Someone please help! A million questions about coils before I build!

[drainbamage8]

Ok so I got tired o buying replacement coils and, let me be honest, I've been usingnthensame tank and box for like 2 years. So I've started to diy eliquid, decided rta was going to be next. So I've been reading and watching videos and reading and eading, for the last 2 weeks or so.

So important things! Im almost excljsiveky a MTL smoker, looking for flavor. I bought a youde bellus because it was cheap and had good reviews. Can hold sinble or double coils. I will be usng (hangs head shamefully) an eleaf istick 40w TC for the time bing until i order a new box mod, probably in 2 weeks.

I know TC. an only be done with Ti or Ni200 on my mod, I kmow not to use those on VW builds.

I know theres kanthal, ni80, ss316l, ss317l - for basic wires. I am hoping in VW mode these are all ok to use. I'm leaning towards ss317l but whats the difference between that and 316? Also best gauge to start at? I've seen 26-30. SS 317l comes in only 28 or lower that i have fond, but the higher the awg, the easier to build?

So which type of wire is best for flavor? What awg is good for brginners? (looking into the art jig thing later this week.
Also how is Ti for Tc, thinking about trying that too?
Organic cotton balls, sterile cotton roll fromCVS, yarn for wicking? Buy all 3 and see?

PLEASE HELP!! My brain hurts lol. Oh and i do use the steam ngine to calculate!

Thank you if anyone can help!

 

[Shawn Hoefer]

Ok so I got tired o buying replacement coils and, let me be honest, I've been usingnthensame tank and box for like 2 years. So I've started to diy eliquid, decided rta was going to be next. So I've been reading and watching videos and reading and eading, for the last 2 weeks or so.

So important things! Im almost excljsiveky a MTL smoker, looking for flavor. I bought a youde bellus because it was cheap and had good reviews. Can hold sinble or double coils. I will be usng (hangs head shamefully) an eleaf istick 40w TC for the time bing until i order a new box mod, probably in 2 weeks.

I know TC. an only be done with Ti or Ni200 on my mod, I kmow not to use those on VW builds.

I know theres kanthal, ni80, ss316l, ss317l - for basic wires. I am hoping in VW mode these are all ok to use. I'm leaning towards ss317l but whats the difference between that and 316? Also best gauge to start at? I've seen 26-30. SS 317l comes in only 28 or lower that i have fond, but the higher the awg, the easier to build?

So which type of wire is best for flavor? What awg is good for brginners? (looking into the art jig thing later this week.
Also how is Ti for Tc, thinking about trying that too?
Organic cotton balls, sterile cotton roll fromCVS, yarn for wicking? Buy all 3 and see?

PLEASE HELP!! My brain hurts lol. Oh and i do use the steam ngine to calculate!

Thank you if anyone can help!

Before answering, it would be helpful to know what you were using before the bellus. That way, we can tailor the first coils you build to match what you were used to...

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[drainbamage8]

*whispers* I've been using the nautilus mini with the 1.6 ohm coils.

I just want my own, easy to replace wicks, easy to replace coils. I'll try anything!

Thank you for the quick reply

 

[SteveS45]

Tip I suggest is start simple with plain round coils using SS316L for a smooth clean cool vape. I started right off making Clapton wire using Kanthal and it was a disappointment. When I went simple the flavor is amazing. Steam Engine to plan your builds. Good Luck

 

[drainbamage8]

Thanks @SteveS45 I've been leaning towards ss anyways. For now I just want something simp!e. Do you know tne difference between 316 and 317 ss? I already p?ay around on steam engine and i dont even have supplies yet lol.
Thanks everyone for the replies!!

 

[Shawn Hoefer]

*whispers* I've been using the nautilus mini with the 1.6 ohm coils.

I just want my own, easy to replace wicks, easy to replace coils. I'll try anything!

Thank you for the quick reply

Alright... thanks for the info...

Try a single coil 28 AWG Kanthal A1, 6 wraps on a 2.5 mm mandrel. Should put you in around 1.2 Ohms and five a nice vape around 12 Watts. You'll likely want to cut the air waaaaay down when you start... just a couple holes open. Make sure you're using organic cotton (organic, natural, hypoallergenic are NOT all.the same), or rayon (works better, but a little harder to use at times. On the Bellus (not my first choice for a first RTA, BTW), wicking is key for a good, leak free vape. In this case, YouTube is your friend... GrimmGreen has a decent wicking suggestion...

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[drainbamage8]

@Shawn Hoefer

Not my first choice either, I want an aromamizer v2 or plus, but the bellus was so cheap, I couldnt pass it up, less than a lack of coils! So I'll start there, get a new box mod then another rta. I CAN'T STOP lol. Thank you so much for your help

 

[Shawn Hoefer]

The Aromamizer Plus on an iStick 40 would be interesting lol... the V2 would be fine. Honestly, the V2 and the Bellus are about the same... What I meant is, I would have recommended something like the Kanger Subtank with RBA, Lemo 2, or Kayfun V.whatever as a first time builders RTA.

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[Eskie]

I have a Bellus, and it's not a perfect first mtl RTA, but if that's what you've got, that's what you will work with.

A few things. First, I'd use it in single coil mode. Therefore, remember to put in the single coil plug before you start building (yeah, I've done it the other way and it's just not pretty). Second, as Shawn points out, a simple 28G Kanthal is a nice start. However, if you are going to go with TC down the road, you might as well start out with SS as it can be used in either mode, so fine for your iStick in wattage now and fine for TC if you get a mod that handles SS well.

There's no real difference 317L to 316L. Most folks, including me, just reflexively but 316L because it's so easy to get. My fave source for all wire is Temco. Cheap, excellent quality, free shipping, and the same wire you'll pay two or three times more for as relabeled "vape wire". Save the money. I would get 28G 316L. As the resistance of SS is lower than Kanthal, it means you'll need more wraps to get about the same resistance. In this case 9 wraps on a 3 mm bit/mandrel/screwdriver/whatever you pick that you know the size of. That should be right around 1 ohm, fine for mtl.

You will need something that can measure the resistance for you as simply going by "well, Steam Engine said this is OK" won't work. Will an iStick 40W show resistance (I ask out of my own ignorance). If yes, good, if not, buy a 521 tab to build and test on. However even if the iStick can, I'd still recommend one, way easier to build on than working with the deck balanced on the top of the mod, especially if you're prone to knock things over like me.

Flavor and wire choice. They all taste the same to me, and I use SS only because I like TC, not so much for "better" flavor. I avoid Ni and Ti as one, they're a bit harder to work with, and two must be used in TC only, no option for wattage like with SS, and I prefer the flexibility SS offers.

Wicking. Pass on the cotton balls. Get the Japanese organic cotton pads, they're probably right next to the cotton balls at CVS anyway, and maybe few dollars more. IMO easier to cut off a strip to wick with. Wicking the Bellus. This one is a little tricky. Watch some YT videos. Once you understand it, it's pretty straightforward, but can be a little challenging as your first attempt at wicking. Don't worry when it doesn't work the first few times, with practice it will.

And remember, put the single coil plug in after mounting and cutting the legs out the back flush with the post. And the plug goes on the side with the little dimple on the bottom. If you mount the coil over the dimple, you can't use the plug. Not so terrible as you can just remove the coil and mount it on the other side, but still annoying (yes, I made that same mistake too).

 

[drainbamage8]

@Eskie Hi again! I'm just going to send you all my questions from now on!
My istick does show ohms. I knoww ss works in TC mode for some, but haven't looked to see if it's possible on the istick, i know Ti and Ni200 do, but they sounded like a pain to make. Regardless, I really need to get a new mod anyway. Though my little istick has lasted forever, even after being dropped like a hundred times lol. Will also add the 521 tab on my now growing list of things I must have! 'Vape' they said, 'it'll be cheaper' they said...

Thank you so much for all the information! I have watched some yt videos on the bellus, we'll see how useful it was when it's time to do it! The more I read, the more overwhelmed I feel lol.

Thank you again Eskie!

 

[drainbamage8]

To everyone, thank you so much. I realized I 1) posted this twice on accident and 2) probably put this in the wrong subforum. Thank you for not caring and for all of the help and replies. It helps make me feel so much better knwoing I can post somethig I am having a problem with and having people reply and help. Thank you again for all the answers, info, and help, I really do appreciate it.

 

[Eskie]

I saw you had two posts going. Sounds like pretty consistent information between the two, so it can't be half bad. When you do this you'l find out two things. First, wrapping a coil is really dead simple. Take some wire and turn it around a cylinder several times. Second, wicking is an art form. Every reviewer will tell you, "not too much, but not too little, a little tight in the coil but not too tight, fluff the ends but don't overdo it, and leave the tails just long enough but not too long", and you're like OK, so just how much cotton should I use?

Worst that happens if the wicking doesn't work out is you'll have a leak. Actually, no, that's the second worst. The worst is if you over stuff the wick, and the juice can't get sucked up onto the coil and you get a dry hit. That happens to you once and you will never want that to happen to ever you again.

You mentioned in the other thread you do medical stuff. If it involves treating people you're already more than capable of doing something like this. It's a technique that once you practice a bit, becomes second nature. And the only person who screams will be you out of frustration as the tank drips juice down your hand.

 

[drainbamage8]

You know, I figured I would confuse myself more by posting twice, not realizing it and wondering where the other people went. And make myself look like a ....., which I happen to be great at!

I've already found myself asking, out loud, to yt videos, how much cotton is that!?! It's all good, I already spill juice on myself all the time. Wastea little cotton, who cares, waste some juice,who cares lol.

Thanks agai Eskie, you have always been helpful!

 

[drainbamage8]

@Eskie Totally didn't even think to ask you, can you fit a 3mm coil on a bellus?

 

[Eskie]

Ah, yes, you should be able to. Just double check the resistance after you slide the deck back into the bottom of the tank. If it changes, your coil might be touching the chamber and will cause an atomizer short. That's my last safety step before fill it up and hit the fire button.

 

[JustWondering1]

Alright... thanks for the info...

Try a single coil 28 AWG Kanthal A1, 6 wraps on a 2.5 mm mandrel. Should put you in around 1.2 Ohms and five a nice vape around 12 Watts. You'll likely want to cut the air waaaaay down when you start... just a couple holes open. Make sure you're using organic cotton (organic, natural, hypoallergenic are NOT all.the same), or rayon (works better, but a little harder to use at times. On the Bellus (not my first choice for a first RTA, BTW), wicking is key for a good, leak free vape. In this case, YouTube is your friend... GrimmGreen has a decent wicking suggestion...

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I like the Japanese organic cotton pads. I buy them from ebay. You can buy 10 pads for $3.40 if you are in the U.S. This vendor offers free standard shipping as well. I have bought both wick & wire from the vendor below and have been very satisfied with the product, shipping and customer service.

100% JAPANESE GROWN ORGANIC COTTON WICK PADS W/FREE A1 KANTHAL WIRE! WHOLESALE! | eBay

 

[drainbamage8]

Ah, yes, you should be able to. Just double check the resistance after you slide the deck back into the bottom of the tank. If it changes, your coil might be touching the chamber and will cause an atomizer short. That's my last safety step before fill it up and hit the fire button.

Sure terrify me more! Ok, i will try not to short anything out! I wasnt sure what size, I tried looking, and saw 2.5-3, but, of course, it was all contrad

 

[drainbamage8]

I like the Japanese organic cotton pads. I buy them from ebay. You can buy 10 pads for $3.40 if you are in the U.S. This vendor offers free standard shipping as well. I have bought both wick & wire from the vendor below and have been very satisfied with the product, shipping and customer service.

100% JAPANESE GROWN ORGANIC COTTON WICK PADS W/FREE A1 KANTHAL WIRE! WHOLESALE! | eBay

Thank you, going to go check them out now!

 

[Shawn Hoefer]

I like the Japanese organic cotton pads. I buy them from ebay. You can buy 10 pads for $3.40 if you are in the U.S. This vendor offers free standard shipping as well. I have bought both wick & wire from the vendor below and have been very satisfied with the product, shipping and customer service.

100% JAPANESE GROWN ORGANIC COTTON WICK PADS W/FREE A1 KANTHAL WIRE! WHOLESALE! | eBay

For Japanese Organic Cotton, I use Puffs Labo...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00N7E9X3G/ref=sxts1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1490829610&sr=1

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[drainbamage8]

@Eskie I went to temco, all ofo their ss 316l was on backorder for 3 months lol