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Billet Box Appreciation Thread

~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Ok @R3alJim Shady , or anybody wanting to chime in. I built and wicked the Bridg'd and Snail, and tried to take as many pictures as I could. To be clear, I am not faulting either bridge, just trying to figure out how to make them work for me, which they are not. Any help, tips, criticism is welcome. I can't quite pinpoint either of my problems with them, just that I cannot get them to vape right. Have had dry hits, leaking, gurgling with both I believe. This is how I build my Vapeshells and Xeta's, and absolutely love them.
Bridg'd 27g Kanthol, 6 wraps, .85 ohms, with 1.5mm insert, to mtl
View attachment 172004
View attachment 172005
View attachment 172006
View attachment 172007

I didn’t look at all the pictures, but I’d try a 2.5mm and less cotton
 

~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
I run the coil height as followed.

Diameter of coil/2 =height off air flow

2.5/2 =1.25mm above.

I use barely enough cotton to make it into the channel and cover it completely.

Before I close things up, I juice fully... fire and then drop juice into the juice ports... if the juice sucks in right away... wick is fine that side... flip and do the same other.

The Snail really only needs just the bare minimum to cover the juice ports, and really doesn’t need them stuff down... if it drops in a little ok, but touching the bottom... no.
 

gsmit1

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
With the Snail, I always wind up sticking a LITTLE more cotton in the wells and it's been working fine. I had horrific leaking issues when I first got mine. I just this minute rebuilt it. Or rewicked it.

The only problem I had (I think) with the Brig'd at first was fiddling with the parts.
 

NHXJer

Bronze Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Dub:

Your build in the Snail is pretty much identical to what I do - so I don't really have any insight there.

The only thing that I can add - purely reading around, not personal experience - is those that don't like the Snail much are those that are trying to tighten down the airflow substantially with the MTL pins. Seems people don't think the Snail performs well clamped down.

Like I said, don't know how true that is - I run my Snails fully open (largest AFC tube, no MTL pin) - so who knows.
 

NHXJer

Bronze Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I'm running a Snail in each one of these:
hISpdU4.jpg

Plus my two Bantams:
yP08l11.jpg


All 6-7 spaced wraps 28g K1 ~1.3ohm at 11-14W depending on juice.
 

R3alJim Shady

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Ok @R3alJim Shady , or anybody wanting to chime in. I built and wicked the Bridg'd and Snail, and tried to take as many pictures as I could. To be clear, I am not faulting either bridge, just trying to figure out how to make them work for me, which they are not. Any help, tips, criticism is welcome. I can't quite pinpoint either of my problems with them, just that I cannot get them to vape right. Have had dry hits, leaking, gurgling with both I believe. This is how I build my Vapeshells and Xeta's, and absolutely love them.
Bridg'd 27g Kanthol, 6 wraps, .85 ohms, with 1.5mm insert, to mtl
View attachment 172004
View attachment 172005
View attachment 172006
View attachment 172007
See how your wicks are a doing a slight S shape so the tails are headed toward the posts? They should go the other way pressed against the juice ports. Also, be careful when you put the chimney on because it's easy to press the wicks down. Sometimes that creates a gap and juice can leak in from the top of the port. Hope that helps!
 

VaporGroh

Bronze Contributor
Member For 3 Years
Ok @R3alJim Shady , or anybody wanting to chime in. I built and wicked the Bridg'd and Snail, and tried to take as many pictures as I could. To be clear, I am not faulting either bridge, just trying to figure out how to make them work for me, which they are not. Any help, tips, criticism is welcome. I can't quite pinpoint either of my problems with them, just that I cannot get them to vape right. Have had dry hits, leaking, gurgling with both I believe. This is how I build my Vapeshells and Xeta's, and absolutely love them.
Bridg'd 27g Kanthol, 6 wraps, .85 ohms, with 1.5mm insert, to mtl

I can't comment on the Bridg'd since I don't have one at the moment. Right now I have 8 VapeSnails, 4 EVL Aliens, a Vape Shell, Shadow Heir and Exocet V2. I am on the list for the Bridg'd 1.2+ final production run. The Vape Shell, Shadow Heir and Exocet V2 have all been set aside for now. The integrated Boro feature of the VapeSnail and EVL Alien is just too convenient compared to fooling around with a bridge in a standard Boro.

Here is how I build my VapeSnail:

This is the coils that I use in all of my VapeSnails.
1603722572662.jpeg

I should qualify this by saying that I use the 'Snails wide open in TC mode with 60W boost for 0.6 sec. and the the power set to 38W. The temperature is usually set at 410F to start. If I find myself jacking up the temperature to 430 and beyond it is time to change the coil.

Here is a shot of the coil mounted and burned in.
1603722830505.jpeg

I don't do anything special for position other than align it with a 3mm coiling rod using the provided indentations. I do try to get it relatively centered over the intake.

Now for the wicking.
1603722957248.jpeg

I only use Koh Gen Do cotton pads. I use it in everything I vape except for atomizers that use mesh sheets. I cut the KGD sheets to roughly 8-9mm widths using a paper trimmer. I cut the strips in half and use them in both the 'Snails and the Aliens. The strip in the picture had to twisted rather tightly to get it through the coil. It is trimmed to the final length. I just rest the scissors against the metal edge of the 'Snails deck above the gasket and cut. I do not remove the outer layers on the Koh Gen Do and I do not thin or comb the ends. What you see is exactly what I will tuck into the juice ports.

1603723684517.jpeg

Here it is all neatly tucked away. I use a small flathead screwdriver and make sure that the ends of the cotton go all the way down into the juice wells. Ideally I want the tips of the cotton strands to just touch the bottom. I also make sure that the cotton underneath the coil goes into the juice ports and that it arches away from the intake port. If the cotton is too close, when it gets wet it will swell and wick juice into the intake. If you're getting gurgling this is something to check.

When I do this I can chain vape for as long as I want with no dry hits. I can walk a golf course with my Billet Box jostling around on my push cart in in the heat without any leaking. I run 2 or 3 tanks of 75%VG juice before re-wicking. Three tanks is pushing it for flavor.

Based on everyone's comments I find it interesting to hear the variations on how people do things. That is the beauty of the world as we know it. Everyone is unique and finds their own sweet spot.
 

~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
I took some pics of what I got running in the Snail... just simple 24g N80 2.5mm spaced.

430eeb3d35c41c66f0e5c7983db53393.jpg

151314ee9eda9902f9a9a757649d6754.jpg

2f9b0703b0aaba3892b007be3a67063b.jpg

f4c4630fe606f1f9f437685c68a70de6.jpg

2a852cb8c5932991e1d66fc2353b1860.jpg

Don’t mind the bubbles in the tank... it’s a fresh shake and vape of Red Pill I just mixed up

I should of grabbed a profile pic... anyhoo it’s sits on the rod guide in height.

No leaking like this, no wicking issues, chain vape the tank dry...

Just simple goodness
 

VaporGroh

Bronze Contributor
Member For 3 Years
Here's 3 green Billet Boxes. All of them are 2020 models. They run from oldest on the left to newest on the right. The most recent is a Franken Ferrigno from the final run of Franken models a few weeks ago.

1603760062888.jpeg

The anodizing at BBV keeps getting better. The Ferrigno has an amazing sparkle to it. This one now has Never Normal V2 Whistle Tip and matching button and gold anodized titanium screws. Covered with Matt Bennet panels with his always great polish job on them. And although you can't see it, my 4th EVl Alien is installed.

BBV really appears to be on top of their game right now.

1603760164247.jpeg
 

VaporGroh

Bronze Contributor
Member For 3 Years
Here's a pic of yesterday's vape mail:

1604067559028.jpeg

A Blackbald and a Black Bluebald. Both of them have the new Black MOP button which was introduced on the Franken Eclipse in the final Franken release.

Does anyone have a complete list of all 10 of the Franken models that were released?
 

VaporGroh

Bronze Contributor
Member For 3 Years
I've been creating a list of the Franken version boxes that BBV released. There were 10 different models. Each week for five weeks there were two models released. On the Billet Box packaging the box name is printed in the usual space such as 'Ferrigno'. Where the packaging usually has Rev4.B printed the Franken versions are listed as Franken Rev4.B.

Here's the timeline with the dates they were available on the BBV website:

Franken boxes

9/5/20

Franken BxPoo (Light Blue w/Purple inners, MOP button)
Franken UniBlues (Purple w/Light Blue inners, MOP button)

9/12/20

Franken Kurb'er (Orange w/Bronze inners, Fisheye ultem button)
Franken Dob'is (Bronze w/Orange inners, Fisheye ultem button)

9/19/20

Franken Mephisto (Red w/Black inners, SS button)
Franken Ratfire (Black w/Red inners, SS button)

9/26/20

Franken Oasis (Gold w/Green inners, Gold MOP button)
Franken Budgie (Green w/Gold inners, Gold MOP button)

10/3/20

Franken Ferrigno (Green w/Purple inners, PAB button)
Franken Eclipse (Grey w/Bronze inners. Note: first appearance of Black MOP button.)

Edit: The list has been completed with help from a number of sources. I also added info on the naming convention from the packaging and button info.
 
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laurie9300

Member For 5 Years
I've been creating a list of the Franken boxes that BBV release. There were 10 different ones. Each week for five weeks there were two models released.

Here's the timeline:

9/5/20

Franken BxPoo (Light Blue w/Purple inners.)
Franken UniBlues (Purple w/Light Blue inners.)

9/12/20

??? (Orange w/Bronze inners.)
??? (Bronze w/Orange inners.)

9/19/20

Franken Mephisto (Red w/Black inners.)
Franken Ratfire (Black w/Red inners.)

9/26/20

Franken Oasis (Gold w/Green inners.)
Franken Budgie (Green w/Gold inners.)

10/3/20

Franken Ferrigno (Green w/Purple inners.)
Franken Eclipse (Grey w/Bronze inners. Note: first appearance of Black MOP button.)

I still need the names of the Franken's released on 9/12. Anyone know what they were called?
https://mrsvapo.com/billet-box-rev-...franken-kurb-er-f-u-tasto-ultem-10003117.html maybe?

https://mrsvapo.com/billet-box-rev-...-franken-dob-is-f-u-tasto-ultem-10003118.html maybe?

Sent from my SM-G988B using Tapatalk
 

gsmit1

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Why? Cerakoted is a great idea more color choices definitely stand up to weathering as good as anodizing.


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I'm not saying I think it's a bad idea either. I just wonder if the BBV faithful really want more colors. I could be wrong, but it almost seems sacrilegious to go off script. If that makes any sense. There seems to be a certain traditional simplicity.
 

yertil

Member For 3 Years
ECF Refugee
I'm not saying I think it's a bad idea either. I just wonder if the BBV faithful really want more colors. I could be wrong, but it almost seems sacrilegious to go off script. If that makes any sense. There seems to be a certain traditional simplicity.

While agree with you there too . I enjoy the simplicity of the box and that won’t change and there will be basic colors but maybe the want to go beyond . From what I heard it happens to be about the consistency of colors anodizing every shade is different and I think they want to try and correct it. Though I don’t know for sure we will have to wait and see.


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~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Cerakote is slightly thicker after cure... anodizing is thinner...

Going to be interesting how the aftermarket modders justify their shit not fitting correctly to those that buy them brand new and not the tolerance adjusted versions.

Who they put blame on that is...
 

yertil

Member For 3 Years
ECF Refugee
Cerakote is slightly thicker after cure... anodizing is thinner...

Going to be interesting how the aftermarket modders justify their shit not fitting correctly to those that buy them brand new and not the tolerance adjusted versions.

Who they put blame on that is...

I agree companies like kontrl Susco will have to up there games , mission and fLipper have adjuste soft tolerance in using paint jobs vs ano. Put that doesn’t mean there won’t be hiccups . It’s going to be more an issue for panel makers or people who want to use older panels as paint will be thinking where the panel magnets are .


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~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
I’d much rather have anodizing over Cerakote.

The way I treat the BB, anodizing will hold up better than Cerakote.

I don’t use cases, and the largest preventive measures I take is a small piece of tape on the bottom to eliminate table rash...

But into the pocket with keys, into the cup holder... door handle in my car it goes...

If I did the same with Cerakote it would chip.

I’m an outlier, and I think Cerakote will be fine as a finish... it’s fast to cure (15 mins) if the color doesn’t look right before cure spray again... plus depending on their spray it can be applied smooth rather than the typical porous feel.

One thing though... it will always get dirty easier and hold dirt more since it’s porous
 

yertil

Member For 3 Years
ECF Refugee
I’d much rather have anodizing over Cerakote.

The way I treat the BB, anodizing will hold up better than Cerakote.

I don’t use cases, and the largest preventive measures I take is a small piece of tape on the bottom to eliminate table rash...

But into the pocket with keys, into the cup holder... door handle in my car it goes...

If I did the same with Cerakote it would chip.

I’m an outlier, and I think Cerakote will be fine as a finish... it’s fast to cure (15 mins) if the color doesn’t look right before cure spray again... plus depending on their spray it can be applied smooth rather than the typical porous feel.

One thing though... it will always get dirty easier and hold dirt more since it’s porous

Completely agree with you on this , I have concerns about cerakote as well . I do use a desche pouch to carry around but once I’m in the car or home it’s no holds bar and with a 6 year old things fall. But bb always likes to change up every 4 years or so . So let’s see what they say but no new bbs till 2021 !! Nail bitting to see the outcome and the second hand market


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~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Completely agree with you on this , I have concerns about cerakote as well . I do use a desche pouch to carry around but once I’m in the car or home it’s no holds bar and with a 6 year old things fall. But bb always likes to change up every 4 years or so . So let’s see what they say but no new bbs till 2021 !! Nail bitting to see the outcome and the second hand market


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I truly think they will look nice...

And a plethora of color variations with Cerakote can be done...

Transitional color shifting is one...

Looks purple, slightly turn it and it’s red, turn some more and green.

These are things possible with Cerakote

I believe just the already mixed colors available from Cerakote is up to 150... some variations are subtle so you can probably knock that down to 100

Here is a prime example

My B2B V5 in Cobalt Kinetics Slate vs my B2B V4 in Titanium Blue

Took it with and without the flash in a shitty attempt to show variation.

d2387906daf37cfbc09ed5d28f52d744.jpg

8fac9c970ad17655fea443d7f539fb34.jpg
 

yertil

Member For 3 Years
ECF Refugee
I truly think they will look nice...

And a plethora of color variations with Cerakote can be done...

Transitional color shifting is one...

Looks purple, slightly turn it and it’s red, turn some more and green.

These are things possible with Cerakote

I believe just the already mixed colors available from Cerakote is up to 150... some variations are subtle so you can probably knock that down to 100

Here is a prime example

My B2B V5 in Cobalt Kinetics Slate vs my B2B V4 in Titanium Blue

Took it with and without the flash in a shitty attempt to show variation.

d2387906daf37cfbc09ed5d28f52d744.jpg

8fac9c970ad17655fea443d7f539fb34.jpg

Yeah I’m excited to see the new new but I also have way to many bbs so not sure how many more I’m buying in the future


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~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Yeah I’m excited to see the new new but I also have way to many bbs so not sure how many more I’m buying in the future


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I own one and although not my favorite color way (Kurbis F-U) its rad and works flawlessly with the Snail.

Hard to misplace being able to spot it from a mile away

Wife asked me one day, “Honey what is that orange thing?”

It’s a billetbox

“What’s that?”

Not yours

“I know that but what is it?”

Nunya
 

yertil

Member For 3 Years
ECF Refugee
I own one and although not my favorite color way (Kurbis F-U) its rad and works flawlessly with the Snail.

Hard to misplace being able to spot it from a mile away

Wife asked me one day, “Honey what is that orange thing?”

It’s a billetbox

“What’s that?”

Not yours

“I know that but what is it?”

Nunya


Lol yeah I have 9 my favorite is probably fawkes and I was fortunate enough to be able to test this bad boy for mission first time using a dot
a0cbdc54e5b86d61f308737ffb8753c0.jpg



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MagicBoxDoors

Member For 1 Year
Unlisted Vendor
I changed the filtering of the pic, it becomes clearer

b51bee0a44b0456c64279767ab735ef0.jpg


I get they’re hand sanded etc, but a set of calipers can keep an individual from being overzealous with sanding


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Hello friends)
These my first project. Now other design.
CNC, hadle only for polishing...
 
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MagicBoxDoors

Member For 1 Year
Unlisted Vendor
If you use fb,look up a dude named Alex Gaevskiy he makes some very cool panels,he does a bunch of stabwood and acrylic stuff,and his prices are very good,i got a stabwood set for under $60 shipped from the Ukraine,i think they were like $55 or so.If he doesn't have any you like already made,you could send him a pic of those that you like,and he will make some similar.
Thanks friend
 

MagicBoxDoors

Member For 1 Year
Unlisted Vendor
Today nice day.
Mission switch type for billet box rev4
Lava effect)
IMG_20201113_022340.jpg
 

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~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Today nice day.
Mission switch type for billet box rev4
Lava effect)
View attachment 173114

Well those look a lot better than your set I quoted...

I would of done a charge back myself

Your newer sets are much better looking for sure... I’m happy you have progressed and not selling garbage anymore.

Please don’t take it personal, and as a compliment that they look WAY BETTER!


Cause that set I quoted...

giphy.gif



Also, if you want to sell them here, VU has a dedicated sales section... can set yourself as a Unlisted Vendor and pretty much have a store front here no charge

Food for thought
 

MagicBoxDoors

Member For 1 Year
Unlisted Vendor
Well those look a lot better than your set I quoted...

I would of done a charge back myself

Your newer sets are much better looking for sure... I’m happy you have progressed and not selling garbage anymore.

Please don’t take it personal, and as a compliment that they look WAY BETTER!


Cause that set I quoted...

giphy.gif



Also, if you want to sell them here, VU has a dedicated sales section... can set yourself as a Unlisted Vendor and pretty much have a store front here no charge

Food for thought
Thanks...
Please link for sales section.
 

MrMeowgi

The Vapin' Drummer
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
While it's been true for years now about previous SXK ones, I've read that the newer 2020 SXK BBs have compatible threading with authentics which is why I asked.
I think c.diehl had some sxk mission tips at one time. Not sure which model of BB he had at the time though.

Sent from a pile of wood chips
 

~Don~

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
I did have someone respond to the question on FB and she said she's been using a SXK Mission on her authentic.

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Forget who told me here that they didn’t work.

The SXK Mission tip was my first choice when I got the BB...

Still would like to get them, but would be a shame if they didn’t work.
 

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