Yes, I've got ceramic wicks (even some of the coveted Boden wicks). Hemp is my last frontier (thus far), and the Russian is the most complicated atty I will have attempted so far.
strange, i have found it so much easier than gennys! don't fuss over the hemp. it takes such a tiny amount to surround the coil and pack the cup

just make sure you pull some
through the opening between the negative leg and screw. that's the only fault i've found - guess i gotta hit up mike for a negative screw extension

be prepared the hit packs a punch! i'm still trying different resistance wires to tone that down
and a 5/64 bit is just the right size to wrap a vertical coil!
And a spot welder to join the wires ...
I suppose you can just knot them but I'm not sure how effective that is ... obviously I haven't gone down this path myself yet either. I'd be interested to hear what you find!
looping them together was deemed sufficient
morning, y'all!
hiya, frannie!