So I can wrap normal coils pretty well, but for protank head rebuilds it would be much better if I could do microcoils. Every video or tutorial uses a butane torch to heat and mold the kanthal and keep it together. I've tried it using a regular lighter and it doesn't work for me -- does help compress the coil a little but not even close to a microcoil. Will I get better results using a butane torch?
Butane torch needed for micro coils?
- Thread starter karcirate
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Simple answer... Yes! I was using a little jet flame lighter at first which worked but not very well. A Bernzomatic butane torch from Home Depot is about $15 and worth every penny.
Here's a pic of the one I use...
It doesn't have an ignition switch (have to light it with a Bic) but it works great! After 4 months of use it's been a solid performer and easy to refill.
Here's a pic of the one I use...
It doesn't have an ignition switch (have to light it with a Bic) but it works great! After 4 months of use it's been a solid performer and easy to refill.
yeah it will help the coil maintain its shape better. theyre arent expensive. pick one up or even a propane torch from a hardware store for under 10$
I got one for $5 from fasttech, but I had to wait a few weeks for it! It still starts up every time though!
If you do short pulses you can bypass the need for torching with those heads. I always do and I've never burned the silicone. But for the original question, you don't HAVE to, as you get better at wrapping you only have to do minimal corrections.
I use a simple butane torch and it definitely helps but like the above poster said if you don't have a torch just apply power from your device and when it glows red cut the power while gently squeezing the coil from both sides .
That will get the same result but doing it before hand makes it a touch easier. You can squeeze the coil together from both sides with your finger nails while it's still on the bit without a power source and that helps compact the coil.
Pro Tank heads are small though , the above works much easier if your using a topper with more room.
That will get the same result but doing it before hand makes it a touch easier. You can squeeze the coil together from both sides with your finger nails while it's still on the bit without a power source and that helps compact the coil.
Pro Tank heads are small though , the above works much easier if your using a topper with more room.
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Yeah, I have those tweezers from my model car building days, but it seems like when I apply a lighter flame to the coil held by the tweezers, the tweezers absorb most of the heat and the coil doesn't stay totally together.
Thanks everyone for the replies! I guess I'll be getting one.
I would also recommend getting some ceramic tweezers for compressing the coils on the mod. Will not short out.
Found 5 ceramic tweezers at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping
Found 5 ceramic tweezers at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping
I use long nose pliers to heat the coil , what gauge wire are you using for Pro Tank head's , 30 gauge is easier than 28 and heats up a little quicker.
I'm using 30. The pliers probably absorb more heat than the tweezers, but with butane it hopefully should work with both.
The butane torch works wonders and will help the coil remain shaped. I after torching dip mine in water and it tempers the steel. I use nothing but micro coils and most all my builds and they work great. I got a pretty cheap torch off amazon.com and it came fast. Even got my butane off amazon. It's a great little torch for the price
I used a torch when i first started playing with micro/macro coils. As i got better at wrapping I didn't need it anymore. I also mostly use 24 and 22 gauge kanthal and it isn't as springy as higher guages, so it holds its form pretty well.
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