Building coils

[Bill K]

Looking for some advice. I recently started to rebuild my OCC heads for my subtank. I am using 26 gauge kanthal wire.
I have seen some instructional video which recommend that you heat up the coil before using. Should I be doing that? and what is the reasoning behind it! Thanks for your help!!!

 

[DavidOck]

Torching the kanthal first anneals the wire and makes it easier to work with. Takes some of the "spring" out, and also burns off any impurities / oils from manufacture. Not an absolutely necessary step, and you'll be test firing it after mounting on the base and double checking for safe resistance value anyway.

 

[Katya]

I don't anneal anymore; just pulse it a few times, very gently, in short bursts, after installing it. It's optional, really.

Here's a nice video by Super_X showing how he makes coils with a Coil Master--he has other great coil-building videos on YouTube. Highly recommended:

 

[DingerCPA]

I don't anneal either - measure resistance of build and then fire it (without wicking) to make sure that it's glowing evenly. Stretch or compress the coil as needed. Wick 'n' go....