MTL is pretty simple, at least for me, I've run MTL style tanks like Kayfuns and Russian 91% tanks for years, just recently purchased a Vapefly Galaxies MTL tank, there is also a MTL Galaxies RDA, decks are both very much similar how the coils mount. Kayfuns and such are all very similar as well, building and mounting the coils are easy, it is the wicking of the coil that takes the main practice to perfect of not to tight (causes dry hits as the wicking is choked off) and not to loose (causes popping and bubbling which causes major spitting and spit back). You'll have to settle on a RTA/RDA that you think will suit your needs (tank juice capacity, build deck single or dual coil, air flow adjustment, top or bottom fill). Once you find a tank/rda that piques your interest I'd look at buying a clone of that device, generally can find those at Fasttech, this way you can get a good approximation of what the authentic will function like to practice on before spending more money on an authentic (example a Kayfun Prime for instance can have a price tag of about $150 US plus shipping).
Now Ohm (resistance) ratings, for an MTL RDA I'd look in the 0.8 (Sub-Ohm) to 1.0ohm range (probably 26AWG, Kanthal will have a higher ohm per inch reading, SS316L comes in closer toward NiChrome80 in ohm per inch in my experience, but 26AWG is a good, durable, easy to work with gauge of wire, excellent performance in the 0.5 to 1.0ohm range with very little heat ramp up time in the about 20watts range which is a warm, flavorful, but good temperature range, in T/C mode with SS316L it would work really well here). For a MTL RTA, then 28AWG comes into play for me at least, little thinner than 26AWG, but has higher ohm per inch over 26AWG, little less durable, but great for being in a small tight build deck. Most of my MTL devices my coil diameter is about 2.0 to 2.5mm Inner Diameter (ID) in the 1.3 to 1.6ohm range at about 8 to 13watts, coil type is generally a tensioned tightly wrapped micro-coil (wire wrap touches the next), though a spaced coil works phemonomally in MTL as well. Wicking I generally use Cotton Bacon/Cotton Bacon Bits or Cotton King, Rayon works well (only you have to wick it tighter than real cotton as it wicks and holds juice like a champ).
The question on the difference between using ceramic tweezers to pulse and compress a coil or raking them and pulsing them, with contact coils like micro-coils, the firing is heating up the coil wire, this makes an oxidation layer build, as you compress/rake the wire lines up the spacing of that oxidation to insulate the wire and stop shorts and hot spots, making a balanced, stable ohm reading on the coil. With contact coils you want even glowing from center out, spaced coils the same way, and especially clapton style coils, no proper oxidation, bad things happen.
You'll just need some basic equipment, and basic Knowledge, particularly Ohms Law, and then lots and lots of practice.
Basic Minimum Tool Kit
Set of Jewelers Screw Drivers, also most devices will have a hex key (allen wrench) if the grub screws are that, but still a set of these is a must
Pair of Flush Wire Cutter for trimming and cutting wire
Tweezers (suggested ceramic) and/or pair of needle nose pliers (don't use these while firing, pulse to heat up, let off firing, use to compress, don't want to short anything out).
Pair of Sheers (scissors), sharper the better
Most important, and Ohm reader, though most mods today are pretty accurate and can be used instead, read the resistance before pulsing and compressing/raking, you will see a shift in readings as the coil stablizes out as the oxidation layer builds.
I'd suggest to start, a 30ft roll of both 26 and 28awg wire to see which you prefer before buying a 100ft plus roll, can find pretty easily online, but I'd suggest look at Temco Industrial Power -
Resistance Wire , or Kidney Puncher (especially for SS316L wire).
Wicking I'd suggest start off with either some Rayon, or any of the common "Organic" cottons (Cotton Bacon, Cotton King, Ko-Gen-Do/Muji Japanese cottons)
Then just get some practice in.
Good luck, any troubles don't hesitate to make a post, no stupid questions except the ones not asked around here.
