DIY Atomizer Work In Progress - Need Help.

[jxmiller]

Looking around for Nichrome I found this website. Scroll down and you will see Electric Match Heads. I am curious how hot the tip gets and if it would be reusable.

Second thing on the same page was interesting. Do a search on the page for "electric train smokers". Would this be what is needed to get the vaporization going?

I am looking for suppliers for DIY Atomizer.

Aerocon Systems Nichrome Wire

Also looking for a ceramic pot to put this in.

 

[roadkilldeluxe]

Nichrome Wire - probably the cheapest source for nichrome
Most people reuse pots from when their atomizers die. I have not heard of anyone making their own, but you might be able to buy "moldable ceramic" and make your own cups.

Remember that attaching wires to the nichrome is a difficult task--some tin the nichrome tips in copper or silver solder to get it to solder to copper leads. You can crimp the wires together, but the high oxidation of Nichrome could pose a problem in the future. Spot-welding is another option, I recently found out you can build a spot-welder from an old microwave. I posted the links in the 'New Atomizer Prototype' thread.

 

[jxmiller]

What size diameter should I look for?
I want it to work good and last a good while too. I just had my first atomizer die in 2 weeks personal use - 1 week was my parents use.

Thanks!

 

[roadkilldeluxe]

I think most people use 36ga to rebuild atomizers. I have heard of people using 38ga as well. I got 26, 32, and 36 when I ordered. 26 is definitely too thick for an atomizer. 32 seems like it would work. I am using 36ga for my prototype though. It is extremely thin and I can't imagine going any higher without it being very difficult. 36ga has a tendency to "spring" out of my hands when I am making a coil. It's so small that I have to get down on my hands and knees with a flashlight to try to find it on my carpet. There's still a few I haven't found

I found 26ga fun to just mess around with (I am using it right now to melt glass bulbs). I have yet to order 40ga but it might be worth trying. I guess the best answer I can give you is "play around and see what works for you". Be sure to share the results! Even if something doesn't work.

I would recommend buying 32,36, and 40ga at least just to get started. At Jacob's it's only $2-2.50 for each 10' section and the shipping is free. You have nothing to lose!

 

[jxmiller]

I found (sort of had to drill down to get to the correct site) from another thread where to get some ceramic pots.

LINK

$100 min order and you get 1000 pieces. Little overkill there but...

I am curious, these are referred to as ceramic and quartz. I am a programmer not a scientist. Would this work for an atomizer pot? I don't want any harmful vapors being produced.

Also it looks like I would either have to ask them to drill 2 more holes for wiring, or do that myself... DIY on drilling those might not be possible. Their website does say they make modifications if the order is large enough.

Anyone know of a USA based supplier for these?

 

[roadkilldeluxe]

Actually, I think the min order is $10 for 1000 pieces

I am in the same boat as you... just a programmer but either should work fine and safe. However, that would be something to ask the manufacturer before buying. Not sure about USA manufacturers. I'm personally trying to redesign the attys to be as simple as possible (meaning no fancy stuff like pots or nickel mesh).

 

[jxmiller]

Actually, I think the min order is $10 for 1000 pieces

I am in the same boat as you... just a programmer but either should work fine and safe. However, that would be something to ask the manufacturer before buying. Not sure about USA manufacturers. I'm personally trying to redesign the attys to be as simple as possible (meaning no fancy stuff like pots or nickel mesh).

And that is why I use calculators.

Even better by a long shot though so that is good news. 1000 atomizer pots for $10... ok.

So now I am looking for a wicking material.

Also considering glass but I would want it to be simple.

1. Make coil with leads
2. Dip in glass
3. Assemble into ceramic pot
4. Plug in & vape?

ha ha yeah right if only it were that simple.

I suppose since nichrome has high resistance I could solder copper leads and run those down each side of the hole in the pot to the power source. That way only the nichrome inside the glass gets hot.

Feasible? Suggestions?

I guess someone needs to test the dipping in glass method first.

 

[roadkilldeluxe]

I started a thread a few weeks back, New Atomizer Prototype.

We discussed dipping the coil in glass, but I highly doubt that is feasible, as the Nichrome and glass expand at different rates in response to heat. One or the other would likely shatter. You should take a look at the thread--you might find some useful information in there. It sounds like we have similar ideas

edit: nevermind. you are ahead of me

 

[jxmiller]

I started a thread a few weeks back, New Atomizer Prototype.

We discussed dipping the coil in glass, but I highly doubt that is feasible, as the Nichrome and glass expand at different rates in response to heat. One or the other would likely shatter. You should take a look at the thread--you might find some useful information in there. It sounds like we have similar ideas

edit: nevermind. you are ahead of me

I have read a good deal of that thread, some really good infos there.

I wonder is cobalt glass could be used. There is more than 1 type of glass.

Find a glass that would expand at a similar rate? Also I wonder what would happen if before you dip the coil you run current through it... it would be at max expansion during the dipping process, leave the current running while it dries? Not sure, you guys have more intelligence in that stuff than I do.

 

[roadkilldeluxe]

You could try finding the right type of glass, but I figured it's too much work. I might try playing around with Pyrex for my next prototype, but dipping coils in molten glass is not something a lot of people can do without spending a lot of money to either buy or rent equipment.

As for running current through it to expand it, I've wondered that myself, and it seems like it might work. But you will still need to find a way to completely seal both ends so that liquid does not get inside. And then you have to worry about the glass cracking due to sudden temperature changes, especially since it will be "hugging" the coil so tightly.

Not to discourage you... if you can try any of this stuff, do it. I just think that there are other simpler designs that are more likely to work.

 

[jxmiller]

I have not looked into it too much but here you go.

Glass, such as borosilicate glass, that is heat-treated or leached to remove alkali so that it withstands high heat and sudden cooling without shattering.

And here is something interesting. A mix of borosilicate & pyrex. I know nothing about pyrex, can you melt it easier than glass? I would think the combination would still require a torch due to the melting properties of borosilicate. Borosilicate has a much higher melting point than common glass.

Please read the Wiki on Borosilicate. And pay attention to the nichrome part I am quoting below.

Aquarium heaters are sometimes made of borosilicate glass. Due to its high heat resistance, it can tolerate the significant temperature difference between the water and the nichrome heating element.

Also I had mentioned earlier that I know a "Glass Blower". If you read on in the wiki... it states marijuana pipes are made from borosilicate glass. The glass blower I know would therefore have a good stash of it then. I imagine he would probably have a wealth of knowledge in the subject as well.

 

[roadkilldeluxe]

I thought Pyrex was a type of borosilicate glass, but it will be harder to melt than regular glass. I am interested in these pyrex tubes.

After looking over the wiki article, borosilicate looks like it could be promising. However, I am not sure that quote is accurate. "High heat resistance" suggests it does not conduct heat well, but it's ok in thermal conductivity. It probably means it has a very low thermal expansion coefficient, which is what breaks glass, large contractions and expansions. If you are still considering dipping the coil in it, be aware that the Nichrome will expand more than the boro.

But what exactly is your plan right now? Are you still trying to pursue a dipped coil? If so, you should definitely ask your friend for more info! I would love to see someone try it.

 

[crip]

Pyrex is just a name brand for Boro glass but Pyrex baking goods are a lil different,,

Boro is hard glass less prone to shattering but it still happens..