A method of forming a wick using a mandrel is disclosed. The method includes positioning a wick mesh about the mandrel, positioning a sheath about the mandrel and the wick mesh, coupling a first fitting to the mandrel, wherein the first fitting comprises an adapter configured to couple with a source of pressure, and pressurizing the mandrel with the source of pressure to hydraulically expand the mandrel such that that mandrel compresses the wick mesh against the sheath and forms the wick.