Punching cartos
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I gotcha, I havent run into that with my Smoktechs,IMO they are more absorbent than Boges. The biggest negative I see with using a saddle valve is possibly deforming the cartos and the screw going dull on you.
I would buy something specifically made to accomodate the curve of a carto to minimize distortion.
I would buy something specifically made to accomodate the curve of a carto to minimize distortion.
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I picked up a couple saddle valves when I started. They work, but tend to wear down quickly and can be cumbersome to use. It wasn't long before i went with this one:
http://www.cloudsofvapor.com/store/127-new-at-cov/1023-cov-carto-punch-v4.html
I like it for precisely the reasons you mentioned -- it allows me to punch however I want, in whatever size hole I want.
It's $40, but you'll make up the cost after you've destroyed enough cartos and a couple saddle valves wear out.
http://www.cloudsofvapor.com/store/127-new-at-cov/1023-cov-carto-punch-v4.html
I like it for precisely the reasons you mentioned -- it allows me to punch however I want, in whatever size hole I want.
It's $40, but you'll make up the cost after you've destroyed enough cartos and a couple saddle valves wear out.
They may be. Some of the little keyfob ones that use a ring around the carto look promising, but I've never tried one. For $5 they're probably worth a shot -- that's cheaper than you'll find saddle valves most places.
WORD TO THE WISE. STAY AWAY FROM THE SADDLE VALVE. I ruined more cartos trying to use one of those peices of crap that the 4 dollar valve cost. If you want to punch your own. (which I do) spend the extra cash and get a high quality punch like the v3 from COV. The cost more but do a nice job. If you punch your own you will get bent and deformed cartos. Not enough to hurt. I've been doing it for over two months and no problems yet. Saddle Valve is no good the needle is way way to soft for the cartos.
COV Carto Punch v4
COV Carto Punch v4
No good stay away drop the cash and get a quality punch. You won't regret it. I also got one of the V2 from somewhere that like a keyring punch. Still a lot better than a saddle valve. Just not a hardened tip for the punch. But can be resharpened.
I use one of the keyring type "cheap" $6 numbers. Works like a charm for me. Couple of tricks to using it (don't play King Kong) and KEEP IT CLEAN! Wipe down/soak with alcohol often. Did I say often? That's not often enough! Seriously...I like mine, it works well if you treat it right and don't go power torquing on your cartos with it.
I've had my eye on the one from COV, they look really nice. But, truth is, I've been using the same cheap saddle valve for over a year with no problems. Just gotta make sure the cartos are tight in the saddle before punching.
Personally I used one from iBTanked. I picked it up when I bought one of their tanks. I am happy with it for now, but in the future I will probably upgrade to something a little bigger. It looks bigger than it actually is.
Yup. That's the one I use! Take the screw out and keep the threads clean (lots of metal shavings and gunk get on 'em!) and it'll work well for a good while, and is cheap enough you can replace it without shedding tears. I tried the saddle valve type one (still have it) but while it seemed to work good for a few times, it tends to punch too large holes and squash the cartomizer some. One of the things I really like about the little guy in the picture from the quoted post is I can hold it up close to my ear while turning the screw and listen for the sound when the tip pierces the metal through. Helps. Also I can see the placement of where the holes will be easier. I'm kinda particular where those holes go (I have a few very successfully punched ones and use them for "pattern guides") and find that generally pre-punched holes are too low to use as a pattern. With "home punched" a bit higher up on the carto works better.
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This is definitely one of the things that keeps me coming back to this punch. So easy to hear the pop
I use both the keyring style one, and also a bullet punch which works beautifully. Some folks use a dremel and slot the cartos-something I'll probably try since I use a few thick/dark/sticky juices.
I use this and absolutely love it Aluminium Cartomizer Punch V4 - Cartomizers/Tanks - Accessories
I use one just like that too. Think I paid $7 for mine a year ago at electronicstix.com. Tool has paid for itself a few times over by now and it's still working like a champ. Hey just a tip. If you find that your carto punch tool does warp your carto cylinders a bit, then just punch a second hole 90 degrees around the side from the first and it will warp the cylinder right back into shape.
since you are from vegas, have you check sincityvapors down eastern and reno? they have a carto punch there and you can check it if that should work for you hope that helps a bit to decideTx everyone for your input.. Still not sure which one I'm getting but all your different opinions helphappy vaping from Las Vegas!
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