First Mech Mod - Safety Concerns

[bwh79]

I've been gifted a used Panzer (clone) mod, and soon I will have the batteries, a charger, rda, and ohm-reader to go with it.

I do have a basic understanding of Ohm's law, and how it relates to vaping and battery safety. I don't plan on going super sub-ohm or anything (yet, anyway) but I'm looking at getting some nice Sony VTC4's (30A continuous, if I'm not mistaken?) anyway. If my understanding is correct, this means that, in a perfect world, I could build as low as 4.2/30 = 0.14 ohms and stay within (or right on the threshold of) that limit. If I build at .2 or above, that would mean 21A or less which should be plenty of headroom, yes? I think I have the basics down, but in the interest of getting it right the first time, and not blowing myself up, what else do I need to know before I dive in? Does anyone have a link to a blog or other crash-course in mech mods they can link me to? Thanks in advance!

 

[roxynoodle]

You are correct on your battery and lowest resistance.

Make sure you check your build on the ohmmeter.
Clean your mod regularly.
Carry extra batteries in a plastic battery box.
Get in the habit of locking your mod when your not using it.
If you drop it, check your atty again on the ohmmeter in case the fall knocked anything loose.

 

[State O' Flux]

Sony VTC5 20A 2600mAh Bench Test Results...a good 20A cell | E-Cigarette Forum

 

[Cloudd]

0.14 Ohms translates into about 120W.... way too much to start with. At 120W lacking of airflow will probably get you super hot and burnt out flavour. stay around 30W I'd say but, just sharing I'm on 30W now too.

 

[Thrasher]

If you learn how to build correctly. Using the proper wire gauge and amount of wraps for the best heat flux results you will never need to build to the batteries maximum limits for good results.

 

[bwh79]

Clean your mod regularly.

How best to clean it? (I do not have an ultrasonic.) Would I just disassemble it as far as I can and then give it a bath in isopropyl? Wipe off anything that's left with a cotton ball or something, then let it air dry?

 

[Bad Ninja]

I wash all my mechanical mods with soap and water.
It's metal. Like a fork.
Just disassemble everything and be sure to dry it completely before assembling.
Good ole metal polish like "mother's" works great too if you like the shiny.

 

[gelgoog]

How best to clean it? (I do not have an ultrasonic.) Would I just disassemble it as far as I can and then give it a bath in isopropyl? Wipe off anything that's left with a cotton ball or something, then let it air dry?

get a can of never dull. you can get it at walmart.

 

[kardia]

VTC4s are great batteries, but I would be very careful with building below .4 or so. Definitely do a lot of reading up on batteries and their proper care and warning signs before you start really pushing it.

 

[AlB53]

I use this all the time Ohm's law | Steam Engine | free vaping calculators

 

[TDC123]

First, kudos to you for thinking about and asking the right questions.

Some links:

Mechanical Mod Proper Usage Guide

http://www.vaporsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/power-vaping-chart-lg.jpg

(11) Deeper Understanding of Mod Batteries - Part II | E-Cigarette Forum

Battery mAh & C Rating = amp Calculator

Mech mods & RBAs: Basic to advanced user guide: Pts. one & two | E-Cigarette Forum

Steam Engine | free vaping calculators

FRACTION TO DECIMAL AND MM TABLE

Get a set of digital calipers for use with that last one to make wrapping coils handy when using the coil wrapping charts at steam engine. A good metal one can be had for twenty bucks or so.

Clean the threads once per week, even if they look clean. If you're button is getting hot it's almost always a dirty condition. I'm not familiar with your mod. I use Nemesis tubes exclusively but assuming the button is similar, as most are, make sure you clean all surfaces inside that button. When you fire all points of conductivity need to be clean including metal contact points inside the button.

Stainless and aluminum are particularly good at hiding dirty threads and mod parts. You literally can't see the crud on your threads. Just because it looks clean doesn't mean it is. If you see green on brass or copper threads clean them now. Vinegar, lime and lemon juice all make real quick work of cleaning up brass and copper. Some say to add an abrasive like toothpaste or baking soda but in my experience that's almost useless. A toothbrush will do the job.

Good luck and enjoy.