When you say "contact
coils" though, aren't you referring to "tensioned" micro/macro/mega
coils? Do the benefits of the "insulating layer" also apply to non-tensioned micro/macro/mega
coils such as those made with a Kuro Coil or Coil Master jigs - or for that matter to spaced coils?
I always thought that whole discussion was centered around tensioned coils, hence my inquiries.
Yeah jump. Sorry I missed your post lost night. You can pulse a spaced coil to oxidation, yes. It takes longer.
Tensioned micro (contact) coils (t.m.c.'s) work because they are
strained into the wind. This imparts (heat) energy into the wire reordering the crystalline structure of the metal adding rigidity (so less pliability or springiness). It's stable in its shape. Better still it invokes a sort of metal memory and the wind wants to be a coil forever. As long as more energy is not put into the wind than was used to create it (as by over-heating in dry burn or torching). Because a strained wire was formed pulling in on itself it wants to keep on pulling in that direction. So its natural state is inward.
In contrast an open (spaced) wind wants to always return to being that spaced wind. If erratic and distorted it will be that. A t.m.c. as it was wound as tightly together as nature allows always wants to return to that state of natural equilibrium, it's rest or unstrained state. That is, the coil you created in the first place. Again, as long as no more force or heat is applied than was used to make it. Start fiddling with it carelessly and it'll distort just as well as any other. The other way of making things in metal is called
forming. Or in people terms — bendin' it. That's what coilers do.
Don't recommend coilers for spaced coils either. It's impractical unless you have and are willing to use calipers to gauge spacing. It's different in every wind. And without that, you can't reasonably predict resistance. Shopping for the great fit in your vape, the wind that works means finding that Ω-point, and…being able to get to it again. Even with large gauge wire which tends to form easier the wind will vary in spacing, turn-Ø and strain. All reasons that vary the final resistance
and the outcome in your vape.
Because of the tight symmetry and optimal contact in a t.m.c. electrical flow is optimized and the wire heats as evenly as nature permits. This is what in my experience yields optimal oxidation of Kanthal…and the important part here…quickly. Which if we're trying to get to that vape and nail it every time that's what we need. Consistency. Why I advocate this system particularly for new vapers. So they can see what the real potential is vaping from the jump. AND…be able to duplicate it.
Really don't much care what folks wind or prefer. Go cray cray on wire myself. But we benefit from a baseline. Something you can make every time and be able to count on for comparison. Otherwise, how do ya know? Really, what's best for you? Looks good? Or, works good? Every coil works. Every wind has (unbalanced) strain. But good to me means, being able to do it twice in practical terms. The way to the latter is managing the strain to our advantage.
All the luck jump. Hail us if need be and I'll show you "sticky".
