can't wrap for crap

[yinsen]

this isn't reo-specific, but I bloody love this place so I'm going to ask you chaps.

I'm been vaping for maybe six months (although I feel like I should have far more prowess for the amount of time I've been in the game) so I'm no stranger - but my coils are still horrible.

I always see photos of these incredible crazy quads with perfectly even and perfectly aligned wraps that look practically computer generated, and I just can't even get close. they don't align properly, there are always gaps in my micros (and very uneven ones at that), they are always at funky angles, and just generally look like a dog's breakfast.

I torch, I make sure my wrapping hand is far enough away to be accurate (learned that one lately), I fire and compress, I take my time, I use a drillbit, I cross the first wrap to get it started and unfold it later, but none of those seem to make a difference.

I know it's all about practice, but I still feel there are concepts I'm just totally ignoring here. so, please fill me in:

what are your tips for wrapping great coils for RDAs? treat me like an idiot!

please use as much complexity or simplicity as you like! all tidbits or ideas welcome. I use 28g temco kanthal if that helps, and currently on an infinite stillare.

thanks for the help!

 

[Rule62]

Here are the tools I use for coil wrapping. On the left is a simple Pin Vise, available at any hobby shop. It has an adjustable chuck, to accommodate various size drill bits. Or, if you want to buy a tool, made specifically for vaping, the tool in the center is a handy aid for coil wrapping. The point is: in order to wrap nice coils, the wire has to be under tension at all times, while wrapping. With the pin vise, you have to hold the wire with your thumb. With the tool in the center, one end of the wire is held in place with a thumb screw.
On the right, is a ceramic tipped tweezer. Once your coil is mounted on your atty, you can gently apply pressure to compress it, while hitting the fire button on the mod. The ceramic tweezers are non conductive, and will withstand the heat.

 

[danthony428]

I learned by paying my local shop to build a few coils for me. I carefully watched and then bought a ton of kanthal to practice. It took me a few months of practicing, but now I can safely say that I can build any rda pretty well. I think one of the problems I had in the beginning was that I was using too thin of wire (28-30g) I moved down to 26 for the most part, and it is far less springy. This makes it easier for me to get them perfect.

Just keep practicing, those jigs are fine if thats what you choose to do, but It is possible without it. You'll get it if you just keep at it.

 

[Damrin]

I second Rule62! Practice and the right tools! Technique helps too! There are lots of great vids on youtoob to help! Rip tripper has some great vids on coil wrapping! Check them out.. Though you may wanna hit mute... lol.

 

[Papa_Lazarou]

Well, many use a thing called the Artistic Wire Coil Gizmo

http://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Wire-Coiling-Deluxe-Jewelry/dp/B0068RQ85K

Myself, I tried it but still go back to my trusty drill bit and tension technique (i.e., pulling on the spool of wire as I wrap it to keep tension). I mount the drill bit in vice to keep it secure. I also find that using a magnifying glass of some sort (I use one of those lamp stand ones with a light) helps to really see where the wraps are going and I unwrap and rewrap any loop that isn't lining up to my satisfaction. Interestingly enough, I find that I'm more accurate when using a longer lead from the spool to the bit (about 8 inches).

I use 28 gauge mostly, don't torch it, and press (with tweezers) when dry firing it when it's first installed.

Other than that, it's like getting to Carnegie Hall.... practice, practice, practice.

 

[Rule62]

Well, many use a thing called the Artistic Wire Coil Gizmo

Amazon.com: Artistic Wire Coiling Gizmo(R) Deluxe Winder for Jewelry Making

Myself, I tried it but still go back to my trusty drill bit and tension technique (i.e., pulling on the spool of wire as I wrap it to keep tension). I mount the drill bit in vice to keep it secure. I also find that using a magnifying glass of some sort (I use one of those lamp stand ones with a light) helps to really see where the wraps are going and I unwrap and rewrap any loop that isn't lining up to my satisfaction. Interestingly enough, I find that I'm more accurate when using a longer lead from the spool to the bit (about 8 inches).

I use 28 gauge mostly, don't torch it, and press (with tweezers) when dry firing it when it's first installed.

Other than that, it's like getting to Carnegie Hall.... practice, practice, practice.

Agreed. Good eyesight and lighting is a help, especially for an old geezer like me. I use one of those magnifying head bands, and I have a nice desk lamp on my desk, that has a goose neck, so I can adjust it, in order to focus the light where I need it.

 

[redeyedancer]

I go into it knowing its going to be a ugly coil and you no what ugly coils vape just as good as pretty coils . I wouldn't let it bother you if your getting good vapor and flavor

 

[Filthy-Beast]

Doesn't matter if I'm wrapping on a drill bit, coil gizmo or jig, constant tension is a key. I don't do anything fancy, last RBA I built.

 

[smiddlet68]

Doesn't matter if I'm wrapping on a drill bit, coil gizmo or jig, constant tension is a key. I don't do anything fancy, last RBA I built.

Loving the Readyx..

 

[olefolks]

Yin, if you can get a Artistic wire gizmo and do just as Flavored does in his video you can make your coil as tight as you want. Just saying!!

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/clearomizers/510520-coils-made-easy.html

 

[twgbonehead]

I use a slightly different technique.

I tape the wire to a drill bit. then, I pinch the wire to the bit, and start turning the drill bit. After the first turn is on, you can "feel" the wire feeding in against the previous turn (you push slightly towards the coil). The tension comes from friction between your thumb and the drill bit, and by pinching it, you keep the coils feeding next to each other (and not jumping on top of the previous turn). In other words, you're pinching the wire onto the bit, and at the same time pushing it against the previous coil. (Your thumb, being soft, also rides up onto the coil).

It's kind of hard to describe, but the feel is pretty easy to get.

 

[Barbchris]

I use this:

RBA Coil Jig - 101 Vape

It's smaller than I thought it would be, but once I got the hang of it, it really helps. Torching the living heck out of the wire helps too. Not just one pass through the flame, heat it up really good.

 

[Raynman]

I'm with the ModFather on this one. Pretty is for the birds, ugly rulez.

 

[super_X_drifter]

This is the ticket right here:

http://youtu.be/s_DLLILgajE

Perfect coils every time. Just watch how easy it is to crank out coils like this:

It's super easy to count wraps too cause each time the bend in the rod passes your tensioned wire it's a wrap.

No need for heat, torching just wrapping

Also notice how nice and straight the legs come out and no "starter wraps" to deal with.

 

[diamondlou]

gage has alot to do with it. 28ga-32 are hard to work with. 24 and 26 seem ideal for me. Try boltin the coil to atty (with bit still in coil n the pull the coil to get the last slack out) then loosen screws n reposition.

 

[BockinBboy]

Some peeps say I can't wrap
Well I ain't down with that
Cause I can bust a rhyme
Better than da Cat n the Hat!

- Bboy

 

[2buildawall]

I use the art wire gizmo and follow many videos I have watched. I really need to get a magnifying glass mcbobber or mcthingy because I can't see squat. I keep the tension and turn the gizmo and get great 1.0 ohm coils every time. It takes me no time at all now. I have bad hands so anything more than the gizmo will lead me to ice and drink. Just to be clear the ice is for the drink not the hand.