My first coil! :)

[Jimi D.]

I prefer to use a butane torch over a BIC lighter to torch my resistance wire. If you use a BIC you need to make sure that the flame is not directly touching the wire or it will leave behind black carbon precipitate (the carbon in the butane cannot burn unless it joins with oxygen, so if you interrupt the flame the unburned carbon will precipitate). Using a butane torch alleviates the problem of carbon precipitate because it will introduce a 30% oxygen mixture before ignition, resulting in a much more efficient burn that doesn't leave anything behind. The whole point of torching your Kanthal is to burn off hand grease, machine oil, and other impurities. Coating your resistance wire with black carbon precipitate kind of defeats the purpose. Although more expensive than a BIC, you can get a decent butane torch for under $20.

You bet ya Carbon residue contains over 2000 chemicals like the stinkies ! I bought my torch 3 years ago. Way cheaper than buying disposable lighters.

 

[Cellodick]

That's fine; I'm just very frugal. I asked my husband if he ever had any use for a butane torch; he said no, but a propane torch would be nice. I can't see using a propane torch for flaming wire, and since we'd have no other use for a butane torch, it seems completely unnecessary to me. I'm rather afraid of fire -- I don't even light my scented candles -- but a lighter, I can handle -- lots of experience!

Andria

Even more frugal would be to use your gas stove. Or just heat it on the mod. $1 per lighter that is throw away doesn't seem very frugal to me. Actually it is quite wasteful.
10$ non disposable torch is very frugal. Whatever you use those lighters for can also be accomplished with a torch.
And, you CAN torch your coils with a propane torch if your husband needs/wants/has use for one of those.

 

[Haylon357]

Well done. There is nothing like vaping on a coil that you made.

Sent from my LG G3

 

[Shawn Hoefer]

Splitting the middle with the lighter debate. I am using a refillable butane jet lighter.

 

[ignotus]

Best vaper's torch:

http://www.harborfreight.com/micro-torch-42101.html