Wick Material Question

[Krythis]

I purchased this silica rope from MSC(here) as suggested by someone else on ECF who was already working with their own attys. The material on the bottom of this image looks like what I'm looking for, am I supposed to discard the 'fluffier' material above it? It pulls apart rather easily and doesn't appear to be the type of material used.

 

[Bubo]

Odd, my one inch rope hasn't had that yet - but I've only scratched the surface of it....
The fluffy stuff looks like what I have been using though (The part you want to throw out).... I'd PM Scubabatdan and ask though!
(That and put a lighter to it - if it burns and melts - bad! )

 

[WillyB]

Your link to MSC is NG.

Did you get the Silica Rope #3 or #4?

Silica Seals

Silica has the flexibility of fiberglass, plus a higher temperature rating.
(3) Round Braided— Made of 99% silica. Temperature range is -100° to +2300° F. Color is white.
(4) Square Braided— Made of 98.8% silica. The square design fits many oven and furnace door grooves and provides more sealing surface than round braided. Temperature range is -40° to +2300° F. Color is tan.

 

[Krythis]

Your link to MSC is NG.

Did you get the Silica Rope #3 or #4?

Item Number: 31950116 3/8"DIA.TWSTDX1FT CTL HI-TEMP SILICA ROPE GSKTG

 

[Krythis]

I believe this is the same rope nicotime uses. He was the person I got the site from, unless of course I bought the wrong one?

 

[WillyB]

This is from Vaporer.

McMaster-Carr

The Silica #3 or 4.

 

[Krythis]

Mine looks like #6 from that site

 

[WillyB]

McMaster-Carr

The Silica #3 or 4.

[/QUOTE]

Mine looks like #6 from that site

Yea but your pic looks odd.

How does the cottony stuff work?

 

[Krythis]

McMaster-Carr
How does the cottony stuff work?

It's lighter and pulls apart easily. When put to flame it turns a grayish color and seems to break apart more easily. The thread on the lower part of the picture is stronger and looks light the material you posted. I'm assuming it woven into the rope for strength?

 

[slumgunner]

isnt it easyer to get it from zippo lighter wicks? but i guess its a bit costly

 

[Scubabatdan]

I have made the mistake of getting Fiberglass material and that is what it looks like. The inner threading does look like the silica I have. I bought mine from McMaster-Carr as WillyB did. It should not break apart easily. I would order some from McMaster-Carr, it could be they are using a different type of silica material that is not made the same and not as strong. Just my 2 cents.
Dan

 

[l3oertjie]

That stuff is Silica reinforced rope. The re-inforcing part is a thin strand of fibreglass woven with cotton like silica fluff. I am using the same stuff. I guess there could be concerns regarding silica fibres coming loose more easily from this braided rope instead of the longer strands used in the McMaster-Carr's rope. I still don't know how they manufacture those... Would be interesting to see considering where silica fibres come from.

However, when wetted with e-juice, I don't think fibres are a big concern, unless you vape the poor wick bone dry and then some more and even some more....

 

[WillyB]

I'm gonna try some of my hair

 

[nicotime]

I believe this is the same rope nicotime uses. He was the person I got the site from, unless of course I bought the wrong one?

Kry...that rope will work for some things..like I tuck a little in under the bridge of an atty...but for the strands you need the sleeve on the right of this pic.

Here is the link....
MSC Item Detail

 

[WillyB]

Hard to see but it's a braided wrap around a braided core. It's all about the same.

3/8" Rope #3 from McMaster

I think braided is the key, not like #6.

 

[nicotime]

I'm gonna try some of my hair

Is it braided???..just because its all white doesnt make it a suitable wick!!

 

[Bubo]

Pansy Asses...
Get some REAL Silica rope!

 

[KYFlyer67]

I've been using silica in my DIY attys for awhile now and I've not been completely happy with it. I believe mine is #4 in WillyB's post. My attys work great at first but they're lasting for only a few days and I suspect the problem may be the silica - maybe, maybe not. On a whim I decided to try candle wicks. So far very good. The funny thing is that candle wicks are typically made of cotton and/or paper. You'd think they'd go up like kindling, and if you let them dry out they probably would. However, if you keep them soaked in eliquid, they hold up very well, and in my opinion produce more vapor. Silica tastes like burnt tires if you don't soak it in alcohol before using in my experience. That tells me it's treated with something bad. Call me crazy but I'm about ready to abandon silica in favor of candle wicks. Try it before you call me crazy.

 

[Krythis]

So I guess I can use the silica strands used to reinforce the rope, but I don't want to use the rope material itself since it reacts to heat. I'll pick up a foot of 3/8 #3 from McMaster, appears to be a popular choice.

 

[l3oertjie]

Pansy Asses...
Get some REAL Silica rope!

Bubo!!!!!!! You have lost your way my good friend........ Do you dream about e-ciggies at night? Do they haunt you perhaps?

Damn..... That is some serious wick stock you have there.... lol!

I am really interested in seeing your white candle collection in two months.....