Need more education on mechs

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roxynoodle

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I think I would like a tube mech, but need some threads posted for me to learn about maintenance, switches, magnets and whatever else you folks can think of. A blog?

I know DC circuits upsidedown and backwards :) I minored in physics in college, and taught applied math to electronics students at the high school and college level for 19 years.

Also having trouble choosing one. Likely will get the Super T Precise Workhorse. But love the look of the black stingray (infinite or hcigar clone).
 

dchemist

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I think I would like a tube mech, but need some threads posted for me to learn about maintenance, switches, magnets and whatever else you folks can think of. A blog?

I know DC circuits upsidedown and backwards :) I minored in physics in college, and taught applied math to electronics students at the high school and college level for 19 years.

Also having trouble choosing one. Likely will get the Super T Precise Workhorse. But love the look of the black stingray (infinite or hcigar clone).
Assuming you're comfortable with DC and all the safety concerns that go along with mech mods I would like to put a vote in for the Nemesis. I've thoroughly enjoyed mine and it's straight forward and efficient.

I won't post links but I highly suggest some search terms and YouTube videos. Do a search on ECF for Baditude and read his blog on batteries. He had really done his homework and his advice is spot on. For device reviews, search pBusardo on YouTube. He just did a review of the Stingray X that had my mouth watering. For coil building, search RipTripper on you tube. He's a little crazy but does some great work.

Happy Vaping[emoji482]

Edit: I have to ask, you do have a digital multi meter (DMM) don't you?
 

sedition

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For coil building, search RipTripper on you tube. He's a little crazy but does some great work.

QFT. I watched a lot of his builds prior to getting my first Kayfun - from those I was able to build a couple of really nice setups on my first attempt, zero problems. And yep - he's pretty much certifiably mad. XD

Speaking as a new tube mod user, I'm really impressed with my (Infinite clone) Nemesis for the most part - it's really well designed, flexible, elegant. Only problem is the switch, I think most Nemesis owners would agree. But each issue can generally be solved cheaply. I was able to improve the action on mine by stretching the large spring and removing the smaller one. Additionally I found a UK forum post linking to a 16mm x 1mm rubber o-ring that can be put inside the assembly to fix the 'wobble'. I've also got magnets coming in the mail which should really get it working beautifully.
 

snow blind

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Likely will get the Super T Precise Workhorse.

/thread

Really, this is, in my opinion, the best value out there right now! $70.00 for such a high quality, precision-machined mod... amazing. I'd have one if it had a locking ring. That's a deal breaker for me for mods i'll bring out of the house.
 

State O' Flux

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I think I would like a tube mech, but need some threads posted for me to learn about maintenance, switches, magnets and whatever else you folks can think of. A blog?
Magnets can be problematic - especially if you're a tinkerer/"fine tuner"... believing that there's nothing made that won't benefit from your detailed inspection, engineering knowledge and modification. Ask me how I know this. ;-)

At low resistances... too much (localized/concentrated) heat and magnets can loose magnetism. Some mod makers now point out specific heat values at which their magnets stop being magnetic.
If you run deep sub-ohm with a mech that has conductivity issues, and overheat the magnets... you might wonder why your button pressure went soft.
The can't be "tuned" like a spring... more magnets, less magnets, different magnets (within limits of size/power rating/appropriate conductive plating - availability) is about it.
Springs can be heated, stretched, compressed, clipped... and finally, changed. All at a lower price point and easier to obtain.

If on the other hand you get a magnet mech and are happy with the button pressure - it has good enough conductivity for your desired resistances... you're done.
_______________________________

Button designs are all over the map. If deep sub-ohm is your thing, look at original designs with less than 0.15v VD. If you're looking at clones, look to those that are true 1:1 copies of originals, right down to the button.
Of course, clones tend to be a bit more "broad" in their tolerances, so even a 1:1 of a low VD original may not come close to the originals VD.
There are lots of folks with clone mechs who tried to go down below 0.5Ω and found out their mod wasn't up to snuff... localized mech heating, usually at the button, and even mild shocks can be common with poor VD mechs.

The best reference is Jkuro's testing. It's completely objective, controlled and honest. The only down side is that his test subjects are all loaned, usually by their owners... although some US mech builders actually are now sending him samples for independent testing. Makes for good advertizing if they do well in Jon's little lab. (Although in this instance, saying "Lowest voltage drop in the world" is BS)

You probably won't find much use from it, but click on my second hyperlink and scan the article for anything that strikes your fancy.

Cheers
 

windxrunner

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Manhattan clone is super cheap ($33-$37) and is really rad. It's got magnets in the button, smooth threads, bottom venting and low voltage drop I've heard. Oh yeah and comes in like every color. And did I mention it's less than $40? *commercial ends*

For real tho, that's gonna be my next mech mod for sure.
 

roxynoodle

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I decided on the infinite stingray as my first choice after doing a lot of research on it.

I'm not interested in super subohming; more a flavor junkie than a cloud chaser.

However, I'm probably going to get the Super T as well for my birthday, which is this month.

Thanks so much to those who have replied. I'm still new to vaping and am wanting to try new things.
 

dchemist

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I decided on the infinite stingray as my first choice after doing a lot of research on it.

I'm not interested in super subohming; more a flavor junkie than a cloud chaser.

However, I'm probably going to get the Super T as well for my birthday, which is this month.

Thanks so much to those who have replied. I'm still new to vaping and am wanting to try new things.
Excellent choice! I really like the look of the black copper Stingray. I might have to pick one up soon.
 

roxynoodle

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Excellent choice! I really like the look of the black copper Stingray. I might have to pick one up soon.

I love the look, but also the airflow on the top cap. And the switch apparently is really nice though I guess it must be locked before setting it down so it doesn't auto fire.

I also think the Super T is a great buy for a US made mod with its features. However, with no lock ring, it won't be going in my purse :D
 
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