So I've been at this for a week now and I decided it would be a really good idea to have a backup device. I have a itaste SVD that has been working just fine so I decided on getting something simple and small. I went ahead and ordered a Vanilla mod (clone) and a Tugboat rda today. So, the mod comes with a 18650 tube and an 18350 tube. I was hoping to use the little 18350 battery to keep it portable as possible and move up to the 18650 battery for home use. Here's where I'm at. I understand how to build a coil but am lost on battery selection and what gauge wire I'll need for the mod. I did do several forum searches but am not able to narrow down any specifics on how to get started. I'm thinking a dual coil is in order and I have cotton for wicking material. No wire yet, and I have to order everything in. Planning on ordering an ohm reader with my wire. No local vape shops and I live on an island so I can't exactly drive to one.
Help me set up first mech mod
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For an education on mods and rebuildables I highly recommend you spend some time with Baditude (our resident battery expert) and visit his blogs. Baditudes Blogs. The blogs regarding mods and rebuildables are listed below:
BATTERIES
9. Battery Basics for Mods: IMR or Protected ICR?
* Another essential read to understand which batteries are safe to use in mechanical and regulated mods. Includes a frequently updated list of recommended safe-chemistry, high-drain batteries with their specifications.
11. Deeper Understanding of Mod Batteries Part 1
* For those who want to learn the differences between IMR, IMR/hybrid, and ICR batteries. What do those numbers and letters on batteries mean? What's an amp rating?
17. Purple Efest Batteries Not As Advertised
* A cautionary blog that reveals that the purple Efest batteries may not have the specifications advertised. Also includes a commentary on "continuous discharge ratings" vs "pulse discharge ratings" of battery specs.
OHM'S LAW
14. Ohm's Law for Dummies (Vapers)
* My attempt at explaining Ohm's Law in layman terms and how it relates to vaping.
16. Explain it to the Dumb Noob: Ohm's Law Calculations
* As simple as it is to use, some people have a tough time grasping the concept. Warning: Includes graphic photos of mod explosions.
MECHANICAL MODS & REBUILDABLES
7. Information Resources for Your First RBA
* An essential read and reference guide for someone new to rebuilding coils. Includes a multitude of useful links on battery safety, mod safety, coil meters, coil building, and the differences in the three types of RBA's.
15. Inexpensive Mechanical Mod and RDA Setup
* A response to the frequently asked question on how to get into rebuildable atomizers with a mechanical mod inexpensively. Includes a list of commonly used tools and supplies for rebuilding and where to find them.
BATTERIES - WHERE TO BUY
Only buy batteries from a reputable supplier (not ebay or Amazon) as there are many counterfeit batteries being sold. Here are several reputable battery suppliers in the US.
* RTD Vapor
* Illumination Supply
* Lighthound
* Orbtronics
BATTERIES
9. Battery Basics for Mods: IMR or Protected ICR?
* Another essential read to understand which batteries are safe to use in mechanical and regulated mods. Includes a frequently updated list of recommended safe-chemistry, high-drain batteries with their specifications.
11. Deeper Understanding of Mod Batteries Part 1
* For those who want to learn the differences between IMR, IMR/hybrid, and ICR batteries. What do those numbers and letters on batteries mean? What's an amp rating?
17. Purple Efest Batteries Not As Advertised
* A cautionary blog that reveals that the purple Efest batteries may not have the specifications advertised. Also includes a commentary on "continuous discharge ratings" vs "pulse discharge ratings" of battery specs.
OHM'S LAW
14. Ohm's Law for Dummies (Vapers)
* My attempt at explaining Ohm's Law in layman terms and how it relates to vaping.
16. Explain it to the Dumb Noob: Ohm's Law Calculations
* As simple as it is to use, some people have a tough time grasping the concept. Warning: Includes graphic photos of mod explosions.
MECHANICAL MODS & REBUILDABLES
7. Information Resources for Your First RBA
* An essential read and reference guide for someone new to rebuilding coils. Includes a multitude of useful links on battery safety, mod safety, coil meters, coil building, and the differences in the three types of RBA's.
15. Inexpensive Mechanical Mod and RDA Setup
* A response to the frequently asked question on how to get into rebuildable atomizers with a mechanical mod inexpensively. Includes a list of commonly used tools and supplies for rebuilding and where to find them.
BATTERIES - WHERE TO BUY
Only buy batteries from a reputable supplier (not ebay or Amazon) as there are many counterfeit batteries being sold. Here are several reputable battery suppliers in the US.
* RTD Vapor
* Illumination Supply
* Lighthound
* Orbtronics
How to get started:
1: start with the rda and the svd
2: try 28 gauge, about 1 ohm single coil
3: use the svd in voltage mode
You're trying to find a build that works good in the 3.6 to 4.2 volt range.
Once you've got a build that works good in the 3.6 to 4.2 volt range then you know that it will work good on the mech.
At this point you use it on the mech.
Now you can also add a second coil, same as the first: this will drain the battery faster by the way, and require sufficiently high powered batteries.
As a backup device, a mech with a kick and kick tube.
Tugboat is great atty to start out with. I have both versions, but have been using the V2 since I got it. Many vape shops sell coil jigs, which are easy to use to wrap coils. I have some of these, but I often like using my multimeter probe to wrap around because it is easy for me to wrap my micro-coils right on the deck for sleeper builds.
28 or 26 gauge is good to start out. Actually, probably should stick with 28 since you have a regulated device that probably won't fire sub-ohm. You will need to get a new mod eventually if you want to see the true greatness of the Tugboat.
EDIT: nevemind. you got a mech mod. sweet. get some 26 gauge and go for maybe 6 wraps around about 3/32 or 5/64. This will put you around .3 to .4 ohm and be a fantastic start to your new setup! This is for dual coils, of course. The Tugboat is designed for this.
28 or 26 gauge is good to start out. Actually, probably should stick with 28 since you have a regulated device that probably won't fire sub-ohm. You will need to get a new mod eventually if you want to see the true greatness of the Tugboat.
EDIT: nevemind. you got a mech mod. sweet. get some 26 gauge and go for maybe 6 wraps around about 3/32 or 5/64. This will put you around .3 to .4 ohm and be a fantastic start to your new setup! This is for dual coils, of course. The Tugboat is designed for this.
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If you get a chance stop by some local vape shops to try out some juice. It's nice to be able to try before you buy. I often go to Smokeless Smoking in Burnsville or Bloomington (they have 5 locations). I'm hooked on their 503 Phoenix, a cinnamon anise vape. They are extremely.knowledgeable and very helpful (and friendly)! They rebuild all my attys (free of charge) as I have a one-hand disability and rebuilding can be quite challenging for me.
ELiquid manufacturer Vermillion River is located in Lakeville. They have some great juice as well. If you are going to sub-ohm I would pick up a separate ohm reader as your SVD will not read out two decimal places. It won't be an issue when you are running an 18350 battery (most of those have a 6A limit so you will not really be able to sub-ohm) but with a 30A 18650 battery you will need to know exactly what your build is measuring if you are low sub-ohming.
Enjoy your visit!
Sony VTC 5 battery, 28g kanthal spool and a decent ohm meter should get you started.
Note that some of the easy to get efest 18350 batteries are really 20 amp batteries that you can't push as hard.
I'd start building at 1 ohm until you really pick up on what's going on and get more experience. If you don't have a kayfun lite + clone already, consider that as well.
Note that some of the easy to get efest 18350 batteries are really 20 amp batteries that you can't push as hard.
I'd start building at 1 ohm until you really pick up on what's going on and get more experience. If you don't have a kayfun lite + clone already, consider that as well.
Thanks for the tips everyone. Susan, I'll be staying between Stillwater and Roseville so looks like there's a few shops nearby I can visit. I heard there's a couple around St. Paul as well. The 503 Phoenix sounds delicious! Two of my favorite flavors combined.
You will actually get to sample them. Most shops have clearomizers with all their different flavors set up in them. They will have ego batteries for you to use. You can also bring in your own devise. Some shops even will drip different flavors into your RDA.
I'm visiting family right now in Louisville, KY and at Alt Smoke they have their high end flavors (i.e. Five Pawns) set up in Kayfun Lites (not clearomizers).
I'm visiting family right now in Louisville, KY and at Alt Smoke they have their high end flavors (i.e. Five Pawns) set up in Kayfun Lites (not clearomizers).
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Haha, well that's exciting! I'll have to get dropped off for an hour with my credit card so I can see what I like. I assume most of them will sell kanthal wire and wick material as well? Dependable batteries and chargers? Basically a brick and mortar version of what I see on line?
OP has a mech mod. At 1 ohm, the vape would probably be the same as if using the SVD. If OP is going to learn how to push power through an RDA with the vanilla, it needs to be sub-ohm. I am not suggesting trying anything dangerous for an 18650. But most people don't seek out mech mods so they can do 15 watts.
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Yes, most larger shops sell everything. Long term, check out Lightening Vapes for your wire and some other rebuildable supplies. They sell rolls of Kanthal and it's very cheap (and free shipping).
As for wicking, here are some materials many ECF members use:
1. Cellucotton (Rayon) - at Sally's Beauty Supply ($11.49 for 500 feet)
2. Shiseido - at Sephora ($9.50) or Macy's or Nordstroms
3. Ko Gen Do - at Sephora ($12.00 for 60 pads)
I use Cellucotton (Rayon) because I have so much, but I do love Shiseido and Ko Gen Do (that is what Smokeless Smoking uses when they rewick my coils). Eventually I will pick up one of these.
As for wicking, here are some materials many ECF members use:
1. Cellucotton (Rayon) - at Sally's Beauty Supply ($11.49 for 500 feet)
2. Shiseido - at Sephora ($9.50) or Macy's or Nordstroms
3. Ko Gen Do - at Sephora ($12.00 for 60 pads)
I use Cellucotton (Rayon) because I have so much, but I do love Shiseido and Ko Gen Do (that is what Smokeless Smoking uses when they rewick my coils). Eventually I will pick up one of these.
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So, according to the ohms law calculator, if I make a 1 ohm coil and run a fully charged (4.2v) Efest IMR 18350 800mah 6.4A I should be in good shape safety wise? That would put me at 4.2 amps, well under the rated 6.4 amps and 17.64W. I'm not terribly concerned about performance, just about portability. If I want to turn up the power I'd just run with the 18650 battery.
I really am happy with my SVD at 15 watts, I just was attracted to the price, durability, versatility, and simplicity of the mech mods. This will primarily be a backup portable device so I can leave my SVD at home.
You would be fine, with plenty of headroom for safety. I would probably pick up two or three of the 18350's. I run a 14500 in my REO mini woodvils and they discharge pretty fast even with a 1.4ohm coil. Though I tend to like to swap my batteries out when they hit 3.6-3.7v.
1:
4 volts = 4 amps x 1 ohm
The answer to the question is: yes
2:
For a 1 ohm coil at 4 volts, the important information missing above is : 28 gauge kanthal
if you want it to taste ok.
edyle, I just ordered an ohm/volt reader, three of these>> Efest IMR 18350 700mAh 10.5A Button Top Purple, a 50ft roll of 28g Kanthol, some wick material, and a quality battery charger. I think I've got the supplies under control now. Looks like I'm going to be making dual 14 wrap coils in the RDA for about 1 ohm, according to a youtube build I saw. Those batteries have even better specs than the original ones I was looking at so I should be well into the safety zone. Thanks for everyone's input, I really appreciate it.
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