Heat Guns
A heat gun is very similar in appearance to a hair dryer. This electrical device is a heavy duty combination forced air blower and heater featuring removable nozzles which direct hot air onto an object or surface. Heat guns run at high temperatures ranging from 200°F up to 1400°F for hotter models.Heat guns are used in a variety of industries and fields ranging from construction and engineering to chemistry, carpentry and various types of art. They can be used to work on a variety of different materials such as wood, glass and metal. Heat guns can also be used for soldering and they are also used to soften or dry adhesives, to strip paint or to dry paint or varnish.
Heat guns are preferred over dated paraffin and bottled glass blowlamps mainly for safety reasons. Heat guns are less dangerous than paraffin and bottled glass blowlamps as the heat gun uses hot air flow instead of an open flame. It is very easy to scorch wood or glass or set fire to stripped paint with an open flame. Another advantage to using heat guns over blowlamps is heat guns are ready to use immediately each time you turn it on, whereas blowlamps have to be lit every time the flame is extinguished. Heat guns' quick on and off capabilities saves time and money.
Most heat guns look the same and features are standard, but there are several different types of nozzles that may be used depending on the project. First, basic heat guns typically have one fan speed and one heat setting while advanced models may have 2-3 settings. Features will include: wattage, main control switch, temperature and air flow settings, flex length, surface stands and hanging hooks. The different types of nozzles include: flat nozzles, reducer nozzles, glass protector and reflector nozzle.
Flat nozzles are used when projects require heat to be distributed over a large surface or area, so the nozzle is larger. Reducer nozzles are smaller than reflector nozzles and they are designed to direct the heat to one small, specific area. Glass protector nozzles are used for stripping window paint. The nozzle helps to direct the heat away from windows, to protect the glass from getting scorched or damaged. Reflector nozzles are typically used for projects involving pipes. The nozzle is designed to wrap around the pipes in order to spread heat evenly.
When using any type of heating device, there are many safety issues to take into consideration. Heat guns should never be used to strip lead-based paint. They should be kept away from flames and they should never come in direct contact with skin, clothes, surfaces and other objects while hot. Allow heat guns to cool before storing and the nozzle should always be kept clean and paint free. When using a heat gun, never press the gun up against a surface or obstruct the air inlet grills. The device can easily overheat and catch fire.
Heat guns are easy to find online or at your local hardware, home supply store or construction supply store. The prices for heat guns vary depending on brand, application and strength. Prices may range from $30 for a standard economy heat gun up to $200 for a heavy-duty industrial strength heat gun kit.