Vamo in 18500 Mode

[Jim66]

NOTE:
I have uploaded two better quality pictures in post #4 below.

Hi all,
Personally, I feel like the Vamo is too long in 18650 mode. So I've been using it with an AW 18350, but naturally, battery life is really short. I was really hoping an 18490/18500 tube would come out, but that just hasn't happened so I decided to make my own.

Just watch... now that I did this, an 18500 tube will probably come out next week.

Please keep in mind, I am not a machinist, and it isn't perfect. Anyway, here is my "new" 18500 Vamo. I love it. Note the gun metal finish has worn off quite a bit except for the 18650 extension that I never used before.









Here is a line up to compare sizes


The Provari next to the Vamo is a mini with an extension cap which is a hair shorter than a full size Provari with no extension cap. The Buzz Pro is on the right side of the Vamo. And that's the Bombshell Stinger next to the Buzz.

If any body is interested, here is what I did in a nutshell:

I measured the length needed. Then I removed the tube section below the control head. I cut it down to size with a hacksaw then used the flat side of a grinding wheel to make it as flat as possible. Then I placed emery cloth on a metal bench top and worked the new shorter tube back and forth in a figure 8 motion until it was smooth.

Then I used an air operated dremel with a cobalt bit to remove material from the inside. If you have removed your tube section below the control head you have seen how there is a press fit between those two parts. This is why material had to be removed with the dremel. That's pretty much it.

I know, I know... I either have too much time on my hands or I'm an avid vaper. Probably a little of both.

 

[dam718]

If you don't mind me asking... What type of 18500 are you using?

I only have 18350's @ 800 mAh, 18490's @ 1100 mAh, and 18650's @ 2000 mAh.

With there only being a 300 mAh difference between an 18350 and 18490, I personally would stick with the shorter form factor and use an 18350. Not enough gain to make it worth the labor involved.

I do agree that the 18650 mode is too dang long though... And to think it's actually two stacked PCB's in there... Surely they could have come up with something to make it a bit smaller...

 

[Jim66]

If you don't mind me asking... What type of 18500 are you using?

I do agree that the 18650 mode is too dang long though... And to think it's actually two stacked PCB's in there... Surely they could have come up with something to make it a bit smaller...

The AW IMR battery is 18490. I just usually refer to 18490/18500 batteries as "18500". I apologize for the confusion.

I have a smok ICR 18500 I got with my Bolt which amazingly is supposed to be 1600 mAH. And if you believe that I've got some land in Florida I'd like to sell you.

I don't use it.

I also have some unbranded LIR 18500s rated at 1400 mAH. I got these from Dark City Vapor. They came with my A606 mod. LIR is generic for lithium ion rechargeable and does not even address the chemistry i.e. IMR, ICR, or IFR.

I don't use them.

I'll stick with the AW IMR. I know there won't be a huge difference between 18350 and 18500 battery life, but anything is better than the approximate 3 to 4 hours I was getting with the 18350.

 

[Jim66]

Here are two pictures in natural light.

 

[GIMike]

My only concern with that, is that it's no longer usable with any other battery except the 18500. So now, instead of having 2 types of batteries you could use, you only have the one. While it would still be the same length, I have heard of others who have used spacers to fit an 18500 battery in it when it was in 18650 mode.

 

[Jim66]

My only concern with that, is that it's no longer usable with any other battery except the 18500. So now, instead of having 2 types of batteries you could use, you only have the one. While it would still be the same length, I have heard of others who have used spacers to fit an 18500 battery in it when it was in 18650 mode.

Hi Mike,
That is a very valid concern, but not for me. I can say without fail that I would never use it in 18650 mode because I feel it is too long.

 

[Faylool]

The Vamo is very well priced too so who needs all it's features, especially if you don't like them. Glad it worked for you. If I tried it it would be bye bye Vamo! I never use it in 18350 mode anymore unless I'm charging both 18650s. I don't take it out of the house much either but I sure wouldn't be without it. I'll wait till
It dies to get another vv/vw. Maybe some new thing.

 

[GIMike]

I'm all for modding it, don't get me wrong. If you have more 18500 batteries than you do 650s, makes perfect sense. I can't go through a 2000 mah battery in one day anyway, so I can see why you wouldn't need the extra power. I also only use the 18350 when my 650 is charging. My fiancee crocheted me a holder for it so I can wear it around my neck. I already wear my work badge around my neck, so it made sense to do that for my e-cig too. So the length doesn't bother me too much since I rarely carry it in my hand

It does look good though, and I'm glad you got it working in the way you wanted it

 

[junkman]

I find it is most comfortable in 18650 mode. 18350 the button is too low.

 

[GIMike]

I find it is most comfortable in 18650 mode. 18350 the button is too low.

Yeah, the holder my fiancee made has a long button hole that was supposed to be open for either 18650 or 18350 mode, but sadly it's still a bit too short lol