Mods vs Tank expense question.

[JDC1958]

The "592" is not degrees of temperature, but rather "miliiwatts per millimeter squared," a measure of power radiated from the surface of the coil. That is very hot. It might burn your juice or scorch your cotton (I use rayon where this is less of a problem, but still.) Do you see how handy that is? You don't have to actually build it to see what's gonna happen One mistake you made is you didn't change the coil inner diameter. 1.3mm is tiny, 2 or 3 more normal. Such a coil would be very hard to wick. Here we go: vapor is made at the surface of the coil wire. You need an adequate amount of surface area to produce the vapor you want, but not too much so the juice burns out of the wick before it gets to the middle of the coil and causes the cotton to burn. As a rule of thumb, unless using Claptons or some other wild build, I think of 4-10 wraps is where I want to be. And one of the reasons I like to build duals is it's a lot easier to get reasonable size wire and coil loops down into the green zone (100-200 mW/mm^2) while staying subohm. Set steam engine up for 28ga, 3mm inner diameter, and 1.6 ohms for 8/7 wraps. At 20 watts you'll be 222, warmish but not bad. But at 15 watts, you'll be 166 and right in the sweet spot. However, you'll be down to 15 watts on a +ohm coil and not making cloud. Now set SE up for 28ga, .6 ohms, 3mm inner and dual coils for 5/6 wraps. At 20 watts you'll be 148, at 25 you'll be 185, and 15 will be a coolish 111, just barely in the green. See what we did? We just widened the power band from about 3 watts to about 10, all while staying in the green zone and providing a lot more selection for you to set watts and thus vapor production and temp, as well as battery life and juice consumption. Lol, I told you it was a handy gimmick

OK, I get some of what you are saying. Inner diameter is determined by what I use for making the wraps. Drill bit, screw driver, wrapping tool etc...I know I don't want to fool around with dual coil builds to start; so where do I go if 1.0 or less is the ohm I want to build to?

I don't expect you to give me every option there is, that would probably be a very long book for you to write But a base single coil wrap for 1.0 or less ohm would be great! The reason for this is on topic kind of. My next buy is going to be a two post RTA in all likelihood that is fairly easy to make single coil builds on.

 

[suprtrkr]

OK, I get some of what you are saying. Inner diameter is determined by what I use for making the wraps. Drill bit, screw driver, wrapping tool etc...I know I don't want to fool around with dual coil builds to start; so where do I go if 1.0 or less is the ohm I want to build to?

I don't expect you to give me every option there is, that would probably be a very long book for you to write But a base single coil wrap for 1.0 or less ohm would be great! The reason for this is on topic kind of. My next buy is going to be a two post RTA in all likelihood that is fairly easy to make single coil builds on.

24 ga, 3mm, .6 ohms, 7/6 wrap and you can stay in the green between 15-27 watts. Same setup at .5 ohms for a 6/5 wrap and you can do 12-23 watts. 26 ga, .9 ohms, 7-6 wrap, 12-20 watts. As you can see, in general, if you want single coil and reasonable wraps, you have to use big wire. Another issue I didn't mention is ramp up time. For any given wattage, time from button press to usable vapor varies directly with the mass of the coil; that is bigger wire takes longer to heat because its ratio of surface area to mass is smaller than smaller wire. It also "wastes" battery power because you have to heat the whole wire, but only the surface makes vapor. This probably won't be a huge issue for you because you have a 75 watt Siggie and power to burn, although you might want to change batteries more often. But you might want to crank up the watts a bit higher than you normally vape with big wire so you don't suffer an annoying delay to take a drag. Another option is buy Ni200 wire and use the Temp Control function-- your machine has it, right? That way you can make some massive coils, open the machine power up to get it up to temp quickly, and trust the mod to back off the power once it's there to keep from burning your juice.

 

[JDC1958]

24 ga, 3mm, .6 ohms, 7/6 wrap and you can stay in the green between 15-27 watts. Same setup at .5 ohms for a 6/5 wrap and you can do 12-23 watts. 26 ga, .9 ohms, 7-6 wrap, 12-20 watts. As you can see, in general, if you want single coil and reasonable wraps, you have to use big wire. Another issue I didn't mention is ramp up time. For any given wattage, time from button press to usable vapor varies directly with the mass of the coil; that is bigger wire takes longer to heat because its ratio of surface area to mass is smaller than smaller wire. It also "wastes" battery power because you have to heat the whole wire, but only the surface makes vapor. This probably won't be a huge issue for you because you have a 75 watt Siggie and power to burn, although you might want to change batteries more often. But you might want to crank up the watts a bit higher than you normally vape with big wire so you don't suffer an annoying delay to take a drag. Another option is buy Ni200 wire and use the Temp Control function-- your machine has it, right? That way you can make some massive coils, open the machine power up to get it up to temp quickly, and trust the mod to back off the power once it's there to keep from burning your juice.

Perfect and Thanks! Yes I have temp control but I've yet to use it. I've been burning straight .2 and .5 ohm coils since I bought it and running in power mode.

 

[suprtrkr]

Perfect and Thanks! Yes I have temp control but I've yet to use it. I've been burning straight .2 and .5 ohm coils since I bought it and running in power mode.

Cool beans. You really need an ohm meter, despite the fact your mod has one. That way you can check for shorts, etc., before putting it on you mod. The best at a reasonable price are USAOhmmeters, 20-30 bucks depending on model. You can buy a cheap one on eBay for half that but I gave up on 'em as they broke quickly. There are about 17 bazillion different coil tools out there, and drill bits work, but a coil tool is handy because you get 6 different size mandrels. This is handy because you can adjust wraps without changing the mW/mm^2 by changing the diameter of the coil. I like this one, on sale at MyFreedomSmokes for 3 bucks:

 

[suprtrkr]

My USAOhmmeter, this is the "ultimate" model with the good connector:

 

[JDC1958]

Cool beans. You really need an ohm meter, despite the fact your mod has one. That way you can check for shorts, etc., before putting it on you mod. The best at a reasonable price are USAOhmmeters, 20-30 bucks depending on model. You can buy a cheap one on eBay for half that but I gave up on 'em as they broke quickly. There are about 17 bazillion different coil tools out there, and drill bits work, but a coil tool is handy because you get 6 different size mandrels. This is handy because you can adjust wraps without changing the mW/mm^2 by changing the diameter of the coil. I like this one, on sale at MyFreedomSmokes for 3 bucks:View attachment 511408

I have some purchases in mind and now a couple of more. I was wondering if I needed a ohm meter since my mod reads ohms; but checking the coil out before hand seems like the smart play.

 

[suprtrkr]

I have some purchases in mind and now a couple of more. I was wondering if I needed a ohm meter since my mod reads ohms; but checking the coil out before hand seems like the smart play.

Definitely. It also keeps you from making a mistake because you set up/read Steam Engine wrong. You have a regulated mod. Assuming it works, it won't fire an unsafe coil. But I don't like betting my face on electronics any more than I have to; when building coils-- I use mechanical mods mostly-- I'm the suspenders and belt type. Watch some coil building videos, dude. It's not hard to do, but it does take practice.

 

[suprtrkr]

And welcome to the club. As soon as you figure out how to do this, you'll never buy a pre-made coil again. There's some expense buying wire and tools and so forth at first, but its he11a cheaper in the long run, too. And a lot more flexible. Won't be long before you'll be ditching your tank for a Lemo2 or an Indulgence MT

 

[Grimwald]

A mod supplies to charge. I can get the same charge from an old tube mod or a newer box mod. The only reason to buy a higher priced mod is for durability...of course it needs to provide whatever wattage you are after.

The tank is where the action is. It is not necessarily the expense, just needs to satisfy your needs, your style.

 

[JDC1958]

And welcome to the club. As soon as you figure out how to do this, you'll never buy a pre-made coil again. There's some expense buying wire and tools and so forth at first, but its he11a cheaper in the long run, too. And a lot more flexible. Won't be long before you'll be ditching your tank for a Lemo2 or an Indulgence MT

Being able to tinker and try different ohms is one reason I want to try this; the other one is cost. I may like .8ohms or a little higher even better than the .5ohms I am at right now. I won't know until I try.

 

[JDC1958]

A mod supplies to charge. I can get the same charge from an old tube mod or a newer box mod. The only reason to buy a higher priced mod is for durability...of course it needs to provide whatever wattage you are after.

The tank is where the action is. It is not necessarily the expense, just needs to satisfy your needs, your style.

I agree with all this! I have a good set up, mod/tank, that satisfies my nic cravings. Now its time to get a rebuild-able coil set-up to:

1-save money
2- search for my perfect vape

 

[suprtrkr]

Being able to tinker and try different ohms is one reason I want to try this; the other one is cost. I may like .8ohms or a little higher even better than the .5ohms I am at right now. I won't know until I try.

just a guess here, but I think you'll find the sweet spot for flavor in the .7-.8 range on a dripper, and cloud down around .3 or a bit above. .5-.6 is a good compromise area.

 

[HighPlainsPuffer]

You've been given a bunch of great information in this thread! Rebuilding is a great hobby, and isn't much initial cost to get into. An ohm meter and a coiling tool like suprtrkr showed above and you're on your way! I personally prefer a bunch of screwdrivers to the coiling tool, but that's because of the coiling technique I use.

The dark horse suggestion is great, I've got one and it's a fantastic little beast! I would suggest looking at the Royal Hunter, the 13 Heavens/9 Hells, Plume Veil, and definitely the Velocity. All have clones around $15, and the Velocity is the most versatile dripper I've built on, I really like mine, vaping it right now

@suprtrkr I am finding it hard to believe you're just now getting into RTA's!!! You sir are going to love the MT, mine is a monster! I'm not sure why so many folks are having problems with the wicking, I've wicked mine half a dozen times over a few weeks with zero leaking and not packing the cotton cause I think that's a terrible idea...

But, as ascribed to here, building your own coils is the way to go. Dripper or tank, it's far cheaper, it's great fun, and it's the way to find your perfect vape! After you've been building for a while, definitely look into mechanical mods, you sound like they would eventually be right up your alley!

 

[suprtrkr]

You've been given a bunch of great information in this thread! Rebuilding is a great hobby, and isn't much initial cost to get into. An ohm meter and a coiling tool like suprtrkr showed above and you're on your way! I personally prefer a bunch of screwdrivers to the coiling tool, but that's because of the coiling technique I use.

The dark horse suggestion is great, I've got one and it's a fantastic little beast! I would suggest looking at the Royal Hunter, the 13 Heavens/9 Hells, Plume Veil, and definitely the Velocity. All have clones around $15, and the Velocity is the most versatile dripper I've built on, I really like mine, vaping it right now

@suprtrkr I am finding it hard to believe you're just now getting into RTA's!!! You sir are going to love the MT, mine is a monster! I'm not sure why so many folks are having problems with the wicking, I've wicked mine half a dozen times over a few weeks with zero leaking and not packing the cotton cause I think that's a terrible idea...

But, as ascribed to here, building your own coils is the way to go. Dripper or tank, it's far cheaper, it's great fun, and it's the way to find your perfect vape! After you've been building for a while, definitely look into mechanical mods, you sound like they would eventually be right up your alley!

Oh, I've been building RTAs for quite a while. I have 3 kaufun clones, a Russian, a Lite and a 4. Plus two Lemo2s and 2 Fogger V4s and 2 Fogger V6s. I just bought the MT because it looks like somebody finally built one that breathes freely enough for me. All my Foggers, for example, are modded by throwing away the AFC ring and boring the base and deck. They breathe about as well as the Lemos now. But I want more. So I bought an MT for a test run. I'm vaping one of the V6s on top of an SX Mini M right now

 

[JDC1958]

Well I just went a little nuts and orderd a Authentic Veritas RDA. Supposedly it holds a lot of juice, does not leak unless overfilled, and vapes really well. The only knock is its not the easiest build. But it does not look like rocket science either; so I took the plunge

 

[HighPlainsPuffer]

Oh, I've been building RTAs for quite a while. I have 3 kaufun clones, a Russian, a Lite and a 4. Plus two Lemo2s and 2 Fogger V4s and 2 Fogger V6s. I just bought the MT because it looks like somebody finally built one that breathes freely enough for me. All my Foggers, for example, are modded by throwing away the AFC ring and boring the base and deck. They breathe about as well as the Lemos now. But I want more. So I bought an MT for a test run. I'm vaping one of the V6s on top of an SX Mini M right now

ah I remember you now talking about the lemo's, very cool! I've really been enjoying the bellus and the aromamizer too, maybe the MT will spur you on a whole new shinitis adventure

 

[suprtrkr]

Well I just went a little nuts and orderd a Authentic Veritas RDA. Supposedly it holds a lot of juice, does not leak unless overfilled, and vapes really well. The only knock is its not the easiest build. But it does not look like rocket science either; so I took the plunge

Lol, I thought you wanted a two post? Never mind, the veritas is very nice. It's really build for vertical coils, but that's OK too. Might as well start out top of the line.

 

[suprtrkr]

ah I remember you now talking about the lemo's, very cool! I've really been enjoying the bellus and the aromamizer too, maybe the MT will spur you on a whole new shinitis adventure

I wouldn't be surprised...

 

[JDC1958]

Lol, I thought you wanted a two post? Never mind, the veritas is very nice. It's really build for vertical coils, but that's OK too. Might as well start out top of the line.

My original plan was to get the two post Flash E Vapor at over 200 with shipping and extras; but after I kept reading and hearing about other authentic great vapes for less; I started questioning my plan.

I always wanted an authentic and looked long and hard at the two post Hobo V3 and your favorite the Darkhorse RBA. I have both of them book marked ready to click add to cart. It came down to the weirdness of the Veritas, the positive reviews with single and dual coils, and it is also considered a top flight flavour chaser yet still puts out pretty large clouds

I really don't see myself buying a lot of different drippers or tanks. If I like something, I don't change very often if ever; unless of course it breaks, So yes this cost 120.00, but to me that's no different than going out and buying three, four, or five at so many dollars a piece but only liking one or two of them.

I will learn how to make this work for me; and I wont be going out and buying another dripper any time soon. Hell I can't afford to, even if I wanted to lol

 

[suprtrkr]

My original plan was to get the two post Flash E Vapor at over 200 with shipping and extras; but after I kept reading and hearing about other authentic great vapes for less; I started questioning my plan.

I always wanted an authentic and looked long and hard at the two post Hobo V3 and your favorite the Darkhorse RBA. I have both of them book marked ready to click add to cart. It came down to the weirdness of the Veritas, the positive reviews with single and dual coils, and it is also considered a top flight flavour chaser yet still puts out pretty large clouds

I really don't see myself buying a lot of different drippers or tanks. If I like something, I don't change very often if ever; unless of course it breaks, So yes this cost 120.00, but to me that's no different than going out and buying three, four, or five at so many dollars a piece but only liking one or two of them.

I will learn how to make this work for me; and I wont be going out and buying another dripper any time soon. Hell I can't afford to, even if I wanted to lol

You'll do fine with it. It's a lovely piece of gear. I haven't want to bust your chops, but duals are no harder than singles, really; I confidently predict you'll be running dualies shortly. And vertical coils are great. Savvy horseshoe wick? You take the wick up one vertical coil, over the top and down through the other. This seems to unmute the flavor a bit when running dual verticals.