Carto Cutting Methods

[kpms0n]

I have read a bit about how people drill/cut/punch their cartos and from what i know, punching is not as good as cutting in terms of wicking performance but i haven't really read much on drilling. What do most of you use to get your carts prepped for a tank? I bought myself the valve puncher that Grimm Green had put on his site and waiting for my cartos and the puncher to come in to give it a go but would like other methods of doing it. also, if dremels or drilling is preferred, what would be the minimum needed to do the dremeling or drilling as idk what rpms or whatever to get in order to get the job done. Thanks!

 

[Spazmelda]

I have done both the saddle valve punching and using a diamond wheel dremel bit (like those except I got from Harbor Freight) to cut slots in the carto. For cutting slots I just use my drill since I didn't want to go out and buy a dremel specifically to do this. It works fine. I have no idea what rpm's it is.

 

[pizza2me]

What size drill bit on a regular sized carto?

 

[kpms0n]

i read somewhere that a shop uses 3/38" or something like that for their pre-drilled cartos that they sell with their tank. can't remember where it is though

 

[pizza2me]

Thanks kpms0n!! Got me a lava tank on the way. First tank system.

 

[kpms0n]

nice! I was thinking about picking up a lava tank myself. But before i make that investment, i wanted to buy something a bit cheaper to see if a tank would be right for me so i got myself a J-tank. Also my first tank system

 

[kpms0n]

correction pizza2me! the bit they used was a 3/32" drill bit. here's the link (post #27)

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...mator-cartomizer-tank-system-now-stock-3.html

 

[Pamdane]

I use a dremel disk to slot them, then gently turn it so it makes what looks like a hole within the slot. Its perfect for 3ml size tanks. I have 4...

 

[kpms0n]

i was considering buying a dremel but i didn't want to jump the gun on this one since they are just a tad much for me to buy just for cutting cartos. also i dont have a drill readily available to me so I wont be able to just buy the cutting bit. since i have no need for a dremel or drill outside of carto cutting, it doesn't seem rational for me to spend money on one. if there is any cheaper options for slotting or drilling, i'm open for suggestions. thanks for the tips so far!

 

[Jslay00]

I use this:

Jig & Punch for Cartos

It's kinda pricy (@ $22) but it works and I prefer a punch to slotting. I have not found a way to slot a carto that does not cause metal filings which can drop in and flavor my juice.

I have a wrench-style wire stripper that works, too, but punches two holes and it's rather finicky to get it just right, without deforming the carto.

 

[QusieQ]

How many holes need to be punched into a carto? Does it depend upon the ohms, dual/single, reg/xl?? Just curious. Friend gave me a tank, and two cartos each with 3 holes. I believe the cartos are 1.7 ohm XL's.

 

[donnah]

I use a hammer and a nail LOL. There is a video on the chibi tank thread that shows how to do this. It takes a bit of practice but it's easy and cheap.


I use the resurrector cartos from ccv and one small hole is enough. I just tried a boge and one small would not wick it. I guess they're pack tighter than the smoketecks

 

[mortios]

I'm still playing with ways of doing it to see what works best. I'm getting good results punching them on each side (two holes) with a saddle valve but cutting them with a rotary tool and wheel seems to work better. I've seen a couple people say they don't want to drop Dremel money just for cartos so check this out. Great Neck/Rotary tool with 35 pcs. accessory kit (80134) | Rotary Tool | AutoZone.com It's a full size variable speed rotary tool that's been working just as well as a "real" Dremel. I paid $19.99 plus tax at my local Autozone.

 

[kpms0n]

I've been punching my cartos with a hammer and nail. even though i've tried 1 and 2 holes, it doesn't seem to wick unless i do primer pulls every few drags. I normally vape at 75/25 pg/vg. what size nail would be best to use? Getting kind of sick of having to do primer pulls all the time and getting headaches by the end of the day from having to repeatedly do primer pulls ><;;;

 

[MaxUT]

Sounds like you need more holes, maybe 3 or 4, in order to get enough liquid flow.

Consider buying an inexpensive metal scriber for its removable steel point. The point is much harder and sharper than a nail and should cause less deformation of the carto. Being sharper, it will also tend to skid less.