Anyone test Japanese cotton with vs taking off the "compressed layers"?

[Mad Scientist]

Hey guys, I tried to do a wicking test of Japanese cotton pads with the compressed layers left on versus removing the compressed layers. I mixed up some colored water, got a stop watch ready and ... GO! Well both wicked the water up over two inches in about 1 second (like nearly instant -- no way to compare).

Before I go through the exercise of mixing up some colored VG and trying again, has anyone done this? Is it better to remove the compressed layers or leave them on? I've tried both methods in wicking attys and I think there's some placebo effect to each -- they both seem better lol.

Thanks for any and all replies.

 

[Alien Traveler]

Never tried to remove layers, but tried to split in half. Tried to roll to make it round. Found no difference.
Now I just cut a piece of needed width, and push it through a coil. Yes, it is square in section, but wicks good. And being square is even better for fiting into Taifun and kayfun.

 

[GccTxs67]

When I'm using KGD I don't bother removing the outer layers or splitting in half.

 

[Marc411]

When I'm using KGD I don't bother removing the outer layers or splitting in half.

Same here, 3mm bit and I cut the pad to size and wick it. I never tried dye Mad Scientist but I can say that 50/50 wick in seconds in all my drippers.

 

[mr.fabe]

Hey guys, I tried to do a wicking test of Japanese cotton pads with the compressed layers left on versus removing the compressed layers. I mixed up some colored water, got a stop watch ready and ... GO! Well both wicked the water up over two inches in about 1 second (like nearly instant -- no way to compare).

Before I go through the exercise of mixing up some colored VG and trying again, has anyone done this? Is it better to remove the compressed layers or leave them on? I've tried both methods in wicking attys and I think there's some placebo effect to each -- they both seem better lol.

Thanks for any and all replies.

I'd like to believe there is a difference and tried it both ways as well. Currently, I prefer removing the outside layers, cutting my strips, and lightly pulling out any loose fibers, fluffing up the cotton, and rolling it gently into a wick. It seems like it wicks much better for me feeding my twisted coils. I suspect that my conclusion is heavily bias due to all the extra effort involved.

I anxiously await the results of your colored dye testing. Do you know what color your going to use? I heard blue wicks faster than other colors....

 

[Mad Scientist]

I'd like to believe there is a difference and tried it both ways as well. Currently, I prefer removing the outside layers, cutting my strips, and lightly pulling out any loose fibers, fluffing up the cotton, and rolling it gently into a wick. It seems like it wicks much better for me feeding my twisted coils. I suspect that my conclusion is heavily bias due to all the extra effort involved.

I anxiously await the results of your colored dye testing. Do you know what color your going to use? I heard blue wicks faster than other colors....

I was sort of hoping someone else had noticed a difference or done a better test so I wouldn't have to lol. Like you, I can't tell if any perceived difference is imagination. One thing I did notice is that for some attys, leaving the layer on is better because it helps to keep the wick end fibers from getting matted during assembly. But then for others, taking it off seems better.

For the water test, I used red. All samples (each about an inch long and suspended vertically with a wire coil at the center) wicked the water "instantly" (or faster than I could measure by eye anyway). If blue wicks faster I need to add some blue to my juices lol.

 

[mcclintock]

I don't use the outer layer and don't cut it either. I pull off what I need out of the inside and use the outside as a cover to protect the rest until next time.

 

[noel18]

I always remove the outer layer. Makes wicking much easier.

 

[mr.fabe]

I was sort of hoping someone else had noticed a difference or done a better test so I wouldn't have to lol. Like you, I can't tell if any perceived difference is imagination. One thing I did notice is that for some attys, leaving the layer on is better because it helps to keep the wick end fibers from getting matted during assembly. But then for others, taking it off seems better.

For the water test, I used red. All samples (each about an inch long and suspended vertically with a wire coil at the center) wicked the water "instantly" (or faster than I could measure by eye anyway). If blue wicks faster I need to add some blue to my juices lol.

In your testing, did you try the pointed wick method? Some have said it sucks up the juice faster.

 

[DaveSignal]

Hey guys, I tried to do a wicking test of Japanese cotton pads with the compressed layers left on versus removing the compressed layers. I mixed up some colored water, got a stop watch ready and ... GO! Well both wicked the water up over two inches in about 1 second (like nearly instant -- no way to compare).

Before I go through the exercise of mixing up some colored VG and trying again, has anyone done this? Is it better to remove the compressed layers or leave them on? I've tried both methods in wicking attys and I think there's some placebo effect to each -- they both seem better lol.

Thanks for any and all replies.

I never remove the layers. I think it is easier to pull though my coil. And it wicks great.

 

[Mad Scientist]

In your testing, did you try the pointed wick method? Some have said it sucks up the juice faster.

Just wicks with coils on them, one end immersed. Wicked from bottom to top in like an instant for all the samples.

 

[nebulis]

I remove the outer layer (let's say, I removed it until today ). No rational reason other than vaguely believing that the fluffier inside is better.

 

[herb]

I don't see any difference between the two at all and even if there was a difference it would be so minor to not bother with. Same thing with coils actually , have tried them all , fancy , claptons etc... a basic well made single coil works every bit as good as the other ones imo , i see no difference.

 

[AndriaD]

I've used it both with and without the outer layer; when I first start getting a wick ready, I cut a piece maybe 1/8-1/4 inch wide... then pull it apart, roughly in halves. Then I try to make the wick; if it's still too fat, I go ahead and pull off the outer layer, and then it's usually fine. But sometimes it's fine even before I pull that off, so I just go with it. Works fine either way.

Andria

 

[Magaro]

I leave the skin on the pads if I'm going to boil them - it uncompresses very nicely. If I'm going quick & dirty without a boil, I peel it off. The inner fibers are just much nicer to work with.

 

[PisangLaut]

I've used it with the compressed layer. I just want to make it simpler and easier.

 

[Azarias]

I always "skin" the pads. Makes it easier (imo) to place the wick. Especially when you want the end somewhat fluffy the compressed layers can be a little pain.

 

[Alien Traveler]

What I do not understand what difference makes cotton from pads with removed upper layers and cotton balls? For me its the same, cotton balls could be even easier in wicking. As I see it the main advantage of pads is simplicity: cut and use it.

 

[Mad Scientist]

What I do not understand what difference makes cotton from pads with removed upper layers and cotton balls? For me its the same, cotton balls could be even easier in wicking. As I see it the main advantage of pads is simplicity: cut and use it.

I agree. The pads are cheap enough (I seem to use about one a month so my $12 box will last me at least five years) and I find them very convenient to use. I was just wondering if anyone had actually tested whether removing the compressed outer layers made an objective difference in wicking performance. I leave those layers on as I find they help to prevent compression or matting of the fluffy inner cotton. I also hate fussing over stuff that doesn't make a measurable or provable difference, so why waste time removing them if it doesn't matter?

 

[The_Illusion]

I notice more flecks in the outer layers than the inner. I've also found the inner to wick better overall. Also found more odd taste when I use the outer, too, but that could be 'cause the outer absorbs better, thus getting whatever oils/stuff is on my hands when wicking. -shrug-