Need help with learning curve

[kathy9225]

Years ago... I bought a pen style whatever, it was a pain in the ....... and I got a mysterious rash... and I quit vaping.

I tried again recently with some cig-a-likes... they sucked.

After a bit of research, I bought a EVOD... it was ok. What it needed was a big glass tank... this improved it. Then it needed better air flow... this improved it a bit more NOW what it needs is a new kit with bigger batteries, a bigger tank, adjustable voltage, and way better vapor production.

Ahem... on to the questions:

1) I was going though a coil a day... upon investigation, it appears that the wicking material becomes super saturated and will not properly conduct the liquid. Solution... R & R wicking material... I used a bit of cheesecloth, but I'm not totally pleased with the results.
The new wicking material does improve the taste of the e-liquid to an extent, however... the vapor production is a bit lacking.

2) The e-liquid itself is of dubious quality. I did buy it from a reputable supplier, and I'm sure it does not contain DEET... but it sure tastes like it. (Do note: Use of the cotton wicking material did remove some of the DEET flavor.) Since I bought three rather large bottles of complimenting flavors from the same supplier, I'm reasonably sure that the DEET taste is in the base liquid and not in the flavoring. What causes this off taste? So that I can avoid it in future. I'm not going to throw the stuff out, and I'm getting used to the taste... however... it is a bit off putting.

3) I cannot inhale this stuff... but I can't inhale the decent tasting stuff either. I'm an allergic asthmatic and would like something that could possibly be inhaled, if not... oh well... the 'wine tasting' method of vaping is working.

4) I also bought a kit for my very bad child who decided to take up smoking. (Don't fuss at me, the brat is 20.) When purchasing the liquid, I didn't stop to think... "Umm... the kid doesn't smoke very much..." So, I figured he could just use my liquid. Yes... the ultimate bad plan... as I purchased 24... and the kid should have 6 or lower. So... I procured some VG at the drug store... (YES, it is pharmaceutical grade.) Now... the correct dilution ratio to turn the 24 into sixish... whilst cutting it with an appropriate amount of... possibly distilled water? So that he doesn't blow through wicks. (I'm presuming since the liquid itself is clogging my wicks.. that the higher viscosity of the additional VG will be a problem.)
Mmm... perhaps adding a bit of distilled water to my liquid might help with the wicking problem... and take away a bit of the DEET taste... or is distilled water a bad plan?
I can procure a gallon of food grade PG... if that is acceptable... but would need the ratio for cutting that also, as I don't think full strength is probably appropriate.

TIA,

Kathy

 

[CastleRat]

There are a lot of calculators for juice. I like this simple one:

eJuice Recipe Calculator

Why not let your young-un mix his own? He might even learn to DIY yours.

 

[Baditude]

Wow, you've got issues. I'll start with question number one.

I really hate seeing newcomers to vaping struggle with clearomizers. I realize that they are marketed to the new folks because they are easy to fill and its easy to replace their coil heads. And for some folks they work well enough. But for others they suck for one reason or another and then its probably time to move on to more advanced delivery devices.

Proper Terminology: Is it a carto, a tank, or what?

I think what YOU need is to start dripping on either a 510 drip atomizer or rebuildable drip atomizer, or use a bottom feeding box mod like a Reo mod. (see above blog)

Factory-made wicks and coils found in clearomizers and cartomizers are often insufficient for our demanding needs, so many advanced vapers take matters into their own hands and start making their own. Its not hard to do and does require a bit of research into mod & battery safety, learning which batteries are required, getting some basic tools of the trade, and learning how to wrap coils and make wicks from watching a lot of YouTube videos. But you can tailor your wicks & coils to your individual needs and not have to rely on inconsistant devices made in China.

A year supply of wire for coils ($8) and cotton balls for wick ($3) will work out to be far cheaper than replacing a $3 coil head every few days. Coils can last for several weeks at a time (just dry burn them with each wick change). Replace the cotton as often as necessary (every 3 - 4 days?).

rebuildable drip atomizers without the top cap

You may or may not be ready to jump into this higher level of vaping, but I'm just throwing the idea out to you to start researching into it. I believe with your described vaping habits and current issues with clearomizers that one of the three ideas might be the answer to your problems.

Information Resources for Your First RBA

 

[Baditude]

2) The e-liquid itself is of dubious quality. I did buy it from a reputable supplier, and I'm sure it does not contain DEET... but it sure tastes like it. (Do note: Use of the cotton wicking material did remove some of the DEET flavor.) Since I bought three rather large bottles of complimenting flavors from the same supplier, I'm reasonably sure that the DEET taste is in the base liquid and not in the flavoring. What causes this off taste? So that I can avoid it in future. I'm not going to throw the stuff out, and I'm getting used to the taste... however... it is a bit off putting.

DEET? Really? Did you possibly get some bad juice (it happens), or is the nic concentration too high? What nicotine level are these liquids?

Liquid nicotine alone has a pepper flavor, and the higher the concentration of nicotine the more it affects the base flavor and feels harsh on the throat (throat hit).

Getting into Do It Yourself (DIY) is beyond what I want to get into in this post. This is a complex subject matter and perhaps researching in the DIY E-Liquid sub-forum is best advised.

 

[Baditude]

3) I cannot inhale this stuff... but I can't inhale the decent tasting stuff either. I'm an allergic asthmatic and would like something that could possibly be inhaled, if not... oh well... the 'wine tasting' method of vaping is working.

That's too bad that you can't enjoy inhaling the vapor. That must be tough.

I'm thinking you either have some harsh juice (either too much nicotine or propylene glycol or just picked some nasty flavors) or you've not yet adapted from inhaling smoke to inhaling vapor. It took your body some time to adapt to inhaling cigarette smoke, it can also take some time to adapt to inhaling vapor.

Try adjusting your inhale technique. (Vaping technique is NOTthe same as smoking technique.) Imagine sucking on a straw in a milkshake. A slow gentle draw into your mouth, using your cheek muscles. Let it sit in your mouth for a second for maximum absorbtion and to allow it to cool off. Then inhale a tiny bit into your lungs. Most of the nicotine in vapor is absorbed in the mouth, throat, and nasal airways, not so much in the lungs.

 

[Baditude]

4) I also bought a kit for my (son). When purchasing the liquid, I didn't stop to think...I figured he could just use my liquid. Yes... the ultimate bad plan... as I purchased 24... and the kid should have 6 or lower. So... I procured some VG at the drug store... (YES, it is pharmaceutical grade.) Now... the correct dilution ratio to turn the 24 into sixish... whilst cutting it with an appropriate amount of... possibly distilled water? So that he doesn't blow through wicks. (I'm presuming since the liquid itself is clogging my wicks.. that the higher viscosity of the additional VG will be a problem.)
Mmm... perhaps adding a bit of distilled water to my liquid might help with the wicking problem... and take away a bit of the DEET taste... or is distilled water a bad plan?
I can procure a gallon of food grade PG... if that is acceptable... but would need the ratio for cutting that also, as I don't think full strength is probably appropriate.

Again, best to ask those more experienced with diluting e-liquids in the DIY sub-forum.

Glad that you came to our forum to ask questions rather than embark on a quest all on your own. Hope you solve your issues, Kathy.

 

[Susan~S]

Here is some additional information: Inhalation technique with an e-cigarette

 

[DaveP]

If there's a good (experienced people) vape store close to you, go in and ask for the owner. Ask questions and get some hands on advice. Usually they will let you try juices and play with a demo mod if you are trying to decide which to buy. Hands on is worth the time and can save you some money in the long run. You won't keep buying one after the other mail order in hopes of finding something that fits your hand and has the features you want. Many of them have a vapor bar where you can rotate through small pre-filled tanks of juices and pick one you like.

You didn't include a location in your post, but Google will produce a list of electronic cigarette/vape stores in your area,

 

[PennyLynn]

Good juice is not difficult to find, so may I suggest you just buy some? Ahlusion, Highbrow, or MT. Baker if you're on a budget. All customizable and good. And no scary ingredients.

 

[beebz]

Years ago... I bought a pen style whatever, it was a pain in the ....... and I got a mysterious rash... and I quit vaping.

I tried again recently with some cig-a-likes... they sucked.

After a bit of research, I bought a EVOD... it was ok. What it needed was a big glass tank... this improved it. Then it needed better air flow... this improved it a bit more NOW what it needs is a new kit with bigger batteries, a bigger tank, adjustable voltage, and way better vapor production.

Ahem... on to the questions:

1) I was going though a coil a day... upon investigation, it appears that the wicking material becomes super saturated and will not properly conduct the liquid. Solution... R & R wicking material... I used a bit of cheesecloth, but I'm not totally pleased with the results.
The new wicking material does improve the taste of the e-liquid to an extent, however... the vapor production is a bit lacking.

2) The e-liquid itself is of dubious quality. I did buy it from a reputable supplier, and I'm sure it does not contain DEET... but it sure tastes like it. (Do note: Use of the cotton wicking material did remove some of the DEET flavor.) Since I bought three rather large bottles of complimenting flavors from the same supplier, I'm reasonably sure that the DEET taste is in the base liquid and not in the flavoring. What causes this off taste? So that I can avoid it in future. I'm not going to throw the stuff out, and I'm getting used to the taste... however... it is a bit off putting.

3) I cannot inhale this stuff... but I can't inhale the decent tasting stuff either. I'm an allergic asthmatic and would like something that could possibly be inhaled, if not... oh well... the 'wine tasting' method of vaping is working.

4) I also bought a kit for my very bad child who decided to take up smoking. (Don't fuss at me, the brat is 20.) When purchasing the liquid, I didn't stop to think... "Umm... the kid doesn't smoke very much..." So, I figured he could just use my liquid. Yes... the ultimate bad plan... as I purchased 24... and the kid should have 6 or lower. So... I procured some VG at the drug store... (YES, it is pharmaceutical grade.) Now... the correct dilution ratio to turn the 24 into sixish... whilst cutting it with an appropriate amount of... possibly distilled water? So that he doesn't blow through wicks. (I'm presuming since the liquid itself is clogging my wicks.. that the higher viscosity of the additional VG will be a problem.)
Mmm... perhaps adding a bit of distilled water to my liquid might help with the wicking problem... and take away a bit of the DEET taste... or is distilled water a bad plan?
I can procure a gallon of food grade PG... if that is acceptable... but would need the ratio for cutting that also, as I don't think full strength is probably appropriate.

TIA,

Kathy

Hello Kathy
As far as the inhalation part, when I first started vaping I couldn't inhale for two solid weeks.
Even when I sampled in the store I quickly turned my back and coughed, choked, hacked and held my chest.
I was perplexed ! How could I inhale two pack of real cigs a day but not moisture?
At any rate, I took sips, baby steps and remember the day I could finally take a massive deep huge inhale
to satisfy my need/addiction ! I was in Target vaping wildly ! All of a sudden the baby sips were done with
and I was blowing through juice like a madwoman.
It never made sense to me why I couldn't inhale. The pain and choking at first was severe... Now, I can't get enough . .
ps. . It was an asthma attack that forced me to quit analogs and it was my first and only asthmatic cold/flu in my 53 years. I am not asthmatic at all, never was..
Regards ~Barbara~

 

[bm2112]

Like Baditude said above, it's very possible that the nicotine level in the juice is whats causing it to be so harsh. 24 is very strong. If I were you, I would try some juice around 12 mg and see if that helps at all.

In terms of hardware, clearos are always up and down. OEM coils can be great and last a long time, or poorly made and fail within a day or so. Dripping is my favorite way to vape because it allows me to create my own coils and wicking, and build my setup exactly how I want it. While it may cost you a bit to get your first mechanical setup, its something that will last you forever. Mechanical mods are just like regular batteries, except the batteries are replaceable and the tube itself is much more structurally sound. The atomizer is simply a deck to build on, and one lasts you a lifetime. Instead of replacing coils on a daily basis, you'd be able to build one coil that can last you however long you choose, and simply replace the wicking when you're no longer satisfied with the flavor.

Every vapor starts somewhere, whether it be cig-a-likes or egos, but the longer you stick with it, the more likely you are to end up at the mechanical/rebuildable phase. I finally made the leap a few weeks ago and I'm absolutely thrilled. Good luck to you