Where do i even begin

[sumthinepic]

Okay, so a little background info on myself and my vaping history. I received an innokin starter kit about 2 months ago, and have since moved on to the itaste v.30 and use the aspire ets bdc tank on it. i dont necessarily love the set up i have, but i dont hate it either. I havent smoked since the day i had my first vape.
Any ways enough about that, on to what im really here for. i stumbled across smoke tricks, and cloud chasing and the oh so godly hobby of mechanical mods. Im totally newbie and well, im the type of person who likes to know what is ahead of me before going ahead with something like this.
So before i even think about buying a mod i want to do my research and know what im doing but i have no clue as to what to search for, or what exactly to ask someone, or what i even need to know about them.
All i know is i see the clouds, and i want them.
Any suggestion is accepted, .links, whatever.
Thank you.

 

[txfordguy]

Very first thing is battery safety. Make sure you know your batteries' limits, what it can and can't do. I'm on my phone so I can't post the link. Someone won't be far behind to provide you with the link.

Most common batteries are 18350, 18500, and 18650. 18650s will have the highest mah (how long it'll hold a charge) and the highest amp rating. When looking at amp ratings, I usually pay attention to the continuous rating. DO NOT GO ABOVE THE AMP RATING.

I'd start with something simple and cheap. I started with an igo-l (not necessarily the easiest to build because it doesn't have post holes). But it does the job.

 

[ElConquistador]

I learned what I needed to know by reading here and watching lots of YouTube videos. I started with a foot or two of wire and some cotton and rebuilt my Protanks for a while until I was comfortable with it. An igo-L or similar low-priced dripper would be even easier to learn on and it will work on your VV3 mod with a reasonable coil resistance, so you can try out the whole thing safely.

 

[Susan~S]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Glad to have you here!

There are many ways you can go to get more vapor. A mechanical mod with rebuildables is one way. This post will cover the safety aspects of this.

If you are new to mech mods and rebuildables I highly recommend you spend some time with Baditude (one of our resident battery experts) and visit his blogs. You will be 100% in control of your own safety (and others around you). Make sure you purchase an ohm reader and a voltmeter or DMM so you can measure your builds, check for shorts and measure the remaining charge on your batteries.

Baditudes Blogs. The blogs regarding mods and rebuildables are listed below:

BATTERIES

9. Battery Basics for Mods: IMR or Protected ICR?
* Another essential read to understand which batteries are safe to use in mechanical and regulated mods. Includes a frequently updated list of recommended safe-chemistry, high-drain batteries with their specifications.

17. Purple Efest Batteries Not As Advertised
* A cautionary blog that reveals that the purple Efest batteries may not have the specifications advertised. Also includes a commentary on "continuous discharge ratings" vs "pulse discharge ratings" of battery specs.

OHM'S LAW

14. Ohm's Law for Dummies (Vapers)
* My attempt at explaining Ohm's Law in layman terms and how it relates to vaping.

16. Explain it to the Dumb Noob: Ohm's Law Calculations
* As simple as it is to use, some people have a tough time grasping the concept. Warning: Includes graphic photos of mod explosions.

MECHANICAL MODS & REBUILDABLES

7. Information Resources for Your First RBA
* An essential read and reference guide for someone new to rebuilding coils. Includes a multitude of useful links on battery safety, mod safety, coil meters, coil building, and the differences in the three types of RBA's.

15. Inexpensive Mechanical Mod and RDA Setup
* A response to the frequently asked question on how to get into rebuildable atomizers with a mechanical mod inexpensively. Includes a list of commonly used tools and supplies for rebuilding and where to find them.

BATTERIES - WHERE TO BUY

Only buy batteries from a reputable supplier (not ebay or Amazon) as there are many counterfeit batteries being sold. Here are several reputable battery suppliers in the US.

* RTD Vapor
* Illumination Supply
* Lighthound
* Orbtronics

 

[Susan~S]

There are many ways you can go to get more vapor. A mechanical mod with rebuildables is one way.

You can also use a high vv/vw regulated mod with rebuildables.

The downside to a mechanical mod (safety aspects aside) is the only way to "fine tune" your vape is to build a new coil. With a high vv/vw regulated mod (and its buck/boost circuitry) you can "fine tune" with a push of a button. On a mechanical mod your voltage drops as you vape, with a regulated mod this does not happen. Your first hit is just as good as your last hit.

You could also use a high vv/vw regulated mod with a stock coil tank such as the Aspire Nautilus. I use my Nautilus with an iStick (lots of flavor and vapor). This is Matt (from Suck My Mod) vaping a mini Nautilus on an rDNA (a 30 watt devise). Vaping The New Aspire Nautilus Mini at 20 watts!

There are a couple of new tanks on the market that take "sub-ohm" stock coils. The Aspire Atlantis & the Kanger Sub-Tank. Lots of "first look" reviews on the Aspire Atlantis:

1. A PBusardo Video - First Thoughts on the Atlantis
2. GrimmGreen - Aspire Atlantis + CF SUB OHM battery
3. Todd ecigreviews - ASPIRE Atlantis/CF MOD/CF SUB OHM
4. Suck my Mod - Vaping The Aspire Atlantis At 45 Watts!
5. VapingwithTwisted420 - Aspire Atlantis Quick First Look Impressions

Here's a review of the KangerTech Sub-Tank: Kangertech SUBTANK Review

 

[Robino1]

Moved from Simple Solutions to New Members.
Simple solutions is for very new to vaping members.

 

[Kaezziel]

Pay particular attention to the things that Susan said and read the links that she provided.
That being said... mech mods were the only real way to chase clouds up to about a year ago... now, with all of the high wattage regulated mods available, that just isn't the case anymore. If I were new to vaping and wanted to chase after the clouds, I'd do it with a regulated mod... I mean, c'mon... there are box mods that can do around 200W! There is NO mechanical mod that can match that... I hate to admit that, because I love my mechs, but it is the truth. Get a Cloupor, a DNA 40,or maybe even a SMY God 180... you'll get bigger clouds, better vape, more control, and most importantly... a much safer setup! That's my two cents on the matter...

 

[sumthinepic]

Thanks so much you all were so very helpful. Im definitely going to check out the links provided and re-read over all the other suggestions, as well as look into them. I want to get myself a prize for quitting smoking and getting off the nic, so when I get to a very low mg or to 0,( atm im on 12,) it'll kind of be my " good for you " present to myself. Again, Thanks sooo much. As a mother of 2 kids with no car, and like 2 vape shops in my whole province, its hard to get out and see if they know anything. Youre all amazeballs.

 

[sumthinepic]

Thank you so very much!!

 

[Kaezziel]

Any time you have questions, we're here for you! Or, just drop by and say hi when you have some time... This is an amazing community and it is full of people who love to help one another. We're very happy that you've made your way to us, and you absolutely deserve a "Good for You" present!!

 

[sumthinepic]

Thanks, you all seem to know your stuff, it was just gibberish, but as i read some more stuff its all starting to make sense. Wonderfull peoples.

 

[Redruth]

Hello sumthinepic and welcome to the ECF family. Glad you decided to join in the fun and well done on giving up the stinky sticks.

Happy vaping.

 

[Kaezziel]

There certainly is no shortage of knowledge and experience here... and most importantly, everyone seems to enjoy sharing that sage wisdom. If you read through the links that Susan provided above, you will certainly be well on your way to having much of the information that you are trying to gather. Anything that isn't covered in there can be found by simply asking the questions.

 

[Mccannch]

I would have to agree that looking at regulated mods over mech mods is a safer play for beginners. You can get a inexpensive regulated mod to start with these days and eliminate some of the real dangers. A quality "name brand" regulated mod is basically fool proof, however it's no excuse to not read up on battery safety and ohms law however. Always do your homework!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sumthinepic]

Thank you Redruth, ive been enjoying it. I feel so much better after smoking for so long. didnt think id be able to do it, more or less tricked myself into it. muaha.

Kaezziel, it seems that way so far! I actually do have a question tho, even its its off topic a little: my tank sometimes seems like it gets bubbling or sort of like a leakage where i would take my draw from. Not like that crackling bubble sound when you press the firing button. what causes this? is it because it wasnt kept in an upright position, or is there a leakage of the juice cause by something else?

 

[Kaezziel]

Yep, that means that the coil section is "flooded" (it has a bit of extra juice in there). It could be caused by it being upside down/on it's side, or it could be caused by drawing too hard on the inhale... you can unscrew the tank from the battery and blow through the tank (with the thread section in a paper towel). Then just screw it back on the battery and go back to vaping.
There is a section in Baditude's blog (that Susan linked to, and also in my signature) that explains cartomizers and clearomizers (tanks) a bit better... there are also some more tips/tricks in there... Hope this helps!

 

[Warpigs]

I started out with and still use to this day 1 Your Online Electronic Cigarette Store. 5 AW 18650 Protected 3100 mAh Rechargeable Lithium Battery - AltSmoke. 5 EH IMR 18650, 30amp, 1600mAh, Flat Top. 20 Smok Tech Replacement Bottom Coils. 10 PBC TANK. 1 TrustFire TR-001 Lithium Ion Battery Charger, Black. And my all day vapes are $3.58 Hangsen E-liquid for Electronic Cigarettes (30ml) - Ruyan 4 flavor / 24mg/ml nicotine at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping. And Blue Moon Ice Cream - Killer Juice.

 

[sumthinepic]

Awesome, Kaezziel, kinda figured as much, just wasnt sure if my tank had a crack in it or not, and thats what i been doing. Just seems like its happening more so now then before. Wear and tear maybe?

and wow warpigs, thats a whole lot to take in, ill have to come back to that. but thank you!!!

 

[GinnyTx]

Sum same here..I'm workin' my way up to the clouds..the kiddo over at our B&M let me try his GOD box 150watt with a Mutant X dripper and that's on my "Santa I've been good list" or birthday in February (daughter had dental work so that's all our Christmas I think *lol*) ciest la vie

thick yummy warm cloud that LINGERED on the bar..oh joy!! *lol* you can swirl it into a lil tornado afterwards too *lol*I"m easily amused what can I say?

good luck to you!!

 

[Kaezziel]

Awesome, Kaezziel, kinda figured as much, just wasnt sure if my tank had a crack in it or not, and thats what i been doing. Just seems like its happening more so now then before. Wear and tear maybe?

and wow warpigs, thats a whole lot to take in, ill have to come back to that. but thank you!!!

There could be a crack in the tank... usually that's pretty obvious though. It could also be the juice. Thinner juice has a higher potential for leaking, but thicker juice has a higher potential for getting dry hits. It's kind of a balancing act and depends entirely on the equipment being used. If you are using a 70pg/30vg, maybe try a 50pg/50vg... that may slow down the leaking. Just keep in mind that the higher the vg percentage, the thicker the juice will be.