Hi, I'm new to vaping and am trying to put together a mechanical mod. I know people recommend starting with simpler ecigs, but I'd rather just dive into it. I mean, since we have an entire community I figure someone will be able to help me out. I started doing some research but there's so much information cluttered with bits and pieces here and there. Would someone be able to break it down for me? I have an AR mod clone, and that's it so far. Obviously I need to buy wicking material, an RBA/rda, kanthal, etc. but before I dive into all of that, I would like to be confident that I can put this together. I would like more information on Resistance, Power, Current, and Voltage as well. I understand the concepts and how they work together for the most part, but I don't understand what I'm supposed to physically do when it comes to the mod. Also, information on batteries and safety is highly appreciated. Sorry if this is a lot... Thanks so much!
Mechanical Mod Help
- Thread starter violentflowers
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First of all, if you want to start with something high-end, please get a VW mod.
For example: $45.16 Authentic Innokin iTaste MVP Variable Voltage APV Starter Kit - black / 2.7
Or: $83.77 Authentic Sigelei-20W Variable Watt Mod - 7.0W-20W / 1*18650 at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping
Or, if you want something cheap: $26.25 Vamo V5 Variable Voltage/Wattage Mod / APV - stainless steel at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping
I don't like to give this kind of replies. I know you want a mech mod; but that is dangerous for a newbie. If you don't know what you're doing, something bad can happen.
VW/VV mods are pretty much the same as mechanic mods, but they are a lot safer. You will get the idea on how all of this works. And if after owning a VW mod you want a mech mod, then you will have more knowledge.
About RDA, try to get one pre-coiled to start. That's what i did a year ago and it helps a lot.
For example: $10.84 Gaia RDA Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer - stainless steel / pre-coiled / 1.8ohm at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping
For example: $45.16 Authentic Innokin iTaste MVP Variable Voltage APV Starter Kit - black / 2.7
Or: $83.77 Authentic Sigelei-20W Variable Watt Mod - 7.0W-20W / 1*18650 at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping
Or, if you want something cheap: $26.25 Vamo V5 Variable Voltage/Wattage Mod / APV - stainless steel at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping
I don't like to give this kind of replies. I know you want a mech mod; but that is dangerous for a newbie. If you don't know what you're doing, something bad can happen.
VW/VV mods are pretty much the same as mechanic mods, but they are a lot safer. You will get the idea on how all of this works. And if after owning a VW mod you want a mech mod, then you will have more knowledge.
About RDA, try to get one pre-coiled to start. That's what i did a year ago and it helps a lot.
For example: $10.84 Gaia RDA Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer - stainless steel / pre-coiled / 1.8ohm at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping
Welcome! It is a big step to "start" with a mech mod and RDA. It took me two months to make the leap from a tank to an RDA.
The things that helped me:
1) Google local B&M vape shops. Hang around and listen. I found a great one here where the guys are very genuine and will provide much help. The Vapor Lounge in Providence is great. Also, I do travel lots so I found Vulcan Vape in Atlanta and Nashville were really great as well.
2) Read e-cig forum. Remember what works for others might not work for you.
The AR mod clone is good mech mod! My daily vape is a stingray X mech mod and a Helios RDA.
For wicking and building coils if you do a search for Rip Trippers his videos helped me tremendously. I bought some beer and sat for about three hours just learning to build coils. It took me a long time to determine what worked for me. Here it is: Everyday_1 - Imgur
As for "travel" below is my day pack: Minus juice of course.
If I am going for a few days I take this as well and my charger....
I like the Helios RDA because it has HUGE (tall) posts and there are four so it is easy to learn to build on it. I am also looking at this one because it has more air holes. BUT it has the same four post design.
I hope this helps... and I know I have only scratched the surface. Bottom line is you are going to have to figure out what works for you. The above just works for me.
Regards,
The things that helped me:
1) Google local B&M vape shops. Hang around and listen. I found a great one here where the guys are very genuine and will provide much help. The Vapor Lounge in Providence is great. Also, I do travel lots so I found Vulcan Vape in Atlanta and Nashville were really great as well.
2) Read e-cig forum. Remember what works for others might not work for you.
The AR mod clone is good mech mod! My daily vape is a stingray X mech mod and a Helios RDA.
For wicking and building coils if you do a search for Rip Trippers his videos helped me tremendously. I bought some beer and sat for about three hours just learning to build coils. It took me a long time to determine what worked for me. Here it is: Everyday_1 - Imgur
As for "travel" below is my day pack: Minus juice of course.
If I am going for a few days I take this as well and my charger....
I like the Helios RDA because it has HUGE (tall) posts and there are four so it is easy to learn to build on it. I am also looking at this one because it has more air holes. BUT it has the same four post design.
I hope this helps... and I know I have only scratched the surface. Bottom line is you are going to have to figure out what works for you. The above just works for me.
Regards,
Rereading your post seems you already have a mech mod, but anything else.
You will need:
- A 18650 lithium ion battery. Probably 2 or 3 units. You should look for "IMR 18650" on google. Efest, AW, Panasonic, Sony, ... those are known good brands.
- A battery charger for lithium (AA chargers are not compatible!)
- A resistance (ohm) tester for e-cig builds
- A atomizer with 510 connector (but not ego-compatible or threaded)
I don't know if you will prefer to start with a VW device as i posted before. But anyway you should see what's inside a "starter kit" to get an idea:
$45.49 Tesla Variable Voltage/Wattage APV Starter Kit - 3.0-6.0V / 3.0-15.0W / 1*18650 at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping
There you can find: 2 batts, the lithium charger, the VW device and a clearomizer. That's all you will need to start. In your case you'll end with your AR mod clone instead of the VW device, and tih an RDA instead of the clearo.
First of all, be carefu: Lithium-Ion batteries should be handled with care. They can explode (and it will if you don't use them properly).
Some advices on batteries:
- Even if they seem like an AA Ni-MH, they are not compatible in any way. Chargers and any devices that are meant for AA batts SHOULD NOT be used with lithium-ion or viceversa.
- Lithium-ion give 3.7 Volts typical. It goes from 3.3 to 4.2v.
- They contain a lot of energy. If short circuited, they can blow up.
- As any other battery, it should not be used in reverse polarity.
Mechanical mods:
They are a simple piece of metal, a tube which holds the battery and connects it directly to the atomizer when connected.
A device with VW (as the ones i posted) is the same but it has protections inside, and you can select the voltage or wattage. Those devices control how much energy is given to the atomizer.
A mechanical mod will give energy depending on the atomizer. So if you want more clouds you have to recoil it with lower ohms, and try again. With VW you can go up and down at every time clicking the (+) and (-) buttons.
Mechanical mods work even with the battery placed in reversed direction. You shouldn't do this because there are security issues. Negative pole of the battery should be near the button, and positive pole near of the atomizer.
You will need:
- A 18650 lithium ion battery. Probably 2 or 3 units. You should look for "IMR 18650" on google. Efest, AW, Panasonic, Sony, ... those are known good brands.
- A battery charger for lithium (AA chargers are not compatible!)
- A resistance (ohm) tester for e-cig builds
- A atomizer with 510 connector (but not ego-compatible or threaded)
I don't know if you will prefer to start with a VW device as i posted before. But anyway you should see what's inside a "starter kit" to get an idea:
$45.49 Tesla Variable Voltage/Wattage APV Starter Kit - 3.0-6.0V / 3.0-15.0W / 1*18650 at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping
There you can find: 2 batts, the lithium charger, the VW device and a clearomizer. That's all you will need to start. In your case you'll end with your AR mod clone instead of the VW device, and tih an RDA instead of the clearo.
First of all, be carefu: Lithium-Ion batteries should be handled with care. They can explode (and it will if you don't use them properly).
Some advices on batteries:
- Even if they seem like an AA Ni-MH, they are not compatible in any way. Chargers and any devices that are meant for AA batts SHOULD NOT be used with lithium-ion or viceversa.
- Lithium-ion give 3.7 Volts typical. It goes from 3.3 to 4.2v.
- They contain a lot of energy. If short circuited, they can blow up.
- As any other battery, it should not be used in reverse polarity.
Mechanical mods:
They are a simple piece of metal, a tube which holds the battery and connects it directly to the atomizer when connected.
A device with VW (as the ones i posted) is the same but it has protections inside, and you can select the voltage or wattage. Those devices control how much energy is given to the atomizer.
A mechanical mod will give energy depending on the atomizer. So if you want more clouds you have to recoil it with lower ohms, and try again. With VW you can go up and down at every time clicking the (+) and (-) buttons.
Mechanical mods work even with the battery placed in reversed direction. You shouldn't do this because there are security issues. Negative pole of the battery should be near the button, and positive pole near of the atomizer.
Hello and welcome to the forum violentflowers. Glad to have you here!
You may not be aware of this but many "die hard" mech mod users are choosing to make the switch from mech mods to high wattage/voltage regulated mods. There are many benefits to doing this, safety only being one of them. I'll leave that discussion for another time.
If you are new to mech mods and rebuildables I highly recommend you spend some time with Baditude (one of our resident battery experts) and visit his blogs. You are now 100% in control of your own safety (and others around you). Make sure you purchase an ohm reader and a voltmeter or DMM so you can measure your builds, check for shorts and measure the remaining charge on your batteries.
Baditudes Blogs. The blogs regarding mods and rebuildables are listed below:
BATTERIES
9. Battery Basics for Mods: IMR or Protected ICR?
* Another essential read to understand which batteries are safe to use in mechanical and regulated mods. Includes a frequently updated list of recommended safe-chemistry, high-drain batteries with their specifications.
17. Purple Efest Batteries Not As Advertised
* A cautionary blog that reveals that the purple Efest batteries may not have the specifications advertised. Also includes a commentary on "continuous discharge ratings" vs "pulse discharge ratings" of battery specs.
OHM'S LAW
14. Ohm's Law for Dummies (Vapers)
* My attempt at explaining Ohm's Law in layman terms and how it relates to vaping.
16. Explain it to the Dumb Noob: Ohm's Law Calculations
* As simple as it is to use, some people have a tough time grasping the concept. Warning: Includes graphic photos of mod explosions.
MECHANICAL MODS & REBUILDABLES
7. Information Resources for Your First RBA
* An essential read and reference guide for someone new to rebuilding coils. Includes a multitude of useful links on battery safety, mod safety, coil meters, coil building, and the differences in the three types of RBA's.
15. Inexpensive Mechanical Mod and RDA Setup
* A response to the frequently asked question on how to get into rebuildable atomizers with a mechanical mod inexpensively. Includes a list of commonly used tools and supplies for rebuilding and where to find them.
BATTERIES - WHERE TO BUY
Only buy batteries from a reputable supplier (not ebay or Amazon) as there are many counterfeit batteries being sold. Here are several reputable battery suppliers in the US.
* RTD Vapor
* Illumination Supply
* Lighthound
* Orbtronics
You may not be aware of this but many "die hard" mech mod users are choosing to make the switch from mech mods to high wattage/voltage regulated mods. There are many benefits to doing this, safety only being one of them. I'll leave that discussion for another time.
If you are new to mech mods and rebuildables I highly recommend you spend some time with Baditude (one of our resident battery experts) and visit his blogs. You are now 100% in control of your own safety (and others around you). Make sure you purchase an ohm reader and a voltmeter or DMM so you can measure your builds, check for shorts and measure the remaining charge on your batteries.
Baditudes Blogs. The blogs regarding mods and rebuildables are listed below:
BATTERIES
9. Battery Basics for Mods: IMR or Protected ICR?
* Another essential read to understand which batteries are safe to use in mechanical and regulated mods. Includes a frequently updated list of recommended safe-chemistry, high-drain batteries with their specifications.
17. Purple Efest Batteries Not As Advertised
* A cautionary blog that reveals that the purple Efest batteries may not have the specifications advertised. Also includes a commentary on "continuous discharge ratings" vs "pulse discharge ratings" of battery specs.
OHM'S LAW
14. Ohm's Law for Dummies (Vapers)
* My attempt at explaining Ohm's Law in layman terms and how it relates to vaping.
16. Explain it to the Dumb Noob: Ohm's Law Calculations
* As simple as it is to use, some people have a tough time grasping the concept. Warning: Includes graphic photos of mod explosions.
MECHANICAL MODS & REBUILDABLES
7. Information Resources for Your First RBA
* An essential read and reference guide for someone new to rebuilding coils. Includes a multitude of useful links on battery safety, mod safety, coil meters, coil building, and the differences in the three types of RBA's.
15. Inexpensive Mechanical Mod and RDA Setup
* A response to the frequently asked question on how to get into rebuildable atomizers with a mechanical mod inexpensively. Includes a list of commonly used tools and supplies for rebuilding and where to find them.
BATTERIES - WHERE TO BUY
Only buy batteries from a reputable supplier (not ebay or Amazon) as there are many counterfeit batteries being sold. Here are several reputable battery suppliers in the US.
* RTD Vapor
* Illumination Supply
* Lighthound
* Orbtronics
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There really isn't much to building a mod if you think about it.
Or you can get a bit more complicated if you wish
http://www.howder.com/dena_howto.pdf
However "mechanical" implies that no wires or electrical components are used. So now you will need some machining skills, and a machine lathe.
Or you can get a bit more complicated if you wish
http://www.howder.com/dena_howto.pdf
However "mechanical" implies that no wires or electrical components are used. So now you will need some machining skills, and a machine lathe.
Last edited:
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