AGA T2 and random musings

[oombok]

Hi guys

So I'm pretty bored and should really be studying, but I thought I'd do a random post. I received some nice vapemail a month or so ago, which included a Sigelei V3 telescopic, IGO-L and AGA T2.

The Sigelei is really awesome, takes my 18650 and 18350 batteries no problem. It looks pretty slick and is VV/VW, which helps when you're building your own coils. I build a quick coil on the IGO-L, it's an awesome little toy and vapes great. I ran out of silica though, so now I need to order some more. I tried a mesh wick on the IGO-L, but it's a bit finicky.

The AGA-T2 was an insane source of frustration, but I've tamed it a bit through persistent trial and error. Got it running with a mesh wick and coils generally measuring between 1.5 and 1.9 ohm. For anyone struggling with the "hot top leg" problem, I found a solution on the interwebs: You grab an old Vivi Nova head and look under the rubber part for a little steel grommet. You swop that out for your middle thumbscrew on the AGA T2, where it slightly shortens the distance between the coil and the post. For me, it has eliminated the hot top leg to a large degree.

My next mission is a mech mod, fasttech has some insanely cool deals at the moment. They've got a cheap drippers (the SM20 octopus clone), an IGO-L/Nimbus clone (V5 dripping atomizer), Empire clone K100 and K101, plus nice cheap butane torches and digital multimeters. And they sell silica rope too! I'm putting in an order soon.

Anyone else playing with a dripper or a genesis at the moment?

 

[Vamoman]

Hi oom I am looking at getting into the rebuildable attys soon

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[Sarje]

I've had an Aga T2 for a few months now. I agree that it takes time to tame, but once there, everything else, and I mean EVERYTHING else, is just mediocre by comparison. The great thing is, once you get it just right, it stays that way for weeks. No cleaning, no recoiling, just great flavour and vapour. If you use the drill bit method to coil, you can pull your wick out any time you like. Dry burn the coil and wash the wick. Put it back and you're back in business. The only issue is the leaking if you leave it on its side. For this reason only, I use it at home (pretty much exclusively), and use a protank (also with stainless wick), when out and about and at work.
I use Kanthal 32 for the Protank and Vivis and 30 for the Aga T. You can get a lower resistance with the 30 and it's easier to work with on a Genesis.
I got one of Walters telescopic mods a while ago - had some fun with it with one of the early Fasttech Cobra clones, not really sold though.
I recently got the KTS from Fasttech and a couple of the newer SS Cobra clones. This is a match made in heaven. This set up looks fantastic, feels great in the hand in any battery configuration and hits like a train. For a budget set up for those looking to get in to Mechanical mods and rebuildables, this deal is hard to beat.
I would suggest that any of you starting out with the rebuildables consider getting an Aga T or an RSST first if you can source one and get it to SA. They are just that little bit easier (more room to work), than the 20mm clones. Either way, your first attempt will probably be dissapointing, keep at it and you'll get there. Once you've oxidised and set up your wick and coil (the clones come with a pre-oxidised wick, but badly worked coil), if it looks good, it probably will be with a bit of fiddling. Just move your wick in and out of the coils and pulse /slightly move the coils with a small pick or screwdriver. Good luck. Believe me, it's well worth it!
Oh, and by the way; If you're gonna get the gear from Fasttech, stick some tweezers, a multimeter and jewellers screwdrivers in the basket, they're cheap and you're gonna need them!!

 

[oombok]

Ah thanks for the post Sarje, legendary info as always! How about a family photo of your gear?

Those KTS mods look nice for the price, I'm more inclined towards the K100 though. Do you prefer bottom button or side button? I haven't used the RSST, but I hear it's easier to set up than the AGA T2 since the wick hole is closer to the positive post (less problems with the ....... hot top leg). The AGA T2 looks like it can manage some pretty sick dual wick setups. I'm grabbing the eciggies telescope mech from oupa tomorrow, I think the pulse method is gonna be the ticket to finally getting a sweet coil without hot spots

I can also second the need for some good tools, I'm grabbing a multimeter, some pliers, screwdrivers, beading needle (or similar "prodding" tool), etc. Those Cobra atomisers look nice, gonna grab a few along with a bunch of different RDA's, they have nice ones at the moment. Maybe I'll even grab a KTS on the strength of your recommendation!

I tried rewicking my ProTank with mesh, but it leaks like a ........ Do you use 500 mesh? I think I need to roll a thicker wick. Any problems with hot spots on the PT rebuild?

 

[Sarje]

I've thought about posting a picture of all the family, but worried I might scare myself! There sure have been a lot of purchases over the last year or so, and the advent of decent sites with free international shipping has certainly seen the 'problem' grow. I'll try and get them together, take a photo and hope the wife never sees it.

The KTS is a great mod, I'm also waiting on the K100. I sort of like the side button more (especially compared to the eciggies telescope). The advantage of the bottom button is that you don't need to line it up with a Genesis style to keep the wick underneath. But, I suppose, you never know where you are in comparison either, so have to look to line it up each time you take a vape. The side button on a multipiece telescopic is easy to line up the same every time for your chosen finger by adjusting each of the pieces. I'll let you know which I prefer when I get the K100. The Eciggies telescope isn't a fair comparison.
I haven't tried the RSST yet either. I'm pretty used to the Aga T2 now though so not too fussed. Also, I don't use tank cracking juice, but like the assurance of the glass tank on the Aga.

Do yourself a favour if you're ordering a multimeter from FT. Don't buy an autoranging one! They are a nighmare to get a proper resistance reading from.

Funny you should say that about the Protank wicks. I had the same issue when I tried rewicking the VapeOnly BCC. Just flooded and leaked all the time no matter what I wicked it with. Reckon I just hit it right this time with the protank. I'm using 400 mesh hollow wick. Make sure your wick isn't too long. Cut it right near the sides, just like the original wick and make sure it's the right width for the slot.

The hotspots are an occupational hazard with RBA's. With a little practice, you can work them out on all of them. The Aga is definitely easier to cut your teeth on, but the principles are the same. I've also got one of the Nimbus clones from FT on the way - never been much of a dripper, but looking forward to trying it on a mech mod.

Looks like we're finally getting some traction in SA with the whole vaping thing. Not exactly many of us here in JBay, so nice to be able to share some ideas on this here forum.

 

[oombok]

I really do appreciate the advice and knowledge you're sharing, it helps to get some encouragement when you're battling a genny

I picked up the eciggies telescope mech and tried the pulse method on an unoxidised wick. I have popped about 20 coils. I was near tears at some point. I think it might be because I'm using 32 guage kanthal. I've got some mesh and wick goodies on the way, maybe I'll fare better with ribbon kanthal. I also think that I should try the drill bit method, since pulse and direct wrapping either end with popped coil or top hot leg for me. The hot leg thing is SO demoralising. Do you have any tips for avoiding it? I'm using a washer on the pos post, although I think I might be wrapping my coils too tight as well.

With both the protank and the vapeonly I'm getting gurgling and leaks like a mad ........ From what I've read, it seems you need around 3.5mm to 4mm wick diameter to avoid leaking. And just as you've sorted the leaking out, you get dry hits...go figure


How do I go about setting up a super low resistance coil? I obviously can't use a 0.8ohm coil on my Sigelei Z3, so I'd have to stick to the mech. But will it work without a kick? By my calculation I'll be vaping at around 17 watts using a 0.8 ohm coil on a 3.7V battery. If you're ever in Cape Town we should do a little RBA workshop, I'll buy the beer!

 

[Sarje]

I'll definitely take you up on that workshop and beer next time I'm down that way. Will probably wait untill winter's gone though, cold enough here in the Eastern Cape at the moment!

I've never tried the pulse method myself. I just bite the bullet and do a full oxidization with a torch (also from Fasttech). You can buy the torches pretty cheap from the co-op or any DIY store though. I reckon you run much more of a risk popping coils with the pulse method, especially if you wrap too tight. If you create a dead short, you're gonna pop the coil. Try the drill bit method, really made all the difference to me. Buy one of those cheap small drill bit kits (1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm etc.) The kit will give you all the bits you need for any size wick hole on any genny. When you've got your coil made around the bit, just carry on rolling the wick untill it 'just' fits inside. There should be some resistance, but you shouldn't have to deform the coil to get it through. Coiling too tight on your wick is probably what's causing your hotspots - as the coil is so tight on most of the wick, the top coil will be loose were it leaves the wick for the post - this causes the top leg hotspot. The drill bit method should solve this by making uniform contact. I tried the washer, but didn't help in my case. I think the trick is uniform pressure on the wick. I do use 30 gauge on my gennies, but only got it recently. 32 gauge still gave good results.

I think I just got lucky with the SS on this Protank set up. I still reckon Silica is the way to go on these. Fasttech have got 3mm Silica for sale now at about R10 per metre. I've ordered some and will try with that. They're definitely more finicky than the Vivi's, that's for sure.

You're gonna struggle to get a super low resistance coil with 32 guage. I've only really gone down to about .9 ohm, don't really see any need to go lower. It'll work fine without a kick. Just remember that you'll only get the full power of it with a fully charged battery. Also worth ordering some high drain batteries when you go down this road - they really do make a difference. Check out the CGR Panasonics that everyone raves about. You can get them real cheap from, yes, you guessed it......

 

[SvenonVapour]

hey all.
just been looking to place an order from FT for some rda's. Good thing I stopped here for some suggestions.
I'm also considering picking up one of walters mechs. R350 for a mech mod, battery, charger and I can just drive up the road to go pick it up, sounds almost too good to be true. Is the mod study? What charger?

I've just ordered my SVD from FT and feels like forever for the damn thing to get here. 10 days my ....!!

On the up side it really looks like vaping is becoming more and more popular is SA every month. I now see people in pubs and traffic sucking on egos. Its a start, hopefully walter will start carrying rebuild stock soon lets hope.

 

[oombok]

Howzit Sven

The eciggies mod is alright, I use it mainly as a tool to setup the coil on my AGA T2 without worrying about resistance limits. I personally find it a bit too shaky to use as my carry-around mod. Also, it is not a flat-top mod, so my RBA's look oversized when I put them on top of this mod. If you need a mech and don't want to wait, give it a shot, you get a battery and adapter along with the deal. I personally don't like the design that much and will be getting the KTS and KeCIG mods from FT soon.

Just my opinion though, hope it helps!

 

[Vamoman]

Howzit Sven

The eciggies mod is alright, I use it mainly as a tool to setup the coil on my AGA T2 without worrying about resistance limits. I personally find it a bit too shaky to use as my carry-around mod. Also, it is not a flat-top mod, so my RBA's look oversized when I put them on top of this mod. If you need a mech and don't want to wait, give it a shot, you get a battery and adapter along with the deal. I personally don't like the design that much and will be getting the KTS and KeCIG mods from FT soon.

Just my opinion though, hope it helps!

Howsit oom I see you still awake where about in cape Town are you based? Nice to see vaping taking off in cape Town. Looks like you could teach me a lot lol

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[Sarje]

hey all.
just been looking to place an order from FT for some rda's. Good thing I stopped here for some suggestions.
I'm also considering picking up one of walters mechs. R350 for a mech mod, battery, charger and I can just drive up the road to go pick it up, sounds almost too good to be true. Is the mod study? What charger?

I've just ordered my SVD from FT and feels like forever for the damn thing to get here. 10 days my ....!!

On the up side it really looks like vaping is becoming more and more popular is SA every month. I now see people in pubs and traffic sucking on egos. Its a start, hopefully walter will start carrying rebuild stock soon lets hope.

Personally, if you're not in a rush, I'd go straight for a KTS or a a K100 from Fasttech. It'll work out cheaper and you're gonna get one in the end anyway. The Eciggies telescopic is wobbly and has an iffy button, also, just feels cheap. Don't get me wrong, it's worth the money, problem is, there's just too many better options out there these days.

For all these mech mods, a 19mm gennie looks great on the top (telescope, kts, k100). Check out the stainless cobra clones from FT. In fact, for less than R500 you can get yourself a full on great mech kit (assuming you've got a charger). KTS or K100, CGR batteries and SS Cobra clone gennie.

 

[Sarje]

Here's a pic of a few of the familly (the commonly used ones).
From left to right Evic with Protank in 18350, Vamo with Aga T2 in 18350, KTS with SS Cobra clone in 18650.

 

[oombok]

Howzit vamoman, I'm in Cape Town CBD, how about you? I'm still very much an apprentice as far as this stuff goes, but I'll be happy to share what I know! I find that practice and persistence are key when it comes to rbas. And like most other vaping related exercises, it can get quite expensive

 

[oombok]

Sarje that cobra kts combo looks saxxy! Looks like a great deal. I've been holding off on my fasttech order as I've found some nice stuff at vaportek USA. I want to grab a sigelei #20 and smoke rsst, and maybe also a sigelei #19 with enzonic top cap. I'm giving my igo-l some love at the moment, it's so nice and small. If you order from fasttech, make sure you grab two or three drippers, they really are awesome!

 

[Sarje]

Hi Oombok. I've checked out that Vaportek site myself - they sure do have some of the most sought after stuff around! I like that natural / rsst combo they do, nearly pushed the button on that one... Only thing that puts me off is the postage, i added a couple of bits to the cart, checked out the postage and nearly fell off my chair!! I've got a couple of drippers on the way, reckon that Nimbus clone on the K100 is gonna be another sweet match

 

[SvenonVapour]

Howzit Sven

The eciggies mod is alright, I use it mainly as a tool to setup the coil on my AGA T2 without worrying about resistance limits. I personally find it a bit too shaky to use as my carry-around mod. Also, it is not a flat-top mod, so my RBA's look oversized when I put them on top of this mod. If you need a mech and don't want to wait, give it a shot, you get a battery and adapter along with the deal. I personally don't like the design that much and will be getting the KTS and KeCIG mods from FT soon.

Just my opinion though, hope it helps!

Thanks oombok

just placed an order for the KTS, will admit that mech looks good. I really think I should slow down now though, its my third order this month from FT and have just seen my first order is now in packaging placed on the 2nd June, my order placed on the ninth hasn't left hong kong yet.

"The item (RTxxxxxxxxxHK) is being processed for departure from Hong Kong as of 17-Jun-2013"

Now this one with the cobra tank. How long does it normally take ft orders to get here. Its only been about 15days but getting a little impatient now Want my gear!!

 

[Vamoman]

I ordered some juice from fastech and it took about 17days. Some juice got confiscated at customs tho. I got the vamo and evic i am in search of something smaller and came across the ecab v2 on fasttech are these mods any good or should i stay away? How difficult is it to get into rebuldables? Sarje quick q. I want to start diy juice but dont have a freaking clue how where or what. I enjoy oupas vm4 and berryblaze menthol and would like to diy my own if i can get it to taste the same. Do you have any recipes for nice flavors?

 

[SvenonVapour]

Vamoman thanks,

Why was some of the juice get confiscated? One of my orders has 5x50ml bottles in it. I assumed there would be a duty charged on them, didn't think they would get trashed. I'm not going to be a happy camper if I'm forced to pay local prices for juice. How are our local suppliers getting it in? Was thinking of getting a 500ml order of NIC and some flavours from HC to start DIY next month.

 

[Sarje]

I've ordered loads of juice from multiple overseas sources - never had any confiscated. The way the shipping companies look right now, it's a bit touch and go if any of them can legally carry juice or batteries. As I said, never had a problem. Vamoman - I reckon you just had some serious bad luck on that one. I'd suggest, as Sven says, get yourself some mixing gear from HC. 36mg 100% pg in 115ml bottles. Dilute to your nic level with VG from Dischem. Then buy any of the HC flavours you fancy, they're real cheap. I really like the caramel butter and the vanilla cream. Just buy a few of the 10ml flavour bottles, they'll last you ages..
Sven, the orders from FT usually take about 3 weeks (3-5 days untill left China, 7 days transit to SA, 7 - 10 days SA customs). As the shipping is free, order yourself a few bits every few days rather than one large order, that way, there's always some Vapemail round the corner!
Vamoman - Can't say it's 'easy' getting in to rebuildables, there's a lot of frustration coming your way! It's worth the time and effort though and you won't like your other delivery methods much when you get it right. Give it a go - looks like you're ready for the next step.
Oh, and by the way. You don't really have to buy in to the whole mechanical thing. Only really matters when you go sub ohm. Above that, it doesn't make any difference. Build yourself a 1.2 ohm coil on an Aga T2, put it on top of a V2 Vamo - guaranteed, if the gennie's set up right, it'll blow you away! The vv / vw devices are so much more versatile. Them mechs sure do look schweet though....

 

[Vamoman]

sarje can you tell me exactley what to order from HC to diy 50/50 pg/vg juice? I will obviously choose my own flavoring. also should I give HC any special instructions to avoid customs issues?