Things to do to prevent problems

[robw]

I have now amassed a collection of e-cigs, liquids and have been finding problems and solutions. So I figured I would share what I have learned.

First I have tried this with all my devices which include the supermini, 901, Pipe and screwdriver.

1. Store it laying flat. My first instinct was to stand it up but the liquid seems to flood the atomizer. The pooling of liquid can cause the heavier elements in the liquid to settle on the atomizer. It can then bake to the atomizer screen.

2. Blow it out. At the end of the day, take your atomizer off and blow it with you mouth from the end that the battery attaches to. This will free trapped liquid. You can blow it onto a paper towel, you will be amazed of the gunk that comes out from just one day of use. I find this method makes the next days usage feel like a new atomizer.

3. Over charge the new batteries. If it says 4 hours, go 12. If it says 6 hours go 12, if it says 8 hours go 12. if it says 12 hours go 12. In other words go 12.

4. Light draws. I used to draw hard and draw often. I would end up topping off and replacing batteries really often. I also noticed the vapor was less and I could taste a bitter oil on the tip of my tounge.
I started experimenting with light draws. On all e-cigs including the pipe and screwdriver, all you need is a light draw. On a auto cig, just draw hard enough so the light comes on. On a manual switch draw as light as you possibly can.
The reason I think light draws seem to provide more kick as well as more vapor is because the vapor is created under the mesh in the atomizer. When you draw hard the vapor is coming out of the mesh with un vaporized liquid. With a lighter draw, only the vapor comes out, the unvaporized liquids viscosity keeps it in the atomizer mesh. Also the vapor it self is leaving the mesh slower, so it is hotter. A hotter vapor means more of the molecules have been vaporized, and less chance you are bringing liquid into your mouth. I taste the flavors mixed in to flavored liquids more when I use a slower draw.

5. I would not recomend allowing the cleaning cycle. A atomizer cleaning cycle is a bit of a confusing thing to me. I know that is heats up and burns off the crud similar to the way your oven in you house can. How ever the delicate nature of the mesh and the atomizer leads me to think the cleaning cycle may be damaging the fine metal fibers in the mesh. The method im going to be experimenting with when my first atomizer does clog is going to be giving it a Vinegar bath. Vinegar is what Fog Machines use to clean the internals. The Ecig is a fog machine in minature. It even uses the same liquid as fog juice. Vinegar is also used in cleaning the heating element in Coffee makers. Im sure the Vinegar will work, what im not sure about is how long it will maintain a vinegar taste. I will update if it does or does not work well. Luckily atomizers are under $10.

[Grumpysanta]

Instead of vinegar I invested in a mini steamer and that seems to work ok, I haven't killed my atomiser yet.

[efaglil]

You are so right about the light draw! Loads of vapour, same hit

I was planning to "bath" my atomisers in vodka for a few seconds to see if I can make them work as new. When you're talking about vinegar, you mean white vinegar right? Malt vinegar would smell like a chippie :-) Wonder what fish and chip flavour eliquid would be like... :-)

[e-pipeman]

Originally Posted by efaglil

Wonder what fish and chip flavour eliquid would be like... :-)

That would be pretty damn brilliant, don't you think? I could feed on that for at least a small part of every day. But how would we obtain the taste of crispy batter? There's a job for Janty and Pillbox!

[Dr. Russell Fell]

I personally use isopropyl alcohol, 70%.

[efaglil]

Originally Posted by expipeman

That would be pretty damn brilliant, don't you think? I could feed on that for at least a small part of every day. But how would we obtain the taste of crispy batter? There's a job for Janty and Pillbox!

Nah... they'd never get the soggy newspaper right

[doggsie]

Hi Rob.......thanks for the tips, i think you are right about the lighter draw as i find this works best for me as well.....whats your experience charging new batteries for 12 hours, do you think they last longer after this on a normal charge!!

[Zach]

Originally Posted by Dr. Russell Fell

I personally use isopropyl alcohol, 70%.

How do you dry it out after you do this? This is how i plan to clean my atomizers. I bought some 91%.
Was planning on drip dry, then dry with a hair dryer.

[Kimmiegrif]

I boil. I don' t see how the alcohol gets rid of the guck that might me of an oil base.

[etab]

Great tips Rob! There are so many factors with vaping each day is different for me lol