- Status
OK, I don't have enough posts under my belt to start my own thread...and I've searched, and searched, and SEARCHED for similar issues/problems/resolutions and I'm almost at my wit's end by now. If anyone subscribed to this thread can point me in the right direction, I'd be most grateful.
I finally went full-bore ecig a little over two weeks ago, and thinking ahead, I ordered two extra batteries and five atomizers just to make sure I could keep things going.
(back in April we bought two starter setups from Beci @ BesteCig so bogaring his stuff I had/have four batteries and two chargers)
I got the batteries and atomizers on Tuesday.
Wednesday the trouble started.
One of my husband's batteries started acting up and pretty much if you look at it, it activates.
And now it seems the chargers have failed as well as the rest of the batteries.
I've cleaned the contacts. I've stuck a paperclip in the hole (gently!). I've tapped 'em (gently!) I've swapped power supplies on the chargers. I'm rotating batteries with chargers trying to ascertain if one or both and one, two, or four of the batteries are just dead.
At present, one battery is holding a charge. I'm leaving the batteries on the chargers (not tightened TOO much) the full five or more hours even though the light either changes immediately or not at all.
I've always said if I'm going to do something I'll go all the way...didn't think it'd be full-scale FAIL.
My options are to keep to the testing and be patient(ha!); order a replacement from somewhere stateside first thing tomorrow morning and hope for a quickie delivery; either way, probably end up buying my regular cigarettes in the interim.
Can someone talk me down off the ledge?
TIA
8-o
I finally went full-bore ecig a little over two weeks ago, and thinking ahead, I ordered two extra batteries and five atomizers just to make sure I could keep things going.
(back in April we bought two starter setups from Beci @ BesteCig so bogaring his stuff I had/have four batteries and two chargers)
I got the batteries and atomizers on Tuesday.
Wednesday the trouble started.
One of my husband's batteries started acting up and pretty much if you look at it, it activates.
And now it seems the chargers have failed as well as the rest of the batteries.
I've cleaned the contacts. I've stuck a paperclip in the hole (gently!). I've tapped 'em (gently!) I've swapped power supplies on the chargers. I'm rotating batteries with chargers trying to ascertain if one or both and one, two, or four of the batteries are just dead.
At present, one battery is holding a charge. I'm leaving the batteries on the chargers (not tightened TOO much) the full five or more hours even though the light either changes immediately or not at all.
I've always said if I'm going to do something I'll go all the way...didn't think it'd be full-scale FAIL.
My options are to keep to the testing and be patient(ha!); order a replacement from somewhere stateside first thing tomorrow morning and hope for a quickie delivery; either way, probably end up buying my regular cigarettes in the interim.
Can someone talk me down off the ledge?
TIA
8-o
One question for everyone- I did the fluval thing and the teabag/coffee filters - Both work pretty well - I get about the same performance from the fulval as I do from factory fresh carts that have the similar material -
I noticed though that sometimes (about 2 out of 30 that I have in front of me) There is a DIFFERENT type of material that comes from the factory - It looks a lot like the Fluval in it's basic fabric structure - EXCEPT - It seems to be made up of many little strips that separate out from each other very neatly like sheets of paper - Looks almost like little PH test strips but is not paper - These are Janty KBC carts -
This stuff is THE STUFF! - Those last 3x than longer than the fluval type factory fresh ones - and wick down to the bone - I can barley squeeze a single drop out when it stops vaping - They are straight edged and do not fill the entire cart - This leaves the channels on the side to vent as the straw mod does - In fact the stuff itself has air channels in it due to the "stacked paper" nature of it's structure - It slips in and out great with no need for tweezers cause it holds it's shape and does not bunch up on itself - WHAT IS THAT STUFF? - It looks so familiar - But I can't figure out just what it is - I'm going to go to a fabric store and see if I can find something similar - I think that stuff is the way to go - Even on refills - Up to 3 refills now in one - It blows the fluval out of the water - Tea Bags just seem to keep too much juice for me -
I noticed though that sometimes (about 2 out of 30 that I have in front of me) There is a DIFFERENT type of material that comes from the factory - It looks a lot like the Fluval in it's basic fabric structure - EXCEPT - It seems to be made up of many little strips that separate out from each other very neatly like sheets of paper - Looks almost like little PH test strips but is not paper - These are Janty KBC carts -
This stuff is THE STUFF! - Those last 3x than longer than the fluval type factory fresh ones - and wick down to the bone - I can barley squeeze a single drop out when it stops vaping - They are straight edged and do not fill the entire cart - This leaves the channels on the side to vent as the straw mod does - In fact the stuff itself has air channels in it due to the "stacked paper" nature of it's structure - It slips in and out great with no need for tweezers cause it holds it's shape and does not bunch up on itself - WHAT IS THAT STUFF? - It looks so familiar - But I can't figure out just what it is - I'm going to go to a fabric store and see if I can find something similar - I think that stuff is the way to go - Even on refills - Up to 3 refills now in one - It blows the fluval out of the water - Tea Bags just seem to keep too much juice for me -
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Honestly? If you do it a certain way, it's like having the "coffee stirrer mod". Let me elaborate:
The idea is to roll the bag material up like a carpet and put it in the cart. Not TOO tight, but just tight enough that it unrolls and you can see gaps in the roll. What you end up with is, these long spiral walls of vertical teabag material that are very good at using capillary action to hold the liquid in place. You also get this very convenient hole in the very center that you can push the tip of a glass dropper into for topping off your carts. At first I didn't really see much difference between poly and tea-bag, but all my carts are teabag now.
Hope This Helps
This is from bizzyb0t
There's been some recent developments in cart filler materials. Tea bags made of hemp (I use nylon gossamer tea bags with great results, personally), coffee filters, etc.
Since Nylon melts at 350+ F and Polyester melts at 255+ F, I figured it was a smart choice. You heard it here first
Someone else came up with using tea bags in general, but I came up with using rolled strips of nylon gossamer. For one, wicking is out of this world, durable, doesn't melt when touching a really hot atomizer bridge like polyester and washable/reusable. Holds the juice without trying to keep it.
I have been using these the past week or so and they work great, they don't seem to wear out.
This is awesome -- thank you very much. Can't wait to try this. I'd been also looking for specifics on using tea bag material (though I also have a lot of poly fiberfill from sewing projects). Seems a flat piece of material rolled up is easier to clean and reuse than the fluffy fiberfill.
And I'll remember where I heard the melting points of nylon and polyester -- very interesting
kathy
Wow -- this is really interesting! I will follow your search avidly. I can picture exactly what you mean, and I want to know and find this stuff too! I wish you could take an extreme close-up photo somehow and post it. I wonder if it's similar to "interfacing" that you use for garment-making?
What do you mean "tea bags keep too much juice" ? I haven't tried tea bags yet, but I intend to. Actually, though, I'm not having any problems at all with the poly fiberfill that comes in the 510 carts. But I haven't been doing this very long.
We're so funny -- like can never leave well enough alone. Or maybe it's more like we're always looking for the "perfect smoke." Is there something about smoker-types being DIY'ers? It might seem that smokers, and vapers, have too much time on our hands. But heck, modding our e-cigs is my idea of a good time!
kathy
Hey - Have not had time to get into town and look for it yet - I live out in the country - I think you may be on the right track - Some type of backing material - I'm sure I will find something very much like it when I get to look - I will let you know and try to get a picture up later when I clean it again - I'm making it last as long as I can right now - 5 refills and still works great -
oh yea - "tea bags keep too much juice" - I mean that when it won't vape anymore I can squeeze a LOT of juice out of it - Feel like I'm throwing away 20-30 puffs - Not to sound cheap - I'm just an efficiency nut - LOL -
Here are the pics of it -
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...stuffing-video-instructions-3.html#post369856
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...stuffing-video-instructions-3.html#post369856
So i just went out and bought some lipton pyramid bags. What do you guys do with them? Do you use the whole bag, or do you cut some off? Do you roll it up or just smush it in there loosely. I am using a 510
One other thing, have any of you used the straw trick with the lipton bag?
One other thing, have any of you used the straw trick with the lipton bag?
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I've pretty much followed the same technique with tea bags and coffee filters as shown in the YouTube on this thread.
I'm a little more careful with the material, I get roughly four carts out of one bag.
I'm a little more careful with the material, I get roughly four carts out of one bag.
Well i have done regular tea bags and i really liked it but i had to replace them to often. When i read about the lipton bags i was interested because i figure the material is more reusable and doesn't burn like regular bags and the default filler material. I just cut it and rolled it up like i normally do. It seems alittle loose, but it is hitting great. The straw doesnt seem needed since the teabag makes a hole in the middle for the air to get out
It's definintely not confined to the the e-cig community; it's an interesting side-effect of the internet age. I think many of us are tinkerers at heart, so wherever you have a product, idea, game, or just about thing else you can imagine, a community of "modders" quickly springs up sharing ideas on how to make it better, or at least how to make it more your own.
Personally, I love it (being very much a tinkerer at heart).
Hey - Have not had time to get into town and look for it yet - I live out in the country - I think you may be on the right track - Some type of backing material - I'm sure I will find something very much like it when I get to look - I will let you know and try to get a picture up later when I clean it again - I'm making it last as long as I can right now - 5 refills and still works great -
oh yea - "tea bags keep too much juice" - I mean that when it won't vape anymore I can squeeze a LOT of juice out of it - Feel like I'm throwing away 20-30 puffs - Not to sound cheap - I'm just an efficiency nut - LOL -
Okay, Bones, I get what you mean now about keeping too much juice. Well darn, so tea bags are not the perfect solution, either, huh? I also want efficiency, absolutely.
Right now, I'm not getting as much vapor as I was a couple days ago with my 510's. The batteries are both fine (one manual, one automatic), and I presume the atomizers are fine. I've used these two different 510's over the past week since I began, and I don't smoke all day every day (I'm kind of a light vaper at this point, plus I'm not totally weaned off analogs). I have topped off the cartridges, and still, not the huge amount of vapor I had been getting.
So, is it time to change the filler material? Or does the poly fiberfill last forever, but just need to be washed out every so often?
(I have read tons of info here, but it's hard to find where you think you remember reading something.)
Maybe this would be a good time to try the teabag fabric filler.
kathy
What is Propylene Glycol?
Propylene Glycol (PG, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), and Ethylene Glycol (EG) are all petroleum derivatives that act as solvents, surfactants, and wetting agents. They can easily penetrate the skin, and can weaken protein and cellular structure. In fact, PG penetrates the skin so quickly that the EPA warns factory workers to avoid skin contact, to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. PG is present in many stick deodorants, often in heavier concentration than in most industrial applications. (Nyack, Dr. Vin, Ph.D., Biochemist; personal communication). And Propylene Glycol is what is used to carry the “active” ingredients in those transdermal patches INTO YOUR BODY
Imagine a bottle of Anti-Freeze in a picture with shampoos, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions and toothpastes?
The question you should be asking is …. What’s Anti-Freeze doing IN my shampoos, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions and toothpaste?
Yes, the main ingredient in anti-freeze is in all of these products.
Shocked? You should be!
You need to understand what it could do to your health…
PROPYLENE GLYCOL
is a colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid CH3CHOHCH2OH, used in anti-freeze solutions, in hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent. Also called “Propanediol"
American Heritage Encyclopedia Dictionary
PROPYLENE GLYCOL is used in:
Anti-Freeze * Brake and Hydraulic Fluid * De-Icer * Paints and Coatings * Floor Wax * Laundry Detergents * Pet Food * Tobacco * Cosmetics * Toothpastes * Shampoos * Deodorants * Lotions * Processed Foods and many more personal care items.
Check out your body lotions, deodorant, hair conditioner, hair gel, creams, and many more products!
Propylene Glycol serves as a Humectant – a substance that helps retain moisture content, or simply –it prevents things from drying out. That’s why some pet foods are soft and chewy. This, of course, is a good reason it’s in cosmetics and other personal care items. It makes the skin feel moist and soft. And, the products don’t dry out. Propylene Glycol is also found in baby wipes and even some processed foods! Go Ahead, check your labels!
A published clinical review showed propylene glycol causes a significant number of reactions and was a primary irritant to the skin even in low levels of concentrations.
The American Academy of Dermatologists, Inc; Jan. 1991
What can PROPYLENE GLYCOL Do To Us?
In 1938, the FDA grandfathered the use of several ingredients as safe for personal care items, with restrictions of course. Based on what? There were no studies on repeated exposure over time.
The problem is PROPYLENE GLYCOL may be absorbed through the skin. Studies have shown SYSTEMIC retention (residue throughout).
NOW THIS OPENS UP A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME!
Has anyone or any company tested the long-range side effects from constant use of these products? We haven’t found any. Do these complex chemicals build up in our bodies? If Propylene Glycol keeps things from drying out – how? If it’s absorbed into our bloodstream and into our cells, what does it do? Does it affect any of the simple, natural biological functions at the cellular level? You don’t need a study to say – it’s possible, even likely.
You do need a conclusive study to make the producers stop using these ingredients! Yes, this is beginning to sound like another great American Tobacco Scandal. But before you get complacent and think the government is going to step in – think again. Look how long it has taken the cigarette pushers to get grilled – 20 years after the first Surgeon General’s report….
The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for Propylene Glycol says: “May be harmful by ingestion or skin absorption. May cause eye irritation, skin irritation. Chronic exposure can cause gastro-intestinal disturbances, nausea, headache and vomiting, central nervous system depression. (“Toxicological profile for ethylene glycol and propylene glycol (update).” Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), 1996. Atlanta, Ga; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.)
Propylene glycol is also used as a solvent in acrylics, stains, inks and dyes, and in cellophane and brake fluid. It is used as a preservative in flavored coffees. PG can have an anesthetic effect. Other side effects on animals exposed to PG include heart arrhythmia, stunted growth, decreased blood pressure, and even death.
In the book "Beauty to Die For" the cosmetic consequence by Judi Vance gives the following information:
"Propylene glycol is one of the most common humectants. It is used in many cosmetics including liquid foundation makeup, spray deodorants, baby lotions, emollients or moisturizers, lipsticks and suntan lotions. It is less expensive than glycerin and has a better permeation rate. It has also been linked to sensitivity reactions -- local irritations, allergic reactions. This would not be news to the manufacturers of propylene glycol. If you were to purchase a drum of this chemical from a manufacturer he is required to furnish you with a material safety data sheet (MSDS) and it may alarm you to find that this common, widely used humectant has a cautionary warning in its MSDS that reads, "If on skin: thoroughly wash with soap and water!" What? Aren't we putting this stuff on our skins daily, sometimes in copious amounts over long periods of time?
It's no wonder propylene glycol has been linked to many severe health problems including contact dermatitis (irritation), auto toxicity, kidney damage and liver abnormalities. It has been shown to be toxic to human cells in cultures. (Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Jan. 1987) In fact, in tests conducted over the years propylene glycol has been shown to inhibit skin cells growth in human tests and cell respiration in animal tests. (J. Pharm. Belg. Nov/Dec 1989). It was found to cause skeletal muscular damage in rats and rabbits (Pharm Res Sept. 1989). It is reported to directly alter cell membranes (Human Reproduction, Feb 1990) to cause thickening of the skin (contact dermatitis, 1987) skin dehydration and chronic surface damage to skin ( Derm. Beruf Umwelt July/Aug, 1988) It was also shown to increase beta activity (changes found in anxiety states) when inhaled. (The Medical Post Sept 27, 1994.)
Propylene glycol is a known irritant and sensitizer causing dryness, erythema (abnormal redness) and even blistering. (Safety Evaluation of a Barrier Cream, Contact Dermatitis, 17:10-12, 1987)
Despite its record, propylene glycol continues to appear in our everyday products. It was originally developed for use in industry as an anti-freeze, brake fluid, airplane de-icer among other applications and it's doing a good job there.
In fairness, the producers of these products are not doing anything illegal. They use Propylene Glycol and other questionable substances, for three reasons ….
1.
They do the JOB
2.
They’re CHEAP - (In most cases the cap on the bottle costs more that the ingredients inside)
3.
They’re ALLOWED!
Propylene Glycol (PG, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), and Ethylene Glycol (EG) are all petroleum derivatives that act as solvents, surfactants, and wetting agents. They can easily penetrate the skin, and can weaken protein and cellular structure. In fact, PG penetrates the skin so quickly that the EPA warns factory workers to avoid skin contact, to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. PG is present in many stick deodorants, often in heavier concentration than in most industrial applications. (Nyack, Dr. Vin, Ph.D., Biochemist; personal communication). And Propylene Glycol is what is used to carry the “active” ingredients in those transdermal patches INTO YOUR BODY
Imagine a bottle of Anti-Freeze in a picture with shampoos, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions and toothpastes?
The question you should be asking is …. What’s Anti-Freeze doing IN my shampoos, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions and toothpaste?
Yes, the main ingredient in anti-freeze is in all of these products.
Shocked? You should be!
You need to understand what it could do to your health…
PROPYLENE GLYCOL
is a colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid CH3CHOHCH2OH, used in anti-freeze solutions, in hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent. Also called “Propanediol"
American Heritage Encyclopedia Dictionary
PROPYLENE GLYCOL is used in:
Anti-Freeze * Brake and Hydraulic Fluid * De-Icer * Paints and Coatings * Floor Wax * Laundry Detergents * Pet Food * Tobacco * Cosmetics * Toothpastes * Shampoos * Deodorants * Lotions * Processed Foods and many more personal care items.
Check out your body lotions, deodorant, hair conditioner, hair gel, creams, and many more products!
Propylene Glycol serves as a Humectant – a substance that helps retain moisture content, or simply –it prevents things from drying out. That’s why some pet foods are soft and chewy. This, of course, is a good reason it’s in cosmetics and other personal care items. It makes the skin feel moist and soft. And, the products don’t dry out. Propylene Glycol is also found in baby wipes and even some processed foods! Go Ahead, check your labels!
A published clinical review showed propylene glycol causes a significant number of reactions and was a primary irritant to the skin even in low levels of concentrations.
The American Academy of Dermatologists, Inc; Jan. 1991
What can PROPYLENE GLYCOL Do To Us?
In 1938, the FDA grandfathered the use of several ingredients as safe for personal care items, with restrictions of course. Based on what? There were no studies on repeated exposure over time.
The problem is PROPYLENE GLYCOL may be absorbed through the skin. Studies have shown SYSTEMIC retention (residue throughout).
NOW THIS OPENS UP A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME!
Has anyone or any company tested the long-range side effects from constant use of these products? We haven’t found any. Do these complex chemicals build up in our bodies? If Propylene Glycol keeps things from drying out – how? If it’s absorbed into our bloodstream and into our cells, what does it do? Does it affect any of the simple, natural biological functions at the cellular level? You don’t need a study to say – it’s possible, even likely.
You do need a conclusive study to make the producers stop using these ingredients! Yes, this is beginning to sound like another great American Tobacco Scandal. But before you get complacent and think the government is going to step in – think again. Look how long it has taken the cigarette pushers to get grilled – 20 years after the first Surgeon General’s report….
The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for Propylene Glycol says: “May be harmful by ingestion or skin absorption. May cause eye irritation, skin irritation. Chronic exposure can cause gastro-intestinal disturbances, nausea, headache and vomiting, central nervous system depression. (“Toxicological profile for ethylene glycol and propylene glycol (update).” Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), 1996. Atlanta, Ga; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.)
Propylene glycol is also used as a solvent in acrylics, stains, inks and dyes, and in cellophane and brake fluid. It is used as a preservative in flavored coffees. PG can have an anesthetic effect. Other side effects on animals exposed to PG include heart arrhythmia, stunted growth, decreased blood pressure, and even death.
In the book "Beauty to Die For" the cosmetic consequence by Judi Vance gives the following information:
"Propylene glycol is one of the most common humectants. It is used in many cosmetics including liquid foundation makeup, spray deodorants, baby lotions, emollients or moisturizers, lipsticks and suntan lotions. It is less expensive than glycerin and has a better permeation rate. It has also been linked to sensitivity reactions -- local irritations, allergic reactions. This would not be news to the manufacturers of propylene glycol. If you were to purchase a drum of this chemical from a manufacturer he is required to furnish you with a material safety data sheet (MSDS) and it may alarm you to find that this common, widely used humectant has a cautionary warning in its MSDS that reads, "If on skin: thoroughly wash with soap and water!" What? Aren't we putting this stuff on our skins daily, sometimes in copious amounts over long periods of time?
It's no wonder propylene glycol has been linked to many severe health problems including contact dermatitis (irritation), auto toxicity, kidney damage and liver abnormalities. It has been shown to be toxic to human cells in cultures. (Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Jan. 1987) In fact, in tests conducted over the years propylene glycol has been shown to inhibit skin cells growth in human tests and cell respiration in animal tests. (J. Pharm. Belg. Nov/Dec 1989). It was found to cause skeletal muscular damage in rats and rabbits (Pharm Res Sept. 1989). It is reported to directly alter cell membranes (Human Reproduction, Feb 1990) to cause thickening of the skin (contact dermatitis, 1987) skin dehydration and chronic surface damage to skin ( Derm. Beruf Umwelt July/Aug, 1988) It was also shown to increase beta activity (changes found in anxiety states) when inhaled. (The Medical Post Sept 27, 1994.)
Propylene glycol is a known irritant and sensitizer causing dryness, erythema (abnormal redness) and even blistering. (Safety Evaluation of a Barrier Cream, Contact Dermatitis, 17:10-12, 1987)
Despite its record, propylene glycol continues to appear in our everyday products. It was originally developed for use in industry as an anti-freeze, brake fluid, airplane de-icer among other applications and it's doing a good job there.
In fairness, the producers of these products are not doing anything illegal. They use Propylene Glycol and other questionable substances, for three reasons ….
1.
They do the JOB
2.
They’re CHEAP - (In most cases the cap on the bottle costs more that the ingredients inside)
3.
They’re ALLOWED!
here is a little video i made on how to do this with a 510 cart...
it is not probably the best way but it is by far the quickest i have found!
be sure to fluff the material a bit once its in the cart i did not really do it in the video but it is what it is...
I used you're method for my 901 and it worked great, thanks!
I have a question. I will run out and grab a box of Lipton pyramid tea today, but I am a loose leaf tea drinker. I buy tea in bulk, and what I use to brew my tea are these little tea bags I bought in an Asian market. The label is in Korean or Japanese so I can't figure out what the material is. I think I can figure out the bag is 100% something, but it's not paper. the size is 9.5x 7 cm. rectangle. It opens into a pouch with a fold over flap. The sides are heat crimp sealed. I guess the material is similar to the cover of a hospital type wound pad. Any ideas what this stuff is? Do I need to post a picture? Is it safe to use instead of polyfil? I'm afraid to try using this for carts until I know what I'm in for.
The Lipton Pyramid bags are heat-crimped so it sounds like a *similar* material.
Have you tried punching the language on the loose-leaf tea into a translator like Babelfish?
(you'll have to do teh Google, I'm not old enough to post links yet)
Have you tried punching the language on the loose-leaf tea into a translator like Babelfish?
(you'll have to do teh Google, I'm not old enough to post links yet)
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