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My heat gun is over 10 years old, and just recently its been doing some strange things, like spitting out little blackened bits, or just plain sounding labored.
I know these tools eventually die, but I was wondering if this is a sign that I need to get a new one. Or do they usually just completely quit working. I'm reluctant to replace it because I hear the newer ones aren't as powerful.
__________________ aka Sue. Or Sue-odd.
No blog for me. My gallery chronicles my card-making successes and mishaps.
I would say its probably time to get a new one. I think that it could be a hazard if you continued to use it with those "symptoms". I bought a regular heat gun from the hardware store and it was really reasonable (about $15) and it has 2 heat settings, so I usually use it on the lower heat setting which probably where most "craft" heat guns temps run. Once in a while I'll use it on high just if I want to emboss something quickly, but I do have to be careful to not burn the embossing powder (or myself) because its so hot. Its not pretty, but it does have the rubber casing, so I know if I knock it off my table or drop it (which I have done many times) it won't break.
I agree with Catwoman, time to buy a new heat gun. My first one came from Michael's/JoAnn and lasted quite awhile. I am now using a Tim Holtz heat gun and like it a lot. Was considering buying a Milwaukee heat gun ($34.00 or so) but am happy with the one I have. Have used the Milwaukee heat gun at classes and it does heat up fast but you have to watch out because it does get hot! It melts the embossing powder nicely but if you don't pay attention it singes your paper nicely also!
That definitely sounds like its dying- I'd be worried about the bits its spitting out. I bought the Tim Holtz one about 6 years ago now, still going strong. I don't find it any less powerful than the one I had before, just a heck of a lot less noisy! In one of his videos, Tim recommended letting it heat for a few seconds before aiming it at your project, and I find that works well.
Be careful -- I had a dying heat gun actually start on fire! It's time to toss the old and buy a new one. If you get another 10 years out of a $20-$30 purchase, it is money will spent.
Mary Beth
The blackened bits only spit out once, and I've used it several times since without that happening. However, I think I'll buy another one before this one truly flames out.
I once ignored some signs that my hot water heater was dying, and ended up with a flood in my basement. I think I need to stop trying to get every last second out of certain items.
__________________ aka Sue. Or Sue-odd.
No blog for me. My gallery chronicles my card-making successes and mishaps.
I would definitely replace it. If the fan part stops blowing, the unit will quickly heat up and could burn you or start melting - or catch fire! That's what happened to me as one day I turned the switch on but the fan had died and the unit became extremely hot very quickly. In my panic to turn it off, I touched the end of it to my arm and burned it.... :(:shock: ouch!
Is it obvious when a heat gun is dying?
