Heat guns

[opps]

My 25yr old DIY (green) Bosch heatgun finally died last week.The heating element seems to have kicked the bucket.

I need to replace it.

I would happily pay over £100 for a new one but I am not convinced that it be significantly better than my old £30 gun.

Has anyone recently purchased on of the new cheap DIY Bosch guns? Are they any good and do they still have a generous flex length.

Are the pro versions notably better, and in what way?

Ta

 

[Pigeon85]

I purchased an earlex 5 years ago and its still going strong, used it for long periods at a time with no problems.
Certainly earned me its money worth.

 

[ntb]

No, ime the pro branded ones are not substantially better. I have a DeWilt and a couple of green Bosch ones. The only practical difference is the DeWilt is tougher and has better impact resistance. There really isn't much to them - a heating element and a fan so not a lot of scope for improvement other than a better switch and maybe a slightly better motor.

 

[opps]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

After quite a while researching I have decided to bite the bullet and order a Steinel HG 2320 E.

http://www.hilltop-products.co.uk/b...l/steinel-the-professional-product-range.html

Initially I didn't see the point of buying a gun with a digital display but on reflection it kinda makes sense if you want to expand the scope of use (eg welding, soldering etc). Steinel make a number of different guns and kits aimed at roofers, floorers, electricians and so on.

The gun has truly variable airflow and a temperature range of 80-650 degrees C. It is rated at 1000 hours. An optional infrared heat sensor projects a green light on the work surface when the correct temperature is achieved. The only negative I can think of thus far is that the flex is only 3m but they have designed the housing so that the flex can be replaced easily (and they sell a 7.5m flex).

It normally retails from £130 upwards but I found someone on ebay selling a single unused one for £100.

 

[Burnerman]

That sure is one hell of a heat gun.....can I be nosey and ask you why you need such a specialised one?
John

 

[opps]

That sure is one hell of a heat gun.....can I be nosey and ask you why you need such a specialised one?
John

I don't need a specialised gun. I just wanted to keep my options open.

Initially it will used exclusively for stripping paint but whilst looking for a heatgun I became aware of the potential uses (other than burning things). Just for fun, over the next year I am gonna have a go at welding plastics, heat shrinking and soldering- none of which I have any experience of doing with a hot air gun. As a novice I kinda hope that being able to accurately set the temperature will make life easier.

I have lost count of the number of "plastic" products that I have binned because they snapped. With some research I might be able to find the weld rods required to fix them (or not).

 

[opps]

http://www.eastwood.com/steinel-heat-gun-how-to-plastic-weld-plastic-welding-tool

Is an example of what I hope to be able to achieve one day.

 

[Burnerman]

Interesting.....I just use mine for heat shrinking and making plastic pliable - I've never tried to hot weld plastic so that would be a new one for me.
I can't see them being successful for general soldering though - I wouldn't have thought the heat would be localised enough?
John