> Thermal pads [are] hard to obtain/expensive.
>=20
> Kapton tape would do, but hard to obtain as well.

I wouldn't call either one "hard to obtain."  Easier to get than nichrome, =
probably=85

Teflon plumbing tape (non-adhesive) is probably your best bet if you want s=
omething that can be picked up at the local hardware store.  There are at l=
east two varieties (one for water joints, and one for gas pipe joints.)

Um.  Ordinary paper might work.  Thin enough, and backed by a copper pipe, =
you might not even need to limit wire current very much (similar to the way=
 you can boil water over a candle flame in a paper cup.)

BillW


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