Stainless mesh...questions

[jackson32503]

1. I understand the mechanical differences between 325, 400, and 500, but what are the differences in functionality as ejuice wicking mediums?

2. 304 stainless seems to be the standard for wicks. Will 316 stainless work? It is considered a better grade of material, so should be less suseptible to corrosion from juices, but I'm not sure if it can be oxidized sufficiently with a regular butane or propane torch, in order NOT to cause shorts. Has anybody tried it?

3. What are the least expenses sources? (So far, Grainger has the best prices I've found.) I prefer to purchase in 8"x12" or 12"x12" sheets...but...if the price is right....

I confess....

I placed a similar (not the same) post in a different section of the forums.... That one has receiveda number of views in the past several days...but not a single response.

I'm hoping this placement will catch the eyes of those who are more knowledgable about this topic.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Papadragon]

If you think 304 will oxidize better just get that and stop over thinking things. I have used the same wick for 6 months at .6 ohms so its getting used hard ! 400 I don't worry about 304 or 316 316 should work have never really heard about 304 316 ss mesh I get the mesh from a b&m pulse oxidize it and vape !

 

[ScottP]

Well there have been some concerns raised about oxidizing SS creating layers of Hexavalent Chromium which is extremely bad. However while doing my research on the topic I did find the following kind of interesting:

Grade 316LVM (Stainless Steel) is preferred where biocompatibility is required (such as body implants and piercings). The "L" means that the carbon content of the alloy is below 0.03%, which reduces the sensitization effect (precipitation of chromium carbides at grain boundaries) caused by the high temperatures involved in welding.

Unless I am mistaken Grade 316LVM and possibly 316L (not just plain 316) was designed to withstand the high heat of welding WITHOUT releasing the Cr(VI). I do not know (yet) if either the L or the LVM exists as either a mesh or a rope that we can use for wicks but it might be worth looking into. You might even go with 304 if you can find it with the L or LVM designation.

 

[Thrasher]

if you look hard enough you will find everything in mesh form. i found titanium cloth sheets once, couldnt force myself to pay that much though.

to OP: usually the higher the mesh the better the wicking. I have been getting it in the past at steam monkey and OKCvapes. but dont know the current prices as it has been a while since i ordered.

and the chromium issue is still kinda unproven. as the chromium in the juice has not been proven to be in the vapor (which was my first argument-quit measuring the juice and prove its in the vapor) since its being torched before use doesnt that mean most of the chromium has been released already?

 

[ScottP]

In one of the threads on the topic I have raised the possibility of avoiding the whole Cr issue by trying to build the oxidation layer on the coil indeed of the wick.

 

[Thrasher]

In one of the threads on the topic I have raised the possibility of avoiding the whole Cr issue by trying to build the oxidation layer on the coil indeed of the wick.

this is one of the reasons i dont oxidize the sheet anymore just slightly blacken the area under the coil after rolling. oxidizing the inside of the wick and the end in the juice actually doesnt even do anything so why bother after wrapping a coil i finish by pulsing out the hotspots so the only real oxidation/burning is directly where the wire sits.

 

[jackson32503]

If you think 304 will oxidize better just get that and stop over thinking things. I have used the same wick for 6 months at .6 ohms so its getting used hard ! 400 I don't worry about 304 or 316 316 should work have never really heard about 304 316 ss mesh I get the mesh from a b&m pulse oxidize it and vape !

Me? Overthinking things?

You must know me...

LOL!

 

[Endor]

jackson32503, here's where I get my mesh: http://www.vape-atomizer-mesh.com/. They are in the UK, but usually get it within a week. They sell 316 and their prices are pretty good (around $11 for an A4 sheet of 500 mesh, which is almost the same size as the 8x12" sheet you mentioned).

I use 500 mesh from them and have had good luck with it. I typically vape 50 PG / 50 VG juice.

Depending on your setup, you may be able to get away with no oxidization at all. On my RSST, with it's insulated wick hole and no metal contact for the wick in the tank, I can wrap the coil directly onto the bare rolled-up wick with NO torch oxidation at all using the "pulse method" to oxidize. I have 2 RSSTs in my rotation with this setup, and it works VERY well. Note that I usually boil my mesh for 15 minutes or so before rolling to get any residual oils off (I use a cheapo electric hotpot for this).

This really eliminates the concern over hexavalent chromium CR(VI) as you're never getting the SS hot enough to create it, AFAIK.