This was originally posted in the Hog's Mods thread in the suppliers forum, but I felt that Mike (Hogwart) hasn't gotten nearly the acclaim his work deserves, and it was more appropriate here anyway.
I recently received Hog's Mod #17, and what a beauty it is! Mike, you are a true craftsman! Rarely am I impressed or inspired sufficiently with an inanimate object to review or critique it, but youve accomplished both so I feel I owe it to you and to the ECF.
This will start in a really sentimental tone, so if youre looking for the meat, just skip this paragraph. I used the word received because getting this mod was in fact a reception of something special. In our cookie-cutter, make-a-thousand-units-a-day world, receiving a unique, hand crafted collectible is in itself a seldom encountered experience; even more so when its also a high performance creation of technology. Opening the well insulated box revealed a small parcel carefully wrapped in soft fabric and cross taped more like an exquisite gift than a utilitarian appliance. Finally exposing the mod to the light of day actually created a moment of reverence the beautiful figure and grain of the wood itself was stunning, preceding appreciation of the fit and finish by only a millisecond. Holding the mod was like picking up a fine European shotgun; if Id sent an image of my hand for reference it couldnt have been better fitted. Even after all my years in Asia I own very few things I would consider treasures of craft, but to be sure, this is one.
Ok, enough of the mushy stuff. On closer inspection, fit and finish were even greater than first impression. I took the back off (hate to call it a "door" in this case) and put it back on about 16 times, marveling at the perfection of the part mating. Ive done a lot of woodworking, but I couldnt come close to that kind of fit on my best day. It actually took me a minute or so to determine where the separation of body and door even occurred! There were a couple of small routering flaws inside the door, but they did nothing to detract from the fit and functionality of the mod. In fact, although cliché, they added to the character of the piece. I showed the mod to the master modelers here at work, and they were equally impressed with the workmanship. The minor flaws elicited the Wow, this really IS handmade! comments heard only when one realizes theyre holding something that didnt come off a CNC driven water jet machine. Hardware installation, wire routing, and soldering were professional grade.
After loading the mod with a fresh AW IMR 18650 battery, filling the huge (after my Reo Mini) juice bottle with my favorite VR Kentucky Blend, and installing a LR Boge 2.0 Ω cartomizer and drip tip, I fired up what can only be described as vaping Valhalla. Diverting my girlfriends attention from The Young and the Restless is no small feat, but the ensuing cloud of vapor from the dining room accomplished it
. Again, the fitment was not at all unlike holding and firing a finely made pistol, only with less recoil ;-).
But, its an imperfect world, and I felt it only fair to evaluate this mod with the same critical scrutiny I would apply to my own work, so there are a couple of somewhat negative points I will also share. I was a little disappointed that I did have to use the somewhat cheesy battery spacer supplied to make the most commonly recommended battery for these mods in existence fit properly. I do understand that its an imperfect world once again, and tolerances exist; certainly not a show stopper, and not Mike's fault to begin with. I do appreciate that the spacer was included! I initially had a learning curve issue as to how to refill the juice bottle without removing the entire pickup tube assembly, but a question posted in the suppliers forum was quickly answered and proper technique learned. My only real issue would be the lack of a master switch or firing pin deactivation mechanism. Put on a force gauge, it took less than nine ounces of pressure to engage the button to detent and fire the device. To me, considering the significant current capability of even a safe chemistry battery and the potentially catastrophic result of accidental and prolonged activation, I would probably never feel completely comfortable carrying this mod in a pocket or backpack with the battery installed. A minor inconvenience for practical carry, although Id be worried about losing the spacer ;-). I know that it's an issue Mike has considered, and he is still working on finding a switch that will handle the current load without making it necessary to make the mod larger. That would be a shame as the size is perfect.
All that said, this is such a beautiful mod that I wouldnt want to carry it around like my workhorse PVs anyway as they tend to take a beating. This will definitely be a relax-at-home piece where I can enjoy the finer things without having to worry about spoilage from the harsh, cruel world. This mod is truly a prime example of the whole being far greater than the sum of its parts. My other mods arent even in the same class in regards to workmanship, F&F, design, and functionality. I consider myself lucky to have acquired one and privileged to own one. So thank you, Mr Michael top notch and spot on!
I recently received Hog's Mod #17, and what a beauty it is! Mike, you are a true craftsman! Rarely am I impressed or inspired sufficiently with an inanimate object to review or critique it, but youve accomplished both so I feel I owe it to you and to the ECF.
This will start in a really sentimental tone, so if youre looking for the meat, just skip this paragraph. I used the word received because getting this mod was in fact a reception of something special. In our cookie-cutter, make-a-thousand-units-a-day world, receiving a unique, hand crafted collectible is in itself a seldom encountered experience; even more so when its also a high performance creation of technology. Opening the well insulated box revealed a small parcel carefully wrapped in soft fabric and cross taped more like an exquisite gift than a utilitarian appliance. Finally exposing the mod to the light of day actually created a moment of reverence the beautiful figure and grain of the wood itself was stunning, preceding appreciation of the fit and finish by only a millisecond. Holding the mod was like picking up a fine European shotgun; if Id sent an image of my hand for reference it couldnt have been better fitted. Even after all my years in Asia I own very few things I would consider treasures of craft, but to be sure, this is one.
Ok, enough of the mushy stuff. On closer inspection, fit and finish were even greater than first impression. I took the back off (hate to call it a "door" in this case) and put it back on about 16 times, marveling at the perfection of the part mating. Ive done a lot of woodworking, but I couldnt come close to that kind of fit on my best day. It actually took me a minute or so to determine where the separation of body and door even occurred! There were a couple of small routering flaws inside the door, but they did nothing to detract from the fit and functionality of the mod. In fact, although cliché, they added to the character of the piece. I showed the mod to the master modelers here at work, and they were equally impressed with the workmanship. The minor flaws elicited the Wow, this really IS handmade! comments heard only when one realizes theyre holding something that didnt come off a CNC driven water jet machine. Hardware installation, wire routing, and soldering were professional grade.
After loading the mod with a fresh AW IMR 18650 battery, filling the huge (after my Reo Mini) juice bottle with my favorite VR Kentucky Blend, and installing a LR Boge 2.0 Ω cartomizer and drip tip, I fired up what can only be described as vaping Valhalla. Diverting my girlfriends attention from The Young and the Restless is no small feat, but the ensuing cloud of vapor from the dining room accomplished it
. Again, the fitment was not at all unlike holding and firing a finely made pistol, only with less recoil ;-). But, its an imperfect world, and I felt it only fair to evaluate this mod with the same critical scrutiny I would apply to my own work, so there are a couple of somewhat negative points I will also share. I was a little disappointed that I did have to use the somewhat cheesy battery spacer supplied to make the most commonly recommended battery for these mods in existence fit properly. I do understand that its an imperfect world once again, and tolerances exist; certainly not a show stopper, and not Mike's fault to begin with. I do appreciate that the spacer was included! I initially had a learning curve issue as to how to refill the juice bottle without removing the entire pickup tube assembly, but a question posted in the suppliers forum was quickly answered and proper technique learned. My only real issue would be the lack of a master switch or firing pin deactivation mechanism. Put on a force gauge, it took less than nine ounces of pressure to engage the button to detent and fire the device. To me, considering the significant current capability of even a safe chemistry battery and the potentially catastrophic result of accidental and prolonged activation, I would probably never feel completely comfortable carrying this mod in a pocket or backpack with the battery installed. A minor inconvenience for practical carry, although Id be worried about losing the spacer ;-). I know that it's an issue Mike has considered, and he is still working on finding a switch that will handle the current load without making it necessary to make the mod larger. That would be a shame as the size is perfect.
All that said, this is such a beautiful mod that I wouldnt want to carry it around like my workhorse PVs anyway as they tend to take a beating. This will definitely be a relax-at-home piece where I can enjoy the finer things without having to worry about spoilage from the harsh, cruel world. This mod is truly a prime example of the whole being far greater than the sum of its parts. My other mods arent even in the same class in regards to workmanship, F&F, design, and functionality. I consider myself lucky to have acquired one and privileged to own one. So thank you, Mr Michael top notch and spot on!
