Any tips for a first-time mod builder?

[Dissonance]

First paragraph is just my history and experience, skip it if you don't wanna read a wall of text

So long story short, I'm broke but like shiny things. I've rarely worked with power tools and haven't used a soldering iron in about 6 years. My electrical experience is next to none; I know the basics you pick up from rba's but that's about it. That being said, I want to start building my own mods. I was thinking of starting small (basic mechanical mod) and working my way up... Eventually my goal is to build a dual 18650 50w bottom feeder. I've been scouring the web for about a month looking at tutorials, diagrams, videos, etc. of how to do the wiring and all that... I'm going to make an atty stand this week, so if I can use a drill / tap and superglue without maiming myself I'm probably going to be ordering all the materials to make a mod. However, I'm paranoid that I missed something online (So many things that people could consider common knowledge and don't bother mentioning that I have no clue about) so just trying to tap into one last source of information

All that being said, anyone have any recommendations of good tutorials / informational sites / where to buy the stuff from / advice for a first time builder?

Oh, probably should have mentioned... I will NOT be using wood. I neither have access to nor the money to buy the equipment I'd need to make a decent wood enclosure... So any tips on where to get a good aluminum or plastic enclosure would be great as well ^_^

 

[Nomoreash]

This should be a good one to get your feet wet.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...nclosure-looking-tips-tricks-suggestions.html

 

[crazyarms]

Check this link out as well: Puck-wiring-diagram - The PUCK e-Cig Mods

Basic wiring diagram for a puck style mod. Nothing fancy but it is probably the best place to get started. An Altoids tin works well for a cheap easily obtainable box as well. For more advanced options check out Madvapes - Electronic Cigarettes, E Cigarettes, E-Cigs and Mouser Electronics - Electronic Components Distributor for parts. Hope this helps!

 

[Dissonance]

Thank you for the responses ^_^ I've heard a lot about madvapes and fat daddy vapes... Are they about the same quality / sell the same items? Or is one better or cheaper than the other?

Also thanks for the link to Mouser, their selection of cases looks amazing

Oh, and fuses... This is something I know nothing about. All the tutorials I've seen only have fuses with non-mechanicals, and I really have no clue what kind of fuses (I saw in another thread certain brands are better than others for this use etc., I understand that they're basically setting my max amperage) to get... Any suggestions?

 

[Hawking]

Here's a nice list of parts

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gLyGzTsV7nY4a1yDTyItdz6dgKVoyS2kjgQahjo9oqU/edit#gid=0

 

[asdaq]

Madvapes does a nice job of being your one-stop modding supplier and the prices are hard to beat. They import lots of stuff and sell a lot too. An excellent place to start modding.

Fat Daddy Vapes has specialized parts that have a lot of thought and design put into them, always looking to improve on products currently on the market. The strong point here is cutting edge connectors and upgrade kits. They even work with modders' requests to improve upon their products. They also have very fair prices especially when you consider the materials and machining needed to produce them.