Micro-Coils and gunk build-up.

[rc10mike]

Dont know if this has been discussed yet or not, but I havent been around here in a while.

Since then Ive built a TON of micro-coils and did a TON of trial-error.

So far, the BEST coils Ive made were those left with space between the individual coil. Not a ton of space, just about the width of the wire itself. I would wind a coil around a 1/16 drill bit, compress it down to even it out, then pull it apart from the ends to stretch it out a little.

The problem I ran into with compressed coils, was that gunk would quickly build up over the coil, chocking air-flow, killing flavor, and killing vapor, often times by the next day the coil needed a good clean/scrape. The stretched coils I can get through an entire week without any major decrease in performance.

The funny thing is, the compressed/stretched coils performed the same as far as flavor/vapor.

Also, I only use silica.

 

[zachly]

Maybe I overlooked it but, do you make sure there is enough 'wiggle room' between the wicking and the coil for air flow? Also, you could just dry burn the coils, run them under water right after and repeat a couple times and they will be looking good as new. That's what I do as a temporary fix

 

[Raynman]

With silica just dry burn and use compressed air to blow it off. Here's a pic of my month old ceramic wick.

 

[ZeroOhms]

Dont know if this has been discussed yet or not, but I havent been around here in a while.

Since then Ive built a TON of micro-coils and did a TON of trial-error.

So far, the BEST coils Ive made were those left with space between the individual coil. Not a ton of space, just about the width of the wire itself. I would wind a coil around a 1/16 drill bit, compress it down to even it out, then pull it apart from the ends to stretch it out a little.

The problem I ran into with compressed coils, was that gunk would quickly build up over the coil, chocking air-flow, killing flavor, and killing vapor, often times by the next day the coil needed a good clean/scrape. The stretched coils I can get through an entire week without any major decrease in performance.

The funny thing is, the compressed/stretched coils performed the same as far as flavor/vapor.

Also, I only use silica.

I have been experimenting with spaces between the coils too. In theory, it will run cooler but the larger surface area should give more flavor.
One way to coil with even spacing is to use two wires in parallel and unscrew the second wire after coiling. Think of it as you are making two coils at once and you can use the secondary coil later.
Some pic for reference.
Initial rolling


After separated


On the deck (don't mind the funky setup. Still getting used to new coil builder and got the direction backwards.)