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Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Workshop glue guns compared
Maker Project Lab: The glue guns I’m talking about here are the Surebonder Pro2-100, which runs around $30. The Ryobi Cordless Glue Gun, which is also around $30. And the FastenMaster HB220 adjustable glue gun, which I got for $80.
Glue guns are truly one of the most necessary, yet greatest evils of projects. The negatives identified by Cain are absolutely some of the most frustrating parts of using a glue gun. Personally, the speed in which it sets is one that really gets me because it allows no time for you to take a moment to be precise in placements, all the while you are trying to navigate a cord that is always in the way. I have mixed opinions about having an actual on and off switch. This seems like a really useful improvement, one that I have never actually thought of, but the risk of leaving it on is a bit terrifying. As disappointing as it is that none of these glue guns make a significant change in heating time, I cannot say that it is unexpected. I think we have reached a point where we can’t make a tiny thing heat up in a controlled way any faster, so we just have to live with that. The option that involves a rechargeable battery is equally interesting because it removes that cord nonsense completely, but I could absolutely see myself fully forgetting to charge it, and, therefore, rendering the entire tool useless. Additionally, having a controller on how much glue is dispensed is another truly brilliant addition to your run of the mill glue gun. That increases the ability for precision and a generally better looking final piece. All in all, these are far more expensive than I would want to pay for a glue gun for the amount that I would use it, but do what makes you happy I guess.
I was interested in this article after spending the summer working closely with a props master who is construction techniques typically was centered around hot-glue and cardboard. But the functionality of a hot glue gun can be really important for someone who uses it a lot more and gaining this sort of insight on the different levels of hot glue guns available and the potential for the different features for the usefulness of a variety of shops. I will say that I thought it was pretty cool that there is a battery powered glue gun made by Ryobi and could see potential for usefulness at least where I was working. We did some I-beam façade work for a show and discover Gorilla hot glue which was a really great asset to us in the process. Though it might seem a bit outrageous to think that someone would spend 80$ on a glue gun it could really be worth it for someone (likely outside of scenery at least I would really hope so) who uses that tool almost daily it’d be well worth it.
I was interested in this article after spending the summer working closely with a props master who is construction techniques typically was centered around hot-glue and cardboard. But the functionality of a hot glue gun can be really important for someone who uses it a lot more and gaining this sort of insight on the different levels of hot glue guns available and the potential for the different features for the usefulness of a variety of shops. I will say that I thought it was pretty cool that there is a battery powered glue gun made by Ryobi and could see potential for usefulness at least where I was working. We did some I-beam façade work for a show and discover Gorilla hot glue which was a really great asset to us in the process. Though it might seem a bit outrageous to think that someone would spend 80$ on a glue gun it could really be worth it for someone (likely outside of scenery at least I would really hope so) who uses that tool almost daily it’d be well worth it.
I was interested in this article after spending the summer working closely with a props master who is construction techniques typically was centered around hot-glue and cardboard. But the functionality of a hot glue gun can be really important for someone who uses it a lot more and gaining this sort of insight on the different levels of hot glue guns available and the potential for the different features for the usefulness of a variety of shops. I will say that I thought it was pretty cool that there is a battery powered glue gun made by Ryobi and could see potential for usefulness at least where I was working. We did some I-beam façade work for a show and discover Gorilla hot glue which was a really great asset to us in the process. Though it might seem a bit outrageous to think that someone would spend 80$ on a glue gun it could really be worth it for someone (likely outside of scenery at least I would really hope so) who uses that tool almost daily it’d be well worth it.
I have always disliked hot glue guns. Hot glue joints are weak, and operating the gun is messy and prone to burning your fingers. They have no place in building scenery, so I kind of relegate them in the back of my head to small crafts like one might do in a grade school art class. I really only use them to insulate soldered cable on stuff like LED tape and Arduino projects. With that said, I can see how the professional versions of hot glue guns might be less frustrating, or least less rage-inducing, to use on a regular basis. I especially like that the Ryobi glue gun integrates into their existing power tool (I guess a battery-powered hot glue gun is technically a power tool?) lineup by using their standard batteries. Honestly, going cordless alone, with no other upgrades, might make me hate glue guns less. The cord has a way of ALWAYS being in the way, no matter what you're doing or where it is plugged in.
As addressed by other students in this thread, glue guns are helpful and utilitarian, but probably one of the worst items in a tool bag. The use of a hot glue gun completely annihilate the use of creativity and mechanical thought. I definitely believe they are helpful, but whatever effect you are trying to cheer you can be done by something better than a hot glue gun. I remember one of Susan‘s rules freshman year was no hot glue. I remember that frustrating me a lot as a student, but now I recognize that it was a way to have a think more creatively. All that being said, I did like the professional grade hot glue guns. I can understand how the professional hot glue guns would be a good tool for someone who needs to make quick connections that are not critical. I know a hot glue gun is a classic staple of a prop shop.
I feel like hot glue guns have gotten a bad rap. I am a huge fan of them as a tool. But just like any tool, you have to know how and when to use it. It is not a permanent fixative for all materials. It is a quick, easy adhesive to apply to some porous materials. And for those, it works really well. In props work, you have to know how to use various different kinds of adhesives and knowing the application for them is the most important part. And of course you have to be neat and diligent with it. You cannot just leave strings and globs everywhere, but you should not do that with wood glue either but that happens all the time. For metal or plastic? Do not use a hot glue gun. Cardboard, fabric, or even wood? Sure. Even using hot glue to “Sew” can be a pretty effective use of the tool in the right situation.
7 comments:
Glue guns are truly one of the most necessary, yet greatest evils of projects. The negatives identified by Cain are absolutely some of the most frustrating parts of using a glue gun. Personally, the speed in which it sets is one that really gets me because it allows no time for you to take a moment to be precise in placements, all the while you are trying to navigate a cord that is always in the way. I have mixed opinions about having an actual on and off switch. This seems like a really useful improvement, one that I have never actually thought of, but the risk of leaving it on is a bit terrifying. As disappointing as it is that none of these glue guns make a significant change in heating time, I cannot say that it is unexpected. I think we have reached a point where we can’t make a tiny thing heat up in a controlled way any faster, so we just have to live with that. The option that involves a rechargeable battery is equally interesting because it removes that cord nonsense completely, but I could absolutely see myself fully forgetting to charge it, and, therefore, rendering the entire tool useless. Additionally, having a controller on how much glue is dispensed is another truly brilliant addition to your run of the mill glue gun. That increases the ability for precision and a generally better looking final piece. All in all, these are far more expensive than I would want to pay for a glue gun for the amount that I would use it, but do what makes you happy I guess.
I was interested in this article after spending the summer working closely with a props master who is construction techniques typically was centered around hot-glue and cardboard. But the functionality of a hot glue gun can be really important for someone who uses it a lot more and gaining this sort of insight on the different levels of hot glue guns available and the potential for the different features for the usefulness of a variety of shops. I will say that I thought it was pretty cool that there is a battery powered glue gun made by Ryobi and could see potential for usefulness at least where I was working. We did some I-beam façade work for a show and discover Gorilla hot glue which was a really great asset to us in the process. Though it might seem a bit outrageous to think that someone would spend 80$ on a glue gun it could really be worth it for someone (likely outside of scenery at least I would really hope so) who uses that tool almost daily it’d be well worth it.
I was interested in this article after spending the summer working closely with a props master who is construction techniques typically was centered around hot-glue and cardboard. But the functionality of a hot glue gun can be really important for someone who uses it a lot more and gaining this sort of insight on the different levels of hot glue guns available and the potential for the different features for the usefulness of a variety of shops. I will say that I thought it was pretty cool that there is a battery powered glue gun made by Ryobi and could see potential for usefulness at least where I was working. We did some I-beam façade work for a show and discover Gorilla hot glue which was a really great asset to us in the process. Though it might seem a bit outrageous to think that someone would spend 80$ on a glue gun it could really be worth it for someone (likely outside of scenery at least I would really hope so) who uses that tool almost daily it’d be well worth it.
I was interested in this article after spending the summer working closely with a props master who is construction techniques typically was centered around hot-glue and cardboard. But the functionality of a hot glue gun can be really important for someone who uses it a lot more and gaining this sort of insight on the different levels of hot glue guns available and the potential for the different features for the usefulness of a variety of shops. I will say that I thought it was pretty cool that there is a battery powered glue gun made by Ryobi and could see potential for usefulness at least where I was working. We did some I-beam façade work for a show and discover Gorilla hot glue which was a really great asset to us in the process. Though it might seem a bit outrageous to think that someone would spend 80$ on a glue gun it could really be worth it for someone (likely outside of scenery at least I would really hope so) who uses that tool almost daily it’d be well worth it.
I have always disliked hot glue guns. Hot glue joints are weak, and operating the gun is messy and prone to burning your fingers. They have no place in building scenery, so I kind of relegate them in the back of my head to small crafts like one might do in a grade school art class. I really only use them to insulate soldered cable on stuff like LED tape and Arduino projects. With that said, I can see how the professional versions of hot glue guns might be less frustrating, or least less rage-inducing, to use on a regular basis. I especially like that the Ryobi glue gun integrates into their existing power tool (I guess a battery-powered hot glue gun is technically a power tool?) lineup by using their standard batteries. Honestly, going cordless alone, with no other upgrades, might make me hate glue guns less. The cord has a way of ALWAYS being in the way, no matter what you're doing or where it is plugged in.
As addressed by other students in this thread, glue guns are helpful and utilitarian, but probably one of the worst items in a tool bag. The use of a hot glue gun completely annihilate the use of creativity and mechanical thought. I definitely believe they are helpful, but whatever effect you are trying to cheer you can be done by something better than a hot glue gun. I remember one of Susan‘s rules freshman year was no hot glue. I remember that frustrating me a lot as a student, but now I recognize that it was a way to have a think more creatively. All that being said, I did like the professional grade hot glue guns. I can understand how the professional hot glue guns would be a good tool for someone who needs to make quick connections that are not critical. I know a hot glue gun is a classic staple of a prop shop.
I feel like hot glue guns have gotten a bad rap. I am a huge fan of them as a tool. But just like any tool, you have to know how and when to use it. It is not a permanent fixative for all materials. It is a quick, easy adhesive to apply to some porous materials. And for those, it works really well. In props work, you have to know how to use various different kinds of adhesives and knowing the application for them is the most important part. And of course you have to be neat and diligent with it. You cannot just leave strings and globs everywhere, but you should not do that with wood glue either but that happens all the time. For metal or plastic? Do not use a hot glue gun. Cardboard, fabric, or even wood? Sure. Even using hot glue to “Sew” can be a pretty effective use of the tool in the right situation.
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