I want to build a mod, have questions.

[ArgusMcJohnsten]

So, I was going to get a pipe as a prop for costumes, that way I had something to do with my hands. Then I started thinking about e cigarettes, started reading. Now, I think I want to build a mechanical mod. Still mainly as a prop, but functional, help keep my anxiety in check.
I know I want it to have a glassomizer (preferably with fill lines) the bigger the better (thinking about an inch diameter) brass/copper/rustic end caps would be great. Since this will see very little use, cheaper the better. Can these be used vertically, or must I mount it horizontally?

Sorry if this was too much for this section. Need to get some posts in before I can start a thread anywhere else.

 

[Thrasher]

For what it will cost to build you can just get a cheap mech starting about 12 bucks at fasttech

 

[ProtoPherua]

Ummm.......?lol. Your post is an interesting. How long u been vaping? I'm going to try and help you further but need to get on the same page as you first

 

[Completely Average]

You're planning on making this yourself?

What sort of machining equipment do you own?

 

[ArgusMcJohnsten]

Ugh. I had a long post all typed out, forgot to copy it first, hit submit, found out I can't post links, have to start all over....

Sorry if I use the wrong terms in the wrong ways. I'm still new and all my learning comes from forums and blog posts.

I know I can buy a mod cheap and easily enough, but I'm wanting it to fit into steampunk. Think Jules Verne, late 1800's era type. Since I can't post links yet, if you do a google images search for "steampunk pipe" you'll see what kind of vibe I'm after visually.

I have zero vaping experience. I just thought it would be a way to have a usable pipe, without flame or actual smoke.

No machining equipment, this will be put together from hardware store bits.

 

[ProtoPherua]

So basically u wanna buy a vaporizer that looks like it fits in the steampunk era..

 

[ArgusMcJohnsten]

If the price is right, sure. I really enjoy making and tinkering, to say it's mine. The only parts I can't do that with are the atomizer and drip tip. Plenty of tips to decide on later. Right now I'm after the atomizer part. I want it to have a clear tank, and read glass is best.
I'm going to be using an 18650, so with the battery housing included, I'm guessing will be roughly an inch in diameter. That's why I'm looking for something wide.

Sorry for being so difficult, I'll also accept ignorant.

 

[Susan~S]

Maybe a carto-tank might work well Steampunk Pipe Images

Check out these great blogs by Baditude on cartotanks:

1. Baditude's Cartomizer Tank Setup Guide
2. Cartotank Help For a Noob

 

[Noble Gas]

I love the idea that you're getting into vaping because you want a safe way to make smoke on stage, because the primary ingredients in e-liquid are basically the same as stage fog.
Steampunk tip - there's a few people who sell steampunk stuff on Etsy, and one in particular that sells bag fulls of copper and brass watch parts and gears. They make great decorative elements.
As far as making your own mechanical mod goes, I think you'd find it easier to buy an 18650 copper or brass mod clone and fit it into another framework. Unless you're looking at making a box mod, which has an entirely different set of challenges. Making your own tube mod would require the ability to machine matching parts and make screw threads, which would require special and expensive equipment. With a box mod, you'll need to get a project box, appropriate wiring, a battery sled, a 510 connector, and a switch that can handle the right amount of amperage.
Unfortunately, making your own mechanical mod is not as easy as it looks or sounds; which is why limited runs of mods from small manufacturers sell for between a hundred and two hundred bucks or more.
I hate to be discouraging, but you should know that making a mod for the sole purpose of being a working prop doesn't mean you can cut corners. If you build it wrong, it can short out and send your battery into thermal runaway, which is as bad as it sounds.
Be creative and have fun, but please be safe.

 

[ArgusMcJohnsten]

Did some more reading and thinking, then my electronic technician side showed up. Changing my mind now from mech to regulated for safety. I know that's a big change, but this is a work in progress.
I was originally under the impression that regulated meant it had vv and a display, which I don't want. A push button and voltage cutoff I'm good with.

 

[beardjerk]

If you want to go regulated now, it should be too hard to take a board and throw it in pretty much anything. Likely a lot easier to make a custom regulated mod that still functions well, as opposed to trying to do the same with a straight mechanical mod.

 

[juicynoos]

Maybe something of this order but you seem to need to look around these sort of pages to narrow down (zero on) on your idea with more precision. Love what you are aiming towards though...keep an open mind on mechanical mods since they adapt far better to this idea than regulated...you can always add a 'kick' for safety.

http://searchpp.com/homemade-vape-mods/

 

[juicynoos]

This vid might also give you food for thought.


https://youtu.be/eMHfw0miO2k

 

[ArgusMcJohnsten]

I'm thinking about going with the Aspire K1. The price is right, has a removable drip tip, but it's smaller than I was originally wanting. Any other suggestions?

 

[edyle]

Did some more reading and thinking, then my electronic technician side showed up. Changing my mind now from mech to regulated for safety. I know that's a big change, but this is a work in progress.
I was originally under the impression that regulated meant it had vv and a display, which I don't want. A push button and voltage cutoff I'm good with.

You could just use a dropin kick module in a tube mech. It just sits on top of the battery.

 

[CaptSib2015]

Can't say much for building them...new to this my self but I've seen some made out of wood. Of course you would need battery housing, button, and something to screw the tank into. I started with a mech and I had no problems except for a voltage drop due to stainless steel construction.

 

[ArgusMcJohnsten]

I ended up going with a build it yourself Kayfun from fasttech bits. Spent under $15 for the RBA (is that the right term [would clearomizer fit better] it's both) not terribly skinny, has removable drip tip so I can put a pipe looking one, it's black (not brass, but better than chrome)

Thanks everyone for attempting to help. I'm sure I'll be calling on y'all again over time.