Time to re-order Kanthal ... gauge?

[Johntodd]

Been using 30ga for over a year now. The spool is running out.

Was wondering about ordering 28gauge.

I have a Kanger KBOX, and I usually vape at 25watts on a dripper.

My current build (also my standard favorite):

30ga, 2mm, 15 wraps, totals 1.8ohms across both coils.

Very happy, but is 28ga better? I like clouds, but I like flavor more.

Thanks!
-Johntodd

 

[State O' Flux]

I don't understand. You say what you have... not what you want.

• There are optimal wire gauge/resistance value/coil count in parallel for every wattage range... and visa versa.
  
• Do you intend to not go above 25 watts? If not, then your self-imposed limits also restrict an optimal wire gauge range.
  
• Do you intend to go below 1.8Ω? Again... self imposed wire gauge limits.

Using your reference values, your heat flux (radiant coil temperature) is a very cool 124 mW/mm², with a good heat capacity (time to temperature) per coil of 21.03 mJ/K and very good leg loss of 1.6 %.

Does this mean you want to continue on with similar numbers, and perhaps a thicker wire gauge?

• Thicker wire gauge/lower resistance promotes greater coil net surface area. Greater surface area is a direct contributor to denser vapor and frequently an increase in flavor intensity as well.
  
• Your current build net surface area is a relatively small 100 mm² +/-.
  
• If you go with a thicker wire, it will likely be necessary to run at a higher wattage, and perhaps a lower resistance.

 

[Johntodd]

Just wondering if I could get better flavor. I'm getting good flavor now, but what do I know? 30ga is all I've ever used.

 

[thetrucker]

I use 28 guage for most everything as it is thick enough to stay put when making a coil but not so thick as it takes a bazillion watts and slow ramp up time to fire.

seems to be an all around good guage----have tried 24 26 32---

 

[State O' Flux]

The 28 gauge @thetrucker offers might be a good "next step" for you, @Johntodd. Everything from mild sub-ohm to around 1.4Ω is adequately supported in a 30-40 watt range.

27 & 26 would be your next option... should you choose to go with mid to mild sub-ohm, at higher wattage.

I would suggest clicking on my first sigline hyperlink, so you can gain knowledge in the use of the Steam Engine coil modelling program... and learn to optimize builds for coil surface area and heat flux.

 

[Johntodd]

I should have mentioned that I always use Steam-Engine. I never guess at coil builds, and since I am a musician I never attempt to do math.

So I always turn to Steam Engine for my coil wrapping. Also to find the sweet spot on whatever mod I've got. (KBOX for now.)

Thanks!
-Johntodd

 

[TonyB66]

Why don't you buy a smaller coil of 28AWG and experiment a little? Wire is cheap you'll only be loosing a few bucks if that of you don't like it. Getting a bit more coil surface will increase the vapor produced you might like that.

@State O' Flux - good thing your avatar is Einstein, your replies are the most complex detailed replies I have ever seen to a question like this. Highly informative.

 

[State O' Flux]

@State O' Flux - good thing your avatar is Einstein, your replies are the most complex detailed replies I have ever seen to a question like this. Highly informative.

Thanks very much for the kind words,Tony. I certainly didn't invent Steam Engine - I just tried to explain the "inner workings" in more easily digestible terms - and it ended up being several thousands of words on the subject.

Now, after having expended a good bit of time and effort in that task... the most desirable values that make up a vaping build, are the only terms I tend to think in. Some days, I'd just as soon be ignorant of them.

The Einstein avatar, among others I've used, have been intended as personal reminders that, there is always something new to learn.

Cheers

 

[TonyB66]

I have an app on my iphone called MicroCoil Pro. It's pretty easy to use and gives the heat coefficient as on of its main readings and it displays in colours. If you know what battery your using it also shows whether your over doing its capabilities once you’ve entered your specific coil info.

It's a good one for getting the settings right if anyone is struggling with the Steam Engine app.