Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: carl on January 31, 2010, 01:50:08 am

Title: heat gun
Post by: carl on January 31, 2010, 01:50:08 am

Has any one got a preference on heat guns? Brands and so on. I need to flatten some gemsbok horns soon.
Thanks, Carl

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: osage outlaw on January 31, 2010, 04:12:45 am

I bought a $20 Wagner at Walmart.  I use it to bend osage.  It works fine for me.  Any hotter and I think I would burn the wood.  Just my 2 cents.

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: Marc St Louis on January 31, 2010, 09:24:37 am

Pretty well any heat gun will work to heat bend but you need one with at least 1500 watts if you are going to do any heat-treating as well.

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: DanaM on January 31, 2010, 09:27:49 am

Yup the Wagner variable temp is a nice one

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: Lombard on January 31, 2010, 10:27:44 am

I use the Ryobi, as I have come to depend on their tools. The one in use in my bow building endeavors is adjustable from 200 to 1100 degrees.

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: George Tsoukalas on January 31, 2010, 11:09:28 am

I bought one from one of the box stores years ago. It has 2 settings hot and hotter. Jawge

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: Hillbilly on January 31, 2010, 11:13:19 am

I'm like George, I bought a two-speed cheapo from Lowe's several years ago, still working fine. They're great for straightening arrow shafts, too.

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: Pat B on January 31, 2010, 12:05:07 pm

I have a cheapo(B&D I think) two speed gun cheaper at a garage sale 15 years ago. $5 I think is what I paid. It has bent lots of wood over the years.

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: yazoo on January 31, 2010, 12:39:38 pm

I have the wagner from lowes,,great little gun,,wish mine could last for years I go through about 4 a year,,,

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: Pat B on January 31, 2010, 01:17:46 pm

yea Mike(yazoo) but how many bows and staves each year do you work on?  ;D

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: jthompson1995 on January 31, 2010, 03:05:05 pm

I just saw a coupon for a 1500 watt two temp heat gun at harbor freight for $7.99 good until Tuesday, 2/2.

If you've got one close and can find the coupon, seems like a pretty good deal (as long as it works for more than an hour).

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: sailordad on January 31, 2010, 03:12:27 pm

Quote from: jthompson1995 on January 31, 2010, 03:05:05 pm

I just saw a coupon for a 1500 watt two temp heat gun at harbor freight for $7.99 good until Tuesday, 2/2.

If you've got one close and can find the coupon, seems like a pretty good deal (as long as it works for more than an hour).

does that mean the coupon is good thru 2/2 or the heat gun is good untill 2/2  ;D

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: cracker on January 31, 2010, 03:47:42 pm

I bought the cheapo from the blue builders supply I used it twice and it croaked then I got hot and went out and bought a milwaukee. It works great. But thats just me.

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: carl on January 31, 2010, 07:43:34 pm

Thanks for all the info! I baught one many years ago and it must of been a cheapy. It didn't last a few days.
Carl

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: mullet on January 31, 2010, 10:20:07 pm

 I've got two B&D, like Pat, haven't wore them out yet.

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: sailordad on January 31, 2010, 10:35:14 pm

ive got a SNAP ON tools heat gun
2 diferant settings,each with 7 differant temp settings
it does the job,only bought it cause i needed the right off from work tools  ;D

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: adb on January 31, 2010, 10:46:47 pm

I advise getting a good one with variable heat settings.

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: Bent Rig on January 31, 2010, 11:03:35 pm

 I pick one up with  variable settings at Harbor Freight on sale for $9.99 just for bows. ;D

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: venisonburger on January 31, 2010, 11:56:58 pm

One comment on Crackers gun from Milwaukee, you can buy replacement elements.
VB

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: carl on February 01, 2010, 01:18:35 am

Yep, Harbor Freight has the $9.99 one on sale now. I like the idea of replacement elements. Will check on the Milwaukee too.
Carl

Title: Re: heat gun
Post by: jkekoni on February 01, 2010, 05:51:51 pm

DO NOT USE HEAT GUN ON HORN. It is scortched too easilly. I know this from expeience.
You do not see anything from color like wood..

Boil it or put it into oven with 150 degrees celsius.

That will not burn it.