Home craftsmen and professionals have long appreciated the benefits of the glue gun. Thanks to this device, the gluing process is much more comfortable, and the time it takes is much less. Plus, the glue itself is significantly saved. In addition, this technology allows you to work with any surfaces and materials. There are no restrictions.
Where do we use
The scope of thermoguns is extensive. For example, they are used by builders. They are useful for installation work, repair. These devices are loved by designers and florists. They can connect any surface. A convenient shape and interchangeable nozzles make it possible to get to the most difficult places.
By the way, an adhesive gun will have to solve small household problems: a children's toy has broken, a cup has broken, you need to fix a chest of drawers.
And how many possibilities does the thermal gun give in creativity. The most various types of needlework: scrapbooking, the manufacture of souvenir products, the creation of designer dolls, but there are still a few hand-made trends. And all of them make extensive use of the advantages of gluing devices.
Pro or household
It is clear that for a home it is better to purchase a household model. But for the production of various works you need a reliable professional tool. What are the differences?
It is generally accepted that home-use products are much lighter, more compact and are characterized by simpler configuration. Although the last point is worth arguing. There are very equipped household thermoguns, not inferior in functionality to professional samples.
Perhaps the most significant difference is the presence of an automatic supply of glue sticks. It is necessary in cases where the device is operated in industrial mode, and distracted by replacing the rod is inefficient.
It should be noted that the craftswomen, especially those who are engaged in creative work intensively, prefer to buy a gun for hot glue semi-professional model. He certainly will not fail in the process, fully paying off his not the lowest cost.
For creative people
Let's dwell in more detail on models of adhesive devices designed for creativity. So what qualities will be appreciated by the craftswomen?
The glue gun for needlework should be small and light. It is unlikely that you will like to wield a heavy bulky device. It is better to choose a not very "high-speed" unit. Otherwise, the glue will melt very quickly, and you will not be able to gently apply it. Moreover, messy streaks may appear if the liquid composition is applied too quickly.
It is unlikely that a large diameter of the rod will be needed. Only if you intend to create something large-scale, select the maximum value of the rod. For ordinary work, the most optimal diameter is 7 millimeters.
But select the number of nozzles based on the tasks facing you. So, like the color of the glue, the most common option is a transparent adhesive. However, the craftswomen who are engaged in decoration know that amazing convex patterns are obtained by using multi-colored or shiny rods.
It should be noted that the adhesive composition used in pistols is not as toxic as the well-known “Moment”. And there is almost no smell from him.
Principle of operation
The hot glue gun works on the basis of a very simple mechanism. A special rod is inserted into the device case. A device connected to an energy source begins to heat and melt a kind of glue “cartridge”. The liquid composition is fed into the tip, and you, pressing the trigger, begin to squeeze the glue out. As soon as you stop pulling the trigger, the glue ceases to be fed into the tip.
You must additionally purchase a special stand for the device. The molten composition has the ability to slightly leak from the device. There are models on sale that are equipped with a blocking ball at the tip, but they do not completely eliminate this flaw.
What materials can be glued
The thermal gun is suitable for various materials. It doesn’t matter what you need to
glue: paper, cardboard, fabric, ceramics, rubber, glass, metal, polystyrene, flowers - the main thing is to choose the right glue for the gun. Specialized rods are available for various types of work. It is only necessary to clarify before purchase for which particular material you are acquiring the composition. There are even two-component adhesive mixtures.
Even if you cannot decide on a specific type of glue, then take a universal transparent "cartridge". He copes well in all situations.
Another subtlety that must be considered when choosing a model. Please note that the range of application of various adhesives depends on the temperature of the gun. The higher the temperature regime of the device, the more you can work with a large version of the rods.
Source of power
Usually the glue gun is supplied with an electric cord. This allows the device to be powered from a standard 220 volt outlet.
However, sometimes you have to work in conditions when it is impossible to connect to a power source through a cord. For example, you are forced to repair in the country. Then the battery-powered tool comes in handy. You just have to take care of recharging the batteries in time and you can start gluing.
In this case, there is a minus. The duration of the operation will directly depend on the capacity of the batteries.
In order to be able to work autonomously, but not completely refuse the standard power supply from the network, select models with a detachable cord. On sale it is quite possible to detect such devices.
Two-component glue gun
Sometimes gluing technology involves the use of special two-component adhesive compositions. A logical question arises: is it possible to find a pistol type device for working with such substances?
There are such devices on sale. Their principle of operation is the same as that of standard models. Only when connecting materials from the device, the binder and hardener are uniformly fed in the same proportions.
How to choose the right model
The basic principles of the device we have disassembled. Now back to the problem of choice. Now on the shelves are a variety of designs that have all sorts of characteristics and prices.
Do I need to build on the purchase of the glue gun when buying? And here the run can start from the cheapest models for 200 or 300 rubles. The average price category varies approximately around 1000 rubles. And the upper bar in general rolls over several hundred thousand (though we are already talking about professional devices).
It is clear that the more expensive the model, the more functionality it has. However, sometimes the craftswomen have enough of the opportunities that inexpensive Chinese devices provide.
When buying a gun, think in advance about the tasks for which you will use it, and also determine the expected intensity of operation. And, of course, make a list of materials that will have to be glued together.
Based on this, the power of the model is selected, do not chase the maximum performance. In everyday life, the most average indicators of 30 or 150 watts will be enough. A power level of 300 watts or more indicates that you have professional or semi-professional equipment.
Pay attention to the reliability of the heating unit. This is perhaps the most important structural element.
The glue gun must have a hinged stand. It allows you to hold the device in position.
Another indicator that plays an important role is the temperature of the melt. To work with textiles, paper and some polymers that are sensitive to high temperatures, it is necessary to select devices with a melting point of 105 degrees Celsius.
If you intend to use the equipment in a variety of situations, then take structures with an adjustable melting mode. Dremel has such models.
According to consumer reviews, the Dremel glue gun is a reliable and almost universal machine. The most durable are considered models with a melting point of 165 or 170 degrees. And most of all buyers are interested in devices with a mechanism for adjusting this technical indicator.
As for the glue feed rate, you need to know that Dremel has devices with a high glue feed rate. However, these models are not suitable for creativity. In this case, the craftswomen find it difficult to control the accuracy of the application and the accuracy of gluing. Therefore, they will find it easier to use simpler tools.
According to the type of power supply, Dremel products are divided into standard devices with a stationary fixed cord and designs with a detachable power cord. They allow you to work autonomously for 10 or 15 minutes.
Safety precautions
It must be remembered that in the process, the adhesive is hot. The glue gun therefore needs to be installed in breaks on a support, strictly observing safety measures. Also, strictly follow all the provisions in the operating rules so as not to get burns, injuries.