I keep failing at my first RBA

[hiimj01]

I recently got into vaping to quit analogs and thats been going pretty well, down to half my previous analog consumption. I signed up for vapebox, got my first box this month and it included a TOBECO RDA. I purchased some 28G Kanthal, 2mm Ekowool and other building supplies. I don't have a problem with my coils or at least I don't think I do since they glow from the inside out and at the same time/rate. I have boiled the Ekowool for 40 min and torch the kanthal prior to making coils and zap them before wicking.

I just spent 4 hours and countless coils but I still get a harsh or burnt taste. After looking at countless youtube videos and tutorials in the forums I have one question. Does the wicking material need to be snug in the coils because I noticed that theres some wiggle room for the wicks even after wetting the wicks. I have included a picture of the last attempt, i'm all out of ideas.
Thanks

 

[DingerCPA]

Not sure if I'm going to have a lot of help for you, but my understanding is that you want the wick to be snug, but not "suffocating". Not sure about Ekowool, as I use cotton or cellucotton, so I don't know how much the eko will expand. Can't tell where your airflow is, but on the top coil, part of the wick looks singed.

If that's a saturated wick, I'm wondering if it's too loose.

Sorry, wish I was smarter....

 

[xtwosm0kesx]

I recently got into vaping to quit analogs and thats been going pretty well, down to half my previous analog consumption. I signed up for vapebox, got my first box this month and it included a TOBECO RDA. I purchased some 28G Kanthal, 2mm Ekowool and other building supplies. I don't have a problem with my coils or at least I don't think I do since they glow from the inside out and at the same time/rate. I have boiled the Ekowool for 40 min and torch the kanthal prior to making coils and zap them before wicking.

I just spent 4 hours and countless coils but I still get a harsh or burnt taste. After looking at countless youtube videos and tutorials in the forums I have one question. Does the wicking material need to be snug in the coils because I noticed that theres some wiggle room for the wicks even after wetting the wicks. I have included a picture of the last attempt, i'm all out of ideas.
Thanks

The wick does look a bit loose in the top coil, but i doubt that's the main part of your problem. If you're having a problem finding something to wrap on thats ~2mm, you can always use a piece of regular spaghetti (lol) as its right around that diameter.

Are you making sure that your airflow is properly oriented on your coils when you install the topcap?

I would recommend lifting the coils a bit until they are just above the rim of the decks lip (well) and making sure that when you install the top cap the airflow holes are directly aligned with the coils both horizontally and vertically.

Improper/poor airflow can turn even the best build into a harsh hit death machine.

 

[michnig]

try lifting your coils a little,and make sure your wick is saturated , and move them away from the side wall.

 

[williebb123]

i agree on the lifting of the coils , they should be almost or even with the air holes and then position more wick under them

 

[hiimj01]

thanks for the input, its hitting like a champ now.
Changes made:
- Lifted coils to the height of the vent holes and made sure the holes were aligned with the coils
- Took a nail and packed the wick into the coil so its snug.
the build is registering .80 on the meter and @ 20W its doing justice to the organic strawberry lime cooler from virgin vapor. The build is putting out fantastic flavor and a warmer vapor than my pro tank 3 and Delta tanks. This is my first drip but I can definitely see the appeal in building your own coils.

 

[skoony]

take a step backwards.
ego type batteries variable voltage or not.ce5's or iclear16 duals,mini nova's and many other rebuild-able tanks are out there.
they dont require you to rebuild the atty your self.,all the parts can be bought as separate parts.
learn the basics of repairing,recharging,maintaining and using the more basic options before you go off into the cool looking world of sub ohm vaping.
regards
mike

 

[hiimj01]

take a step backwards.
ego type batteries variable voltage or not.ce5's or iclear16 duals,mini nova's and many other rebuild-able tanks are out there.
they dont require you to rebuild the atty your self.,all the parts can be bought as separate parts.
learn the basics of repairing,recharging,maintaining and using the more basic options before you go off into the cool looking world of sub ohm vaping.
regards
mike

I have tendency to jump into the deep end with new hobbies. I was happy with my tanks but received the RDA with my vapebox delivery and well... I'm not one to let things sit around and go unused but I understand what your getting at. I just kept hearing about drips from friends that swear by it and had to see what all the hooha was about. However if theres a better performing option why not go for it?