I'm ready to try to rebuild some heads but......

[Susiejo]

Ok, I've watched all kinds of videos, I've read alot about the process and now I think I just need to jump in and take a chance, so.....

I have a few questions.

I have Ce5's, evod and protank heads I'd like to try to rebuild, I currently like using the ego type batteries (fixed voltage), normally I get like the 2.2-2.4 ohm heads.

What gauge wire do I need?
What size wick and what kind do I need?
and where is the best place to get them?

I don't want to spend too much because I don't even know if I am going to be able to do this, so small amounts of each would be best. Then if I figure out I can do this then I'll look at buying larger amounts.

I really like the evods I got (bought them through FT) and I think one reason is because it is a cooler vape than I get with the Ce5's, there seems to be less TH and that is what I like. The less TH the better (for me anyways). So for a cooler vape and less TH I think (from what I've read) that I need a higher resistance coil, is that right?

I also need an ohm meter to check the heads once I rebuild them, any recommendations on that? I don't have a lot of money to spend right now but I am going through heads fairly quickly and figured that in the long run that this would be cheaper (if I can do it).

I know this is a lot to read but when it comes to DIY, I am a complete idiot!
Please help! (and be patient with me)

 

[vexinho]

Hello, first off welcome to the world of DIY!

Based on what you described I would suggest getting some 32 or 34 awg kanthal resistance wire and 2mm or 3mm wicks (personal preference, I use 2mm). You can get various styles of wicks like silica, cotton, etc.. once again it is all based on preference.The easiest place to get these materials would be ebay which is where I get them. A quick search will turn out a bunch of vendors that sell both the wire and wick together for extremely cheap. I would suggest getting a little bit of this wick and that wick to test out what you like best. Hope this helps

 

[Susiejo]

Thanks vexinho, I kinda figured some of it would be similar to asking questions like what is the best flavor in e juice, It is a personal preference kinda thing but being new to this I'll just start where some one points and work my way from there. I do quite a bit of stuff on ebay so I'll check that out. I know I have to start somewhere so I'm just going to jump in with both feet and hope I dont drown.

 

[DoogieTony]

Hi Susie,

So, for the wire I'd suggest 32 gauge A1 kanthal. You can pick up 100ft. From ebay for about $5 with free shipping.
I rebuild my vivi novas with 32ga and get 2.4 ohms with 6 wraps.

As for wick, I prefer #4 100% cotton yarn uncolored (#4 is the size). I find cotton to give the best flavor but it needs to be changed about every 9 ml or so. It can be found at any craft store or Walmart for around $3 for a large spool. (Be sure to boil your wicks twice in clean water)

Silica wick is more expensive but it can be dryburned and lasts longer except it gives less flavor. It can be found on eBay or other sites as well, I'm not sure on price as I haven't bought any in a long time.

So if you get the 100ft kanthal and cotton yarn it will cost about $8 and you'll be able to rebuild at least 500 heads. Pretty good deal right?

I can't offer suggestions on the multimeter but one can be had for around $20 from amazon, ebay, radio shack, and probably your local hardware store.

You'll do just fine! Just keep at it and before long it will be second nature.
If you need any help, check out the rebuildable sub forum and

 

[Susiejo]

If I buy a Vamo can I use it to test the ohms on new rebuilt heads?
I really want a Vamo but was waiting to buy one but if I can use it to test the rebuilt heads then I can save the $20 from buying an ohm meter and use it towards buying a Vamo. (That's woman's logic on everything)

 

[Alter]

The 32 and/or 34 guage wire is from Temco for bout 6 bucks for 100 feet and get the ekowool out of ebay, get the Russain ekowool not the chinese knockoff ekowool. You can use silica wick but with the 2mm hollow ekowool you can insert a pin into it to give you a solid work surface to wrap the wire. I found that if you can barely slide the coil along the wick you have the right tension..too loose and you get hot metallic taste..too tight and you choke the wick and get dry hits. Make sure the wraps are evenly spaced and pulse dryburn just till the coils glow so you can see where it needs some adjusting to have the coil glow evenly. I also wrap the coil from the back and over the top, I find that easier than going over from the front of the wick. TORCH the pizz out of the coil before installing it into the head or you will get nasty taste, not so bad with the ekowool but silica tastes nasty if untorched. It will take you a few times to get it but the best vape you'll ever do is off of your first build.

 

[Jazzi Mike]

Yes you can use a Vamo to check resistance (ohms). The Vamo also has protection built in so that it will turn off in the event that something is really bad, so the batteries don't melt.

My two cents would be to buy a rebuildable dripping atomizer. The pieces may be a bit bigger and easier to attach a coil to because they are meant to be rebuilt. While rebuilding heads of things that you already own is more economical, they are mass produced to have the heads changed with the companies replacement heads. It is entirely possible and I'm sure that there are many who have started doing this same thing. I just think something like the IGO (usually retails around $10-$15) would be much easier to get your feet wet with rebuilding.

I would also recommend against using cotton for your first few rebuilds. Get things down with silica and Kanthal before starting to check out other wicking materials. It is a lot of info to digest, but it really does make more sense once you have it in front of you. Lastly, do not ever fire something without first checking ohms of it!

 

[Susiejo]

Thanks Mike for the info. I've not ever use a rebuildable dripping atty, would something like that be good for testing new juices?
I've been looking for something to try out new juices with, the things I have now are a bit of a headache to try new flavors on. Either buying new clearos for each new flavor or trying to wash them out in between flavors so I have been trying to find something that would be good for that. And if what you recommend is good for that and for learning to do rebuilds that would be great. If you have one that you would recommend would you post a link to it.
Thanks!

 

[Myrany]

My Advice get comfy rebuilding your Clearo heads first THEN think about diving into a RDA. Don't get me wrong I love my Octopus RDA but it is a different sort of rebuild than a clearo head. Not harder so much as different.

Pick up a cheap 510 or 306 dripping atty (less than $8) for testing juices if you would like something in the mean time.

 

[Hoofhearted62]

How about wrapping the wire around a tight thread machine screw and using a very thin wire to pull the wick through it?

 

[Vedra]

I would strongly suggest purchasing a digital multimeter. Doesn't have to be pricey, but something designed specifically for the job.