+1 on cotton balls for interior lug padding/spring muffling.

Yeah it seems that’s the way to go. I’ve been pulled in all directions on this one, but I’m going for cotton. I’ve even seen people wrap the spring in cloth, which seems like a bit much and could potentially compromise the spring.

I use felt for lug padding.

Same stuff I use to cut felt strips for a bass drum head muffler.

+1 with Kevin...

If I'm not mistaken, the cotton can break down over time and cause deterioration of the inner casing and spring...

Cheers

Pay attention to the t-rod splay as you assemble. I put the hoop on(no head) with the lugs snug but not tightened. I move the hoop around and adjust until all the rods are plumb straight. Then I finger tighten 12, 6, 3 and 9 O:clock rods and lugs so it stays. after you are satisfied, tighten the lugs complete, then finger tight the rods first and then you can tune away.

Lugs will shift in holes that fit.

Ahh thanks for that!

As for felt vs cotton, I’m torn. Do you guys wrap the spring or just put a strip on felt behind the spring?

I wrap the spring...

Cheers

Yessir, me too