Wick and Wire

[kowen]

Hey guys, I was wondering what the difference in 400 and 500 mesh was? Is one better then the other?

Also wondering where I can buy the best wire for rba. I heard Kenthal used, but I'm just wondering if there is anything better out there. Also what gauge to use and what the difference in them are.

Places to buy would be nice as well.

Thanks in advance.

Owen

 

[Kanj.nguyen]

400 and 500 is the number of holes in a square inch of the mesh, essential what that means is the higher the number, the denser/ closer woven the mesh.

With that in mind, the higher the number, the better the capillary (wicking) actions. So 500 makes better wicks than 400.

As for wire, an alternative is nichrome, but from what i have read kanthal is superior. Many use nichrome because they are allergic to some metal in kanthal.

 

[Renzuli]

Welcome , and you can usually buy both Kanthal and nichrome , on Ebay , from Timco wire . Good prices . You might want to try a few different sizes to see what you prefer . I use both of those wires in a 32 gauge . You can also find the mesh on Ebay , as well . I just bought a 12x12 piece for 12.00 shipped . Probably enough to make , at least 40 wicks .

 

[kowen]

Sick, thanks for the info. I was wondering if you could tell me a little about what gauge wire to get.

 

[Renzuli]

Sick, thanks for the info. I was wondering if you could tell me a little about what gauge wire to get.

In my response , I mention 32 gauge , either Kanthal , or Nichrome , as a starting point .

 

[kowen]

Oh sorry about that I wrote that when my page hadn't refreshed yet so i didn't see your comment. Thanks for the info.

 

[jfalbanese]

ebay is also carrying ready to go pre oxidized, and or pre wrapped stainless wicks. $1.50-1.75 EACH

 

[fabricator4]

As for wire, an alternative is nichrome, but from what i have read kanthal is superior. Many use nichrome because they are allergic to some metal in kanthal.

Nichrome has a lower resistance that Kanthal, so for example if you wanted a very low resistance coil in 32g but were having trouble getting enough wraps on the wick in your rebuildable, you could use Nichrome 32g instead to give you those extra couple of turns.