Is it a must to torch Kanthal coil?

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twgbonehead

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Torching does help if you're working with small wire (i.e. 30 ga or thereabouts). Takes out some of the springiness so the coil doesn't try to unwind itself. Not really necessary for larger wire. Not an absolute necessity in any case.

You can torch over a gas stove, though (if you have one!) I use a lab (variable) power-supply, so on the off chance you have something like that.....
 

cammelspit

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i don't know if it helps but I have a torch and simply never use it. What I do is I tie a tiny twist in the far end of the kanthal to be wrapped and hook it to another screwdriver. Heat isn't the only way to lock in kanthals shape, mechanical "WORK" can also do the trick. I also draw my kanthal as tightly as I can while wrapping and with the added leverage and no slipping grip from the other screwdriver the kanthal simply stays put right where I put it. Inevitably you will mess up the coil somewhat when you mount it if only a little and that's where just a dry burn (BEFORE YOU PUT ANY WICK IN THERE!!) can be used to clean it up. Another recommendation, I don't know why you cant get a torch, but, if you can get one, some ceramic tweezers are simply a must! You can dry burn your brandy new coils AND pinch them at the same time and that makes relieving hot spots and straightening up coils simply a breeze. I've only been doing my own coils for maybe six months but in no time at all you will be a pro and it wont tale more than maybe 10-15 minutes at the very most to have a whole build done and vaping like a champ. Good luck my friend and happy vaping!
 

cammelspit

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vapdivrr

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I don't use anything thinner then 28g and don't find a torch necessary. I like to wrap as tight as I can but make about 5 more wraps then I need. I do this because alot of the time the first couple and last couple aren't quite as good as the middle ones. Now keeping the coil still on bit, I hold one lead with a tweezer and pull out the last couple of wraps, I then do the same on the other lead. I am now left with the best and tightest wraps. Also this pulling, adds tension to the coil, making for an awesome finished product.
 

cammelspit

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There u go, it seems you use the "Mechanical Work" to lock in the shape of the coils. A small pair of pliers works well as well to hold the wrapping lead. My brother has the tendency to make too many wraps and then he unwraps a few too so you're not the only one. I, personally, have yet to use anything bigger than 28 regular kanthal because I got 100' for like less than 8 dollars and that stuff will last me for ever. I do hear the wider wire can be easier since it's less "Springy" and it normally just STAYS there where you put it.
 

vapdivrr

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There u go, it seems you use the "Mechanical Work" to lock in the shape of the coils. A small pair of pliers works well as well to hold the wrapping lead. My brother has the tendency to make too many wraps and then he unwraps a few too so you're not the only one. I, personally, have yet to use anything bigger than 28 regular kanthal because I got 100' for like less than 8 dollars and that stuff will last me for ever. I do hear the wider wire can be easier since it's less "Springy" and it normally just STAYS there where you put it.
Yes I agree, thinner wire is more of a pain.
 
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