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Billet Box Appreciation Thread

KKen

Silver Contributor
Member For 4 Years
PM me if you want a DryPlug... I've got some extras :)
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Is this plug fitted off the SXK boro or the Billet Boro? Thanks!
 

troydestroy

Silver Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Is this plug fitted off the SXK boro or the Billet Boro? Thanks!
Each was tested on billet boro. I've used a few on SXK with no issues. The boros are identical far as i can tell... But not all were tested with SXK...
 

~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Not a scratch or ding...not sure how I like this yet lol

I'll have to play with coils tomorrow or when the wife leaves for Hawaii

Been a while having to wick tiny RBAs but no dry hits chain vaping.

Have a simple 26g n80 coil in there now .80

Hmm

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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Yeah I am going to need more time with this thing...

Its a nice vape, but with only an hour with it...not feeling it yet...

I know I can't replicate what I get with my squonks, nature of the devices dictates that...

I'll find my Nirvana with it I am sure...

Not having wicking/juice flow issues...RTAs/RBAs are simple to wick...Flavor is just not there...5 builds into it already...

Maybe I need to try the other Chimney, move away from the 3mm coils and give the 2.5's a fair shake...

Currently have a 3mm 28x2x40 5 wrap N80 fused at 21w and its a decent vape...just a bit muted and dry mouth feel when in my RDAs its just yum ;)

I'll find that balance of AF to coil/height etc. I am searching for... but alas its time for food ;)
 

R3alJim Shady

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Yeah I am going to need more time with this thing...

Its a nice vape, but with only an hour with it...not feeling it yet...

I know I can't replicate what I get with my squonks, nature of the devices dictates that...

I'll find my Nirvana with it I am sure...

Not having wicking/juice flow issues...RTAs/RBAs are simple to wick...Flavor is just not there...5 builds into it already...

Maybe I need to try the other Chimney, move away from the 3mm coils and give the 2.5's a fair shake...

Currently have a 3mm 28x2x40 5 wrap N80 fused at 21w and its a decent vape...just a bit muted and dry mouth feel when in my RDAs its just yum ;)

I'll find that balance of AF to coil/height etc. I am searching for... but alas its time for food ;)
Hope you get on with it!



(secretly hopes you don't )

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
 

Arthur-VU

Silver Contributor
Member For 2 Years
Yeah I am going to need more time with this thing...

Its a nice vape, but with only an hour with it...not feeling it yet...

I know I can't replicate what I get with my squonks, nature of the devices dictates that...

I'll find my Nirvana with it I am sure...

Not having wicking/juice flow issues...RTAs/RBAs are simple to wick...Flavor is just not there...5 builds into it already...

Maybe I need to try the other Chimney, move away from the 3mm coils and give the 2.5's a fair shake...

Currently have a 3mm 28x2x40 5 wrap N80 fused at 21w and its a decent vape...just a bit muted and dry mouth feel when in my RDAs its just yum ;)

I'll find that balance of AF to coil/height etc. I am searching for... but alas its time for food ;)
Which coil head do you have in yours?

I've tried the Kanger-style that comes with the SXK clone, the Exocet and the Insider.

In any of them, I've found a good balance of flavor, clouds and moisture with a 1.1 Ohm 26g Kanthal build of 7 wraps on 2.5mm @ 18-19w.

http://www.steam-engine.org/coil.html?r=1.1&awg=27&id=2.5

Using thicker wire makes the boro tank and glass too hot to the touch and the body of the mod warm, as does when building below 0.65 Ohm for me, so I tend to build either with 26g KA1 or SS316L to be at or just over 1 Ohm, and I can get about 3 fills of the boro tank on a freshly charged LG HG2 before it starts flashing the weak battery at me. When that battery goes on the charger, it shows at 3.11v which is a great cutoff level to maximize battery life.

Also tried 3mm ID coils and found that it seems to restrict the air flow too much for me. I am currently using the Kanger-style RBA head and run it wide open with said build.

Hope this helps! :)
 

R3alJim Shady

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
SXK 70W arrived today. Got a 0.6 ohm 316L 28/36 single core clapton in the Exocet clone vaping at 16.5 watts.

Kind of pissed bc I have a matching JMK dome button, but the bottom left hex screw was over tightened and it stripped immediately when I went to turn it. Any tips on how to get that little bastard out?!

This should tide me over until I get my hands on an authentic. Good to be back to the BB fold.
0e0d89fdc8e5b04a255c66a0f0ede3ed.jpg


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Arthur-VU

Silver Contributor
Member For 2 Years
but the bottom left hex screw was over tightened and it stripped immediately when I went to turn it. Any tips on how to get that little bastard out?!

Sometimes you can use a Torx bit of the proper size to remove an allen-head hex screw.

Otherwise you might try to stretch a rubber band over the end of the correct-sized (and sometimes one size smaller) allen-key and jam it into the hex head of the screw and the rubber will sometimes provide just enough friction to back it out...

Failing that you'll need some reversed-cutting screw-removal drill bits ~1mm dia in order to drill it out without killing the threads in the BB and maybe a dremel (that can be reversed in rotation) on low speed (~500-800 rpm)
 

~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
SXK 70W arrived today. Got a 0.6 ohm 316L 28/36 single core clapton in the Exocet clone vaping at 16.5 watts.

Kind of pissed bc I have a matching JMK dome button, but the bottom left hex screw was over tightened and it stripped immediately when I went to turn it. Any tips on how to get that little bastard out?!

This should tide me over until I get my hands on an authentic. Good to be back to the BB fold.
0e0d89fdc8e5b04a255c66a0f0ede3ed.jpg


Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

You should be able to utilize the covers leverage to belt lift the stripped screw head enough to catch a good thread...down fall is that threaded hole will be shot (assuming its a thread tapped aluminum )

Side note, I am thinking we vape very similar in terms of coils etc.

rocking a 26/40 N80 Clapton .67 in the RPG at 19w... wen't with the 40 wrap so it cools a bit faster...its good til I get my wire order in to make other stuffs

Ordered some Kanthal (Yuck) and some 30 and 32 wire for some micro fused/aliens
 

~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Oh nvm, its the head of the hex stripped, not the screw itself in the mod...disregard

Dremel and cut in a slot for a slotted screw driver only way I know how

JB weld a toss away allen in its place, then once removed toss both ;)
 

Arthur-VU

Silver Contributor
Member For 2 Years
Oh nvm, its the head of the hex stripped, not the screw itself in the mod...

You can still try the rubber band either on the hex key or torx driver before doing anything destructive.

Also, besides JB Weld (if the epoxy type), you might also consider some super-glue or krazy glue, it will likely set faster than JB Weld.
 

R3alJim Shady

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Oh nvm, its the head of the hex stripped, not the screw itself in the mod...disregard

Dremel and cut in a slot for a slotted screw driver only way I know how

JB weld a toss away allen in its place, then once removed toss both ;)
Sometimes you can use a Torx bit of the proper size to remove an allen-head hex screw.

Otherwise you might try to stretch a rubber band over the end of the correct-sized (and sometimes one size smaller) allen-key and jam it into the hex head of the screw and the rubber will sometimes provide just enough friction to back it out...

Failing that you'll need some reversed-cutting screw-removal drill bits ~1mm dia in order to drill it out without killing the threads in the BB and maybe a dremel (that can be reversed in rotation) on low speed (~500-800 rpm)
Thank you both for the replies! It'll probably be a couple of days until I can play around with that. I'll update either way.

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R3alJim Shady

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Side note, I am thinking we vape very similar in terms of coils etc.

rocking a 26/40 N80 Clapton .67 in the RPG at 19w... wen't with the 40 wrap so it cools a bit faster...its good til I get my wire order in to make other stuffs

Ordered some Kanthal (Yuck) and some 30 and 32 wire for some micro fused/aliens

Yeah I think you're right. I've let go of the clouds for the most part in favor of discretion and intense flavor. Maybe that's me maturing a bit... sort of like a metal musician that starts favoring the blues as they get older!

I have a new juice in the ol BB, too. Black Honey RY4. Next time I'll favor a little. More vanilla and caramel, but the honey tobacco is really nice. Even more intense in the Exocet than in my Kayfun Lite+.



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R3alJim Shady

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years




BOOM SHAKALAKA!

wound up having to use the dremel to turn it into a flathead screw, but I got that bitch out!

Kinda wish I went with stainless for the tip and button set now... guess I'll save that for the authentic when I get it.

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~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
BOOM SHAKALAKA!

wound up having to use the dremel to turn it into a flathead screw, but I got that bitch out!

Kinda wish I went with stainless for the tip and button set now... guess I'll save that for the authentic when I get it.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Glad that worked for you.
 

~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Little preface... I absolutely hate the taste I get from Kanthal in my RSAs! It tastes like shit...


BUT!

I'll admit when I am wrong...

My wire order came in and I said, "Ok fuck it, lets put the exact build ST put in via their video." regarding the Insider...

26g plain wire KA-KA1 build...and its not bad at all...I mean its still KA-KA1 but she's vaping beautifully now.

KISS Method I guess moving forward in regards to the Insider lol

But Don, you bought 30/32 wire to make Micro Aliens...

Yup still going to make one and try it ;)
 

Arthur-VU

Silver Contributor
Member For 2 Years
@BrewBear

I posted about how to update the firmware via Escribe and how to obtain and use a temporary connection to the USB data/charging board via the Bonkers thread previously when that topic came up in that thread, two days ago. Maybe you had not seen it?

I am reposting some of that info here for visibility:

Follow up to my previous BB post here:

SXK Vapeshell on FT, $19.90 price shown but $14.95 with MAP code:
https://www.fasttech.com/products/9646076
9646076-3.jpg


Evolv 1A Micro-USB Data/Charging Board, $5.99 (coupon code NEWBOARD for 10% off):
https://www.protovapor.com/product/evolv-1a-micro-usb-datacharging-board/
2016-12-19-14.29.20-e1483105863657.jpg


DNA60 Wiring USB module:
https://forum.evolvapor.com/topic/65554-dna60-wiring-usb-module/

and here is a video showing how to use the board:

Hope this helps! :)

Yes, quoting myself in a previous post...

I have a VERY happy update:

Using the DNA60 USB Data/Charging board and soldering some wires to it as in the links in my previous post, and following the procedure as shown in the video I posted here previously, I was successfully able to connect to Escribe and update my BB.

Now with temp control with an SS coil inside the Exocet, using my SS wire material setting for a TCR of 0.00111, at 17w and 420 F, the vape experience on the BB is even better than before.

I'll post another follow-up with pictures of the result of my soldering and insulating of the board...

Now I love this thing even more, and I did not think that was possible - but it is!
 

R3alJim Shady

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
So I got offered a minty Piebald RPG. The guy asked me what I wanted to pay for it so I said $250 plus shipping and fees. I thought that was reasonable for a used BB considering SoCal just paid $300 for a mint one with an Insider.

His response?

"I'm gonna pass. Not hard to get RRP on these in this condition."

If I wanted to pay RRP I'd buy new off the website. The mother of pearl button isn't even a selling point for me since I plan to switch it out for a stainless domed JMK one.

"Not hard" to get them off the website anymore, big guy.

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~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
I need to find something for my BB's Butt.

Not all about wraps or cases, but I'd like to add something to the bottom so as to not cause major table rash.

I probably have to add some type of wrap to the table side of the mod.

hmm...
 

R3alJim Shady

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I need to find something for my BB's Butt.

Not all about wraps or cases, but I'd like to add something to the bottom so as to not cause major table rash.

I probably have to add some type of wrap to the table side of the mod.

hmm...
Jwraps makes a clear one you could put around the outside... Or set it down on the panels. They're G10 and won't scratch easily

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
 

Arthur-VU

Silver Contributor
Member For 2 Years
I need to find something for my BB's Butt.

Not all about wraps or cases, but I'd like to add something to the bottom so as to not cause major table rash.

I probably have to add some type of wrap to the table side of the mod.

hmm...

I had the same concerns.

Previously tried a small strip of ~2mm thick adhesive-backed craft foam, and that made it more wobbly and easier to topple over.

So removed that and simply put a strip of black electrical tape, and not just on the bottom, but around the curved corners on the bottom too, and after 2 weeks it was moving around a lot, and exposing the adhesive from the tape, so messy, so removed that too.

Now I am thinking to just get some kind of vinyl sticker, does not matter what design since it will be face-down, maybe an old bumper sticker and cut to size...

J-wraps (as mentioned previously) and also ZapWraps have wraps for the BB, but I'd rather not spend $ when I know I have stickers somewhere...
 

zephyr

Dirty Pirate Meg
VU Donator
Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Unlisted Vendor
I just lay my box on it's side..


@BrewBear

I posted about how to update the firmware via Escribe and how to obtain and use a temporary connection to the USB data/charging board via the Bonkers thread previously when that topic came up in that thread, two days ago. Maybe you had not seen it?

I am reposting some of that info here for visibility:

Follow up to my previous BB post here:

SXK Vapeshell on FT, $19.90 price shown but $14.95 with MAP code:
https://www.fasttech.com/products/9646076
9646076-3.jpg


Evolv 1A Micro-USB Data/Charging Board, $5.99 (coupon code NEWBOARD for 10% off):
https://www.protovapor.com/product/evolv-1a-micro-usb-datacharging-board/
2016-12-19-14.29.20-e1483105863657.jpg


DNA60 Wiring USB module:
https://forum.evolvapor.com/topic/65554-dna60-wiring-usb-module/

and here is a video showing how to use the board:

Hope this helps! :)

I just ordered the SXK Vape Shell - do the airflow inserts fit in yours? I see several different issues on the forum, is yours from FT? Does it work well?
 
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zephyr

Dirty Pirate Meg
VU Donator
Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Unlisted Vendor
I order 2x of these from FT as well, about 1 week ago, and just today the tracking shows "China Post: Accepted".

so now I wait...:sadpanda:

Oh crap, I'm cancelling my order, then. No positive reviews on it and a FT order that shipped MARCH 29 is just now in the USA, After I emailed them. Second time this has happened. I'm sick of FT. Used them for 3 years but two packages now just Sat for a month in China, and magically moved right after I emailed FT. *smh*
 

Arthur-VU

Silver Contributor
Member For 2 Years
Same here. Good thing I got an Exocet to tide me over.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Yep, same here. Running the Exocet right now.

So far I prefer the Exocet to the Insider, as the Exocet is way more forgiving with the wicking than the Insider.

The Kanger-style RBA head is also pretty nice (included with the SXK clone kit) but I find that the Exocet has just the right air flow for me (no using the afc control ring at all)...

The VapeShell seems to be more of a traditional build deck (as per Jai Haze's video) and as such it seems to allow for more wraps with thicker wire (24g/26g) so that with SS316L I can get up ~ 1.0 Ohm builds for both good TC and better battery life, also with an improvement in flavor, and there's definitely enough clouds for me...

:stars2:
 

Arthur-VU

Silver Contributor
Member For 2 Years
Oh crap, I'm cancelling my order, then. No positive reviews on it and a FT order that shipped MARCH 29 is just now in the USA, After I emailed them. Second time this has happened. I'm sick of FT. Used them for 3 years but two packages now just Sat for a month in China, and magically moved right after I emailed FT. *smh*
I've ordered from FT maybe 4 times in the past 7 months and average time from order date to arrival seems to be from 18-21 days, even for items listed 'in stock' or 'ships in 24 hours'.

It seems that there is a 4-7 day delay after you order before a tracking number is generated, and then 24-48 hrs after that before the tracking number will show the 'China Post: Accepted', and then there has been about a 7-10 day transit time.

All of this is with the cheapest shipping 'upgrade' to ePacket, and all coming to NJ, USA in that 18-21 days.

Maybe dont give up hope just yet, unless your items pass thru the USPS hub in Chicago, as it seems that location tends to be a black hole where things get delayed or even lost from what I've read here on VU and over on /ecr.

Hope this helps!
 

zephyr

Dirty Pirate Meg
VU Donator
Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Unlisted Vendor
I've ordered from FT maybe 4 times in the past 7 months and average time from order date to arrival seems to be from 18-21 days, even for items listed 'in stock' or 'ships in 24 hours'.

It seems that there is a 4-7 day delay after you order before a tracking number is generated, and then 24-48 hrs after that before the tracking number will show the 'China Post: Accepted', and then there has been about a 7-10 day transit time.

All of this is with the cheapest shipping 'upgrade' to ePacket, and all coming to NJ, USA in that 18-21 days.

Maybe dont give up hope just yet, unless your items pass thru the USPS hub in Chicago, as it seems that location tends to be a black hole where things get delayed or even lost from what I've read here on VU and over on /ecr.

Hope this helps!

Thank you :) It was stuck at "processed through Hong Kong" for a month solid, then showed up in New York 2 days after I emailed them. Same thing happened last time, tracking showed "processed through Hong Kong" and no movement for a month, then I email, then it moves.

Anyway, I see complaints about the Vape Shell on FT, and someone else showed his package from 3FVape was complete. Please let us know how it is when you get it :D
 

Arthur-VU

Silver Contributor
Member For 2 Years
Thank you :) It was stuck at "processed through Hong Kong" for a month solid, then showed up in New York 2 days after I emailed them. Same thing happened last time, tracking showed "processed through Hong Kong" and no movement for a month, then I email, then it moves.

Anyway, I see complaints about the Vape Shell on FT, and someone else showed his package from 3FVape was complete. Please let us know how it is when you get it :D
Sure thing. I will post an update when it arrives.

I had also ordered 4x of the boro tanks. I already have 2, but want the ability to have each of the Exocet, Insider, Kanger-style RBA, and the VapeShell, all with the same build inside, wicked and ready to go so I can compare them side-by-side without having to drain/vape-dry the boro tank, remove one and try another...and this way I will also have 2 extra as backups.

As far as the tracking goes, there is a 3rd-party site called 'Packagetrakr' that can help:

https://www.packagetrackr.com/

It will show your the details of the tracking progress in other countries from the local courier, which is usually 24-48 hrs ahead of USPS/FedEx/UPS in the USA.

In this case from FT I've seen it show granular details for China Post, EMS and Hong Kong Post, and you can also see if it is waiting to clear customs at those locations.

FWIW - I find that USPS/FedEx/UPS tracking is not really useful/accurate until the item arrives at either NYC/JFK or Cali/LAX and is at/clearing customs, and then gets handed off to the US leg of the journey...
 

~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Thinking about grabbing the SXK Exocet...don't need it, get along fine with the Insider...but figuring why not.

Bought an A-Tank also for the lazy days and some CCell coils.

Figured having the Insider, Exocet, A-Tank I shouldn't have any issue moving forward finding a great Vape.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Where did you find an A-tank in stock?

I've been looking for a few months now and both the authentic and clones have been out of stock...

Please share your source...pretty please...:)


BBV... there were a few earlier in the week...possible to see more this weekend

Although I bought mine off FB via a guy who bought it from BBV this week...he took delivery of it today and is mailing it to me today
 

Arthur-VU

Silver Contributor
Member For 2 Years
BBV... there were a few earlier in the week...possible to see more this weekend

Although I bought mine off FB via a guy who bought it from BBV this week...he took delivery of it today and is mailing it to me today
Ok Thx for the info.

I'll have to keep checking the BBV site...
 

~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
By the time you posted here, that one is likely already sold, especially for an authentic at that price.

In my experience, if using a ~1 Ohm build, you dont need much more than 22w for a hot, moist and flavorful vape in the BB, so the 40w version is fine for that. :)

Looks still available, 10hrs into her for sale add...they haven't changed it to sold or pending.

I dinged Jmoney about it, which he agreed also it was a good price, but he is REALLY wanting a RPG.

Figured anyone here looking for another out and about beater...I'd post them up here as I see them.

As for me.. I have other stuff not BB related to buy, but still vaping related ;)

.86Ω @19w here
 

R3alJim Shady

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Looks still available, 10hrs into her for sale add...they haven't changed it to sold or pending.

I dinged Jmoney about it, which he agreed also it was a good price, but he is REALLY wanting a RPG.

Figured anyone here looking for another out and about beater...I'd post them up here as I see them.

As for me.. I have other stuff not BB related to buy, but still vaping related ;)

.86Ω @19w here
If I already had the one I wanted I would have gotten this in a heartbeat. I even told the seller that! Someone get it!

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Arthur-VU

Silver Contributor
Member For 2 Years
Friendly Flipper has them in stock...

https://friendlyflipper.com/product/a-tank-ff-plug-combo/

Downfall is said shipping LOL

Probably be a few on BBV's site tomorrow hopefully *shrug*
$25???????????????? for shipping a tiny item that fits in a padded mailer.

Where are they sending it from, Guam?

Seriously, WTF...

Also, no address, phone nor email on that site, and whois for the domain is private via GoDaddy.

Thanks for finding this, but without a hint of contact info, I'm going to have to pass as this vendor looks really dodgy.
 

~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
$25???????????????? for shipping a tiny item that fits in a padded mailer.

Where are they sending it from, Guam?

Seriously, WTF...

Also, no address, phone nor email on that site, and whois for the domain is private via GoDaddy.

Thanks for finding this, but without a hint of contact info, I'm going to have to pass as this vendor looks really dodgy.

They are a FB group and that is their webpage...

upload_2018-5-11_23-26-11.png

They make custom BB's and accessories.

upload_2018-5-11_23-27-18.png

If you notice on the Ultem one, there is a USB port...

I've never ordered a thing from them, but yeah there is a 4k following of them on FB, which is a decent sized group.

There is also the "Membership" group... which is sort of cool...$10 "membership" fee to join... after every 50 new members they raffle off a $500 mod to all members.

I do understand your caution though...They are in Canada and the reason for the DHL cost I suppose *shrug*
 

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