here's a tension coil I mounted with really short legs, the 2 outer coils are pulled out a bit on the bottom. when this coil lights up the coils all light up at the same time except the 2 outer which lag behind a just a bit
does it make a difference? would clamping the coil tightly while mounting it even help much?
T about the best way to conserve the symmetry is to install it on the bit. Try to tension the leads to match the remainder of the wind if it's loose. Reduce the Ø on an end turn and as perfect the geometry may be it will affect the uniformity of the entire wind.
To answer on another point you and others mention. Best tool for conserving end turns is the .... of a matching Ø screwdriver or face of a pin vise. Even if you wind on something else having a matching bit on a screwdriver or pin vise helps nail the set. Even a smaller shank is helpful but you have to watch under-sizing the end turn. You can't then use the undersides bit to tension the lead.
Matching lead tension during the set is what locks in uniformity. Matching lead twist on twisted lead parallels is what locks the geometry there…and so uniformity of heat output.
Clamping coils for center post or dual end-turn twists is a gotta have. Gottabe a droid or somethin' to pull that off.
Simple tools. Big rewards.
Good luck all.
