Skazoo, which schematics are you using?
I have not seen one powered by a single cell.
I have not made my coils in sections, i know i probably should, but have no problem, yet..
One coil i made had wire with a very thin layer of insulation, it was no good, i could hear the spark inside the coil.
The other 3 i made is fine, so far.

Jon-Magne