Tensioned Micro Coils. The next step.

[MacTechVpr]

Those look like some really long coils. I ran into burning problems when I made mine too long. What I’ve been looking at now is really large diameters (5mm) which shortens the coil while increasing juice flow. It’s got other issues though. Big coils are fragile and prone to hot spots. I’m wondering if your stuff here may have some solutions in that direction

Nearly impossible to get a "hot spot" with a strained coil for reasons I describe above. Large Ø work as you're providing adequate flow availability for the power used/req'd. So less apt to foul even when over-powering (VV/VW). A good thing and glad to see things have moved in this direction from the original micro-coil which limited performance by definition. However, you can progressively cook the juice with too much flow (inadequate vaporization) which can be worse. Not a popular subject here. Problem is with all coils is that they tend towards inefficiency due to inconsistency. Strain winding provides a tool to address this while optimizing Kanthal wire towards its rated spec performance. Unlike other loss variables such as int res of mods, batt's etc. this is one we can control for.

Good luck.

p.s. Parallels I typically post are designed for RxW wicking which have a nominal Ø of 2.7mm. Tensioned micro's can be any size. But consider that wetted surface area is what gets us the vape. And if they don't foul, that's the ticket.

 

[bombastinator]

Nearly impossible to get a "hot spot" with a strained coil for reasons I describe above. Large Ø work as you're providing adequate flow availability for the power used/req'd. So less apt to foul even when over-powering (VV/VW). A good thing and glad to see things have moved in this direction from the original micro-coil which limited performance by definition. However, you can progressively cook the juice with too much flow (inadequate vaporization) which can be worse. Not a popular subject here. Problem is with all coils is that they tend towards inefficiency due to inconsistency. Strain winding provides a tool to address this while optimizing Kanthal wire towards its rated spec performance. Unlike other loss variables such as int res of mods, batt's etc. this is one we can control for.

Good luck.

p.s. Parallels I typically post are designed for RxW wicking which have a nominal Ø of 2.7mm. Tensioned micro's can be any size. But consider that wetted surface area is what gets us the vape. And if they don't foul, that's the ticket.

Was thinking about this concept. IIRC it’s similar to a 1990s electric motor breakthrough where someone accidentally messed up the settings on an industrial motor winding machine and it wound the coils so tight that the metal actually stretched to the point that the wire diameter shrunk by almost a third. It was amazing. Vastly improved efficiency and smaller size. You can see when it happened from looking at the housing on a really old electric drill and a newer one. That required a very powerful machine and was so extreme it had never been discovered because no one looking even had the equipment to do it. That was copper. This is iron alloy. I think this may have merit. Possibly a lot. What I don’t know is of the amount of the tension a mere human can put on a coil wire is going to be enough to make a difference or not.

 

[Punk In Drublic]

@bombastinator – interesting post

@MacTechVpr – Have to admit that the concept of a tension coil does intrigue me, but if I may ask, do you have any objective data that backs these theories? Looking at the dual coils picture posted on the previous page, I count 9 windings of high gauge 2x parallel wire. What properties to the wire does the tension winding change vs making a coil of similar dimensions and gauge? As @bombastinator pointed out, logically tension will stretch the wire but is that enough to have any significant and noticeable change to not stretching the wire?

 

[bombastinator]

@bombastinator – interesting post

@MacTechVpr – Have to admit that the concept of a tension coil does intrigue me, but if I may ask, do you have any objective data that backs these theories? Looking at the dual coils picture posted on the previous page, I count 9 windings of high gauge 2x parallel wire. What properties to the wire does the tension winding change vs making a coil of similar dimensions and gauge? As @bombastinator pointed out, logically tension will stretch the wire but is that enough to have any significant and noticeable change to not stretching the wire?

If someone around here is actually conversant in metallurgical chemistry they did iirc figure out what exactly happened and why it worked better. The question is will the thing that made a non-resistance wire even less resistive be bad or good for a resistance wire, and will a given wire type even be capable of doing it?

 

[MacTechVpr]

Was thinking about this concept. Orc it’s similar to a 1990s electric motor breakthrough where someone accidentally misses a motor winding machine and it wound the coils so tight that the metal actually stretched to the point that the wire diameter shrunk by almost a third. That required a very powerful machine and was so extreme it had never been discovered because no one looking even had the equipment to do it. That was copper. This is iron alloy. I think this may have merit. Possibly a lot. What I don’t know is of the amount of tension a mere human can put on a coil wire is going to be enough to make a difference or not.

@bombastinator – interesting post

@MacTechVpr – Have to admit that the concept of a tension coil does intrigue me, but if I may ask, do you have any objective data that backs these theories? Looking at the dual coils picture posted on the previous page, I count 9 windings of high gauge 2x parallel wire. What properties to the wire does the tension winding change vs making a coil of similar dimensions and gauge? As @bombastinator pointed out, logically tension will stretch the wire but is that enough to have any significant and noticeable change to not stretching the wire?

The method to impart strain in a hand winding is well known. The discovery about Kanthal in hand-winding, the new art, was the observation of a level of tension sufficiently small yet adequate to achieve the state I generically refer to as "adhesion" at which the change affects the functional properties of the wire. More than merely a lowering of res proportional to dimensional change or length (@bombastinator). It's there and just beyond that very low voltage suffices to observably accelerate oxidation. So it's a combination of these two factors or conditions which alters the net behavior of flow resulting in a far greater and more consistent uniformity of thermal output. This is the big win. Even if this weren't as effective as I've described voluminously on this forum, the mere achievement of symmetry in element production and the resulting durability provided by increased rigidity in deterring heat expansion distortion…these are enormously beneficial in and of themselves.

I've had the opportunity independently and on occasion here on this forum to confirm the validity for some of the underlying science with both academic and professional materials and physical science experts. Had I the incentive I might have invested the time and expense to do so more formerly. But like so many I am utterly discouraged by the encroachment of gov into this industry. I've put as much out there as I'm able for the community to make use of as a means to pay back what I couldn't pay forward to so many contributing here before me.

It's up to you to make use of it. Prove all things, I say. And that's really what I'm trying to achieve is help folks learn how to leverage tension into durable reproducible results. What I would emphasize is that these winds vape predictably cooler than conventionals as confirmed consistently with the many that I've worked or sampled with in and outside the community over the past five years. Without exception once you reach adhesion and successfully oxidize (visible result and difference), you get the output result. As with anything, you can err in the process. But that's the beauty of the method too that a second wind takes seconds with some simple practice.

Anyway, tired now. I work and sleep at all hours. But I wouldn't mind continuing this discussion or assisting with any snags. LOL Hey, they happen. Especially me. Don't have the hand motor skills most have anymore. Nor too often lately the energy for detailed replies. Is what is.

Get a pin vise already, will ya!

Good luck.

 

[Punk In Drublic]

@MacTechVpr - Thanks for the response. Will pick your brain some more but no rush in responding….I’m not going anywhere.

In layman’s terms curious to understand your definition of “adhesion” and the properties of the wire this changes. You mention the acceleration of oxidation, is that just the effect adhesion has on the wire or does the speed of oxidation also contribute to the overall performance of a coil. And if so to what effect. You mentioned “these two factors”, but the speed of oxidation just seems to be the result of adhesion – as I am understanding it (even though I do not understand adhesion). So just trying to understand what the factors are, what they influence and how that works toward vaping. And if adding tension to the wire while winding changes the properties with a noticeable effect, does increasing the tension scale this effect?

I agree that a consistent and uniform thermal output could be beneficial, we obviously do not want drastic differences in temperature across a coil. I feel mesh works in a similar fashion but the end results on how this contributes to the quality of the vape is very subjective. Some like it, some do not. And, if I may use mesh as an example, there is still a lot of inconsistencies that go on within the atomizer in terms of air flow, juice influence and even wick uniformity that also have a major impact on this thermal output. It’s like trying to build the perfect coil for an imperfect environment.

Just to note that I am not doubting the effects or questioning your comments – I have a great deal of interest in this and just trying to understand the differences, what properties are changed and the effects said changes has on the quality of the vape. I enjoy these techie conversations! Thx

 

[bombastinator]

I do get tired of banging rocks together the way we have to in order to get things done. This whole concept is totally testable but I don’t have the education to find the holes myself if there are any. What’s irritating is testing of this has probably already been done and the awnser as to whether and/or how much merit it has is likely known. To others. Who aren’t talking.

 

[Punk In Drublic]

I do get tired of banging rocks together the way we have to in order to get things done. This whole concept is totally testable but I don’t have the education to find the holes myself if there are any. What’s irritating is testing of this has probably already been done and the awnser as to whether and/or how much merit it has is likely known. To others. Who aren’t talking.

Not sure I understand this. If you are insinuating that I am trying to prove others wrong by banging rocks that is not the case at all. I am genuinely interested and would like to hear more. Seeking information by opening conversation to which everyone involved could benefit from.

 

[MacTechVpr]

I do get tired of banging rocks together the way we have to in order to get things done. This whole concept is totally testable but I don’t have the education to find the holes myself if there are any. What’s irritating is testing of this has probably already been done and the awnser as to whether and/or how much merit it has is likely known. To others. Who aren’t talking.

The fact that something that obvious had not been done is in part what prompted me to endeavor to quit and join ECF, as I pondered the beginnings of vaping for some time. The introduction of a closed (contact) coil was for me the clarion call as I suspected that such would be exceedingly hot. That perspective however might have constrained the explosion in vaping which followed its wide adoption. I found out just how much unpredictably hotter when I started vaping comparing them to standard winds. This issue…was not as enthusiastically pursued or at all as the development and regard for other hardware. To me at the time, the m.c. risked being relegated to the status of just another hobbyist variant. This really fueled my curiosity and still does.

Incidentally, to dispel another myth, standard open coils with good symmetry not distorted in their resistance by unbalanced installation strain…will fire inside-out. I'd wager quite a few good builders figure this out without understanding the science or mechanics underlying the result. When we do this we're writing the path of action to neural memory. Just like learning to play an instrument we can internalize good mechanical technique. I rode in on a sudden wave of interest not specifically related to the m.c. on improving approaches for winding. What was missing was the precision, essential to reproduction, of building to a metric. This afforded me the perfect opportunity for the introduction of such a mechanical process.

Good luck.

 

[MacTechVpr]

@MacTechVpr - Thanks for the response. Will pick your brain some more but no rush in responding….I’m not going anywhere.

In layman’s terms curious to understand your definition of “adhesion” and the properties of the wire this changes. You mention the acceleration of oxidation, is that just the effect adhesion has on the wire or does the speed of oxidation also contribute to the overall performance of a coil. And if so to what effect. You mentioned “these two factors”, but the speed of oxidation just seems to be the result of adhesion – as I am understanding it (even though I do not understand adhesion). So just trying to understand what the factors are, what they influence and how that works toward vaping. And if adding tension to the wire while winding changes the properties with a noticeable effect, does increasing the tension scale this effect?

I agree that a consistent and uniform thermal output could be beneficial, we obviously do not want drastic differences in temperature across a coil. I feel mesh works in a similar fashion but the end results on how this contributes to the quality of the vape is very subjective. Some like it, some do not. And, if I may use mesh as an example, there is still a lot of inconsistencies that go on within the atomizer in terms of air flow, juice influence and even wick uniformity that also have a major impact on this thermal output. It’s like trying to build the perfect coil for an imperfect environment.

Just to note that I am not doubting the effects or questioning your comments – I have a great deal of interest in this and just trying to understand the differences, what properties are changed and the effects said changes has on the quality of the vape. I enjoy these techie conversations! Thx

TY PID. The oxidation result is dependent upon the state of the wire achieved (if internal reordering occurred, through strain) and the voltage and pulse firing time. If you're not seeing uniform and sequential evidence of migration you fell short. Inconsistent turn-to-turn oxidation, as well. That is my claim.

Not sure I understand what you are asking regarding speed of oxidation and tension. It can take considerable time actually to achieve deposition. By accelerate I mean this generically. Voltage and time on the other hand once adhesion is achieved can very much affect the result. Bypassing certain stages which must be learned through experience can make for some less than favorable results. Areas I will not be discussing here. If you ref my writings on this you will see my recommendations to limit pulsing to low voltage levels and a gradual process of observation.

The tension required is directly proportional to wire mass. No more, no less. It takes more strain to reach the point of adhesion the thicker the wire. This target has some interesting related physical laws. I casually refer to it as the point the wire gets "sticky". It's not at all that but it has ceased to be bent straight wire and become a spring having internalized the heat energy of the strain used. I hesitate to call it metal memory as it's not exactly, but like that.

Tehnsioned Contact Micro Coil, MacTechVpr

• MacTechVpr
• Jun 25, 2015
• coil contact tensioned

All the papers and other documentation I encountered when I first started the work left me concerned that it wouldn't be possible for the average user to achieve stable t.m.c.'s at the voltages we were using. Specifically, to induce effective alumina surface development at such levels. But it became evident early on that reordering and an impact on surface composition was happening early on. With time that it could be easily controlled and predicted with some practice. Initiation for beginners relatively easy. Some experience required to prepare higher power builds.

But honestly what could be better than having a single wire build you can nail at the precise center of your preferences at the mW/cm and pwr you prefer? That's the kind of baseline that makes a difference when you buy a product or compare the performance of alternatives. Have a bunch on my desk and derivatives.

Last tip, use the shoulder of the spool as the fulcrum. Angle of attack is important (it may vary strain).

Shout out. I'll be here.

Good luck.

 

[bombastinator]

Not sure I understand this. If you are insinuating that I am trying to prove others wrong by banging rocks that is not the case at all. I am genuinely interested and would like to hear more. Seeking information by opening conversation to which everyone involved could benefit from.

No I wish we had more hard science besides mooch floating about. We’ve got guess and speculate about so much and what science gets done is mostly fake stuff based on secret stuff funded by BT. It’s annoying

I actually did bang rocks together today, though they were rocks made of salt.

 

[bombastinator]

The fact that something that obvious had not been done is in part what prompted me to endeavor to quit and join ECF, as I pondered the beginnings of vaping for some time. The introduction of a closed (contact) coil was for me the clarion call as I suspected that such would be exceedingly hot. That perspective however might have constrained the explosion in vaping which followed its wide adoption. I found out just how much unpredictably hotter when I started vaping comparing them to standard winds. This issue…was not as enthusiastically pursued or at all as the development and regard for other hardware. To me at the time, the m.c. risked being relegated to the status of just another hobbyist variant. This really fueled my curiosity and still does.

Incidentally, to dispel another myth, standard open coils with good symmetry not distorted in their resistance by unbalanced installation strain…will fire inside-out. I'd wager quite a few good builders figure this out without understanding the science or mechanics underlying the result. When we do this we're writing the path of action to neural memory. Just like learning to play an instrument we can internalize good mechanical technique. I rode in on a sudden wave of interest not specifically related to the m.c. on improving approaches for winding. What was missing was the precision, essential to reproduction, of building to a metric. This provided the perfect opportunity for the introduction of such a mechanical process.

Good luck.

What salts my shorts is it probably HAS been done. We’re just not allowed to know what the results are. Science didn’t used to be this way.

 

[MacTechVpr]

No I wish we had more hard science besides mooch floating about. We’ve got guess and speculate about so much and what science gets done is mostly fake stuff based on secret stuff funded by BT. It’s annoying

I actually did bang rocks together today, though they were rocks made of salt.

I agree. I'm not a rocket scientist either. My background is as a tech buyer (PM) alongside engineers of various disciplines most of my working life. It surprised me starting to vape how long we'd been winding knots to vape. Yeah, a little knowledge helps. There is quite a bit of useful info here on Kanthal and alumina. Also on strain by materials experts. The first attestation as to the validity of my claim came from one of the physicists on this board. He contributed plans for a mechanical jig to make them on the original microcoil thread. Lots to find here if one cares to look.

Good luck.

 

[MacTechVpr]

What salts my shorts is it probably HAS been done. We’re just not allowed to know what the results are. Science didn’t used to be this way.

I'm here for a simple reason. Had I been forced to rely on over-heating knots for coils, I would have failed. Think that's too much of a burden for anybody to have to endure. A lot of what is touted as high or new tech fails the crunch test with practically anyone I've taught to wind. Nough said. I'll help those I can. So I'll continue to believe that this is what this forum is for. As for resolute skeptics, they come and go. If I were here for my ego I'd have been gone long ago.

Good luck.

 

[Punk In Drublic]

No I wish we had more hard science besides mooch floating about. We’ve got guess and speculate about so much and what science gets done is mostly fake stuff based on secret stuff funded by BT. It’s annoying

I actually did bang rocks together today, though they were rocks made of salt.

Sorry, I thought you were giving me jib for the questions I was asking. My bad!

@MacTechVpr – bunch of stuff going on right now so give me some time to read/consume your response….I’m positive I will have questions. Thx!

 

[bombastinator]

I agree. I'm not a rocket scientist either. My background is as a tech buyer (PM) alongside engineers of various disciplines most of my working life. It surprised me starting to vape how long we'd been winding knots to vape. Yeah, a little knowledge helps. There is quite a bit of useful info here on Kanthal and alumina. Also on strain by materials experts. The first attestation as to the validity of my claim came from one of the physicists on this board. He contributed plans for a mechanical jig to make them on the original microcoil thread. Lots to find here if one cares to look.

Good luck.

Background:
That’s better than me. I flunked out of bio 101 (could NOT stay awake in that nice warm room) and wound up going to art school. What little scientific background I got is from listening to my dad pontificate (another nasty habit I picked up and can’t shake) and reading his copies of scientific American because I’d finished all the other stuff in the house. I like science but I got near zero education or talent for it. I’m far and away too sloppy for one.

The materials and strain stuff:
Ooh! Got Links?

 

[bombastinator]

Sorry, I thought you were giving me jib for the questions I was asking. My bad!

@MacTechVpr – bunch of stuff going on right now so give me some time to read/consume your response….I’m positive I will have questions. Thx!

Nah. I’m on my best behavior FTM I let go in another thread the other day and ...... off someone who didn’t really deserve it (well maybe a little bit, but not really)

 

[Punk In Drublic]

Thought I would give this a try. Do not have a pin vice or the jig that was displayed in the YT video, so I locked 2x 29awg wires in a drill chuck along with a 3mm ID coil jig. Used pliers to hold the other end of the wire applying tension as I slowly spun the drill. Coil did not come out quite as uniform as some of yours but didn’t look bad. Could benefit with a bit of practice

I have nothing to gauge whether my coil has the correct tension or not – it was mentioned this should be proportional to the wire mass. So how does one gauge that?

As for the performance of the coil - Subjectively, I found the quality of the vape to diminish throughout the duration of my, on average, 4 second draws. Meaning, for the first second or 2 it’s nice and flavourful, but that flavour begins to drop quite drastically. Perhaps my choice of atomizer, a Drop Solo was not the best. I believe that given the coils lowish mass it is heavily influenced by the high airflow of this atomizer. Cutting back that airflow didn’t yield any improvements. A small increase in power to try and compensate this resulted in a slight burnt taste. It’s a sensitive sucker! The coil was only 8 wraps so perhaps the airflow influence could be mitigated with a larger coil. My intention was to build something larger but didn’t cut enough wire. Measure twice, cut once folks!

Question....are the benefits of these tension coils dependent on the metal used, ie: Kanthal? If a TC compatible metal was utilized I could plot the coils performance within Escribe.

It was an interesting experiment to which I am not going to pass judgement based on this single test alone. I do think one has to be selective in their choice of atomizer. BUT, like I mentioned, perhaps a larger coil could yield better results. When I have some time, will give one of my dual coil atty’s a try.

 

[MacTechVpr]

Thought I would give this a try. Do not have a pin vice or the jig that was displayed in the YT video, so I locked 2x 29awg wires in a drill chuck along with a 3mm ID coil jig. Used pliers to hold the other end of the wire applying tension as I slowly spun the drill. Coil did not come out quite as uniform as some of yours but didn’t look bad. Could benefit with a bit of practice

I have nothing to gauge whether my coil has the correct tension or not – it was mentioned this should be proportional to the wire mass. So how does one gauge that?

As for the performance of the coil - Subjectively, I found the quality of the vape to diminish throughout the duration of my, on average, 4 second draws. Meaning, for the first second or 2 it’s nice and flavourful, but that flavour begins to drop quite drastically. Perhaps my choice of atomizer, a Drop Solo was not the best. I believe that given it’s lowish mass it is heavily influenced by the high airflow of this atomizer. Cutting back that airflow didn’t yield any improvements. A small increase in power to try and compensate this resulted in a slight burnt taste. It’s a sensitive sucker! The coil was only 8 wraps so perhaps the airflow influence could be mitigated with a larger coil. My intention was to build something larger but didn’t cut enough wire. Measure twice, cut once folks!

Question....are the benefits of these tension coils dependent on the metal used, ie: Kanthal? If a TC compatible metal was utilized I could plot the coils performance within Escribe.

It was an interesting experiment to which I am not going to pass judgement based on this single test alone. I do think one has to be selective in their choice of atomizer. BUT, like I mentioned, perhaps a larger coil could yield better results. When I have some time, will give one of my dual coil atty’s a try.

Any gaps, sometimes barely visible even with some magnification, and you didn't make it. Secondly, the objective of the wind is to follow up with oxidation beginning with low voltage. If the wind was successful you will see end-to-end firing or cleared dark spots within one or two short pulses. Then…deposition should begin rather quickly. Sometimes if to the tight side some air flow from a bulb or even blowing can assist. As soon as color change appears and uniformly you're good to vape. Stages of development happen with further encouragement and worth the experimentation.

Not enough wetted surface relative to the flow being provided by the Ø appears to be the issue. The vape is getting throttled by inadequate delivery. Try more conventional geometry, i.d. closer to golden ratio. Don't make houla-hoops (the exception are double-barrels, split singles). And for singles this is made easier by a thicker gauge, say 24-25AWG. My original and substantial testing was with 28AWG> at no less than 1.5Ω. I currently run from 22-25AWG, ~.2-.8Ω, 2.5-3.175Ø, 17.5W to max batt amps (-20% headroom). Parallels to 26AWG.

Getting to adhesion is simply but carefully observing the point the wire converts to a spring. With just enough tension to minimize gaps. Not full possible due to minute inconsistencies in the wire so there will always be some likely imperceptible micro-gaps. That pretty much defines the limits. Functionally they can impact proper balancing of duals (far less than bending though). A delicate application of ceramic tweezers held and released as the coil fires is often enough to clear them. Too much and you can unbalance the wind. Better to just wind some reserves than live for days or far longer with the result. These coils can last a very, very long time due to the properties of Kanthal.

So yeah, if you can learn to judge the point of change in the wire using forearm pressure and pliers or needle-nose, more power to ya. It's quite difficult with 29AWG. Hand pressure is easier but also easier to misjudge and under or over-strain. A pin vise is truly the most elegant and consistent solution. A standard screwdriver of say 7/64, taping the wire to the handle firmly to avert slip is a close if cumbersome alternative to get the idea. A PV permits a huge variety of readily available and custom bit sizes to precisely target res/temp. Oh btw, over-strain will make the wind uniform. However, it will measurably stretch the coil and res to the point that even leads may glow. So again, what where shooting for is a zone of resistance. It will be different for every Ø.

Tied up the next few days but I'll do my best to look in PID. Wish ya the good vape and…

Good luck.

 

[Punk In Drublic]

Any gaps, sometimes barely visible even with some magnification, and you didn't make it. Secondly, the objective of the wind is to follow up with oxidation beginning with low voltage. If the wind was successful you will see end-to-end firing or cleared dark spots within one or two short pulses. Then…deposition should begin rather quickly. Sometimes if to the tight side some air flow from a bulb or even blowing can assist. As soon as color change appears and uniformly you're good to vape. Stages of development happen with further encouragement and worth the experimentation.

Not enough wetted surface relative to the flow being provided by the Ø appears to be the issue. The vape is getting throttled by inadequate delivery. Try more conventional geometry, i.d. closer to golden ratio. Don't make hole-hoops (the exception are double-barrels, split singles). And for singles this is made easier by a thicker gauge, say 24-25AWG. My original and substantial testing was with 28AWG> at no less than 1.5Ω. I currently run from 22-25AWG, ~.2-.8Ω, 2.5-3.175Ø, 17.5W to max batt amps (-20% headroom). Parallels to 26AWG.

Getting to adhesion is simply but carefully observing the point the wire converts to a spring. With just enough tension to minimize gaps. Not full possible due to minute inconsistencies in the wire so there will always be some likely imperceptible micro-gaps. That pretty much defines the limits. Functionally they can impact proper balancing of duals (far less than bending though). A delicate application of ceramic tweezers held and released as the coil fires is often enough to clear them. Too much and you can unbalance the wind. Better to just wind some reserves than live for days or far longer with the result. These coils can last a very, very long time due to the properties of Kanthal.

So yeah, if you can learn to judge the point of change in the wire using forearm pressure and pliers or needle-nose, more power to ya. It's quite difficult with 29AWG. Hand pressure is easier but also easier to misjudge and under or over-strain. A pin vise is truly the most elegant and consistent solution. A standard screwdriver of say 7/64, taping the wire to the handle firmly to avert slip is a close if cumbersome alternative to get the idea. A PV permits a huge variety of readily available and custom bit sizes to precisely target res/temp. Oh btw, over-strain will make the wind uniform. However, it will measurably stretch the coil and res to the point that even leads may glow. So again, what where shooting for is a zone of resistance. It will be different for every Ø.

Tied up the next few days but I'll do my best to look in PID. Wish ya the good vape and…

Good luck.

Did look at the coil under my desk lamp magnifier – didn’t see any gaps but did not proceed with a detail inspection. I own a digital microscope so perhaps the next experiment I will have a look using that. Low wattage pulse’s was conducted and oxidation did occur. Not sure I understand what end to end firing means. And as for the dark spots – you referring to the oxidation? Is oxidation suppose to clear after a few pulses? If so I can’t recall – but will keep my eye open next time. And FTR, the leads did not glow if that is any indication on if I got the correct tension.

You lost me with much of your second paragraph. You saying the juice thingy is not getting to the coil thingy which means I am not getting the flavour thingy? LOL! I am open to inadequate juice delivery if that is what you are referring to, but I do not believe that was the problem. The vape does seem to cool through the duration of my pull which is why I eluded to air flow being the culprit. And something I forgot to mention was if I chained vaped, the flavour was more consistent. Less time between applying power means the coil will gradually increase in temperature.

The wire did become “springy” after the wind. Not SS Ribbon springy, but more than usual for Kanthal. I was under the impression these types of coils benefited from high gauge wire so one could maximize surface area while keeping mass at bay. Don’t have any other gauge Kanthal on hand, so any experiments using a lower gauge will have to wait till my next visit to Wire’s R Us.

Interested in seeing how you utilize the pin vice, for the life of me I cannot picture this (it’s the simplest things that elude us!).