In this installment of DIY squonk mods, I show you how to build the Sledz mod. Do also take a look at the first five parts:
- DIY Squonk Mod Part 1 – The Research Process
- DIY Squonk Mod Part 2 – ModMaker Parts & Tools
- DIY Squonk Mod Part 3 – Building the ModMaker 18650 Mod
- DIY Squonk Mod Part 4 – The Toaster Design 20700 Mod
- DIY Squonk Mod Part 5 – The ModMaker Parallel 18650 Squonker
Sledz was in my initial research. Although I knew it was not going to be as good as the ModMaker / Shapeways combo, I decided to do it anyway. I actually ordered two mods that came with doors, two additional doors and a couple of additional buttons.
The idea was that I would build these and just give them away, since they are so cheap. However, I didn’t get very far.
I noticed right away how raw these boxes were, again comparing to the Shapeways print. The measurements were off for the button (actuators) holes. Print lines were very obvious on the enclosure, and a lot of work was needed to smother these out. I tried sanding them smooth to some extent, but it was tough.
Eventually, I tried to dye one of the mods purple using my regular method of dying 3D printed mods. To my shock, the mod shrunk and warped out of shape barely two minutes into the dye mixture.
So I sat down again thinking how I can get this done. I still had another enclosure to show you. However, I wanted to show you how to make the Sledz mod way better in terms of looks and feel.
Eventually, I lost interest in it. At this time, I had already received the Analogboxmods DNA75C DIY kit, and parts of the Floris DNA60 squonk setup as well. It just didn’t seem worth my time to try to make this mod good.
I mean, it’s cheap but not that cheap. The price difference between these and the ModMaker 18650 mod was about $14 but the quality was way inferior. These seem to be printed on a low-cost 3D printer, probably one in the shed. The material used is most probably PETG and is not heat-resistant.
However to be fair, this was the cheaper option. They do have an Alumide option for squonk enclosures that seem much better made.
So, I’m calling this a FAIL and moving on. Even if I did fix and build it, I don’t think I would enjoy using it. I also don’t think it would be safe to use in the long run especially if you like a hot vape. I have a DNA75C and DNA60 squonk mods waiting to be assembled, and I just cannot find the motivation to get through this one.
So if you want to check out their Alumide enclosures, you can visit the Sledz online store.
Live and learn. Moving on to the next DIY project.