Coils spreading on first dry burn, warning possible newb question lol

[KenDogg1024]

Hey guys,
Built my first dual coil on my Lemo2 just now, both 6 wraps of 30g at 1.5mm diameter. Very happy with the way it came out for my first time trying a dual coil, only thing I would change it came out .8 ohm instead of the .6 I was shooting for and I believe its cause I got a little lazy and used the holes for the leads instead of under the screws so my leads ended up being longer than necessary.

Anyway, when I heated it the first time to squish it together it would stay nice, then if I heat it again it would spread the coils apart just a bit. Is this normal or is it not a concern since the coils should never really get 'red' hot with juice on them?

 

[Bunnykiller]

if juice is present, its gonna be a bit difficult for them to get red hot in the first place due to the evaporation/cooling effect. and if things ever got that toasty, the flavor would be totally gross

as far as spreading coils, metal expands as it heats up and it becomes annealed ( looses its springyness) not too much to worry about, kind of a normal occurance with Kanthal/Nichrome....

 

[VictorViper]

I usually spend a good five minutes dry burning. You can avoid any major warping by keeping things slow and low. Short pulses with a little cool down in between so it takes some time to build up to a glow.

Don't be afraid to take tweezers to it when it's hot (NOT while firing unless you use ceramic). Eventually the coil will settle into shape, and it warps less with each pinch - the heat removes the springiness of the wire. Once you're happy with its position and spacing, and the coil takes on a blue tint, you're good to go.

[EDIT] Just noticed you're using 30awg. That stuff is like rubber. You can make wrapping easier by torching it until red with a lighter (or a torch, ideally). It'll get red hot almost instantly and then you just follow along the wire. Make sure you use the blue portion of the flame or you can scorch the wire.

 

[WonderDude32]

You are well on your way. I don't know anyone that made a perfect build the first time they tried it. Like Neo jumping off the building in the Matrix, nobody makes it on the first attempt. Keep asking the questions and you will have it figured out in no time at all. And it's fun.

 

[Ryedan]

Hey guys,
Built my first dual coil on my Lemo2 just now, both 6 wraps of 30g at 1.5mm diameter. Very happy with the way it came out for my first time trying a dual coil, only thing I would change it came out .8 ohm instead of the .6 I was shooting for and I believe its cause I got a little lazy and used the holes for the leads instead of under the screws so my leads ended up being longer than necessary.

Anyway, when I heated it the first time to squish it together it would stay nice, then if I heat it again it would spread the coils apart just a bit. Is this normal or is it not a concern since the coils should never really get 'red' hot with juice on them?

I never use such thin wire so I can't say weather this is normal with 30 gauge. I would suggest that you don't worry about it though.

First off, yes, they will never glow once they get wet. Also, contact coils are not 'required' for vaping. I have shifted back to non-contact coils lately and find they are generally better for me. I like the slightly better flavor and that they don't gunk up as much.

In the end, if it works for you that's all that matters.

 

[KenDogg1024]

Thanks guys,
So far so good with this coil I'm pretty happy with how it came out, I did like 8 x 5second hits in a row last night at 25w with no dry hits whatsoever so I'm feelin good about that. It definitely is fun to build the coils, I used 30awg cause I was a little nervous about fitting both coils in the space but looking now I think I would have been fine, like you said live and learn.

 

[VictorViper]

Sounds like a quality build paired with a great wick (never underestimate your wick). Don't get too wrapped up (yuk yuk) in what gauge wire you use. They all vape, just opens up build options.

 

[KenDogg1024]

thanks man, lol i always love a good corny joke

 

[VictorViper]

I've got a million of them. You'd be a-maize-d.

I blame my dad.

 

[EBates]

I build my KF's using 32ga or 30ga kanthal all the time. I use a Coiling Gizmo from Hobby Lobby and wind tensioned micro coils. If the wire is would tightly (no space between windings) then I find no torching is required. Pulse the coil at 7-10 watts and 4-5 seconds, pinch with tweasers while still red hot, work out any hot leg it may have, and you're good to go.

 

[VictorViper]

Tension is where it's at... but it does take a tool to make it happen, DIY or store bought.

 

[EBates]

Here's a video on the coiling gizmo.

 

[Dom]

I have a lemo 2 and i like using a much lower gauge. I believe it came with spare 24g wire. use it about 6-7 wraps around #0 size screw driver. I use the holes at bottom and it comes out .5 to .6