lets talk oxidization.

[slimest]

Concerning chromium oxide etc.
No need to burn stainless wick at high temperatures. From my 1.5 years experience of using Genisis, it's enough to moisten the wick with e-liquid and then burn it using just a cigarette lighter. I do this just a couple of times, it's enough. Also important to coil a heating wire to the wet wick - less risk to damage insulation layer. And finally I burn the ready heater on my usual battery to fix some possible shorts. That's it.
If you overburn the mesh to orange color in purpose to make a real oxide layer, its stability degrades. But if you follow the method above, risk of toxity is not more than from a steak prepared on a stainless pan.

 

[ormandj]

"You may get some of the Chromium Oxides but the ratio would be small compared to the Iron Oxides because of the resistance chromium has to oxidization until it reaches temperatures that would melt Iron" Boden

This is wrong.

After further research I have found that, when mixed with iron, chromium oxidizes at a much lower temperature. If you heat SS above 700degF the preferential layer changes from iron oxide rich to chromium oxide rich.

I need to consult with others before I can say more. In the meantime I would urge caution as some of the chromium oxides can be hazardous.

Did you ever get your consultation completed? I'm curious to hear more regarding safety of SS mesh while vaporizing. Are particles of the mesh going to be released with the lower temperature of the coils while vaporizing, this leading to the negative health effect mentioned in some of these posts re: chromium?

 

[Boden]

I will post an update as soon as I have more information.

 

[Vinv]

I gather the conclusions from this thread are as follows :

1. Use 500# mesh.
2. Do not oxidize.
3. Use 28 gauge Kanthal A1

Is this correct so far ?

 

[slimest]

I use mesh400, burn the wick following instruction above and kanthal 32ga. Anyway everything depends on your taste and experience