27

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
That is pretty cool. You posted it before. I like the translucent color. I also like how small it is. I wish I had more very small Mods. I think the Java is bigger than Manny realizes it is because he has large hands. That is a good thing, it means big dick too. Anyways, next to the SS it appears to be larger in every dimension. joha's I think is even smaller than the SS. They achieved this by putting the button on the side. That is a Mech though? I do not fuck with Mechs anymore. Not for a long time. If it indeed is one. I still like how it looks. I do not know too many tiny Stabwood regulated Mods.
 

joha_wa_alhimar

Silver Contributor
Member For 4 Years
That is pretty cool. You posted it before. I like the translucent color. I also like how small it is. I wish I had more very small Mods. I think the Java is bigger than Manny realizes it is because he has large hands. That is a good thing, it means big dick too. Anyways, next to the SS it appears to be larger in every dimension. joha's I think is even smaller than the SS. They achieved this by putting the button on the side. That is a Mech though? I do not fuck with Mechs anymore. Not for a long time. If it indeed is one. I still like how it looks. I do not know too many tiny Stabwood regulated Mods.

Honestly, I can't tell just from the pictures how tall my mod is compared to Manny's SS, but I will say his is beautifully colored.

And yes, mine is a mech with a clickfet in it. I really don't know much about engineering though, so I can't really speculate what could be done to make a smaller mod or anything, but I'm very happy with how mine turned out. It's a comfortable mod and I really like that it's a side fire.
 

GorGon27

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
The colors on the Java are just insane. My new Primo has "eyes" all over it but it is one solid color. After the Spray Wax it got about 4-5 shades darker but It is just the same to me. I was not set on the hue.
 

MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
The colors on the Java are just insane. My new Primo has "eyes" all over it but it is one solid color. After the Spray Wax it got about 4-5 shades darker but It is just the same to me. I was not set on the hue.
Thanks man...... I have been making her deeper with 12,000

The 12,000 warms the poly and makes the definition and colors pop.....
16aa21ed42adce050a6874b17febe0d3.jpg

0da5cd0bafac82a8bb3bc74cf1c497dd.jpg
 

fidola13

Silver Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Hey everyone hope you’re all doing well. I’ve been letting the thumb tendons heal so I’ve been off line.

A couple of weeks ago I asked if anyone knew about the VA 26650 Primos that are being sold on eBay.

Someone mentioned that they had one and there was a problem with hear build up with the battery and or battery cap. That it got so hot it couldn’t be held.

Does anyone know anything about this? Was this a common problem with the VA 26650 Primos? Or was this just an isolated problem and an unlucky break?

Thanks kids!! I’ll be around more soon. I have an update on the Asmodus I used hardwood polish on and how it’s holding up.
 

MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Hey everyone hope you’re all doing well. I’ve been letting the thumb tendons heal so I’ve been off line.

A couple of weeks ago I asked if anyone knew about the VA 26650 Primos that are being sold on eBay.

Someone mentioned that they had one and there was a problem with hear build up with the battery and or battery cap. That it got so hot it couldn’t be held.

Does anyone know anything about this? Was this a common problem with the VA 26650 Primos? Or was this just an isolated problem and an unlucky break?

Thanks kids!! I’ll be around more soon. I have an update on the Asmodus I used hardwood polish on and how it’s holding up.
I think they all do it, but I think is when you try to push her too hard it only happened to my at 50 to 60 watts....... Never at lower wattage and Jinx'd said he figured out what location to put the lid at to prevent it from getting hot ...
 

GorGon27

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
It just goes to show VA is still "production" at the end of the day. Nice, but over hyped IMO. I said like the Nike brand. From their level of CS to their final product it does not pretend to be a high end custom piece. You want a "Bespoke" Mod and individual attention only a high end Custom will do that for you. Although VA had dropped their prices at some point so now it is completely fair I feel. When they were as much as customs there was not a lot of sense than buying a VA other than for resale. Although I wonder if others really took a bath like Manny did. I do not have actual knowledge that Dukes are in fact regularly selling for $1,300USD these day's if ever. I don't see how they could be called a collectors item either. Since most models they make thousands of them. I am not bashing VA. At the current prices I feel they are 100% viable. They do tend to be somewhat fancier than Asmodus for instance. The fit and finish is very good usually. They are absolutely worth the current pricing. The previous pricing was steep though. I mean when a Knight was $1,500 that was too much. Now that a Knight is about $600-$650 that is fine. Even though the Knight is not my favorite Mod of theirs. The Primo TI is of course. At least currently.
 

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