Time between wire changes?

[mikewill45]

Just wondering how long some of you go before changing the wire in your rda. I have 3: a Phoenix, a Phoenix clone, and a IGO-W. I probably change the wire about every 2 weeks and sometimes sooner. Not that it would be necessary but I find the flavor and vapor production is much better with a fresh wire. My juice is a 50/50 blend which may make a difference as to how soon the wire needs changed and I use nichrome wire. The ohms vary as I like to try different things but are usually between .8 and 1.4 which of course in the IGO-W makes for a .4 - .7 total. Also, I use cotton as a wick and a mechanical mod.

So, how often do you change and why?

 

[Rule62]

I don't think I've ever changed a coil because it HAD to be changed. I have coils that have been in various devices for months. I'll dry burn them, brush the gunk off with a dentek brush, and they're good to go. The only time I'll change coils is when I'm fooling around with some idea, and want to try something different.

 

[mikewill45]

I don't think I've ever changed a coil because it HAD to be changed. I have coils that have been in various devices for months. I'll dry burn them, brush the gunk off with a dentek brush, and they're good to go. The only time I'll change coils is when I'm fooling around with some idea, and want to try something different.

Two questions: 1. Does the brush get the carbon buildup off the wire? 2. How do you keep it from messing up the wire when you brush it?

 

[State O' Flux]

My answer would be similar to Rule62, in that with Kanthal (and Rene 41), as long as the "original intended resistance" continues to exist, I see no reason to change a coil... for the sake of doing so.

I have coils that are months old, within 0.1Ω of their OIT, that perform as well as a new coil of the same resistance.
My intention would be to replace them when they exceed 0.2Ω, but with even the oldest of coils (about 6 months now) that I've made from 24-28 gauge wire and used in RD & RBAs, that has yet to happen.
I've even reinstalled (dry-burned, brush cleaned, removed and saved) coils back on to RD & RBAs with no ill effects. I have a small pill bottle filled with perfectly serviceable 0.5Ω ~ 1.7Ω coils.

I do notice that with pre-made coils (typically made with 30 or thiner gauge wire), - like those found in Boge and IKV cartos (as used in carto tanks) - where I can't access to clean them, performance will degrade to a point of unsuitability in 4-10 days (actual "in use" time I could not tell you - I'm not that ....), although much of this failure can be contributed to the visible swelling of the absorption materials, blocking air flow.
These coils - which I've not taken the time or effort to remove from their carto casings "intact", so that I might inspect them - do border an increase in resistance of 0.2Ω from their OIT.

Two questions: 1. Does the brush get the carbon buildup off the wire? 2. How do you keep it from messing up the wire when you brush it?

I won't presume to answer for Rule62, but my answers would be:

1.Yes, because the caramelized residue has been heated to carbon by the dry burn (or torching), and it does not adhere to the wire... probably due to the aluminum oxide layer that protects the surface.
2. If the wire is thick and stiff enough, or the brush soft enough or the user careful enough... the wire isn't damaged.

 

[mikewill45]

Thanks for the input State O' Flux. I will be attempting the burning and brushing of the wire to see if it recovers as well or near as well as a new wire.

 

[State O' Flux]

Thanks for the input State O' Flux. I will be attempting the burning and brushing of the wire to see if it recovers as well or near as well as a new wire.

Might want to wait for a few more responses, and perhaps a follow-up from Rule. As this subject isn't something chiseled in stone - and with vaping gear, little is - a broader cross-section of views on the subject certainly can't hurt.

Saying that, wire is cheap, your time is what it is... and knowledge is priceless. ;-)

 

[Rule62]

Two questions: 1. Does the brush get the carbon buildup off the wire? 2. How do you keep it from messing up the wire when you brush it?

Yes, the little dentek brush cleans the buildup off the coil, because it becomes ash after a few dry burns.
I use 28g wire mostly, sometimes 26g. The wire is stiff enough to handle a gentile brushing.

 

[Papa_Lazarou]

+1 to what Rule62 and State O' Flux have said - I have coils that are months old and perfectly serviceable with regular maintenance (dry burn and brushing). I go through wicks (cotton, usually) like a mad fiend, but the coils are surprisingly durable.

 

[State O' Flux]

I go through wicks (cotton, usually) like a mad fiend.

But... you are a mad fiend.

 

[mikewill45]

Thanks for the help guys. I'm going to try the burn and brush to extend the life of my coils. Not that wire is expensive but no use throwing away good stuff.

 

[Revelene]

I usually change the coil every week. Not because I need to but because I like to tinker. I have let a few builds before go for 3 weeks or so. I use organic cotton for the wick which allows me to change it every few days for a fresh vape.