I bought this, what else do I need?

[thirtyfour41]

Hey guys, so I decided to buy some stuff to work my way slowly into rebuilding. This is what I purchased:

https://www.fasttech.com/p/1431800 (IGO W)
https://www.fasttech.com/p/1552300 (kayfun Lite)

What else should I buy as far as tools/supplies? I know I need kanthal (30 or 32g?), silica, mesh (but how much, what kind), ohm meter (going to use my MVP for now as I'm not going sub ohm)... but what am I missing? I feel like there's something else.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Willyumnummm]

Are you making microcoils or standard builds?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jazzi Mike]

You should buy some 30 and 32 gauge, so you can see what you like better. You can buy silica, cotton, or many other types of wicks. I mainly use my Reo these days, but I still use my MVP as an ohm meter/test fire. I think it functions pretty well as an ohm meter. I think you won't need an ohm meter on top of it, unless you going below 1 ohm.

I really would not recommend buying mesh until you have a better handle on rebuilding. Also, get extra Kanthal. If it takes a few builds until get a working build, you won't be totally out.

 

[thirtyfour41]

Are you making microcoils or standard builds?

I am going to start with standard and go from there. Once I can get a standard working then I'll play around.

 

[thirtyfour41]

I really would not recommend buying mesh until you have a better handle on rebuilding. Also, get extra Kanthal. If it takes a few builds until get a working build, you won't be totally out.

So I can use silicia/cotton/etc with the Kayfun? Why was I under the impression I needed mesh? I think somebody told me with an RSST or the AGA-TD which I was looking at first that I'd need mesh.

I plan on buying plenty of extra wick and kanthal, too. I plan on having to do it many times before getting it the way I like it. Is there a certain size wick I'll need? I've seen 2 and 3mm on a couple sites, does it matter, or is it just preference at that point?

 

[JohnQPublic]

Well you've got the biggies down. The rebuildables, the ohm meter, the kanthal wire in different thicknesses and the silica/ekowool/cotton.
Then there are the 30 little things you'll run out to buy and then go "how did I just spent another 50 bucks??"
The butane torch to burn the wire and silica. The jewelers screwdriver set. The drill bits. The needle nose pliers. The toenail clippers. [very important] The tweezers. And on and on. Just when you think you're there, it's time for a new mod.

 

[cantstopwontstop]

I use a site for all of my rebuild able supplies - lightningvapes.com. They sell ekowool, silica, mesh, SS rope, kanthal a1 wire in a bunch of sizes. My recommendation would be to buy kanthal in 28, 30, and 32 gauge. Ekowool is easy to work with because it's braided not twisted like regular silica wick (doesn't come apart easily) and tastes great. My personal preference is 2mm, kind of the average size but try a couple different ones maybe 3mm too.

An ohmmeter is a must when you're starting out. Being able to get a reliable read of your resistance is an issue of safety, plain and simple. A good one can be had for 15$ and they're sold at alot of online vendors. As for other tools you might want some tweezers, nail clippers or wire snips (check out the jewelry/ beading section of wal mart) a mini screwdriver (philips/flat-head) and hemostats my preference for making microcoils. The last thing I would recomend is a small butane torch, mines a Benzomatic. I bought it for 30$ with butane at home depot. This can be used to torch you wire and wick. It burns off any residual oils or grease from the machining/manufacturing sources, and makes wire/wick easier to work with.

Good luck dude building your own coils is gratifying and by far the best way to vape!

 

[Jarbs]

Good luck dude building your own coils is gratifying and by far the best way to vape!

i'm going to have to agree here. i oddly look forward to building a new coil for my protanks. i don't look forward to the first couple of pulls with cotton. even boiled, the first couple pulls taste wonky, but i just don't feel like spending more dollars on coil building supplies so i have to put on my big boy pants and get over it.

 

[thirtyfour41]

Thanks everyone, that's exactly the info I was looking for... the little stuff. I have most of the stuff laying around already, little screwdrivers, toenail clippers, tweezers, wire cutters, but I forgot about the torch. The ohm reader is something I'll probably pickup, too, just to be safe, although I've heard the MVP can work fine as long as it's not sub ohm.

 

[Dakota Jim]

here is where I get kanthal

Kanthal A1 Wire 32 Gauge 100 ft 0 25oz Resistance Resistor AWG A 1 | eBay

for some reason their 30ga kanthal is much, much more expensive than the 32 ga - probably due to the vapor demand (but still cheaper than a dollar a foot from some vendors) I don't buy wire from fastech as it may or may not be kanthal

and I use cotton in my kayfuns and in my drippers (it is so easy to just pull the cotton, dry burn the coil clean, and then install fresh cotton - I am using the same coil now for 3 weeks in my kayfun and have switched the cotton wick 5 times)

 

[JohnQPublic]

Here's where I get kanthal. For $4.54 you are set for a while.

Kanthal Wire 32 Gauge RW0097 - 100 FT 0.25oz Series A-1 Resistance AWG

 

[JohnQPublic]

here is where I get kanthal

Kanthal A1 Wire 32 Gauge 100 ft 0 25oz Resistance Resistor AWG A 1 | eBay

for some reason their 30ga kanthal is much, much more expensive than the 32 ga - probably due to the vapor demand (but still cheaper than a dollar a foot from some vendors) I don't buy wire from fastech as it may or may not be kanthal

and I use cotton in my kayfuns and in my drippers (it is so easy to just pull the cotton, dry burn the coil clean, and then install fresh cotton - I am using the same coil now for 3 weeks in my kayfun and have switched the cotton wick 5 times)

*L* I just opened your link. Good choice.

 

[thirtyfour41]

I'm going to buy silica, ekowool and cotton so I have options. I'll try all 3 and I guess figure out which works best for me.

 

[Jarbs]

is a torch really needed? i've been using a lighter.

 

[thirtyfour41]

I mean, one of the local B&M's here just told me to use a butane lighter, which I can get for like 10 bucks. I may as well.

 

[JohnQPublic]

Whatever gets you a white flame. Your standard BIC doesn't run that hot.

 

[ImageX]

I mean, one of the local B&M's here just told me to use a butane lighter, which I can get for like 10 bucks. I may as well.

A lot of people use this $8.99 torch. I do and it's great. http://t.harborfreight.com/micro-torch-42099.html

 

[Jarbs]

Whatever gets you a white flame. Your standard BIC doesn't run that hot.

duly noted. thank you kind sir.

 

[cantstopwontstop]

A torch isn't required. Many people boil their stuff. The main idea is to remove anything residual like machine oils, grease, or grit that could be an any way detrimental to your vape. I've also seen people use regular lighters, torchs (and yes a cheap butane lighter/torch is fine) are kind of a personal choice. I use one because I rebuild a LOT. I also find it keeps wires from retaining their springiness and ekowool/silica from fraying so easily. But, again, personal preference, you'll be okay with out it.

 

[Jarbs]

A torch isn't required. Many people boil their stuff. The main idea is to remove anything residual like machine oils, grease, or grit that could be an any way detrimental to your vape. I've also seen people use regular lighters, torchs (and yes a cheap butane lighter/torch is fine) are kind of a personal choice. I use one because I rebuild a LOT. I also find it keeps wires from retaining their springiness and ekowool/silica from fraying so easily. But, again, personal preference, you'll be okay with out it.

i found a cheap butane lighter on ebay. hurray for the interwebs! it beats hunting them down at gas stations.