Hi Bill,
Even if you keep the loop intact, after soldering you'll probably have to knip the excess length, so that it doesn't touch the case. If you arranged so that the loop (L401 tap) has optimum length, you don't have to cut it after. But after soldering the tap, it doesn't matter anyway, since the two wires are connected, with or without the loop.
As a matter of personal preference, I leave the loop (and the other coil ends as well) a little bit longer so I can scrape the enamel more easily. Then I solder them and finally cut them to length.
Hope it helps and good luck with the build!
Regards,
YO3GFH
op. Adrian
