(This work of art is provided by our own wonderful ECF'er, Vapian.)
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The Billet Box FAQ:
By Vapian, Version 1.3, May 2014
Graciously reviewed/edited by Drunk_J & Katdarling
ATOMIZER/CARTOMIZER QUESTIONS
Q. What type of atomizers or cartomizers does the Billet Box use?
A. The Billet Box was designed for standard 35mm, 510 connection, metal-bodied cartomizers.
It is also capable of using some cartomizer-sized rebuildable or replaceable atomizers such as the Atmistique Diver V1, Diver V2, and Billet Bridge; and the user-designed, coop-built Sabot-DDD (production limited to one run of 100 as of May 2014).
Q. What resistance of atomizer or cartomizer should I use in the Billet Box?
A. The Billet Box is designed primarily for use with 3.0 ohm cartomizers to provide the best combination of versatility and battery life, though users have reported success with higher and lower resistances for both atomizers and cartomizers.
Q. Can I use dual-coil or low resistance cartomizers in the Billet Box?
A. Yes, but this can result in shorter battery life.
Q. Will my <insert make/model here> atomizer/cartomizer work in the Billet Box?
A. If a device is sized the same as a standard 35mm 510 cartomizer and the body is a conductive metal, then yes. Otherwise, not likely. If you are not sure, buy samples to test before buying in quantity.
Q. Does the Billet Box require "punched" or "slotted" cartomizers?
A. Yes, either/or. You may buy pre-punched or slotted cartomizers or punch or slot your own.
Q. Where should I punch or slot my cartomizers?
A. Billet Box Vapor recommends punching a hole about 8-11 mm above the bottom edge of the cartomizer body. If that does not work well, try different locations until it does.
Q. Can I use "Mega" or "XL" cartomizers?
A. No. Cartomizers longer than 35mm will not fit.
Q. Can I used flanged cartomizers?
A. In some cases, yes.
Most flanged cartomizers are "Mega", "XL" or "DCT" cartomizers and too long to use. But if length is OK and if the flange does not prevent contact with and seating of the brass ring, or make the atomizer side connection too long, it may work.
Q. How does the cartomizer screw into the Billet Box?
A. It doesn't. When the brass ring on top of the Billet Box is screwed down it contacts the top of the cartomizer to make the ground connection, and the positive post of the cartomizer is pressed down on to the positive atomizer connection (at the bottom of the tank compartment).
Q. Can I use cartomizer-sized clearomizers or clear cartomizers?
A. By design, no. The Billet Box uses the cartomizer body as part of the electrical path, so it must be conductive.
Q. My cartomizer or atomizer tastes burned/dry.
A. Please phrase your question in the form of a question.
Q. Fine. WHY does my cartomizer or atomizer taste burned/dry?
A. Sometimes a cartomizer just sucks. Try a new cartomizer.
For cartomizers this can occur because the fill material in the carto was not well primed or is not being properly wetted during use. Most users report best results by filling with 25-30 drops and waiting 10-30 minutes before use (ensuring all fill material is thoroughly saturated).
For atomizers this could be poor wicking, or a number of other issues that are beyond the scope of this FAQ.
TANK QUESTIONS
Q. What is the Billet Box tank made out of?
A. The Clear Billet Box tank is made out of strong, food-grade materials. The body is Delrin, the clear face is Polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), the gasket is silicon and the screws are stainless steel.
The Delrin tanks use the same materials, except the face which is made of Delrin instead of PETG and is translucent, not clear.
Q. Will the tank hold up to strong/acidic e-liquids without cracking?
A. Though VERY rare, tanks with PETG faces may, with very strongly acidic liquids, exhibit some cracking over time.
At this time there have been no reports of Delrin faced tanks being damaged due to e-liquids.
Q. How much liquid does the Billet Box tank hold?
A. The tank holds about 5 ml of e-liquid. The cartomizer holds about 1 ml, for a total capacity of about 6 ml.
Q. How do I install a cartomizer in the Billet Box tank?
A. Billet Box Vapor recommends priming the cartomizer to ensure the cartomizer is thoroughly wetted before use.
Lightly wet the upper and lower O-rings with a drop of e-liquid.
Insert the top of the cartomizer into the bottom of the tank and push it in.
There is a slight ledge near the inside top of the tank. Wiggle the cartomizer a bit to position it to sit on that ledge and it will more easily push through the upper O-ring.
Push the cartomizer in just until the bottom of the cartomizer body is flush with the bottom of the tank.
Some users highly recommend the use of a cartomizer insertion tool, which may prevent damage to the tank O-rings and prevent leaking.
Q. How do I install the tank in the Billet Box?
A. First, ensure the brass ring at the top of the Billet Box is backed out several turns or removed.
With the cartomizer installed, simply drop the tank into the space provided for it.
Tighten down the brass ring until it snugs up against the top of the cartomizer.
Once installed, put a thumb or finger on the face of the tank and push toward the top of the Billet Box. It will not move much if at all, but this can help ensure everything is seated and aligned properly.
Q. How do I fill the Billet Box tank?
A. There is a small hole blocked by a spring-loaded black Nitrile ball in the upper left face of the tank that the included, plastic 20 ga Luer dispensing needle will fit into.
Do not use metal needles (either blunt or sharp), as these will damage the Nitrile ball and cause leaking!
Place the tip on the end of your syringe and fill it with e-liquid.
Carefully use the tip of the plastic dispensing needle to push the ball down and out of the way until the tip of the needle is inside the tank.
Slowly push the liquid from the syringe into the tank. Leaving a small air bubble in the tank is recommended.
When done, pull the dispensing needle out of the hole. The black ball will block the hole again.
Wipe any e-liquid residue from the ball or face of the tank.
Using a finger, gently push on the face of the tank several times to ensure the black ball has fully seated in the hole. This will ensure the tank does not leak.
You may notice some bubbles coming from the holes or slots in the cartomizer. This is normal and a good indication that liquid is entering the cartomizer.
NOTE that a ball-less tank is available, that has no filling hole and cannot be filled this way. With the ball-less tank, the tank must be removed from the Billet Box and the cartomizer must pushed partially out of the tank and filled from the resulting opening, as with most standard cartomizer tanks.
Q. Too many words. Got video?
A. Yes. Go to billetboxvapor.com and select "Videos". The rest is left as an exercise to the reader.
Q. Do I have to fill the tank through the filling hole in the front?
A. If the tank has a ball (most do), is installed in the Billet Box and you don't want to remove it, then yes.
If the tank is not yet installed or you don't mind removing it, you can fill it just like any other cartomizer tank as described above or by using a tank-filling tool or extended drip tip to push the cartomizer down and fill it from the top.
Life is all about having options.
Q. Do I have to use the included dispensing needle to fill the tank?
A. It is highly recommended. The ball is made of soft Nitrile and can be easily damaged by metal tips. A damaged ball may not seal and could result in liquid leaking from the tank.
Q. Where can I get more 20 ga dispensing tips?
A. Amazon or eBay are good sources, especially if buying in bulk.
Online vaping stores are beginning to carry them as well. An online search for "20 ga plastic dispensing needle" will turn up a fair number of sources.
Note that these dispensing needles are color-coded for various sizes, and that Pink is the color designated for 20 ga.
Q. How should I clean the Billet Box tank?
A. Usually, a rinse with warm water is all it takes.
If a strongly flavored liquid becomes trapped between the tank body, face and seal, cleaning with white vinegar or effervescent denture tablets may be needed.
Do NOT use HOT water (above 130 degrees) when cleaning a CLEAR faced tank! This can cause the PETG tank face to become deformed by the Nitrile ball and spring. Even a slight deformity can lead to a leaking tank.
Delrin-faced tanks do not have this problem.
Q. What size O-ring does the Billet Box tank use?
A. According to Billet Box Vapor, 1.5 mm x 9.0 mm inside diameter (12.0 mm outside diameter).
Q. Is there anything else I need to know or should be careful of?
A. Yes.
When using a clear-faced Billet Box tank, Do NOT Leave The Tank In A Car On A Hot, Sunny Day.
Temperatures in a car can easily exceed 120 degrees and cause the same problems as cleaning in very hot water.
Delrin-faced tanks are less affected by this, though heat expansion of liquid in the tank can still cause leaking through an atomizer or cartomizer.
Q. Can I use the Billet Box tank on other mods?
A. Well, you could, on a mod with a 510 connection that extends out long enough, but ... why?
If you really want to do this, some devices may require a 510-510 adapter/extender due to the airflow tab on the bottom of the tank face.
----------
The Billet Box FAQ:
By Vapian, Version 1.3, May 2014
Graciously reviewed/edited by Drunk_J & Katdarling
ATOMIZER/CARTOMIZER QUESTIONS
Q. What type of atomizers or cartomizers does the Billet Box use?
A. The Billet Box was designed for standard 35mm, 510 connection, metal-bodied cartomizers.
It is also capable of using some cartomizer-sized rebuildable or replaceable atomizers such as the Atmistique Diver V1, Diver V2, and Billet Bridge; and the user-designed, coop-built Sabot-DDD (production limited to one run of 100 as of May 2014).
Q. What resistance of atomizer or cartomizer should I use in the Billet Box?
A. The Billet Box is designed primarily for use with 3.0 ohm cartomizers to provide the best combination of versatility and battery life, though users have reported success with higher and lower resistances for both atomizers and cartomizers.
Q. Can I use dual-coil or low resistance cartomizers in the Billet Box?
A. Yes, but this can result in shorter battery life.
Q. Will my <insert make/model here> atomizer/cartomizer work in the Billet Box?
A. If a device is sized the same as a standard 35mm 510 cartomizer and the body is a conductive metal, then yes. Otherwise, not likely. If you are not sure, buy samples to test before buying in quantity.
Q. Does the Billet Box require "punched" or "slotted" cartomizers?
A. Yes, either/or. You may buy pre-punched or slotted cartomizers or punch or slot your own.
Q. Where should I punch or slot my cartomizers?
A. Billet Box Vapor recommends punching a hole about 8-11 mm above the bottom edge of the cartomizer body. If that does not work well, try different locations until it does.
Q. Can I use "Mega" or "XL" cartomizers?
A. No. Cartomizers longer than 35mm will not fit.
Q. Can I used flanged cartomizers?
A. In some cases, yes.
Most flanged cartomizers are "Mega", "XL" or "DCT" cartomizers and too long to use. But if length is OK and if the flange does not prevent contact with and seating of the brass ring, or make the atomizer side connection too long, it may work.
Q. How does the cartomizer screw into the Billet Box?
A. It doesn't. When the brass ring on top of the Billet Box is screwed down it contacts the top of the cartomizer to make the ground connection, and the positive post of the cartomizer is pressed down on to the positive atomizer connection (at the bottom of the tank compartment).
Q. Can I use cartomizer-sized clearomizers or clear cartomizers?
A. By design, no. The Billet Box uses the cartomizer body as part of the electrical path, so it must be conductive.
Q. My cartomizer or atomizer tastes burned/dry.
A. Please phrase your question in the form of a question.
Q. Fine. WHY does my cartomizer or atomizer taste burned/dry?
A. Sometimes a cartomizer just sucks. Try a new cartomizer.
For cartomizers this can occur because the fill material in the carto was not well primed or is not being properly wetted during use. Most users report best results by filling with 25-30 drops and waiting 10-30 minutes before use (ensuring all fill material is thoroughly saturated).
For atomizers this could be poor wicking, or a number of other issues that are beyond the scope of this FAQ.
TANK QUESTIONS
Q. What is the Billet Box tank made out of?
A. The Clear Billet Box tank is made out of strong, food-grade materials. The body is Delrin, the clear face is Polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), the gasket is silicon and the screws are stainless steel.
The Delrin tanks use the same materials, except the face which is made of Delrin instead of PETG and is translucent, not clear.
Q. Will the tank hold up to strong/acidic e-liquids without cracking?
A. Though VERY rare, tanks with PETG faces may, with very strongly acidic liquids, exhibit some cracking over time.
At this time there have been no reports of Delrin faced tanks being damaged due to e-liquids.
Q. How much liquid does the Billet Box tank hold?
A. The tank holds about 5 ml of e-liquid. The cartomizer holds about 1 ml, for a total capacity of about 6 ml.
Q. How do I install a cartomizer in the Billet Box tank?
A. Billet Box Vapor recommends priming the cartomizer to ensure the cartomizer is thoroughly wetted before use.
Lightly wet the upper and lower O-rings with a drop of e-liquid.
Insert the top of the cartomizer into the bottom of the tank and push it in.
There is a slight ledge near the inside top of the tank. Wiggle the cartomizer a bit to position it to sit on that ledge and it will more easily push through the upper O-ring.
Push the cartomizer in just until the bottom of the cartomizer body is flush with the bottom of the tank.
Some users highly recommend the use of a cartomizer insertion tool, which may prevent damage to the tank O-rings and prevent leaking.
Q. How do I install the tank in the Billet Box?
A. First, ensure the brass ring at the top of the Billet Box is backed out several turns or removed.
With the cartomizer installed, simply drop the tank into the space provided for it.
Tighten down the brass ring until it snugs up against the top of the cartomizer.
Once installed, put a thumb or finger on the face of the tank and push toward the top of the Billet Box. It will not move much if at all, but this can help ensure everything is seated and aligned properly.
Q. How do I fill the Billet Box tank?
A. There is a small hole blocked by a spring-loaded black Nitrile ball in the upper left face of the tank that the included, plastic 20 ga Luer dispensing needle will fit into.
Do not use metal needles (either blunt or sharp), as these will damage the Nitrile ball and cause leaking!
Place the tip on the end of your syringe and fill it with e-liquid.
Carefully use the tip of the plastic dispensing needle to push the ball down and out of the way until the tip of the needle is inside the tank.
Slowly push the liquid from the syringe into the tank. Leaving a small air bubble in the tank is recommended.
When done, pull the dispensing needle out of the hole. The black ball will block the hole again.
Wipe any e-liquid residue from the ball or face of the tank.
Using a finger, gently push on the face of the tank several times to ensure the black ball has fully seated in the hole. This will ensure the tank does not leak.
You may notice some bubbles coming from the holes or slots in the cartomizer. This is normal and a good indication that liquid is entering the cartomizer.
NOTE that a ball-less tank is available, that has no filling hole and cannot be filled this way. With the ball-less tank, the tank must be removed from the Billet Box and the cartomizer must pushed partially out of the tank and filled from the resulting opening, as with most standard cartomizer tanks.
Q. Too many words. Got video?
A. Yes. Go to billetboxvapor.com and select "Videos". The rest is left as an exercise to the reader.
Q. Do I have to fill the tank through the filling hole in the front?
A. If the tank has a ball (most do), is installed in the Billet Box and you don't want to remove it, then yes.
If the tank is not yet installed or you don't mind removing it, you can fill it just like any other cartomizer tank as described above or by using a tank-filling tool or extended drip tip to push the cartomizer down and fill it from the top.
Life is all about having options.
Q. Do I have to use the included dispensing needle to fill the tank?
A. It is highly recommended. The ball is made of soft Nitrile and can be easily damaged by metal tips. A damaged ball may not seal and could result in liquid leaking from the tank.
Q. Where can I get more 20 ga dispensing tips?
A. Amazon or eBay are good sources, especially if buying in bulk.
Online vaping stores are beginning to carry them as well. An online search for "20 ga plastic dispensing needle" will turn up a fair number of sources.
Note that these dispensing needles are color-coded for various sizes, and that Pink is the color designated for 20 ga.
Q. How should I clean the Billet Box tank?
A. Usually, a rinse with warm water is all it takes.
If a strongly flavored liquid becomes trapped between the tank body, face and seal, cleaning with white vinegar or effervescent denture tablets may be needed.
Do NOT use HOT water (above 130 degrees) when cleaning a CLEAR faced tank! This can cause the PETG tank face to become deformed by the Nitrile ball and spring. Even a slight deformity can lead to a leaking tank.
Delrin-faced tanks do not have this problem.
Q. What size O-ring does the Billet Box tank use?
A. According to Billet Box Vapor, 1.5 mm x 9.0 mm inside diameter (12.0 mm outside diameter).
Q. Is there anything else I need to know or should be careful of?
A. Yes.
When using a clear-faced Billet Box tank, Do NOT Leave The Tank In A Car On A Hot, Sunny Day.
Temperatures in a car can easily exceed 120 degrees and cause the same problems as cleaning in very hot water.
Delrin-faced tanks are less affected by this, though heat expansion of liquid in the tank can still cause leaking through an atomizer or cartomizer.
Q. Can I use the Billet Box tank on other mods?
A. Well, you could, on a mod with a 510 connection that extends out long enough, but ... why?
If you really want to do this, some devices may require a 510-510 adapter/extender due to the airflow tab on the bottom of the tank face.
