Rebuilding the Oxivap- replacing the handles, securing the wiring..

 The Oxvap, a Czech designed and built tool, sold in the USA,  is an expensive ($500, nearly 4x what a basic vaporizer might cost), oxalic vaporizer applicator. I've owned and used one for 5 or more years, and though can't attest that they are more effective in applying a layer of oxalic crystals- and in killing mites- it's sure dramatic in how it  powerfully blows a hive full of the vapor, and how quickly it does so, It seems  it must get into every nook and cranny that has a mite and layer it with the crystal- unlike a standard pan burner which is more like a gentle smoke- but the fact is, I have no idea if it does a better job or not. Once one has paid the price, it's likely any user would attest to how great a tool it is in comparison- just to not seem foolish.

 I did a "dramatic" YT vid on how it blows out the vapor and pressures each nook of a hive- but I have no idea if it kills mite more effectively. That it kills mites, I'm convinced, but  that it is a quicker and more satisfying treatment method- no question. Like leaf blowing vs raking (though I am forever a raker). In addition, there have been some vast after market improvements in how to feed the acid to the machine (without flipping it over- thank you A.J.!) so I'm still a believer,

However- my issue with this tool is quality control. Right off the bat after purchasing it, two controllers went bad- the guts of the machine. The seller generously sent me new modules each time- but I have no idea if that is something regarding Czech QC, or something that's going to continue to plague me.

In addition, earlier this year, the tiny weld between the handle and the arm broke. No abuse, it just drooped over and fell off the handle when I was treating. If you look at it, it's an astoundingly undersized weld. 

Plus, the wires all started pulling out as the vinyl tubing wore out, with no way to reset them. Bad design I think- I had to pull it all apart to fix it.

So I emailed the seller, and he said I could send it in  for a rebuild for $150 (the cost of a well made pan vaporizer), and I decided to figure it out on my own, The electronics I have no way to of fixing- but mechanics, I can do. If the electronics go bad again- I'll junk it- and buy a simple pan.

And below is my repair. Basically I broke apart the plastic box (go for it!- its glued together and there is no secret tab holding it together- the controller is taped in with sticky tape),  unscrewing the the wires, setting the controller aside carefully, and removing in  entirety the power wire and handle. The handle, which for some reason I thought was some sort of electronic thing (like maybe it was a  a coil, its not, just an insulator), I pulled off and threw away. Useless and heavy- bends the copper tube you insert in the hive! Big problem).

To replace it,  I made a simple wood handle, and added an aluminum handle extension to tie it all together. Then used plastic ties and Gorilla tape to put it back together. Stuck in the module, and it seems to work great. Tested it to day on a hive- no problems. However, I think the whole thing needs some  rethinking- it still spins on the tube , and bends it. It needs positive support!

Side view. Sort of a weird Western Sci-Fi ray gun. 

The handle I threw out- with its broken and tiny weld- I'm surprised it lasted this long! Thalia, wood engraved behind, is a test of wood burning, for a smart 6 year old in the neighborhood.

Sketches of the wiring and how to hook it all back up (which worked! And, I forgot, so totally helfpul):

The wood handle works well , is way lighter, doesn't get hot at all  (not sure why they used the handle the did?) and securely attached mechanically. Wires can no longer pull out, and are secure,

You can see here the extra piece of aluminum bent in an obtuse "ell"  that runs up the old one, and is screwed to it, which also screws the plastic housing and a grounding wire:

Tried it out today- works great!