New RSST(my first RBA) on it's way -- question about oxidizing

[BlenderCrab]

I just ordered an RSST rba along with 30 & 32AWG Kanthal wire, 400 and 500 mesh and some silica wick (in case I try to do a hybrid wick at some point). I'm not unfamiliar with the safety precautions involved and will be capable of building, etc.

However, I do have a question about oxidizing the mesh wick. I think I understand in principle why it's necessary, but also understand that because the RSST has an insulated wicking hole, it's supposedly not required. But, I have seen a video from TasteYourJuice (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjNzuNyWZ3U) in which it is stated at around 9:25 that because the RBA was set up with the pulse method, the mesh didn't need to be oxidized (which confusingly -- to me, anyway -- implies that without pulsing, oxidizing might need to occur first). Later on (around 16:25), while he's pulsing, it is claimed that a regulated mod really won't work well to use the pulse method. I have a Provari and an eVic and no mech mods. I also have no current intention of getting a mech, but that's neither here nor there.

So, is the coil not firing because the mesh isn't oxidized yet? Do I need to oxidize it before I build? Can I pulse, or perform a similar task, with one of my VV mods? I've got a few days before my new setup is delivered, so I have some time to research, but I thought someone here might be able to shed some light on this particular aspect. I've done enough research to realize the importance getting the coils to fire brightly and evenly before I load it up with juice, but I don't want to spend all day trying to get it to fire just to find out I'm skipping/missing a step since I'm not using a mech.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Nomoreash]

The RSST as you know has an insulated wick hole and plastic tank, no way for the SS to short against the body. He pulsed it to get some oxidation built up where the kanthal wraps around the SS.

You can oxidize the ss first to speed up the process if you want but there's really no need. Just start at a low voltage, pulse and adjust wire if needed until you get the entire coil glowing evenly and you're ready to go.

Yes you can use a regulated mod to do the pulsing method, in fact I think it's easier due to being able to control the voltage, I used the Provari all the time when I used SS. I think he probably meant pulsing might send it into the menu screen which can happen but not really a big deal.

 

[BlenderCrab]

Awesome, thanks. I appreciate your help a lot. I'm looking forward to the new equipment. Cheers!

 

[CloudZ]

There is another option which takes oxidizing out of the equation, yet still allows you to take advantage of the superior capillary action of a metal wick. That is to sleeve the upper portion with 3mm Ekowool, which is what I prefer. This works on both rolled SS mesh and SS cable/rope.



Give it a try if you decide that oxidizing is not for you (like me ). Just know that it is kind of like cheating and the genny fanatics will say that vaping straight off of metal tastes better. Which it very well may, but I couldn't set mine up consistently enough to enjoy it. Perhaps you will be able to do it right and not need a cheater sleeve.

Without a sleeve, a steel wick in an RSST still needs to be oxidized because the coils will short on themselves through the wick and hotspots are still an issue. The insulated wick hole just prevents shorting through the wick and into the deck (as previously mentioned).

 

[vapdivrr]

one way or another if using mesh, it needs to be oxidized. if not the kanthal will create hot spots on the mesh. oxidation can be done before wrapping or by pulse oxidation. if pulse oxidizing it is easier to use a mech device because a vv device will detect these shorts and throw an error message. im not saying it cant be done on a vv device because I have done it before but it can be a pain. if you are getting these error readings and are having an issue, you can remove the wick & coil together as one off the mod and torch both the wire and wick, then re-install.

 

[BlenderCrab]

I never thanked you guys for your other suggestions. I took everything into consideration and figured it out just fine. Thanks! Although, I did quickly move away from the steel mesh. I think it messes with the flavor too much (or I'm used to wick-tainted flavors and don't know what's good). So I bought a big bag of cotton balls and now just tilt my Provari/RSST to make sure it wicks properly. I build microcoils and just wrap the top of the cotton twisted wick around most of the outside of the coil. I get way better vapor and flavor than I did with mesh (and the weird mesh/cotton hybrids I tried), and it's nearly infinitely easier for me to wraps micros around a drill bit than to wrap bigger coils around the mesh tube, oxidixe, and space out the coils so they fire properly. Now I wrap, fire, squish with pliers and go. Using the cotton in this way also lets me pull the cotton up out of the hole, cut off the burned/used part, and re-fray the top of the cotton without really having to re-do anything. I just make my cotton wicks about twice as long as they need to be so I can pull them up and snip them a few times before I need to replace them. Thanks again for your suggestions!

 

[vapdivrr]

im glad you have worked out a method that works for you. now if you ever are looking for another device, try a kayfun lite. it is really built for micro coils and cotton and is just about the best out there.

 

[BlenderCrab]

I've been looking at that. I can pretty much say that's kind of what I was trying to mimic on my RSST (in a square-peg-in-a-round-hole kinda way). I got the RSST because it was strongly recommended for beginners. It's not quite what I'm looking for, though. I'm looking at Kayfun, Taifun and the Expromizer. Do you have a preference of those? Thanks again for your input.

 

[vapdivrr]

I've been looking at that. I can pretty much say that's kind of what I was trying to mimic on my RSST (in a square-peg-in-a-round-hole kinda way). I got the RSST because it was strongly recommended for beginners. It's not quite what I'm looking for, though. I'm looking at Kayfun, Taifun and the Expromizer. Do you have a preference of those? Thanks again for your input.

the expro is kind of new so i haven't heard a lot about it yet. the taifun and kayfuns are awesome but i would venture to say a kayfun. i have a few and really recommend them, once most have tried these they rarely mess with their gennys anymore. they even produce some great clones if you aren't willing to fork out over a hundred at first. the kayfun blsck edition i heard is awesome. also the Russian 91% is great, basically its the same as a kayfun.