Wrapping With Different Wire Types

[NateHevens]

(First, if this is in the wrong forum, I apologize. I'm tired and on a cursory look didn't see where to post it. The appropriate forum is probably obvious. Feel free to move.)

So the serial lurker is back! I just don't post here often enough, and I haven't even logged in in a long while... sorry!

Anyways...

This is my typical build:
24ga kanthal A1 (Vapowire), 1/8 diameter screwdriver to coil the wire, 5/4 wrap, dual-coil

Usually comes somewhere around 0.2 to 0.3 ohms.

So... I recently got some 24ga Nichrome 80 and 24ga 316L Stainless Steel wire (both from Lightning Vapes; I got a bunch more Kanthal A1 from them, as well), and I'm looking to get a reel or two of Clapton wire (I don't trust myself to do it at home).

What about my build has to change to get similar ohms with different wire?

I am on Steam Engine, BTW:

For Nichrome, it says I need 6/5 wraps for 0.2 and 9/8 for 0.3, assuming I go with dual coils.

For Stainless Steel, it says I need 8/7 wraps for 0.2 and 13/12 for 0.3, assuming I go with dual coils.

I have no idea how to use Steam Engine for Clapton coils...

Let me know. This is for a regulated VW/VT mod (Wismec Reuleaux RX200S) with a RDTA (either a Griffin or an Aromamizer). I'd stick to Kanthal if I go back to one of my mech mods...

 

[Taowulf]

For Steam Engine, there are two ways to go about it. The less accurate way is to figure a Clapton using the coil calculator as a single coil or multiple parallels for a fused. The more accurate way is to use the wire wizard, using the wire builder section to select each type of wires used for the core(s) and the wrap. It will also let you chose different types of wire for each. In the top section, you can set the ID of the coil as well as the number of wraps. Play with the number of wraps with your selected wire type from the bottom section until you get the resistance you are looking for. You can also use the wire wizard for Staggered Claptons and twisted wire. It is a very flexible tool.

Claptons are easy to make once you figure out a method that works for you.

 

[NateHevens]

For Steam Engine, there are two ways to go about it. The less accurate way is to figure a Clapton using the coil calculator as a single coil or multiple parallels for a fused. The more accurate way is to use the wire wizard, using the wire builder section to select each type of wires used for the core(s) and the wrap. It will also let you chose different types of wire for each. In the top section, you can set the ID of the coil as well as the number of wraps. Play with the number of wraps with your selected wire type from the bottom section until you get the resistance you are looking for. You can also use the wire wizard for Staggered Claptons and twisted wire. It is a very flexible tool.

Claptons are easy to make once you figure out a method that works for you.

I never knew about the wire wizard. How do I get to it?

As far as making Claptons... I actually know how easy they are to make in theory; a friend taught me how to do various twisted and fancy coils, including the Clapton, and it was all very straightforward and easy to pick up. But I have a terrible track record with trying this stuff on my own (broken coils, melted coils, shorts, etc). I honestly just don't trust myself to do it. Having hands that shake doesn't really help, either (I think it's genetic... no one on my Dad's side of the family has steady hands, from birth onward).

I wish Steam Engine would include various twisted wires as part of the presets on the calculator... if that's possible...

 

[Taowulf]

For the wire wizard, it is the last tab on the right.

As for making a Clapton coil, it is about finding a way that works for you. The way I do it, shaky hands are not a problem. I place my thumb and forefinger over where the wire is wrapping and it mostly wraps itself. I can wrap a wire at the full speed of the drill without a problem (usually). I have my spool of wrap wire on a pencil or something (whatever fit in the hole on the spool) and that is fastened into a vise. I have to put the spool label facing down so as to not get the wire caught in the little cutout on the other side. Some spools have that cut on both sides, just depends where you get it from. Anyway, experimentation is the key.

I've tried premade Claptons, both finished coils and wire, and they just don't seem as good as the ones I make. Go figure. Probably all in my head.

 

[Cacique]

Shakey hands from birth here too since birth. I wrap my own clapton wire with a torn up Atlantic V1 coil to hold the outter wire and they come out great and easily. Give it a shot!

 

[Eskie]

Yeah, I did the same for Clapton and ordered some premade. Given that the first time I used a coil jig (it came without instructions so there's that excuse) I used it in exactly the wrong way, got all frustrated and used a screwdriver to coil it by hand. Then I watched a YouTube video about the jig (I know, after the fact) and it was "Oh, THAT'S how it's supposed to work". I need a bit (a lot) more practice with wire before tackling a Clapton.

 

[NateHevens]

How many wraps would I need for dual claptons to get 0.2 or 0.3 ohms. assuming 1/8" diameter screwdriver to wrap 'em around?