While browsing around for parts for my repstrap-to-be, I just saw Mica tape at McMasters (catalog nr 6811A22) that is both cheap ($4.56 for a 1" by 15' roll, $2.33 for 1/2" width) and rated for temperatures up to 2100F (1150 C). As this is tape, it should be possible to just wrap and secure at the cooler end.
When winding the nichrome wire directly on the teflon tape, that will burn and desintegrate although that might not matter too much because of the fire cement. I just did a search to see if anyone had tried mica, and you did! Please keep us posted on how your heater holds up with use.
Regards,
Geert
-- description from McMaster --
High-Temperature Mica Tape
Withstanding temperatures up to 2100
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/28/2008 01:59PM by GeertB.