Hot spot? Maybe? First try at rebuild= fail

[1LastShot]

I rebuilt my first head today- it's for a ce5. I used 34g kanthal, did what I believe would qualify as a 4/5 wrap (maybe a 5/6, I haven't figured which "sides" to look at...makes me to cross-eyed lol) anyhow- used boiled cotton-round wick. It tests at around 3.1 ohm. Let it soak for about 2 hours, fired it up, and UGH!! Tastes horrid, and just a few second depressing the button makes my whole tank light up like I trapped the sun in there. Looking inside while it fires, I see vape roll for a second and then a really bright spot start up just below the coil. What did I do? Is that what a hot spot is?

 

[1LastShot]

I think I figured it out- the coil was touching the metal, and that's the area where it was glowing. I tried scooting it away from the metal- it still doesn't taste good, but it's not looking like its going to explode anymore lol

It's also now giving a reading of 6 ohms. Oy. Maybe I'm not cut out for this lol

 

[SirSteve]

I think I figured it out- the coil was touching the metal, and that's the area where it was glowing. I tried scooting it away from the metal- it still doesn't taste good, but it's not looking like its going to explode anymore lol

If the spot where the coil was glowing so brightly was near the wick, you may have burned your cotton. I have burned a couple of cotton wicks, and the burned taste never went away. I like cotton, but silica and mesh are way more forgiving when it comes to burning.

Look at the bright side though, you learned something and now have more knowledge and experience with which to work.

I am still learning also, but it is satisfying when you have success. Best to you.