Just rebuilt my first atty

[Nunnster]

So as the thread says, I just rebuilt my first atty. Its was a protank that while fiddling with wicks and I pulled a bit hard, and pulled out and popped the wire. I figured I have herd how easy it was and since It was already broken, Id give it a shot, I went to hobby town, got some 30 gauge nichrome wire (that was meant for those foam cutter tools) and took my best shot at it after watching a video. And guess what? It worked FIRST TRY! I did 9 wraps around a finishing nail. I ended up with a 3.6 ohm head with a cotton wick.I doesnt hit like Ive seen them in the videos, but not bad for my first try. I am so proud of myself lol

 

[*deleon517*]

two things might help you out a bit to get a better hit. most are using kanthal A1 in the gauge they prefer, and wrap for a lower ohm. nichrome wire is usually used on rba's that require resistance and non-resistance wiring ran at the same time. the higher the ohm the higher the voltage needs to be to get a decent hit. when i used 3.0ohm i was usually at 6v's. now i mainly run 1.3-1.7ohm's so where in the 4-5v range. try using a few less wraps and you will notice a much improved vape.

 

[Nunnster]

Yeah, I know about the kanthal wire, but I wanted to go to a store and start fiddling tonight to see if It would be worth it to order it online. As for the wraps I think I will try 6 the next time I fiddle. I don't really wanna get below 1.5 ohms, so I figure if 9 gives me 3.6, 6 wraps should get me within the ball park I want. I mean, at 6 volts its not a bad vape, but Its not a fog machine either. I am just proud that I can do it. No longer will I be spending 4 bucks per atty!

 

[bogeyjim]

That's great, congrats!

I'm in the same boat as you. I just purchased my first Pro Tank and Mini Pro Tank and 5 atty's just so I can get into rebuilding. I'd like to make a 1.1-1.4ohm coil to use on my mech's...

I'll have my wire on Thursday

 

[Sucker_dad]

It is very satisfying to do. I bought 10 heads and I save all the coils when they get icky. I either rewick alone or completely rebuild depends on what is needed. I redo all of them at once and I can change one out in 5 seconds if it starts tasting funky. It takes a few tries to get the cotton thing down if you use cotton. otherwise it is so simple.

 

[bogeyjim]

a tad off topic, but what kind of cotton are you using?

 

[DasBluCig]

a tad off topic, but what kind of cotton are you using?

Sterile cotton from cotton balls I bought at CVS......just a small piece twisted TIGHT and threaded through the coil...
Peaches 'N Cream yarn from Wally World works, too....I find it harder to get through the coil, though...
Of course, if you WIND the coil ON the yarn....you solve the "threading" issue....but I like to wind my coils on a jig, using a 1/16" steel rod...for me, it makes for a much neater "wrap"......
Good Luck!
Happy (vaping) Trails!

 

[bogeyjim]

Sterile cotton from cotton balls I bought at CVS......just a small piece twisted TIGHT and threaded through the coil...
Peaches 'N Cream yarn from Wally World works, too....I find it harder to get through the coil, though...
Of course, if you WIND the coil ON the yarn....you solve the "threading" issue....but I like to wind my coils on a jig, using a 1/16" steel rod...for me, it makes for a much neater "wrap"......
Good Luck!
Happy (vaping) Trails!

They're sold as "sterile cotton balls"? I don't have a CVS around here but there are plenty of Walgreens. I need to get something today as my wire is coming in tomorrow.... Is sterile different than organic? And do you boil it?

I realize this is OT but I think this info will help the OP since he/she is new to this as well

 

[Nunnster]

The cotton is used as a wick. You can get organic cotton from walmart/cvs/walgreens or some other major retailer. A big bag of cotton balls is cheep only costing a few bucks. Some people boil them but I just rinsed mine under some hot water under the tap.

 

[folkphys]

no need to boil the balls. Q-tips, yes. But it is usually not necessary to boil the sterile cotton balls. However, if your first couple of drags taste very nasty and you know that your wick is fully saturated (ie, not a dry hit), then your cotton has something in it that you'll want to boil out. And wash your hands first. Good cotton will absorb and thus transmit the flavor of just about anything it comes in contact with.

 

[KurrptSenate]

on a protank, i'd shoot for anything between 1.5 and 2.5 ohms. you'll eventually learn a preference as to which end of that spectrum you prefer.

i'd recommend trying a micro coil. wrap it tight and push it together. hold it with tweezers and fire with a torch for a minute or so.