Do Cotton Wicks Last as Long as Silica?

[Albinon]

I would like to know if cotton wicks start tasting bad after a while.

 

[Commie]

They don't last as long, and if you run them dry, they burn and start tasting *really* bad.

On the good side -- they're very cheap, provide much better taste if you don't dry-burn them, and are easier to replace (more flexible, don't fray)

 

[johnlacie]

To add, cotton wicks are easily replaced without removing the coil.

 

[Jeremy Evans]

To add, cotton wicks are easily replaced without removing the coil.

Can you please tell me how you do that, bc I cant imagine not having to re-wrap a coil

 

[Commie]

Can you please tell me how you do that, bc I cant imagine not having to re-wrap a coil

Wrap your coil around a solid object of appropriate diameter. People use machine screws, drill bits, nails, syringe needles, etc. I prefer wooden toothpicks. Without taking the said solid object out, secure your coil to the posts, and adjust the coil to look as pretty as you'd like.

Remove the toothpick and dryburn the coil for a second, to add stiffness to it.

Using extra wire or needle threaders, pull the wicking material through. If it's too tight and won't go through without distorting the coil, then it's too much wicking. Get less wicking, or roll larger diameter coil. Wicks usually expand when they soak up juice, so you don't want it to be tight.

To replace wick, pull old one out, and thread the new one in. This also works with SS wicks too.

Edit: found some old pictures. They posted in reverse order though, but should give you an idea. I used a hex wrench from ChiD to wrap the coil there