Protank Steel Mesh: Popping coils

[TrashbagJesus]

I hope this is an appropriate place to post this, I'm having troubles re-wicking my Protank on my Vamo. I'm using 400 steel mesh and 34 gauge Kanthal A-1 (round) wire. I've managed to got one setup working. The coil fires and heats uniformly, with no hot spots at about 2.4 ohms and 7.0W. I can't seem to recreate my success though. All my other attempts end in popped / broken coils when fired. It looks like the positive leg is heating to the point of popping almost instantly. The (very) few coils that do not pop, don't heat uniformly. They have hot spots on the positive leg that I can't seem to fix.

I've watched dozens of tutorials and done my homework. I'm oxidizing the wicks 4-5 times, making tight wraps, I'm pretty sure I'm doing things right. But, I keep popping coils. Could it be a short or, maybe 34GA wire is too thin? I'm at a loss here. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[tmcase]

Try pulling the top coil away from the post slightly. If it is too close or your voltage is too high it's going to pop the coil. If you top coil is too far away from the post you'll get a hot spot. You're coils must be uniformly spaced and the neg leg shouldn't be touching the base. Try starting out at a low voltage and working your way up.