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First RDA and first time making coils

CactusFanaticus

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Member For 2 Years
What's up guys and gals, I've been vaping on and off for 2 years or so and recently picked it back up. Just recently started making my own juice, and today recieved my first RDA (goon clone) taking the next step of building my own coils. Don't know what took me so long, this shit is fun!

Anyways my first build is nothing special, just 7 wraps of 24 gauge.image.jpegThink I wicked it a little loose, hits like a champ though, so much better flavor than pre made coils. Ohm'd @ .34 on the coilmaster, but the Alien mod says .219, not sure which to believe that's quite the difference.

Anyway just thought I'd share my excitement with everyone and will post the progression of my builds, several gauges of wire on the way:)
 

MannyScoot

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Member For 4 Years
Hell yeah..... A new beginning..... Keep it up......The process is learning from your mistakes.... Don't be afraid to try new stuff and practice.....

You will notice that soon you will build crazy stuff.....

What's up guys and gals, I've been vaping on and off for 2 years or so and recently picked it back up. Just recently started making my own juice, and today recieved my first RDA (goon clone) taking the next step of building my own coils. Don't know what took me so long, this shit is fun!

Anyways my first build is nothing special, just 7 wraps of 24 gauge.View attachment 84376Think I wicked it a little loose, hits like a champ though, so much better flavor than pre made coils. Ohm'd @ .34 on the coilmaster, but the Alien mod says .219, not sure which to believe that's quite the difference.

Anyway just thought I'd share my excitement with everyone and will post the progression of my builds, several gauges of wire on the way:)
9f26208da0287a2f27443f46dd2fed7c.jpg


Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk
 

CactusFanaticus

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Member For 2 Years
Killer alien man, definitely looking forward to trying some different builds. Another RDA and several sizes of wire on the way, work bench is cleaned off with nothing but a vice and a drill waiting lol.
 

HondaDavidson

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Member For 4 Years
What's up guys and gals, I've been vaping on and off for 2 years or so and recently picked it back up. Just recently started making my own juice, and today recieved my first RDA (goon clone) taking the next step of building my own coils. Don't know what took me so long, this shit is fun!

Anyways my first build is nothing special, just 7 wraps of 24 gauge.View attachment 84376Think I wicked it a little loose, hits like a champ though, so much better flavor than pre made coils. Ohm'd @ .34 on the coilmaster, but the Alien mod says .219, not sure which to believe that's quite the difference.

Anyway just thought I'd share my excitement with everyone and will post the progression of my builds, several gauges of wire on the way:)
Truth is some where between the to readings.... but the mod is going to regulate based on it number..... as long a you don't violate safety or operational limits on either meter your probably good to go.

Have Fun and Vape On.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
 

KingPin!

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Nice one cactus! Building can be great fun and very rewarding especially when you learn a new build and nail it ...do you have a build in mind you are aiming towards?

I remember watching the YouTube vids of squidoode, mturk, twisted messes etc thinking I'd love to knock these coils out but they seem so bloody difficult and in all honesty some of thier tips and techniques are outdated now as newer easier methods have been found, some still relevant though.

I personally wanted to build an alien, that was my goal when I first started!

I started with the below
IMG_0852.JPG
Within a few months and I wast pushing myself particularly hard (as I was vaping what I made previously ;))
IMG_1155.JPG

If you haven't already head to the coil section and post your builds show us you pics as you progress great to see people coming along
 

MannyScoot

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Member For 4 Years
Nice one cactus! Building can be great fun and very rewarding especially when you learn a new build and nail it ...do you have a build in mind you are aiming towards?

I remember watching the YouTube vids of squidoode, mturk, twisted messes etc thinking I'd love to knock these coils out but they seem so bloody difficult and in all honesty some of thier tips and techniques are outdated now as newer easier methods have been found, some still relevant though.

I personally wanted to build an alien, that was my goal when I first started!

I started with the below
View attachment 84404
Within a few months and I wast pushing myself particularly hard (as I was vaping what I made previously ;))
View attachment 84403

If you haven't already head to the coil section and post your builds show us you pics as you progress great to see people coming along
Nice colors.... Go slow with burning around 20 watts...... You might kill a set of batteries but when you burn the slowwwwww..... The colors growwwww....
2fbbd7d392470c5265d5600727141f30.jpg
0b9f5c49c0612c4b710aac1351298098.jpg
7de9d49e16db32bd89c06ed51b58367f.jpg


Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk
 

KingPin!

In my defence, I was left unsupervised ^^
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Nice colors.... Go slow with burning around 20 watts...... You might kill a set of batteries but when you burn the slowwwwww..... The colors growwwww....
2fbbd7d392470c5265d5600727141f30.jpg
0b9f5c49c0612c4b710aac1351298098.jpg
7de9d49e16db32bd89c06ed51b58367f.jpg


Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

Had it on 15 manny slow burned this one for ages ....it's this latest spool of NI80 I got from crazy wire co seems to only like going blue for some reason lol

I miss the skittles!
 
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CactusFanaticus

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Member For 2 Years
Nice one cactus! Building can be great fun and very rewarding especially when you learn a new build and nail it ...do you have a build in mind you are aiming towards?

I remember watching the YouTube vids of squidoode, mturk, twisted messes etc thinking I'd love to knock these coils out but they seem so bloody difficult and in all honesty some of thier tips and techniques are outdated now as newer easier methods have been found, some still relevant though.

I personally wanted to build an alien, that was my goal when I first started!

I started with the below
View attachment 84404
Within a few months and I wast pushing myself particularly hard (as I was vaping what I made previously ;))
View attachment 84403

If you haven't already head to the coil section and post your builds show us you pics as you progress great to see people coming along
Thanks, some great shots guys, beautiful color! only thing that worries me is using the meter for mech builds, like you said though as long as I keep it within range I should be ok. I don't plan on going super low ohm anyway.

I'll probably practice claptons and try a staggered fused clapton, love how those look, and definitely have to get the alien down.
 

CactusFanaticus

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Member For 2 Years
I have experience winding miles of small gauge wire building tesla coils, but the core is several inches round, winding wire around wire is a whole other ball game lol, sure I'll mess up but that's how we learn as long as we're having fun.
 

KingPin!

In my defence, I was left unsupervised ^^
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Build away matey sounds like you have a good plan to me ;) fused claptons are great still use them a lot now on decks that won't take large coils or for when I want to temp control

I personally dont see the need to go super low ohm 0.14 is lowest I've ever built
 

bobnat

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Good for you for making coils. I don't know if you're making juice, but if and when you do, you'll have as much control over your vaping as possible, shy of making your own mods and tanks. It's a nice feeling.
 

CactusFanaticus

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Oh yeah, been making my own juice for a few weeks now, got a clone of one of my favorites down and even improved on it a bit.

As promised, here's my second build, a staggerd fused clapton: cores are 28 g clapton'd with 34, fused with 34. Dual coils 7 wraps ohm'd @ .37
image.jpeg
Kinda slow ramp up but a lot of flavor, maybe should have went with 5 or 6 wraps but I'm happy with how it turned out.
 

KingPin!

In my defence, I was left unsupervised ^^
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Oh yeah, been making my own juice for a few weeks now, got a clone of one of my favorites down and even improved on it a bit.

As promised, here's my second build, a staggerd fused clapton: cores are 28 g clapton'd with 34, fused with 34. Dual coils 7 wraps ohm'd @ .37
View attachment 84574
Kinda slow ramp up but a lot of flavor, maybe should have went with 5 or 6 wraps but I'm happy with how it turned out.

Youre a natural cactus took me ages to pluck up the courage to give that one a crack! Looking good slap some ribbon in the middle next and you have a framed staple staggered fused clapton great vape from one of them although need a bunch of wattage to get them going :)
 

CactusFanaticus

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:)Thanks bro, I also owe a thanks to the community and all the people who took the time to make some awesome tutorial videos. Something else that helps is something I picked up from another tedious hobby (grafting small cactus seedlings), I take in a lot of caffeine and my hands shake like a chiwahua shitting a peach seed lol. I've found if I stand while I work my hands are much more steady. Here's my work area, my work bench is a comfortable height to stand and work.image.jpeg

I see now that the smaller gauge wire goes quick, definitely need to pick up some extra 34, 36 and some ribbon:cheers:
 

gopher_byrd

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:)Thanks bro, I also owe a thanks to the community and all the people who took the time to make some awesome tutorial videos. Something else that helps is something I picked up from another tedious hobby (grafting small cactus seedlings), I take in a lot of caffeine and my hands shake like a chiwahua shitting a peach seed lol. I've found if I stand while I work my hands are much more steady. Here's my work area, my work bench is a comfortable height to stand and work.View attachment 84579

I see now that the smaller gauge wire goes quick, definitely need to pick up some extra 34, 36 and some ribbon:cheers:
Nice work area and I love the chiwawa analogy. :cheers: Since you're going to get some more wire, snag some 38 and 40 gauge. Those will greatly improve your ramp up times compared to the 34.
 

KingPin!

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Also head over the the coil section post your builds thread (it's stickied) make sure to wack your builds in there great seeing builders come along
 

CactusFanaticus

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Thanks for the tip, may have to get a loupe headset to work with anything 38+, don't think the old man reading glasses I use would suffice :giggle:, was also thinking using nichrome for the wraps may help instead of all kanthal.

@KingPin! will definitely drop in the build thread, was checking it out last night. Jesus Christ some talented individuals here some of those builds are insane. I'm going to have to eventually get a decent camera for macro shots, holding a loupe to the lens of my phone atm lol. If all goes well trying my hand at some alien wire today.
 

gopher_byrd

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Check out using spool tamers for your wrap wire. This vid shows how to make staggered fused Claptons, but can be used for just regular Claptons or fused Claptons. No need to the "old man" glasses or magnifying headset.

 

KingPin!

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Thanks for the tip, may have to get a loupe headset to work with anything 38+, don't think the old man reading glasses I use would suffice :giggle:, was also thinking using nichrome for the wraps may help instead of all kanthal.

@KingPin! will definitely drop in the build thread, was checking it out last night. Jesus Christ some talented individuals here some of those builds are insane. I'm going to have to eventually get a decent camera for macro shots, holding a loupe to the lens of my phone atm lol. If all goes well trying my hand at some alien wire today.

Don't feel offput by any of that there are people at all different stages of thier build abilities in there that's why it's great to see new faces keeps the thread alive plus you can go back and check out how far you've come :)
 

KingPin!

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Check out using spool tamers for your wrap wire. This vid shows how to make staggered fused Claptons, but can be used for just regular Claptons or fused Claptons. No need to the "old man" glasses or magnifying headset.


Make sure your spools are perfectly rounded though lol ...I tried this one myself failed miserably because of the crap spools I was using (had a notch in them and everything)
 

CactusFanaticus

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I actually picked up a couple spool tamers the other day but haven't used them yet, kinda wanted to earn the right of using them by learning without first if that makes since lol

Check it out guys, coil #3, not the best by far, but I pulled of some aliens. I'll post them in the build thread as well
image.jpeg
 

KingPin!

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I actually picked up a couple spool tamers the other day but haven't used them yet, kinda wanted to earn the right of using them by learning without first if that makes since lol

Check it out guys, coil #3, not the best by far, but I pulled of some aliens. I'll post them in the build thread as well
View attachment 84666

Not bloody bad mate! At this rate you'll be knocking out staggertons next week lol ...bring back the lead slightly on the next one it'll close up the gaps for you
 

CactusFanaticus

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Thanks brotha, and thanks for the tips, not going to lie had a time with this one lol. I was probably leading too much because it went back on itself a couple times, difficult to keep the cores from collapsing as well, though I'm sure there's a trick or two to it. Going to take lots of wire and practice :)
 

KingPin!

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Thanks brotha, and thanks for the tips, not going to lie had a time with this one lol. I was probably leading too much because it went back on itself a couple times, difficult to keep the cores from collapsing as well, though I'm sure there's a trick or two to it. Going to take lots of wire and practice :)

Some people like using key rings, others like ribbon slider, i recently started using those alienmakers (not bad got to get used to them and break them in) to hold the cores flat

.....the important thing is to keep equal tension on all cores if there is a slight slack anywhere it will collapse that bit is in the prep (always the prep)

And the same with the decore apply equal tension when holding it.some like under stretching it then holding it tighter by thier lap, others prefer stretching so you barely hold it let it wind itself again holding a little way back (I'm of the latter)

When you get this down the only thing you concentrate on is the angle you run the decore at trust everything else and open up the drill :)
 
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Aaronmc

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I love this thread.. I just started vaping about 3 months ago, and Im already making my own juices. Im looking into buying an RDA and making my own coils as well. Reading back on this thread I have learned a good bit. Thanks everyone! Ill definitely post pics as I make progress.
 

CactusFanaticus

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Definitely feel welcome to share in this thread Aaronmc, still learning a lot as a coil noob myself. Was hoping me sharing my progress would help inspire more new ppl to take the leap into rba's and see if I can do it anyone can.

Been slammed at work lately, haven't had time to do much, but just received some N80 in various gauges and a couple new addies on the way along with some new mechs:)
Definitely going to be doing some building this weekend.
 

The Huntress

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I love this thread.. I just started vaping about 3 months ago, and Im already making my own juices. Im looking into buying an RDA and making my own coils as well. Reading back on this thread I have learned a good bit. Thanks everyone! Ill definitely post pics as I make progress.
Hey, I'm right there with you. Started vaping just over 3 weeks ago. Thought I'd be happy with just a Smok stick, BBB, M2 coils and damn good NETs. Yeah, right. This has turned into a major hobby.
And this thread is awesome!
Flave
 

CactusFanaticus

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Member For 2 Years
What's up guys, haven't been building anything too crazy, just some quick claptons for a couple mechs. Did 26 g n80 wrapped in 38 n80, five wraps around 3mm screwdriver ohming @ around .25, perfect for my vaping style (around 55-60 watts).
IMG_0050.JPG
The small nichrome build fires instant, virtually no ramp up time very nice. Really starting to love mechs, my regulated mods haven't seen much action lately. I would like to have a nice squonker, leaning towards a boxer.
 

Matty Vapes

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Inspiring thread buddy. I must admit I'm intimidated by building my own wire and coils...I also don't think I want to put in that much work lol some pre-builts are in my future for sure.
 

CactusFanaticus

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Noting wrong with prebuilts, great stepping stone to get ppl into rebuilding. May pick up some staples myself before I start working with ribbon. Getting over the intimidation was the hardest part for me, once I took the leap I wish I'd done it years ago. A noob myself so take my advice with a grain of salt, but I'd recommend a coilmaster kit to anyone starting out even if buying prebuilt coils.

They can be picked up for around 30$ or so comes with all the tools needed to mount and wick : screwdrivers, ceramic tweezers, ohm meter, scissors, cotton, etc. Also comes with a small spool of wire and a hand coil jig that builds simple coils as easy as unscrewing a cap off a soda. YouTube video of the one I have
 

Matty Vapes

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Yup I actually grabbed myself the CM V3 kit a couple weeks ago. No problem building basic single wire builds. Just intimidated by new things lol like you said probably grab some pre-builts to get a feel for things. I know I'll give it a shot eventually but I'm easing myself into it. Switching to a RDA was a big step for me. At least I thought so..one step at a time :D
 

KingPin!

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I bought the geekvape version of this kit ages ago well happy with it the only thing that's slightly worn is the wire cutters but I had to buy coilmaster coiling kit seperately which is a downer but I thought at the time the payoff was thier included resistemce reader looked a bit better
 

CactusFanaticus

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Right on, I like geekvape' stuff, was looking for a s100 squonker but everyone's sold out :(

Hell yeah Matty :vino:Now I recall you mentioned that, I have the memory of a goldfish:facepalm: Claptons are a good next step IMO, claptoning is part of so many other builds. They pretty much do themselves, especially if you pick up a spool tamer, like 1$ at hobby lobby. I bet without them you could watch tv while you clapton.
 

MannyScoot

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Manny, what wire and build is this. What does it Ohm out for you? Looks like double core clapton ran parallel with 5 wraps? Warning! Im a newb builder.. lol
Stainless Steel 316L they ohmed out at .30 I'm having to use Kanthal and crazy builds to ohm out at .80 Ohms

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk
 

mithril

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Stainless Steel 316L they ohmed out at .30 I'm having to use Kanthal and crazy builds to ohm out at .80 Ohms

How do you work with SS316L?
So far I have made a 26/28 Clapton (all the wire I had at the moment, did it for fun) and a 28 twisted build.
Both cases I have had a really hard time keeping the coil at the ID I wanted because it is really springy.
I'm considering switching to Kanthal because I read it is easier to work with.
 

MannyScoot

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How do you work with SS316L?
So far I have made a 26/28 Clapton (all the wire I had at the moment, did it for fun) and a 28 twisted build.
Both cases I have had a really hard time keeping the coil at the ID I wanted because it is really springy.
I'm considering switching to Kanthal because I read it is easier to work with.
Your sure it's SS because the one I find Springy it's Nichrome..... SS is pretty easy to work with.....
 

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