Dynavap 2021 M

The 2021 M holds around 0.1g in a 92mm vapor path, so residue lands in two predictable spots: on the CCD screen at the base of the stainless tip, and inside the narrow bore of the condenser. The outside of the captive cap collects torch soot instead of resin.

1. Break it into four pieces. Twist and pull to separate the captive cap, the tip, the condenser and the stainless stem. If a joint is stuck, DynaVap suggests hot water and a twist and pull motion rather than force.

2. Deal with the o-rings first. Slide the two condenser o-rings (a 7mm and an 8mm) off and set them aside with the cap. Leave the high temp o-rings on the tip alone, they are meant to stay put. The manufacturer's advice is to pull the rings before soaking or keep them waxed, since isopropyl dries them out.

3. Soak the metal. Tip, condenser and stem go into isopropyl, or hot water with dish soap. DynaVap gives 15 to 30 minutes for normal buildup, a few hours for heavy residue. An all metal M is dishwasher safe. The cap is not.

4. Mind the CCD. Taking it out is optional. If you do, note its position first: the adjust-a-bowl feature works by where the CCD sits, low for the full bowl and halfway up the tip for roughly 0.05g. To reseat it, cover the mouth of the tip with a fingertip and push the condenser in from below until the CCD clicks home. In our review this was the most delicate part to handle. Stainless and titanium replacements sell in threes for when one stays clogged.

5. Floss the condenser. Run a pipe cleaner dipped in isopropyl through the condenser tube a few times. A tight draw usually traces here.

6. Swab the cap, never soak it. The click comes from a bimetallic disc under the crimped end, and moisture trapped in that crimp can ruin the cap the next time you torch it. Swab the inside with soapy water or alcohol instead. If it does get wet, give it 24 hours before heating. Soot on the outside lifts with metal polish or a baking soda and vinegar paste, but skip abrasive pads on the stainless.

7. Rinse, dry, rebuild. Rinse in hot water and dry everything fully. Wet the condenser o-rings with water or DynaWax before pushing them back on, then slide the condenser into the stem. Dry rings tear.

Brush the tip and screen out after a few sessions. Daily users should strip it down every week or two, lighter users monthly. Our review noted the M arrives with a greasy beeswax film from assembly, so give it that wash before the first load.